Body Lotions Vs. Body Creams: When & How to Use Each One?

When we talk about moisturisers, we usually mean about those we use on our face. Unfortunately, many overlook the importance of moisturising the skin throughout the rest of your body. When showering, the chemicals that cause the foamy feeling we so love also dry our skin out. So, it’s important to replace the lack of hydration and lock the moisture in.

That being said, a body moisturiser is a must-have product in your skincare arsenal. It plays a vital role in achieving a soft, hydrated and smooth skin. Whether you are targeting dehydrated legs, ashy elbows or rough skin patches around the body, using a moisturising cream or lotion is key to getting and maintaining silky skin.

What Is the Role of a Body Moisturiser?

The basic job of a body moisturizer is to add moisture to dry skin and help keep it from drying out again. On top of that, there are a number of things moisturisers can do, like slowing the signs of aging, soothing sensitive skin, helping fight acne, protecting the skin from the sun, all of which help improve your skin appearance. Applying a body moisturizer maybe be an extra step in your skincare routine, but believe me, it will immensely benefit you. So, don’t even think about skipping it.

What’s the Difference Between Lotion and Body Cream?

Body moisturisers are most commonly available in the form of a lotion or cream. A lot of people think that body lotions and creams do the same thing to the skin. Although both are developed to keep the skin feeling smooth and soft, there are some differences between them, and one may be better than the other for certain skin types.

In terms of composition, a body lotion typically contains more water than a cream, hence it has a lower thickness. It’s a mixture of water and oil that is spreadable, non-greasy and fast-absorbing. It’s ideal for normal or slightly dry skin. Due to its high water content and quick absorptive property, a body lotion is the preferred moisturiser during warmer seasons like summer.

A body cream is also a mixture of oil and water, but it contains a higher concentration of oil, which means it is thicker. Generally, body creams contain a 50/50 blend of oil and water, along with other beneficial ingredients. Due to their higher oil concentration and less water than lotions, creams are heavier and more difficult to spread. They may also leave the skin feeling greasier, but this helps create a skin barrier that allows the skin to better retain water. They are more suitable for use in dry weather, such as during autumn and winter.

How Do You Use Body Lotion?

Some of the best moisturisers are lotions. You’ll find an abundance of choices at a local or online store that sells skincare products. The qualities of body lotions (low viscosity, lots of water, easy spreadable) make them ideal to use all over the body, except the face (I will talk about this later). 4

The best time to use body lotion is immediately after showering or bathing. After showering or bathing your pores are open from the warmth. This allows the lotion to be easily absorbed, hydrating your cells and promoting a helpful skin barrier that prevents the moisture in the skin cells from evaporating.

Body lotions are the best moisturisers for normal to combination skin. They can provide just the level of moisture your skin needs to build the skin barrier. It is best to use them when your skin isn’t particularly dry or only needs a hint of oil to lock in moisture.

How to Use Body Cream?

Cream lotions are better suited for treating dry, cracked skin. They work well on knees, heels, and anywhere you have patches of rough, dry skin. They provide great protection against chapping in the winter for all skin types.

Due to their higher viscosity, creams are thicker and richer than lotions, making them ideal for excessively dry skin. They penetrate the skin deeply, creating a strong barrier to lock in the moisture. Because creams don’t evaporate as quickly as lotions, they are better when used at night, when they can do their job to deliver moisturising ingredients and to keep the skin hydrated all night long.

Can We Use Body Lotion on Face?

You shouldn’t use lotions or creams formulated for the body on your face. The skin on our body and the skin on our face differ in thickness. The skin on our face is thinner than the rest of our body. According to dermatologists, our face also contains the highest concentration of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil. All this means that the skin on your face is far more sensitive and fickle than the skin on your body.

Moreover, it is more frequently exposed to the elements, particularly the sun. Due to the individual traits of your facial and body skin, the moisturisers that target each are formulated to serve other purposes than just hydration and softening. Body lotions tend to address concerns like firming, spider veins or cellulite while face lotions are typically focused more on oiliness, dark spots, pores, wrinkles and fine lines.

Using body formulas on your face can cause irritation and clogged pores, leading to breakouts. And if you have an inflammatory skin condition, like psoriasis or eczema, it’s especially important to avoid using body moisturizers on your face as they can irritate and exacerbate the disease.