The Lotion Journal
Glycolic Acid and AHA Body Lotion for Exfoliation, Texture Renewal and Keratosis Pilaris
A clinical style guide to smoother body skin. Learn what AHA body lotions do, why glycolic acid is the gold standard for texture, and how pH and strength shape results.
Body lotions containing glycolic acid are clinically recognised for exfoliating dead skin cells, improving skin texture and tone, and addressing concerns driven by slowed cell turnover. This includes keratosis pilaris, follicular roughness, strawberry legs, uneven body tone, and persistent surface dryness.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, also known as an AHA. AHA body lotions are used in dermatology led body care to support controlled exfoliation, soften retained keratin around hair follicles, and improve overall smoothness below the neck.
Rough, bumpy body skin is often a renewal issue first. Hydration supports comfort. Renewal improves texture.
Why Rough and Bumpy Body Skin Is a Renewal Issue, Not a Moisture Issue
Persistent roughness on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and legs is most commonly driven by compacted dead skin cells, excess keratin build up, and slowed desquamation. Moisturisers hydrate the surface, but they do not correct corneocyte retention or follicular plugging, which are frequent drivers of texture that keeps returning.
AHA Body Lotions: What They Are and Why They Work
AHA body lotions use alpha hydroxy acids to loosen the bonds between surface skin cells. This helps the skin shed built up dead cells in a controlled way, supporting smoother texture, brighter tone, and a more even finish over time.
Why Glycolic Acid Leads the AHA Category
Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than most other AHAs, which supports efficient surface renewal. For body concerns linked to follicular keratin and thickened texture, glycolic acid is often selected as the reference standard in exfoliating body care.
- Promotes controlled chemical exfoliation
- Helps clear retained keratin around follicles
- Improves light reflection and surface smoothness
- Supports tone uniformity and luminosity
- Aligns well with overnight renewal routines
Glycolic Acid for Keratosis Pilaris and Strawberry Legs
Keratosis pilaris is a form of follicular hyperkeratosis where excess keratin blocks the follicular opening, creating visible bumps and roughness. AHA based exfoliation supports follicular desquamation and can improve the look and feel of uneven texture with consistent use.
Effective Glycolic Acid Percentages for Body Skin
| Concentration | Primary action | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 7 percent | Mild exfoliation | Sensitive skin, maintenance use |
| 8 to 10 percent | Moderate resurfacing | Uneven tone, early texture concerns |
| 10 to 12 percent | Advanced renewal | Stubborn keratosis pilaris, thicker rough body skin |
Why pH Matters
For glycolic acid to exfoliate effectively, formulas need an appropriately acidic range. Many high performance body treatments sit around pH 3.5 to 4.0 to support acid activity while remaining wearable when paired with hydrating and barrier supporting ingredients.
Overnight Texture Renewal
Cell turnover increases during sleep. Night application supports the natural renewal window, allowing gradual exfoliation and hydration to work together. Many people notice smoother feel within 7 to 14 nights, with more visible texture refinement commonly reported over several weeks of consistent use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glycolic acid safe for regular body use
When formulated at appropriate strength and pH, and paired with moisturising ingredients, glycolic acid can be used regularly on resilient body skin. Reduce frequency if sensitivity appears.
How long does it take to improve keratosis pilaris
Texture changes are commonly noticed within two to four weeks of consistent use, depending on skin thickness, strength, and routine.
Can glycolic acid improve dull or uneven body tone
Yes. As built up surface cells shed, the skin surface becomes more even, which can improve the look of brightness and clarity.
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