Lotion Vs. Moisturizer | What You Need to Know About Lotion & Moisturizer

Learn what makes lotion & moisturizer different from each other and which one suits your skin better by reading the article below.

In this article:

1. Are Lotion & Moisturizer the Same?
2. What Benefits Can I Get From Lotion & Moisturizer?
3. Which One is Good for Extremely Dry Skin?
4. Which One is Good for Oily Skin?
5.  How Should I Apply Lotion & Moisturizer to My Skin?
6. Can I Use Lotion Instead of Moisturizer?

Lotion Vs. Moisturizer | What You Need to Know About Lotion & Moisturizer

Are Lotion & Moisturizer the Same?

While both lotion & moisturizer help in your skin’s hydration and rejuvenation, there are a few things that can make one better than the other.

Lotion: Lotion is what you usually apply to your body. It has a higher water content that gives it a thinner consistency. Fragrances are added to lotion to mask the scent of the chemicals being mixed to it such as benzyl alcohol and parabens. Since lotion has a thinner consistency, it feels lighter when applied on the skin.

Moisturizer: Moisturizer, on the hand, is specially-designed for face application. Oil and water-soluble components are the two main contents of moisturizer, giving it a thicker consistency as compared to lotion. These two are what aid the restoration of the outer layer of the skin, rejuvenating it so it can go back to its natural condition. Moisturizer carries various forms such as creams, lotions, and ointments to suit all types of skin.

What Benefits Can I Get From Lotion & Moisturizer?

Aside from feeling pampered when applying body lotion and facial moisturizer, there are other benefits you can get from them.

Benefits You Can Get From Lotion:

• Rehydrates dry skin by removing the dead skin cells
• Replenishes rough spots on your skin
• Helps in making rough calluses supple
• Gives your elbows and knees smooth and silky texture
• Gives you a relaxing sensation all over your body

Benefits You Can Get From Moisturizer:

• Seals moisture deep in your skin
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes
• Combats wrinkles and other skin-aging problems
• Hydrates your face, giving it a natural glow
• Helps plump and firm your skin
• Nourishes the skin with antioxidants
• Goes well with your acne regimen

Which One is Good for Extremely Dry Skin?

Moisturizer may be better for dry skin. Since they contain more oil than water, it helps boost skin hydration. Opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid breakouts and other harmful effects if you have sensitive skin.

Which One is Good for Oily Skin?

People who have acne-prone skin may benefit from lotion more. This is because the high water content helps reduce the skin’s oil content.

How Should I Apply Lotion & Moisturizer to My Skin?

Lotion

• Check if the lotion you chose contains active ingredients for your skin type.
• Wash your hands and your skin to prep it for lotion application.
• Pat your skin with a clean towel until it’s damp.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of lotion to your skin.
• Massage it in circular motions.
• If you’re applying lotion to your face, be sure to extend it to your neck.
• Let your skin absorb the lotion. Wait at least 3 minutes before putting your clothes on.

Moisturizer

• Pick a moisturizer that contains humectants for a long-lasting moisturization on your face and body. Examples are hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and glycerin.
• Prep your skin by washing it with lukewarm water.
• Wash your hands before touching your face or your moisturizer.
• Apply other skin products first before putting on the moisturizer. Layer strategically by applying the thinnest to the thickest consistency. Do note that sunscreen should be the last to be applied on your skin since SPF doesn’t help in absorbing other skin products.
• Same with lotion, apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer on your face and massage it in circular motions to reduce the puffiness and for better skin absorption.
• Apply it in upward strokes to combat skin sagging and wrinkles.
• Don’t stop the application on your jawline, extend it to your neck as well to maintain the balanced complexion.

Can I Use Lotion Instead of Moisturizer?

The answer to this question depends on your skin type, the time of day, and your activity or lifestyle.

When to Use Lotion:

• Right after you shower or take a bath: Apply lotion at least 5 minutes after you step out of the shower to lock in your skin’s natural moisture. Just be sure that your skin’s damp once you apply lotion so it can absorb the nourishment better.
• After you shave: If you’ve removed hair from your skin, it also meant you’ve removed a layer of skin cells. Protect your skin from dryness by applying lotion to it right after shaving.
• Before going to bed: When you’re sleeping, skin loses its moisture. Combat the possibility of dry skin by applying lotion before going to bed.
• Before and after your flight: The cabin air in the airplane causes your skin to dry out. Be sure to hydrate your skin by slathering lotion onto it before and after flying.

When to Use Moisturizer:

• In the morning: Before you face a day of hard work, stress, and challenges, be sure to set your skin by hydrating it with moisturizer.
• After your skin comes into contact with water: Regardless if you just came in from a swim or just washed your face in the middle of the day, apply a moisturizer after your skin comes into contact with water. Don’t let the air suck the life out of your skin. Combat dryness by protecting your outer skin layer with moisturizer.
• Before going to bed: Take advantage of the night as it repairs your skin cells by applying moisturizer to your face before you snooze.

How about doing some DIY for your skin? Check this video from iamvanessae on how to work with 3 or fewer ingredients to help your oily, dry or acne prone skin:

Don’t let your personal beauty regimen go in vain. Be informed by knowing the purpose of lotion & moisturizer on your skin. Opt for one which suits your skin type. Regardless of the brands you’re using, if you’re doing your routine the wrong way and if you’re choosing the wrong type of skin products, it will be hard to get the young, glowing skin you’ve been yearning for. For skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, and other dry skin conditions, try the Mother of All Creams.

Share with us your preference between lotion & moisturizer in the comments section below.

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