Lotion
Are you bamboozled by the sheer number of skin care lotion products available?
Not sure what type to use for your skin?
If yes, then you have come to the right place.
Within the below guide, you will learn everything there is to know about skin care lotion, including:
Table of Contents
- What is skin care lotion for?
- What are the benefits of using a skin care lotion?
- What are the different types of skin care lotions?
- What is the best body lotion?
- What is the best hand lotion?
- What is the best foot lotion?
- What is the best lotion for dry skin?
- What is the best lotion for sunburn?
- How to apply skin care lotion
- How to keep your skin soft
- Skin care lotion FAQs
What is skin care lotion for?
Skin care lotion is designed to maintain the skin’s hydration levels to stay healthy, soft, and supple. Unlike skin care creams, skin care lotions are less greasy, and they also have a higher water content.
A skin care lotion can be used for cosmetic and medicinal reasons. For example, to improve the appearance of the skin, to cool the skin, or to reduce dry and flaky skin.
There are many different types of skin care lotions available such as sunburn relief lotion, dry skin lotion, and hand lotion with SPF.
You can also find more specific types of skin care lotions such as hand repair cream, farmer’s hand lotion, gardener’s hand lotion, and hand lotion for nurses.
What are the benefits of using a skin care lotion?
There are many benefits to using a skin care lotion, both on your body and on your face. Some of the most notable benefits of skin care lotions include:
To rehydrate dry skin
If you suffer from dry skin anywhere on your body, then a good skin care lotion that is applied after every bath or shower can help to seal in moisture and keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
For those with a skin condition that causes dry skin, you can find dermatology creams for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
To treat dry or rough spots on the skin
If you have normal or oily skin, you may not need to use a skin care lotion all over your body. However, if you struggle with dry or rough spots on certain areas of skin, such as on the elbows, heels, or hands, you can use a specific skin care lotion to treat these.
To smooth corns and calluses
If you have corns or calluses on your feet or hands, then a skin care lotion can help to soften this hard and rough skin and make it easier to remove. Look for an intensive hand or foot lotion for best results.
To smell great
Purely on an aesthetic basis, a quality skin care lotion will make your skin smell amazing. You can find skin care lotions in a wide range of different scents, so you are guaranteed to be able to find one you love.
To pamper yourself
Sometimes you just need a little bit of TLC, and a skin care lotion offers an affordable and effective way to help you relax and rejuvenate.
Whether your body is feeling tired and sluggish, your hands are dry, or your feet are sore and swollen, the right skin care lotion can transform your skin and your mood.
To protect from the sun
Many lotions now offer sun protection so that you don’t need to apply a body moisturiser and sun cream daily. For example, hand lotion with SPF is great for people who work outdoors all year round or those who are worried about sunspots on the skin of their hands.
To prevent premature ageing
You can find skin care lotions that are specially formulated to prevent the common signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. These can be particularly effective on exposed areas of skin such as the chest, hands, and face.
What are the different types of skin care lotions?
There are many different types of skin care lotions on the market which, although it may seem confusing, is a good thing as you are guaranteed to find the right lotion for your skin type.
Some of the most popular types of skin care lotions include:
- Skin care lotion for oily skin
- Skin care lotion for dry skin
- Skin care lotion for sensitive skin
- Skin care lotion for mature skin
You can also find skin care lotions that are designed for specific areas of the body, such as hand lotion, foot lotion, and body lotion.
It is important that you know your skin type before purchasing a skin care lotion, or you could end up making your skin worse.
What is the best body lotion?
When looking for a body lotion, you should look for ones that contain ingredients such as:
- Humectants such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid which absorb water from the atmosphere into the skin.
- Emollients such as shea butter and ceramides that create a smooth surface on the skin.
- Occlusive agents such as petroleum jelly and jojoba oil which act as a physical barrier against moisture loss.
Some of the best body lotions are CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion, Aveeno Dermexa Anti-Itch, and AmLactin Daily Moisturising Lotion.
What is the best hand lotion?
There are many different types of hand lotions available such as ones designed for super dry hands and ones that target hard, callused skin.
The best hand creams contain active ingredients that are designed to moisturise, nourish, soften and restore the skin on your hands. Look for ingredients such as glycerine, urea, and hyaluronic acid, which all work hard to draw moisture into the skin and raise its overall water content.
While you don’t need to spend a fortune to find the best hand lotion, a cheap hand lotion is not a good choice for anyone who suffers from dry skin, sensitive skin, or a specific skin condition such as dermatitis or eczema.
