In the same way that we change the clothes we wear to accommodate the seasons, there seems to be a lotion or cream for every skin concern as well. Deciding on the type of moisturizer that will work best for your skin can largely depend on climate as well as your skin type. Both body lotion and body cream have a similar goal in mind, which is to moisturize. Body creams and lotions are used to:
- Repair skin that is dry
- Moisturize and hydrate skin
- Help improve the texture of your skin
With so many options on the market, it can truly be a struggle to figure out if body cream or lotion is the best. The answer comes down to your personal preference on the consistency you prefer for a moisturizer. Then your skin needs, as well as skin type, can all be factored in.
These two products can both be used for an added layer of protection against dry skin, environmental pollutants, and to help keep skin moist. Preferences aside, there are a few differences between body cream and lotion. Let’s explore some of them so the next time you go to make a purchase, so you are equipped with all the information you need!
A Guide to Body Lotion vs. Body Cream
To understand how to go about properly moisturizing your skin, you need to understand the skin's unique needs. In a perfect world, our skin would be able to keep itself fully hydrated all the time. Due to factors like harsh product ingredients and overexposure to elements outdoors, the balance of our skin's barrier is often disrupted. When the natural balance in the state of our skin becomes imbalanced, the barrier it provides can become less effective.
If the efficiency of the natural barrier of your skin decreases, so does its ability to maintain the water that it needs to function properly. In order for the skin to maintain its ability to be flexible, it requires water. This means we not only have to do our part in drinking enough water but also externally replenishing our skin with the water it may need.
Most moisturizers have both an oil and a water component. One key difference between a cream and a lotion is the consistency with the oil to water ratio. Let’s compare some of the key differences.
Body Lotion
Body lotion contains more water than oil. It’s ideal for wear every day. It is lightweight, easily spreadable for the large surface of your skin, and it typically contains more water than a cream.
Because of the additional water content and thin consistency, it is usually sold in bottle form and can come with a handy dispenser.
Body lotion is easily absorbed in the skin, so you don’t have to concern yourself with it being overly sticky or greasy. Parts of your skin that don’t require as much moisture are great for the year-round application of a lightweight form of moisturizer. These body parts can include the stomach, buttocks, shoulders, and back.
For those that have oily skin, body lotion is the ideal type of moisturizer. If you change your moisturizers with the seasons, lotions can also be a good choice during the summer months when humidity may be increased. If you are looking for a form of ultra-hydration, a body cream can be beneficial. Creams might be just the thing you are looking for in a moisturizer if you have dry skin.
Body Cream
This may be sold in a tub or jar due to the thickness, and it is much thicker than body lotion or other types of moisturizers. This is because it includes more oil than water in the ingredient list. If you have cracked and dry skin, body cream is ideal for repairing it.
It’s also great for rougher areas such as your elbows, legs, feet, and hands, which tend to require a little extra TLC and are more prone to cracking and dryness. During the winter months, you may find that a moisturizer with a thicker consistency works best in preventing overly dry skin because it is more slowly absorbed.
Taking Care of Your Skin Is Self Care
Taking great care of your skin is an essential component of self-care. There are many positive benefits of prioritizing your skin health. It is easily one of the first things people notice, and the better you get at taking care of it, the better it can look. Waiting to address your skin's needs when you notice an issue is a step behind where you want to be.
Think of skincare as preventative. The goal is to try and prevent skin issues from happening in the first place. Between a social life, work-life, taking care of your home and family members, it can be really easy to place yourself last on your list of priorities. Taking the time to create a skincare routine can not only help you feel great about yourself but can also help you look as great as you feel.
It doesn’t matter if you decide on a three-step or ten-step routine. Focusing on yourself and trying to disconnect from things that may cause you stress is a great step in the right direction. There is no need to be an expert in skincare to enjoy it as part of your self-care.
How to Lock in Moisture
Your skin needs help with keeping moisture locked in and this can be accomplished in a few different ways. Start by hydrating from the inside out. Try to make sure you are drinking at least the daily recommended intake of water. If you find yourself one of those people that does not care for water, there are plenty of ways to kick your water flavor up a notch.
Stress is known to harm your skin and deplete moisture. It can cause breakouts as well as other skin issues. Simply engaging in activities that can help you reduce stress can have a trickle-down effect on your overall well-being. You can try reading, a brisk walk, yoga, or even a nap to help reduce your levels of stress. Even ten minutes a day can really make an impact.
Adequate sleep is very important for your skin and overall health. Try winding down a few hours before you go to bed. Creating a bath time ritual can be helpful in bringing you to a state of relaxation. You can try a sleep mask to block and extra light in your room, make sure the temperature of your room is comfortable, and try and refrain from any activity that may get your pulse racing.
The saying is, “you are what you eat.” Moisture can also be helped from the inside out, depending on what you eat. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet filled with the entire rainbow of fruits and vegetables is extremely important. It’s a great way to boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals and help make sure your skin is in its best shape.
Summary
There are so many ways to take care of yourself, and skincare plays a huge part in making sure your body looks good and feels good. When it comes to deciding on a moisturizer, you have to determine what feels best for you. If you know your skin type, you should adjust your skincare to products made for that specific skin type. The last thing you want to do is go against the grain and use products that will be more harmful than beneficial.
Men and women can both benefit tremendously from moisturizing on a daily basis. It would not be out of the ordinary for you to even moisturize more than once daily! Over time, you are sure to see benefits from finding the right moisturizer and implementing it in your daily routine.
Moisturizing your skin can be a fun and exciting journey of discovery, and there are plenty of options to choose from. If you have yet to find your holy grail of moisturizer, Spongellé has an amazing variety of lotions and creams to choose from. Not only do they come in a stunning variety of fragrances, but they are also made vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
Sources:
Body Cream vs. Body Lotion | Livestrong.com
Ointment vs. Cream, Lotion, and Gel: What Makes Them Different? | Healthline
The Chemistry Behind Moisturizers | USC Viterbi School of Engineering
