Glycolic and Lactic Acid: The AHA Pair for Body Skin

TL;DR: Glycolic and lactic acid are two AHAs that work at the skin surface to loosen dead cells, and using them together gives you both deeper resurfacing and gentler everyday tolerance on body skin.

What AHAs Are

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids that exfoliate by loosening the bonds holding dead cells together at the skin's surface. As that disorganised top layer clears, skin tends to feel smoother and look more even in tone, because the surface reflects light more uniformly. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the two most established AHAs in skincare. They share a mechanism but differ in molecule size, and that difference is exactly why pairing them is useful for body skin, which is thicker and more resilient than facial skin but also prone to rough, dull patches.

How It Works on Body Skin

Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule, so it works efficiently at the surface and is well suited to the rougher texture found on arms, thighs and elbows. Lactic acid is a larger molecule that works a touch more gently and is generally easier for skin to tolerate, which makes it a sensible partner for frequent use. Together, the pair supports a more even-looking tone and smoother feel without relying on physical scrubbing. In a multi-acid wash, these AHAs are joined by 1% salicylic acid, a BHA that is oil-soluble and works inside the pore to clear congestion, so the surface and the pores are addressed at once.

What to Expect

Weeks 1-2: Mostly a smoother surface feel as dead cells clear. Mild tingling can occur and should settle.

Weeks 3-4: Rough patches soften and skin looks fresher as the AHAs keep the surface turning over.

Weeks 4-6: With steady use, tone reads more even and texture more refined. These are maintenance results that depend on continued use.

How to Use It Correctly

Use an AHA wash 3-4 times a week to start, building to daily only if your skin stays comfortable. Apply to damp skin in the shower, lather, and leave it on the target areas for about 60-90 seconds before rinsing thoroughly, so the acids have time to act. Avoid use straight after shaving or on broken skin. AHAs make skin more sensitive to UV, so apply broad-spectrum SPF on exposed skin the next day. Lower the frequency if you notice stinging or lingering redness.

Who Should Use It

The glycolic-lactic pair suits people with rough, dull or uneven-looking body skin who want surface resurfacing without abrasive scrubs. Those with reactive or compromised skin should start slowly and consider a dermatologist's guidance, particularly when introducing acids for the first time.

The TLC Pick

To put this AHA pair to work, the AHA BHA Exfoliating Body Wash (350ml) combines glycolic and lactic acids with 1% salicylic acid in a sulphate-free, paraben-free, vegan formula. The 350ml everyday size is the better-value bottle for keeping body skin smooth and even over the long term.