Skin is the window to your health. Healthy skin reflects a healthy body. Usually, our skin is able to maintain its suppleness and humidity. But exposure to a polluted environment leaves the skin lifeless.
Most often we layer our skin with body lotion and/or moisturiser to keep it hydrated. While both work towards hydrating the skin, each one has a different use as the contents inside differ. Let’s see how to use both.
Benefits of a moisturiser
As we age, oil glands that help skin maintain its freshness loose their ability to produce oils effectively. This leads to skin damage. A moisturiser maintains oil balance of your skin. It also protects the skin from damage caused due to sun. Today, the market is burgeoning with moisturisers of varied kinds. The oil control gel moisturiser is a good buy as it does not make the skin too greasy and prevents excess oil production.
Benefits of lotion
Lotion moisturises the skin to keep it healthy. It prevents the skin from getting dry during harsh climates. Scented lotions help you unwind and relax. Some lotions may help add shimmer to your face. They may also lessen the effect of harsh body cleaners that might damage the skin. There are also medical lotions that treat skin problems and sores.
Skin type matters
Since dry skin needs to be hydrated often, moisturiser would be a better option as it penetrates the skin and helps retain moisture for longer duration. If you have oily skin, use a non-greasy gel-based moisturiser which has no oil in it. Cream-based one is the best for dry skin, whereas if you have sensitive skin opt for a fragrance, paraben and irritants-free moisturiser.
It becomes a little tricky if you have a combination skin. See which side your skin leans towards —dry or oily and buy moisturiser accordingly. For dry, use a thicker, cream-based moisturiser, and for oily, use a gel or gel cream.
Normal skin usually benefits from a lotion, which is light and provides the required amount of moisture to the skin.
The weather
Change in weather spells a change in skincare products. The products that you use during summer aren’t always good for you during winter or monsoon. The same goes for moisturisers and lotions.A lotion is of low viscosity since it has high water content. Hence, it is more suited for summer and humid weather. Moisturiser can be used throughout the year. During summer opt for a sunscreen-based noncomedogenic moisturiser. If your skin is extremely dry, you want to give maternal skin care product a try (even if you aren’t pregnant) during winter. These products are good for sensitive skin. You can also opt for oil-based moisturiser.
What works better
The moisturiser and lotion aim to nourish the skin. Lotion is lighter than moisturiser and has more water content. Lotion heals the surface of the skin and prevents sunburn. Moisturiser, on the other hand, seeps into the skin and locks the moisture. A moisturiser can also be a combination of lotion and cream. A lotion can also be a moisturiser. Even though both serve the same purpose, they have different ingredients. A lotion has an extra amount of water compared to a moisturiser. However, since water alone cannot protect the skin, few ingredients are added. And, this can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. So, be careful while making a choice.
The bottom line
Moisturisers are best for daily use. But, if you want to keep your skin hydrated for a longer time, a lotion is your best choice. To make the best out of moisturiser and lotion, they should be applied after a bath as hot water strips the body of oils and moisture. Also, the open pores help quick absorption.
(Rhythm Vats Bhardwaj is Co-Founder, Riyo Herbs India)
