9 of the best AHA body creams to tackle dry, dull skin for spring

9 of the best AHA body creams to tackle dry, dull skin for spring

Credit: Courtesy of brands

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9 of the best AHA body creams to tackle dry, dull skin for spring

By Holly Bullock

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

Spring has finally sprung – and we’re looking at our scaly winter skin with fresh eyes. Here’s the best route to well-moisturised softness without using a harsh scrub…


Weird question, but how are your shins feeling? Because if they’re anything like ours, the answer is ‘parched’. Our body care routine has a tendency to fall by the wayside during colder months (when an extra 15 minutes of hitting snooze feels infinitely more appealing) but, inspired by the onset of good weather, we’re ready to reinvest our time and efforts into well-nourished skin.

While scrubs and body brushes can provide some physical exfoliation to remove flakiness and leave a fresh surface for moisturisation, chemical exfoliants are a gentler way to tackle dryness. Just like they do on the face, AHAs such as glycolic acid work to break down and slough off dead skin, leaving a more radiant surface behind – and making it easier for moisturising ingredients to work effectively.

One thing to note: because they’re made to exfoliate, it’s even more important than usual to apply SPF if you’re going to be exposed to sunlight to protect the fresh skin. Ready to get back into body care? Here are the best exfoliating AHA body creams to get you started.

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

An insider favourite for tackling keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as chicken skin), this almond oil-rich cream uses gentle lactic acid to slough away dry skin.

Shop Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion at Look Fantastic, £10

Buy now

Boots Ingredients Glycolic Body Cream

Boots Ingredients Glycolic Body Cream

Just like it does when used on the face, the glycolic acid in this budget-friendly body cream gives dry limbs a glow by gently exfoliating. Scaly winter skin be gone.

Shop Boots Ingredients Glycolic Body Cream at Boots, £6

Buy now

Ren AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum

Ren AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum

With a refreshing citrus scent that’s as effective a morning pep-up as blasting Lizzo on full volume, this exfoliating moisturiser contains a probiotic extract that helps to strengthen the skin barrier at the same time as breaking down dead skin.

Shop Ren AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum at Space NK, £37

Buy now

First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion with 10% AHA

Feel Unique First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion with 10% AHA

This rich cream is a double whammy of exfoliation and high-impact moisturisation. The lactic acid will help to remove any build-up of dry skin, while the ceramides and colloidal oatmeal leave your newly exfoliated skin feeling nourished.

Shop First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion with 10% AHA at Feel Unique, £23.50

Buy now

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

The four acid blend (glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric) in this cult body cream helps to tackle dry skin from all angles, leaving dull skin looking more glowy. Plus, squalene and niacinamide help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

Shop Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion at Cult Beauty, £23

Buy now

Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Shea butter is well known for its nourishing body care benefits, but adding glycolic acid takes this formula to new heights. Use it daily to help smooth bumpy spots and to help skin feel softer.

Shop Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA at Paula’s Choice, £33

Buy now

Revolution Skincare Body AHA (Smoothing) Intense Moisture Lotion

Revolution Skincare Body AHA Smoothing Intense Moisture Lotion

This exfoliating/hydrating multitasker is one to keep in your bathroom for a moment of need – ie you fancy shedding scaly skin for something more nourished. Fruit, glycolic and lactic acid work together to tackle dryness.

Shop Revolution Skincare Body AHA (Smoothing) Intense Moisture Lotion at Look Fantastic, £6

Buy now

Gatineau AHA Body Lotion

Gatineau AHA Body Lotion

This non-greasy formula will help bring even the driest elbows back to life, with no sticky film to prevent you from getting dressed straight away.

Shop Gatineau AHA Body Lotion at Face the Future, £46

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Palmers Cocoa Butter Retexture And Renew Body Lotion

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Retexture And Renew Body Lotion

Non-sticky and ideal for reviving scaly shins, this coconut oil and butter-infused formula tackles dryness like nothing else.

Shop Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Retexture And Renew Body Lotion at Superdrug, £6.99

Buy now


Images: courtesy of brands

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