Hello my lovelies! Today we meet again, to start a new week, or if you feel Sunday is the end of your week, then tomorrow we begin anew. Either way, I’m glad you are here and today I wanted to talk about body moisturizing. We know we take great care with our faces and keep them hydrated and soft, but do we neglect our bodies? Sadly, I have but I’m working to change that.
As I sat down to think about lotions, moisturizers, and body butters, I thought, aren’t they really all the same things? Yes, and no. So, there are three types of body lotions/moisturizers that I can currently think of: lotion, cream, and body butter. I’m sure there are more, but those are the three that I am going to discuss.
Lotion: These are the most common products and are readily available in most department stores. They are normally the lightest product that you may use and often times will be the first thing you reach for. And at the minimum may be something you add to your daily routine.
Lotions come in a variety of types, some with scent, some that warm, and some that may just simply help you relax. Whichever you choose, be sure you use it as often as needed.
Creams: Creams are slightly thicker than lotions, and usually have a 50/50 mix of oil and water. They would allow hydration to stay in the skin longer and may be an option for winter months when your skin may be extra thirsty.
Creams will normally come in a jar or pot as opposed to a bottle or dispenser, that will usually be your first way of determining if it is a lotion or a cream. When applying, remember the product is thicker and you won’t need as much as a lotion.
Body Butters: Butters are the thickest type of moisturizer. They often are designed to nourish and hydrate your skin, and they feel almost silky to the touch. Many of the body butters out there will have essential oils or other nutrients in them, as they are more of a luxury experience.
These products are normally made with shea butter, coconut oil or other vegetable-based oils such as avocado. You can use the body butter in addition to a lotion and cream, as it would the last step because it is the thickest.
For any product if it doesn’t provide the results that you are looking for, or causes rash, irritation, or breakouts, stop using them and try a lighter option. For any type of hydration that you choose the best time to apply it is within 5 minutes of exiting a shower/bath as it will help lock in moisture and reduce dryness.
But which product is the best for my skin? That all depends on your skin type, here are a few tips:
Oily Skin – Body lotions may be your best option. They normally have a lower oil content that allow them to be absorbed easily, and less breakouts. You may do well with body creams simply remember they have a higher oil content so proceed carefully. You may want to avoid body butters completely as these are much heavier and may cause your skin to break out regularly.
Dry Skin – What I mentioned for oily skin, reverse it for dry skin. Body butters are going to be your best friend. They will hydrate longer and remove any itchy feelings associated with dryness. Body lotions are great for a daily lotion option and creams can be used as well. Whichever you choose to use daily look for one that has SPF as you may burn easier with less hydration.
Combination Skin – This one is tricky as you may have areas that are excessively oily and excessively dry. You may have more experimentation to do to find the right combination and routine that will work for you but start with using some creams on the dryer areas and see if the oily areas may tolerate them as well.
Normal Skin – There are no restrictions or problems for those with normal skin. Start with some lotions that appeal to you, and if there are times when you want that deeper hydration or a more spa like experience have some creams and body butters waiting in the wings.
Sensitive Skin – Sensitive skin can be found in any of the above skin types. You will know if you have sensitive skin as you may have; redness, itching, burning after applying products, or a severe reaction. What I would check out are some products with less ingredients and anything with fragrance free or dye free options as these may be less irritating for you.
What products to I like when I’m moisturizing? Here are some of the body products you will find me using:
In-Shower Moisturizer – Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer $5.99 on Amazon. This product is lovely for when you are in the shower, your skin is still wet, pores are open, and you can massage in some moisturizer for when you turn off the spray and dry off.
Body Lotion – Hempz Sweet Pineapple and Honey Melon Herbal Body Moisturizer. This product is one of my favorites as their scents are lovely, and you do not need to apply a lot of product to feel it working. It is offered in a variety of places, in different scents, sizes, and prices. For a 17 fl.oz. bottle you will be paying roughly $20 at Walmart.com. If you do find a sale, stock up!
Body Cream – Or Body creme as Nivea likes to label theirs. This product is thicker than the lotions I have mentioned and primarily I use it on areas that are extra dry, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. You don’t need much, and it absorbs nicely into the skin. But do massage it in fully and remember less is more. This is available at many drug and department stores and is available in a variety of sizes, cost is approximately $7 on Amazon.
Body Butter – This is my newest favorite, The Body Shop Body Butter. I use this after every bath or shower, and I can feel it for at least a full 24 hours. I’m in love with the scent, Mango. But have also purchased the coconut as I love that scent in most things as well. This feels silky as you apply it to your skin. It absorbs quickly and the light scent is so refreshing. You can get this online and at beauty stores, I got mine at Ulta and the 6.4oz. was $22.
Be strong, be beautiful, be you
Amateur Connoisseur 