Body Care Ingredients You Need to Know: AHAs, Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid
Glow from head to toe with these transformative ingredients to add to your routine.
When it comes to skincare, we tend to focus on our face—serums, creams, masks, the whole routine. But what about the rest of our body? The skin below our chin deserves just as much love, and luckily, some of the most effective face-care ingredients are now making their way into body care. If you’re serious about smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin, three powerhouse ingredients deserve a spot in your routine: AHAs, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid.
You’re probably already familiar with them, but do you know how they can benefit your body? Let’s break them down.
AHAs: The Skin-Smoothing Exfoliators
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of exfoliating acids that work to slough off dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, each offering a gentle yet effective way to improve skin texture and tone.
Why you’ll love them:
● Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and improve skin radiance
● Help fade hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and uneven skin tone
● Smooth rough patches and reduce the appearance of body acne and ingrown hairs
Where to use them:
● Arms and legs (for smoother skin and to reduce rough texture)
● Back and chest (to help with body acne and clogged pores)
● Feet and elbows (to soften dry, rough skin)
How to use them:
AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to apply them at night and always follow up with sunscreen during the day. Look for AHA-infused body lotions, serums, or exfoliating pads for gentle yet effective exfoliation. Start slow—two to three times a week—before increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. You can also check out our AHA beginner’s guide.
Top picks:
Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion (formerly Ultra Smoothing Lotion)
This gently exfoliates and restores smoother skin with 8% glycolic acid and 2% citric acid—perfect for the face, hands, and body.
Neostrata Lotion Plus
More powerful than the Smoothing Lotion, this has 15% glycolic acid to smoothen dry, rough patches and improve sun-damaged skin. (Ideal for those who’ve already used AHAs before!)
Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel
This at-home chemical peel with 10% glycolic acid refines skin texture, fades dark spots, and improves overall skin tone.
Biretix Tri-Active Spray
Prevent and correct acne marks on the chest and back with this body spray with RetinSphere® Technology, 15% glycolic acid, and 2% salicylic acid.
 Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion (formerly Ultra Smoothing Lotion) |
 Neostrata Lotion Plus |
 Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel |
 Biretix Tri-Active Spray |
Ceramide: The Barrier Protector
Ever wonder why some people seem to have naturally soft, resilient skin? The secret lies in ceramides. These lipid molecules (a fancy way of saying “fats”) are naturally found in your skin and act as a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and keeping irritants out. Think of them like the glue that holds your skin cells together.
Why you’ll love it:
● Strengthens the skin’s barrier, reducing sensitivity and dryness
● Helps lock in hydration, keeping skin soft and supple
● Soothes irritation, making it perfect for eczema-prone or dry skin
Where to use it:
● Legs and arms (to combat dryness and irritation)
● Elbows and knees (to soften rough patches)
● Feet (for deep hydration and repair)
How to use it:
Unlike AHAs, ceramides are super gentle and can be used daily—morning and night. If your skin ever feels dry, tight, or sensitive, ceramide-infused body lotions and creams will be your best friend. Bonus: Ceramides pair beautifully with AHAs! If you’re using AHAs at night, applying a ceramide-rich moisturizer right after can help maintain balance and hydration.
Top picks:
MD Therapy Glutatone Whitening Soap with Ceramide
Upgrade your shower time with this soap that brightens and hydrates with a powerful blend of glutathione, alpha arbutin, ceramide, and antioxidants.
MD Therapy Glutatone A+ Ceramide Lotion
Post-bath, slather on this lightweight lotion nourishes the skin with ceramide, glutathione, and arbutin while providing antioxidant protection and UV defense.
For a full regimen infused with ceramide goodness, shop the complete MD Therapy set here.
 MD Therapy Glutatone Whitening Soap with Ceramide |
 MD Therapy Glutatone A+ Ceramide Lotion |
Hyaluronic Acid: The Ultimate Hydrator
If you’ve ever used a hyaluronic acid serum on your face, you already know how incredibly hydrating it is. Now imagine giving your body the same treatment. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, meaning it attracts water like a magnet—holding up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture. That’s serious hydration power!
Why you’ll love it:
● Instantly plumps the skin, making it look smooth and fresh
● Prevents dehydration without feeling greasy or heavy
● Works for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin
Where to use it:
● Full body (for an all-over hydration boost)
● Hands and feet (to keep them soft and supple)
● Neck and chest (to maintain youthful-looking skin)
How to use it:
The best time to apply hyaluronic acid is right after a shower while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps it pull in and retain moisture more effectively. Look for body gels or lightweight lotions infused with hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration boost. And for next-level softness, follow up with a ceramide-rich cream to seal everything in.
Top picks:
Profhilo Haenkenium Cream
A potent HA formula, it provides deep hydration and antioxidant protection while supporting long-term skin rejuvenation.
Ivatherm Ivapur Hidra Hydrating Cream
This cream intensely hydrates and restores moisture balance, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Mesoestetic Age Element Firming Elixir
For a boost from within, this elixir combines marine collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid to boost skin firmness and hydration from within.
 Profhilo Haenkenium Cream |
 Ivatherm Ivapur Hidra Hydrating Cream |
 Mesoestetic Age Element Firming Elixir |
Body Care Made Better
Great skin isn’t just about what you put on your face—it’s a full-body experience. Incorporating AHAs, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid into your body care routine can seriously upgrade your skin game, making it smoother, healthier, and more resilient.
If you’re new to these ingredients, start slow. Introduce AHAs gradually, keep your ceramide levels up, and make hyaluronic acid your hydration hero. And, of course, consistency is key—great skin takes time!
So next time you’re layering up your skincare, don’t stop at your jawline. Your body deserves the same level of care, and with these three powerhouse ingredients, glowing, healthy skin is well within reach.
For customized skincare, haircare, and body care recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click 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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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Depiwhite Whitening Body Milk, P2,850 |
 Yllume Brightening Lotion, P2,500 |
 Kamedis PSO Control Rich Body Cream, P1,950 |
 Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion, P1,300 |
