Which Lotion to Use? There’s the Rub

As we get older, our bodies naturally don’t produce as much sebum as it once did. Sebum is a mixture of oil and waxes, and when combined with water it keeps the skin moisturized. Some people’s skin may not be able to retain moisture like it used to and have dull skin as a result. Conversely, there are people with oily skin who are prone to get acne. Unfortunately, that means we have to succumb to using lotion regularly or suffer from the consequences. Since there are so many different kinds out there, we’re here to help.

Lotion, Lotion, Everywhere

First of all, we should probably go over all the different types of lotions out there. That way, you’ll understand the differences and can make purchases perfect for your skin type. To start, there’s tried and true body lotion which is the most well known. Its purpose is simply to moisturize your whole body. They say you should rub a little extra on areas that are prone to cracking such as elbows or knees. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend using baby lotion instead of regular body lotion. This is because baby lotion is gentle, chemical free, and usually scent free.

Next, hand lotion is specially formulated to add nutrients to dehydrated hands. Most of us wash our hands quite frequently during the day, resulting in dryness. Plus, your hands could get exposed to chemicals in cleaning products. No matter what your skin type is, make sure you have hand lotion available. When you take a long bath or shower, the oil in your skin is washed away. Bath lotion is great for replenishing the moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. If you’re really into moisturizing your skin, you might want to consider a milk bath. Milk baths are super hydrating. In fact, Cleopatra used to take milk baths and people knew her for having beautiful skin.

Lotion for Skin Type

Secondly, you’ll want to choose the right lotion for your skin type. If you’re unsure about what your skin type is, take a look at this helpful guide. Now it’s time to choose the right lotion for you:

-Dry Skin: For those that have dry skin, it usually means that the body’s natural production of moisturizer is compromised. To combat the loss of moisture, lotion for dry skin is packed with more oil, wax, and water than other lotions. This type of lotion helps replace lost moisture and locks it in.

-Normal/Combination Skin: People that have combination skin usually have areas that are dry, and areas that are oily. Usually, gel creams are best because they have a high water content to hydrate the dry parts. In addition, these lotions have some oil to help retain moisture, but not enough that your skin gets too oily.

-Oily Skin: Conversely, people with an over production of sebum have oily skin as a result. However, it’s still possible to have oily skin that is also dehydrated so using a lotion or moisturizer is important. Lighter lotions that have the lowest amount of waxes and oils are best. For instance, a gel moisturizer can help rehydrate without being too heavy on the skin.