Applying body lotion might seem like one of the easiest things to do. However, there is a high chance you have been applying it wrongly — here is how:
The Basics of Body Lotion
1. For properly moisturized skin, it is advisable to apply your lotion right after you shower on damp skin. The reason why it is so tough on your skin is that you completely dry out your skin before application. Applying lotion on damp skin allows it to glide easily and seep into your skin.
2. Body lotions are only meant to be applied on the body, not the face. The texture of most body lotions is thicker than face creams. In most cases, they are comedogenic [clog the pores] on the face because of their formulation.
3. Body lotions aren’t meant to be mixed with anything. There is a common misconception that the mixture of body lotions and steroids helps to reduce dark spots and brighten the skin evenly. However, these mixtures have potent side effects that damage the skin. If you are treating a problematic area like dark thighs, apply the treatment differently after moisturizing your skin.
4. Body oils are an essential staple in a skincare routine and should only be applied after body lotions not before. Oils are sealants and applying them after body lotions/moisturizers will help seal in moisture, soften your skin, and give it a beautiful glow. Body oils allow your skin to stay moisturized for a long time. Body oils that contain shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa, etc. are the best to invest in.
5. When choosing a body lotion/cream/moisturizer, it is important to consider the time of the year [whether it is hot or cold] and also your health concerns. Diabetic patients are advised to not use body products with so much fragrance.
What are the benefits of a body lotion?
Moisturizing the skin is super basic, yet super important. The main benefit of a body lotion is to moisturize the skin, prevent dryness and promote overall skin health.
How should you pick a body lotion?
The first thing to consider when picking a body lotion is your skin type. If you have very dry skin, use oil-based products that contain a high concentration of emollients and occlusive ingredients.
Emollients — Jojoba Oil and Squalane — are ingredients that soften and smooth out the look of the skin. Emollients give you that instant moisturizing feel.
Occlusive — petrolatum, kinds of butter, and waxes — are ingredients that work by producing a layer on top of the skin that seals and locks in moisture.
If you have a balanced [combination] or dry skin, try out water-based products that are enriched in humectants.
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are examples of Humectants and they work by attracting water to trap it in the skin.
In this article, body lotion and body cream have been used interchangeably. Although they share similar benefits, they aren’t the same.
How to distinguish between a body lotion and a body cream?
Lighter or water-based formulas are labelled as lotions while thicker formulas are labelled as cream or balm. Lotions come in bottles with pumps while cream/balm are often housed in tubs or jars that have to be squeezed or scooped out.
PS: The body should be moisturized at least once a day with the right quantity of lotion or cream. Also, one bottle of body lotion/cream can do great wonders if used properly on the right skin.
