By GlowCare Pakistan · Sep 2026 · 6 min read
The body receives a fraction of the skincare attention that the face does, despite facing the same UV exposure, the same pollution load, and many of the same concerns in more persistent form: dark knees and elbows, hyperpigmentation on the underarms and inner thighs, rough texture on the upper arms, and dryness that becomes more pronounced in cold and dry conditions. For Pakistani skin, where UV intensity is high year-round and melanin density means hyperpigmentation responds more readily to sun exposure and friction, a targeted body care approach produces significant visible improvement over time. This guide covers every key body concern and the most effective Korean body care products available at GlowCare.
Common Body Skin Concerns in Pakistan
Dark knees and elbows. The most common body hyperpigmentation concern in South Asian skin. Caused by a combination of friction (pressure from kneeling and leaning), dryness (knee and elbow skin has few sebaceous glands), and UV exposure without SPF protection on these typically uncovered areas. The skin at these points is naturally thicker and more callused, and the Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin types common in Pakistan produce more melanin in response to friction and UV than lighter skin tones.
Underarm hyperpigmentation. Caused by a combination of friction from clothing, the occlusive environment, and hair removal methods (shaving in particular creates micro-inflammation that triggers melanin production in dark-toned skin). One of the most persistent body hyperpigmentation patterns for South Asian skin and one of the most responsive to consistent topical treatment.
Keratosis pilaris (KP). Small rough bumps on the upper arms, thighs, and sometimes cheeks, caused by keratin plugs blocking hair follicles. Extremely common, affecting an estimated 40% of adults. Not harmful but persistent without targeted exfoliation and moisturisation. Lactic Acid-based body lotions are the most effective topical treatment.
Body dryness and dehydration. Islamabad and northern Pakistani cities experience dry winters that cause significant body skin dehydration, particularly after bathing with hot water. Karachi's coastal humidity partially compensates but air conditioning in offices and homes creates equivalent indoor dryness year-round.
Uneven body skin tone. UV exposure on arms, neck, and décolletage accumulates visibly over years without SPF protection. Many Pakistani skin types have a noticeable differential between face tone (where skincare is applied) and body tone (where it is not), which becomes apparent when wearing clothing that exposes the neck, shoulders, and arms.
The Effective Body Care Routine
In the Shower
Body exfoliation (2 to 3 times per week): A Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid body wash or a gentle physical scrub on the body removes the surface dead cell layer that prevents active ingredients from penetrating. For KP specifically, a Lactic Acid body wash used consistently is the most effective routine intervention. Explore our exfoliators collection.
Lukewarm water, not hot: Hot water dissolves the skin's natural lipids and significantly increases dryness after bathing. This is particularly relevant in Islamabad and Lahore winters where the temptation to shower in hot water is strongest and the skin's barrier is already most vulnerable. Lukewarm water preserves the lipid layer that body moisturiser is applied over.
Immediately After Showering (Apply to Damp Skin)
Body moisturiser to damp skin: The most impactful timing change available for body skin. Applying moisturiser to damp skin (within 3 minutes of patting dry with a towel) traps the residual water in the skin's surface layers before it evaporates. The same moisturiser applied to dry skin delivers significantly less hydration over the following hours. Explore our moisturiser collection.
Targeted Treatment
For dark knees and elbows: A Kojic Acid or Lactic Acid body lotion applied directly to the dark areas twice daily. Consistent exfoliation of these areas with a physical scrub or AHA body wash before the treatment application maximises penetration. Results are visible at 6 to 8 weeks of consistent twice-daily application. Explore our Kojic Acid collection.
For underarm hyperpigmentation: Avoid shaving and switch to waxing or threading where possible (these methods do not cause the micro-inflammation that shaving does). Apply a Niacinamide or Kojic Acid serum to the underarm area after hair removal has fully healed. A Kojic Acid underarm treatment applied twice daily produces visible improvement at 4 to 8 weeks. Explore our Kojic Acid collection.
For keratosis pilaris (KP): A Lactic Acid body lotion (10% to 15%) applied after every shower to the affected areas. Consistent twice-daily use over 4 to 6 weeks produces significant improvement in bump texture and redness. Discontinuing use causes gradual return of the bumps, so Lactic Acid application needs to be maintained as an ongoing routine. Explore our exfoliators collection.
For body dryness: A Ceramide or Shea Butter-rich body cream applied generously to damp skin after every shower. In Islamabad and Lahore winters, a thicker, more occlusive body cream applied to particularly dry areas (shins, elbows) before bed delivers overnight repair when TEWL is highest.
Body SPF
Neck, décolletage, and arms in summer: These areas accumulate as much UV exposure as the face but rarely receive SPF protection. For anyone wearing short sleeves or low necklines during Pakistan's summer months, extending SPF50+ PA++++ to the neck, chest, and arms is one of the most impactful body skincare steps available for preventing ongoing UV-driven hyperpigmentation accumulation. Explore our sunscreen collection.
The Body Care Routine at a Glance
Shower (2 to 3x per week): Lactic Acid or AHA body wash on exfoliation days. Gentle cleansing body wash on other days. Lukewarm water always.
Immediately post-shower (damp skin): Body moisturiser over damp skin. Kojic Acid or Lactic Acid treatment to targeted areas (knees, elbows, underarms, KP) before the general moisturiser on those areas.
Daily: Targeted hyperpigmentation treatment to specific areas morning and evening (even on non-shower days). Body SPF50+ on exposed areas in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fade dark knees and elbows?
Visible lightening of dark knees and elbows typically begins at 4 to 6 weeks of consistent twice-daily treatment with a Kojic Acid or Lactic Acid product. Significant improvement is more reliably assessed at 8 to 12 weeks. Maintaining the treatment prevents gradual re-darkening from ongoing friction and UV exposure.
Can I use the same Niacinamide or Kojic Acid serum from my face routine on my body?
Yes. Face serums can be applied to targeted body areas. The cost-per-area is higher than a dedicated body treatment product, but the formulation quality is typically better. The Anua Niacinamide 10% TXA 4% Serum applied to underarms or KP-affected areas is a reasonable approach. For larger areas like full arms or legs, a dedicated body AHA lotion is more economical.
Is body SPF different from face SPF?
Body SPF formulations are typically less elegant in texture than face SPF but provide equivalent UV protection at the same SPF and PA rating. For the face and neck, a face-specific SPF50+ PA++++ formula is preferred for its texture and compatibility with makeup. For the arms, chest, and other body areas, a body SPF50+ PA++++ in a larger format is more practical and economical.
Read More
Kojic Acid in Skincare: The Complete Guide
Lactic Acid in Skincare: The Complete Guide
How to Treat Dark Spots on South Asian Skin
Best Sunscreen for Pakistani Skin: No White Cast, SPF50+
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