Body lotions come in all shapes. Shower body lotions, tanning lotions, or lotions made specifically for dry, aging skin. Then there are winter and summer varieties. The diversity of lotion types is attributed to different skin types. While some of us have dry skin, others have oily or combination. Regardless of the type, the product makes an essential component of a daily regime.
A lotion is a topical preparation. It is less viscous than
creams or body gels. Chemically, lotions are oil-in-water emulsions. The
light-weight versions may be water-in-oil combinations. The scented body
treatments contain scented agents dispersed in the water part. Lotions provide
deep moisturization. Their ingredients get absorbed into the innermost layers
delivering the desired effects.
Body lotions are pleasurable and delightful of all
beauty-care items. If you are not in the habit of using a body lotion, read on
to know the many benefits of its application. The subject article will also give
you a sneak peek at how to choose the best body lotion.
WHY INVEST IN BODY LOTION
Your arms and legs get exposed more frequently to:
- the
sun rays
- environmental
pollutants
- harsh
weather
- friction
from our clothing
This can cause wrinkles, discoloration, sagging, and
irritation. It creates a beauty havoc.
The result; our surface layer becomes sunburned, dehydrated,
cracked, and scaly.
The solution? Take Care of your body in the same manner as
you care for your face.
Let us see how its regular application helps our covering.
- locks
in moisturizer and keeps skin soft and supple
- soothes
texture by healing scales and dryness
- retains
tan and adds a glow
- delivers
a natural scent to your body
- replenishes
hydration to dry and rough spots
- helps
smooth calluses
- gentle
massage enhances circulation
- helps
induce a relaxed state by alleviating pain and aches
- some
cosmetic versions contain color or shimmer that adds a hint of color and
glow to your covering
- regular
use wards off the early signs of aging
- body
lotion acts as a protective barrier against sunlight and other pollutants
Skin is the largest organ of our body. It shows signs of
ill-health from inside out. Whichever brand you apply, make sure it
complements your skin type. It should also act as an adjunct to a beautiful
glowing layer.
Some facts about skin type and moisturization
You must have noticed that your skin's requirements change
around the year. Fluctuating seasons impact us too. It is because the skin is a
living organ. It continuously changes.
The moisturizing routines adjust with the change in the
environment as well.
Body lotions comprise different active ingredients depending
on the type of skin.
These trivial aspects are important to consider while
selecting the best moisturizer.
As a general rule,
- Moisturize
along with sun protection. A lotion with SPF 30 ensures to safeguard your
body against harmful sun rays. The anti-oxidants in a lotion acts as an
adjunct to healthy skin.
- The
nighttime moisturizer should contain repair ingredients. Vitamins, amino
acids, and minerals.
- Use
a body lotion with a hypoallergenic label. Such products seldom cause an
allergic reaction.
- Our
body contains pores all over. The density of these pores is different in
different parts. That is why few body parts are more prone to dryness than
others. These include hands, feet, elbows, knees, and shins. So moisturize
these areas with a lotion containing emollients; squalene or shea butter.
- Opt
for a lighter moisturizer for the daytime. Use the heavier version at
night.
- A
dense lotion for the overall body.
- Go
for light-weight, hydrating moisturizers for summer months.
- It
is a fact that our skin texture changes with age. Young people have supple
texture while our skin becomes less elastic and weary as we age. So it is
important to keep in mind texture and type while selecting the best body
lotion.
Skin texture is dependent on:
- the
amount of water
- the
oil content
- sensitivity
All three factors determine the elasticity and softness of
your skin. The best body lotion should balance the equation between all three
factors. Five skin types and their corresponding type of body lotions are as
follows:
- Normal
skin
The normal type is a healthier version. With an even tone,
it boasts a radiant complexion. Few visible pores and no signs of breakouts. It
is less prone to allergic reactions because of almost no sensitivity.
The best thing about normal type is that you can use any
kind of body moisturizer. Make sure it contains hydrating agents as ceramide
and hyaluronic acid. It should be light and non-greasy. A body lotion with skin
proteins helps maintain tone and texture. Normal variety also benefits from
ingredients like Vitamin A and E. Natural extracts like aloe Vera, cucumber and
coconut do wonders for normal skin.
- Oily
skin
This skin type is a complicated one. A dull shiny and thick
texture defines this type. The enlarged pores make it prone to acne, blackheads
and other blemishes. This type presents complications in extreme weather and
humid conditions. Shiny and glossy, oily; it can be a real mess.
Oily skin does not need moisturizer. Well, that is a myth.
Usually, people with oily skin tend to over-cleanse their casing. The result is
a casing without any moisturizer. The trick is to opt for a lightweight
non-greasy formula. It should be non-comedogenic. Products with aloe vera and
cucumber extracts work great on oily texture.
Body lotion with vitamin A and E keeps oily type soft, supple and moisturized all day long. Jojoba oil and Shea butter help ward off shiny gloss from oily surface. Some natural extracts like neem extract help protect against eruptions and skin irritations. Similarly, body formula with almond extracts is non-greasy and non-sticky. It keeps the protective layer soft, radiant and hydrated.
- Sensitive
skin
Sensitive variety is red, and itchy. There may be patches of
dryness. These burn upon the application of certain skincare products.
For sensitive version, go for a hypoallergenic version of
body lotion. A moisturizer with fewer ingredients is the best. If possible,
select a fragrance-free body ointment. Stay away from products that contain
alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid in case
of sensitive skin.
For red itchy situations, try a body lotion with pramoxine
hydrochloride. The ingredient has a calming effect.
