AHAs for your Body: A Beginner’s Guide
Don’t let your face have all the fun.
In the ABCs of skincare, AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are right at the forefront, making them hard to miss. These powerhouse ingredients can be found working their magic across products and routines—from cleansers and bar soaps to toners, serums, and creams—promising smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin.
But if you’ve only been using AHAs on the face, you’re definitely missing out. Their benefits for the body are equally impressive, addressing issues such as dullness and roughness in often-overlooked areas. Read on to learn how you can safely incorporate AHAs into your body care routine, giving you your ticket to head-to-toe glow.
What are AHAs?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of naturally-occurring acids derived from plants and animals. The most common types include glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and malic acid (also from fruits). AHAs work by exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath.
Of the different types, glycolic and lactic acid have been found to be the most promising and less likely to cause irritation, which is why most over-the-counter (OTC) AHA products contain either one of these two. Aside from promoting cell turnover, AHAs can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, unclog pores, and help improve skin’s hydration levels. (Fair warning: Misuse or overuse can dry out skin!)
Benefits of AHAs on the Body
While facial skincare often gets the spotlight, using AHAs on the body can serve you well in more ways than one:
They improve texture.
By breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, regular use of AHAs can promote cell turnover, helping smoothen and soften rough patches on areas like the elbows, knees, and heels.
They promote a more even tone.
AHAs can help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the body, leading to a brighter, more unified skin tone.
They minimize the signs of aging.
Just like on the face, AHAs can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the body.
They unclog pores and prevent acne.
The exfoliating action helps clarify clogged pores to control acne breakouts.
They can help boost hydration.
AHAs, particularly lactic acid, have moisturizing properties that help to improve the skin’s hydration levels.
How to Safely Use AHAs on the Body
Incorporating AHAs into your body care routine can be transformative, but it’s important to use them correctly to avoid irritation. Heed these do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
1. Start slow and low: If you’re new to AHAs, start with a lower concentration (from 5 to 10%) to see how your skin reacts. You can gradually increase the concentration as your skin builds tolerance.
2. Patch test: Before applying an AHA product all over, do a patch test on a small area first to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction—especially if you have sensitive skin.
“Apply a pea-sized amount of the product on the [front area] of the forearm in the evening, and leave overnight,” says Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, adding that it’s best to do this on a hairless area. “Do this for at least three to five days and monitor for signs of reactions, like redness, itchiness, or burning sensation.” If this happens, stop using the product and consult with your dermatologist for proper management.
3. Use sunscreen religiously: AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so Dr. Navarro recommends using them at night instead of in the morning. “Make sure to apply proper sunscreen,” he stresses. “Use a product with an SPF of 30 or higher and with protection against UVA, UVB, IR and HEVR or blue light.”
4. Moisturize: AHAs have humectant properties that can have a peeling effect, and its overuse can cause skin to dry out. “If [you experience] dryness after application, follow-up with the application of a hydrating moisturizer,” says Dr. Navarro.
5. Be consistent: For best results, use AHA products regularly or just as your dermatologist recommends.
Don’ts:
1. Overdo it: More isn’t always better. Overusing AHAs can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Stick to the recommended usage instructions or consult your doctor if you’d like to increase the concentration.
2. Mix with other actives: Avoid using AHAs with other strong actives like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, as this can increase the risk of irritation. For safe usage, you can alternate your actives—AHAs one night, retinoids the next night. Adds Dr. Navarro, “It’s best to apply these in the evening due to the risk of photosensitivity during daytime.”
3. Stay under sun for prolonged periods: If you’re planning a beach or outdoor trip, it’s best to pause the usage of your AHA products at least three days before exposure. Don’t be quick to resume, too. “After an outdoor trip or prolonged exposure to sun, it’s best to resume AHA application after five to seven days—depending on the severity of sun-induced damage to skin,” says. Dr. Navarro.
4. Use on broken skin: Avoid applying AHAs to areas with cuts, scrapes, or other forms of broken skin to prevent stinging and irritation.
5. Ignore reactions: If you experience severe redness, burning, or itching, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist.
AHAs You Can Try Now
Ready to kickstart the AHA party? Try these derma-approved products that you can easily add to your regimen.
Upgrade your soap to this glycolic acid bar formulated to care for dull or rough skin, complexions with visible pores, and acne-prone skin. It’s safe to use on the face and body.
This creamy cleanser contains low concentrations of glycolic acid and lactic acid to gently improve skin quality, texture, and brightness. It’s also got a post-biotic ingredient to balance skin and an anti-pollution active to protect against external aggressors.
A favorite for oily skin, this has 8% glycolic acid to target clogged pores and remove excess surface oil—helping you get clearer, smoother skin.
Powered by 8% glycolic acid and 2% citric acid, this skin-renewing lotion is proven to rejuvenate and restore smoother skin on the face, hands, and all over the body.
Supercharged with 15% glycolic acid, this advanced formula works to smoothen dry, rough skin patches and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Pimple-prone complexions—especially those with chest and back acne (or bacne)—can benefit from this spray that prevents and corrects acne marks on the body. It combines its RetinSphere® Technology with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid for fast exfoliating and depigmenting action.
This advanced, at-home chemical peel has 10% glycolic acid to refine skin texture, diminish the look of fine lines, and resolve dark spots or hyperpigmentation. This is ideal for those with normal, oily, and combination skin.
A natural exfoliating cream, this has 8% alpha hydroxy fruit acids to help remove dead skin cells, refresh the complexion, and minimize the visible signs of aging.
The AHA Effect
Incorporating AHAs into your body care routine can unlock a new level of glow and smoothness—something that shouldn’t be reserved just for your face. By understanding how to use these powerful acids safely, you can enjoy all the benefits without the drawbacks.
For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions offers in-clinic AHA treatments such as the Glycolic Chemical Peel and the AquaFacial with AHA. To know more, you may contact the clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. You may also view the full list of facial services and treatments here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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