What is the best foot lotion?
The skin on your feet is often the most neglected, yet they are most at risk of developing skin issues such as hard, dry skin, cuts and sores, and infections. To avoid any problems with your feet, you need a foot lotion that hydrates, exfoliates, and protects the skin on your feet.
CCS foot care cream is one of the top-rated foot care creams due to its impressive ingredients list, which contains urea, lactic acid, and eucalyptus. For best results, apply this premium foot lotion twice a day.
What is the best lotion for dry skin?
If you suffer from very dry skin, either all over your body or in patches, you need a skin care lotion that promises to lock in extra moisture into the skin to stop it from drying out.
You can find skincare lotions for all types of dry skin, including eczema-prone skin, dermatitis-prone skin, and dry skin that is caused by the elements.
For example, if you work outside or you use handheld tools, then a hard working hands cream is a good choice.
Some of the top-rated lotions for dry skin are Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturising Cream, CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion, and Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Body Lotion.
What is the best lotion for sunburn?
Sunburn relief lotion is specially formulated to cool, soothe and hydrate the skin. The best lotion for sunburn will contain aloe vera as this natural compound is known for its cooling abilities. Other important ingredients to look out for include soy and hydrocortisone, which can both help to relieve the symptoms of sunburn while the skin heals.
Some of the most effective skin care lotions for sunburn include Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream, CeraVe Moisturising Cream, and Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
How to choose a skin care lotion
You need to choose a skin care lotion that is specially formulated for your skin type. Below is a general guide to the best skin care formulations for each skin type:
Normal/combination skin
Choose a skin care lotion that is water-based.
Dry skin
Choose a skin care lotion that is thicker or opt for an oil-based cream.
Oily skin
Choose a skin care lotion that is lightweight and oil-free. Non-comedogenic skin care lotions are best.
Sensitive skin
Choose a skin care lotion that contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile. Avoid scented lotions that may cause irritation.
How to apply skin care lotion
Although this may seem obvious, there are techniques that you can learn to make the most out of your chosen skin care lotion and ensure maximum results from your skincare routine.
To apply body lotion:
- Pour around a 10p coin size amount of lotion into your hand
- Rub your palms together to warm up the lotion
- Use your hands to massage the lotion into your body in small, circular motions
- Repeat until you have covered all your body
If you have specific areas of your body that you want to target, such as your elbows, hands, knees, and heels, it can be a good idea to massage the skin first to warm it up before applying a skin care lotion.
How to keep your skin soft
As well as using a daily skin care lotion, there are several other skin care and lifestyle practices that you can adopt to keep your skin soft and supple all year round. These include:
- Apply an SPF cream daily
- Exfoliate the skin once a week
- Always use a shaving cream or gel when shaving
- Moisturise after showering or bathing while skin is still damp
- Apply a body oil after moisturising
- Improve your diet by limiting junk food and eating fresh fruits and vegetables
- Get sufficient sleep (7-8 hours per night)
- Get enough exercise and make sure you sweat
Frequently asked questions
What is the use of lotion?
A skin care lotion is designed to hydrate the skin by locking in moisture. Unlike a moisturising cream, a lotion is less greasy on the skin and has a higher water content. Skin care lotions can be used to target dry skin patches, to soften the skin, to make your skin smell nice, and to cool the skin.
How would you describe lotion?
Lotion is a type of moisturising skin care product that is applied topically to the skin. Most lotions are designed for use on the body, but you can also get hand lotion and moisturiser, and foot lotion. Skin care lotion is typically less greasy on the skin than skin creams and tends to be less thick due to its high water content.
Why is lotion good for the skin?
Lotion is good for hydrating, softening, and nourishing the skin. Some lotions can also have cooling effects, and others are designed to protect the skin. To get the best results, choose a skin care lotion designed for your skin type such as dry skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin.
Which is better moisturiser or lotion?
Moisturisers are designed to penetrate the skin, whereas lotions sit on the surface of the skin. The former deals with skin issues such as ageing skin, and the latter can be used to treat issues such as sunburn, overheated skin, and dry skin. Typically, lotions are thinner than moisturisers as they have a higher water content.
Which lotion is good for the skin?
CeraVe is one of the best lotions for the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. It contains several key ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and humectants, which keep the skin hydrated and soft. One of the best foot lotions available is CCS Foot Care Cream which softens, smoothes, and hydrates the skin on your feet.