- Dry
skin
This type features a dull complexion. There are no visible
open pores. The tone is not even and is prone to patchy areas and inflammation.
Rough and less elastic.
Dry skin starts showing the telltale signs of aging early.
Such a casing gets harsh battering when exposed to extreme conditions as wind,
sun, and cold. Indoor heating and long hot baths may add to the dryness.
Aesthetic procedures like tanning may leave your dry skin parched.
For such a skin, it is imperative to select cosmetics and
skin-care items with diligence and care. Say no to scented body lotion. Do not
buy any product with alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and
salicylic acid. Avoid products with alcohol in it for dry skin.
Body lotion for dry type should be heavy-duty. Look for
ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. This upkeep the hydration
levels. Other ingredients for dry skin include glycerin, propylene glycol,
proteins, and urea. They act as humectants, attracting water into the skin.
Lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum help lock-in moisture.
Another beneficial ingredient for dry surface is ceramide.
It helps absorbs water and retain it too. A body lotion with ceramide restores
lost lipids and rev up the hydration game.
For dry skin, antioxidants play a vital role in
replenishing. Dry version loses its ability to keep moisture. With the loss of
rejuvenation ability, the skin fails to bounce back and regain a smooth
texture. Antioxidants help skin recuperate. Look for:
- Green
tea extract
- grape
extract
- resveratrol
- vitamin
C, vitamin E
- epigallocatechin-3
gallate
- superoxide
dismutase
- ferulic
acid
- quercetin
- Willowherb
extract
- feverfew
extract
- licorice
extract
The benefits of emollients for dry skin are numerous. They
lubricate the outward. Skin gains a soft, smooth and silky look. Go for
non-fragrant plant oils. Some of them include:
- Shea
butter
- cocoa
butter
- fatty
acids
- borage
oil
- linoleic
acid
- oleic
acid
- coconut
oil
- evening
primrose oil
- sunflower
oil
- mango
butter
Last but not least, select a body lotion with a
broad-spectrum label. SPF 30 delivers ample sun protection.
- Acne-prone
skin
Acne and blemishes remain the most-resistant and stubborn of
all skin problems. If you have acne prone texture, particularly your back, you
need to take extra care.
Application of body care products containing salicylic acid
and benzoyl peroxide are the main forts against acne. Body lotions must contain
BHA 2%. A lightweight, non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula works best for
acne-prone skin. A big NO to fragrance, please.
The latest trends in body lotions
Today’s life is fast-paced. Even the wealthiest of us are
time-poor. Going through lengthy beauty regimes is difficult. With the arrival
of social media platforms and surge of selfie culture, body image has become
the fad. Beautiful, glowing arms and moisturized tanned legs define beauty and
glamour.
That is why we see a parallel surge in the skincare regimes
that cater to casing down your chin too. Body lotions with fragrance are
another luxurious add-on to our self-care accessories. The beauty protocols are
at all-new levels with different kinds of skincare items. Lotions, creams,
serums, and gels have evolved to make us smoother, shinier and healthy.
Some of the latest trends in body lotion cater to:
- smooth
arms and legs by working at the rough spots on the body via exfoliation
- delivering
super hydration
- achieving
a clear, silky and young-looking arms and legs
- targeting
dry patches and furbishing soft skin
- ease
away scars and stretch marks
- do
away with cellulite
- exfoliate
ingrown hair
- enhance
your tan
- add
a glow and shimmer to your body
- anti-aging
results particularly targeting the wrinkles of hands and feet
- body
lotions are a way to add a subtle fragrance to oneself without wearing any
perfume
The latest trends in body lotions feature organic
ingredients. They tout to be kind to your covering. Ingredients derived from
nature are complex and diverse. The effectiveness of body lotion containing
organic ingredients depend on:
- the
ingredients
- their
processing and extracting method
- their
different combinations and formulations in a product
Some of the best organic elements used in best body lotions
include:
- lavandin
essential oil
- argan
oil
- lemongrass
oil
- raw
coconut oil
- mango
butter
- avocado
extract
- algae
extract
- rosehip
oil
- jojoba
oil
- green
tea extract
- papaya
fruit ferment and papaya seed oil
- olive
oil
- aloe
vera
The list goes on for organic essentials.
Body lotions with organic components are a great way to
nourish your body all over. These include potent fruit and vegetable carrier
and essential oils. They act on your covering without any harsh effects. Some
of them are nutrient-dense. These include coconut oil, avocado oil, shea
butter, and rosehip seed oil. They specifically function to change the chemical
balance of the covering for the best.
When you are out shopping for a body lotion, make sure to
know your skin-type. There are products that are:
- water-based
- aloe-based
- butter-based
- oil-based
The dry and aging layer works best with butter-based lotions.
Water or aloe-based products suit sensitive and acne-prone casing.
How to make the best use of body lotion
- Select
a brand that suits your skin type.
- Give
yourself a total body treatment once every day.
- For
best results, do not scrub yourself dry after a shower. Pat dry and apply
the lotion on slightly damp and warm skin for greatest absorption.
- For
areas that are stubbornly dry, like hands, elbows, knees, and neck. Apply
a generous amount and reapply if required.
- Try
to buy a separate product that specifically targets hands and feet. These
parts bear the most brunt of aging and environmental pollutants.
Take home message
Selecting a body lotion that matches your skin type is a daunting task. Knowing your skin makes a difference. Pairing it up with accurate ingredients would ensure healthy skin. Not only that, it is big on saving your precious money despite a hefty price tag. Why? Because it suits your skin.