Why is body lotion important to use on your skin?
“It’s imperative that moisturizers like lotions are applied to the face and body daily,” Lian Mack, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, told the Post. “Using lotions helps to hydrate the skin by locking in moisture and protecting the skin barrier.”
Not to mention, when the skin is dry and dehydrated, it’s more likely to develop inflammatory conditions like eczema, she noted.
What’s the difference between a body lotion and a body serum?
“Body serums tend to contain lighter, water-based (almost gel-like) vehicles with smaller, active molecules that can easily penetrate the skin,” Dr. Mack adds. “Lotions, on the other hand, are designed to hydrate the skin and contain larger molecules that sit on top of the skin and don’t easily penetrate.”
Should body lotion only be used in the winter?
“It’s important to keep skin hydrated all year long though in winter, because of the decrease in humidity, skin tends to get dry more quickly,” Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, told the Post.
Plus, Dr. Mack recommends creams during the winter and lotions during the summer, as the former are thicker than lotions.
When and how should body lotions be applied?
Kenneth Mark, MD, a cosmetic dermatology expert, advises “applying any moisturizer immediately after the shower while the skin is still somewhat moist” is ideal.
“Upon exiting the shower, pat yourself dry with a towel and then moisturize,” Dr. Lian Mack, MD adds. “This will lock in the moisture from the shower and more effectively hydrate the skin.”
1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
“As far as your no-nonsense moisturizer for skin goes, this one is my favorite with a combination of soothing oat and glycerin to hydrate and nourish,” Dr. Mariwalla shared.
Plus, it’s one we resort to at the drugstore for a baseline lotion that’ll help reverse the effects of rough, patchy skin.
2. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
About this item
- 48 Hour Moisture: This Eucerin fragrance free body lotion repairs very dry skin and fights dryness at its source by providing 48 hour moisture
- Convenient Pump Bottle: Body lotion pump bottle makes storage easy, and makes it simple to pump and apply anytime
- Prevents Dryness: This Eucerin lotion for very dry skin is enriched with Ceramide-3 and Natural Moisturizing Factors to boost moisture and help prevent dryness
- Free Of: Eucerin Advanced Repair lotion is a paraben free body lotion, and is fragrance free, dye free, and is also lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Includes one (1) 16.9 fluid ounce bottle of Eucerin Advanced Repair Unscented Body Lotion
“Similar to Cerave’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion is enriched with ceramides and protects the skin barrier,” Dr. Mack explained. “It locks in moisture and provides 48 hours of moisture for the skin.”
3. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion (Pack of 2)
About this item
- Helps to soothe red, irritated, cracking or itchy skin
- Helps restore and maintain a normal moisture level
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist Tested
- Easy to spread
As “a favorite among dermatologists for patients with sensitive skin and allergies,” according to Dr. Mariwalla, its appeal is, surprisingly, its “zero-frills approach” that actually works.
“Vanicream is one of my favorite products to recommend to my sensitive skin type patients,” Dr. Mack said. “The formulation is free of dyes, fragrance (including masking fragrance), lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde.”
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Hydrating Body Gel Cream
“The main ingredient in this product is hyaluronic acid which acts as a powerful humectant pulling water to the skin,” Dr. Mack said. “This product has more of gel-like consistency and works well for individuals who dislike applying moisturizers daily because of the feeling of the product on their skin.”
Dr. Mariwalla also recommends this lotion, specifically for sensitive skin. “It has the right mix of moisturizing ingredients without making people break out,” she said. “I love this over retinol or for nightly use.”
5. Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream
“Eucerin’s Eczema Relief Cream for eczema-prone skin is excellent at reducing flare-ups, thanks to its ingredients of colloidal oatmeal skin protectant, which treats redness and swelling.”
Plus, the addition of ceramides helps to repair the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture while calming the skin.
6. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
According to Dr. Mark, Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream is a top choice from eczematic skin. Containing oatmeal — a much-recommended ingredient for this skin condition — it’s an exceptionally formulated and affordable buy.
7. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion
“This product helps to repair the skin barrier, not only by locking in moisture but also by rebalancing the skin’s microbiome,” Dr. Mack said. “It’s one of my faves.”
Not only is it a favorite by one dermatologist, but it’s “the best for eczema” by another. “This formulation has its origins from an actual balneotherapy clinic in France where patients are treated for their skin disorders,” Dr. Mariwalla explained. “It has specific calming thermal water properties along with aqua posae filiformis, which helps to reset the microbiome of your skin towards a healthier milieu.”
Plus, it contains water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide and prebiotics, too, making it a medley of skin hydrants and soothers.
