Beauty Love the skin you’re in

Skincare’s hero ingredients work on backs, shoulders and the rest of your body too!

1 Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA)

BHAS are often found in face creams for spot-prone skin, so it makes sense to use them for back blemishes too. Salicylic acid is a BHA that clears clogged pores of excess oil to prevent the build-up that causes acne. Try Cerave SA Smoothing Cream, £12, with salicylic, exfoliant LHA, plus hydrating ingredients to balance out any drying effects.

2 Vitamin C

You’ve probably

already heard about vitamin C’s skin-brightening benefits. As well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up damaging molecules from pollution, vitamin C boosts natural exfoliation to even out skin tone. Formulas for the face tend to be high-dose and pricey, but new Sanctuary Vitamin C Glow Boost Body Serum, £10, combines vitamin C with circulation-boosting caffeine for gentle radiance and sheen.

3 Panthenol

Also known as vitamin B5, this moisturising ingredient is widely used in skincare, but some experts think it can aggravate body blemishes. This is because it tends to be used in high concentrations for hair conditioners and is often combined with oil-soluble ingredients to help it cling. If back breakouts are an issue, switch to panthenol-free Faith

In Nature Coconut Conditioner, £5.79, and see if it helps.

4 Alphahydroxy acids (AHA)

Regular exfoliation is as crucial to fresh, healthy-looking skin as moisturising. AHAS make light work of shedding old cells by dissolving the joins between them – perfect if you don’t have the time or inclination to use body scrubs. A couple of times a week, swap your normal body wash for

Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap, £6.95, which gently exfoliates using natural fruit-derived AHAS.

5 Oils

On one hand, oils in skincare feel gorgeously nourishing, and on the other, some experts say they’re best avoided due to their comedogenic (pore clogging) nature. Really, it comes down to your skin. If you’re happily using body oil and it doesn’t make you feel congested, crack on. If you are prone to excess oil, try a body lotion by a tanning brand. This sounds odd, but as oil can break down self-tan, these brands tend to leave it out. Try St Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Enhancing Moisturiser, £10.

6 Physical exfoliants

There’s nothing more satisfying than a good old scrub. And while experts tend to advise against using exfoliants on our face, we can afford to be more robust with our bodies. Now that microbeads are out of the picture, there are lots of excellent alternatives around. Bondi Sands Coconut & Sea Salt Body Scrub, £12.99, combines Australian sand with coconut husks.

7 Ceramides

These lipids naturally occur in our bodies and are great for sensitive skin as they form part of the barrier that keeps irritants out and moisture in. They usually crop up in gentle face creams and cleansers, but also work brilliantly in hand care, as this area is prone to dryness and irritation. Try Skin Republic Nail + Cuticle Hand Mask, £5.99, fun disposable gloves filled with ceramides and argan oil.

8 Silicones

Silicones give products a nice slippy texture and add shine, so are widely included in serums, primers and hair treatments. Unfortunately, if you’re prone to spots, they can be problematic, because as occlusives, they form a layer on top of the skin that traps moisture, but also traps in nasties like sweat or dead skin cells. If you’re trying to pinpoint a reason for body breakouts, it could be worth giving silicones the slip too.

9 Retinol

As ingredients

go, retinol inspires devotion, but also a fair bit of fear. It’s powerful stuff that can irritate skin, so is found in face serums as low as 0.1%, and no more than 1% without a prescription. Still, the benefits on cell turnover make it worthwhile, and The Chemistry Brand Retin-oil, £20, harnesses that cell renewal boost, as well as including vitamin E and acai oil to fade stretch marks and scars, and even out skin tone.

10 Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Most hydrating face creams and serums contain HA – it’s famed for its waterholding abilities. Now body brands are getting in on the act, bringing out HA products that are particularly good at quenching and plumping thinner-skinned areas like the chest. Try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel

Cream, £4.99.