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3 tips when shopping for a body lotion
Body lotion is a broad term for many different products used to moisturise the skin:
Body lotions are lightweight and easy to apply, quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any stickiness.
Body butters are a thicker cream that requires a bit more effort to work into the skin. They provide deep hydration and can leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Body oil is ideal if your skin feels dry. It's runny to apply and quickly hydrates and nourishes your skin.
For those with sensitive skin or atopic skin, fragrance-free body lotions are a great option. By opting for fragrance-free body lotions, you can avoid the potential irritation that fragrances can cause on your skin.
If you're looking for easy application, opt for a body lotion that comes in a bottle or in a package with a pump.
During the summer, go for a product with sunscreen. A good sunscreen will moisturise your skin while protecting it from the sun.
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FAQ
A body lotion is a cream for the body with the primary purpose to moisturise and heal dry skin. There are many different types and textures – everything from a classic free-flowing cream to firmer, almost solid body butters.
A body lotion can be bought both unscented or scented. For children and adults with eczema and other skin problems, body lotions are also available with a prescription from a doctor.
It depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is. If you have sensitive skin, for example, a perfume-free product can be important. Feel free to read our test of body lotions.
Often the difference is consistency. A lotion is more fluid and is absorbed faster when applied. A skin cream tends to be greasier, moisturises more intensely and often takes a little longer to work into the skin.
A body butter is even richer in formulation and is usually perfumed. In other words, there can be significant differences between these different types of moisturiser, although they all work to make the skin softer and less dry.
If you feel that your skin is tight or itchy, it might be a good idea to nourish it a little with a moisturising body lotion. Squeeze the right amount into your hand (how much depends a lot on the type of product you use), and then rub it into the skin until the cream has been absorbed.
During dry periods, be sure to moisturise daily. If you suffer from extremely dry skin, it’s a good idea to moisturise both morning and evening.
Nothing will happen, except that you may sometimes feel that your skin is (unnecessarily) dry. A body lotion is rarely an expensive product, and it’s not difficult to use. If you have very dry skin or even eczema, regular moisturising may be part of your treatment plan – at such times, it’s essential to stick with it to get on top of and alleviate your skin problems.
There are obvious benefits of frequently using body lotion, which is why so many men and women use it!