It can be hard to figure out which body lotion is best for you. There are so many choices out there that it’s simple to get lost in the assortment of recipes, materials, and claims. Should you choose something airy and light? Or maybe you have dry skin and need a rich, highly moisturizing product. No matter how much you think that one size fits all would work, the truth is that not all creams are the same.
There are three main types of body lotions to choose from gel, lotion, and cream. Their differences can determine how well they work for your personal needs, even though they all have the same goal: to protect and moisturize your skin. Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care-Westchester, and Dr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical, helped us figure out what to do. Check out this in-depth guide to these three types of moisturizers, what they do, and how to pick the best one for your face.
What is a gel moisturizer?
Gel moisturizers are often thought to be the lightest type of lotion. Most of the time, these items are made with water, which gives them a light texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave much behind.
Dr. Kobets says that gel moisturizers usually lack as many occlusive ingredients as other moisturizers. Instead, they rely on humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or sugar-based substances, to draw moisture into the skin. This means they keep you hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Because they are so light, they are often chosen for certain skin types and weather situations.
Important things about gel moisturizers:
Level of Consistency: Very light.
Best For Because it does not feel greasy, it is great for sticky or acne-prone skin. People also like to use gel creams in the summer, when the heat and humidity make them want something light and cool.
A lot of people with oily skin like gels because they absorb quickly and leave a matte finish. This can help keep their skin from looking too shiny when they use heavy products.
What Does Lotion Do?
It is safe to say that lotions are somewhere in the middle between gels and creams in terms of weight. You can use these products on a lot of different skin kinds because they are good at both moisturizing and absorbing.
Dr. Kobets says that lotions usually have more fatty acids and chemicals that keep you hydrated than gels do. This makes them a little thicker without being as rich as creams. Lotions are made to be spread out easily on the skin, and they are often sold in pump units to make things easier.
Important things about lotions:
Level of Consistency: Medium thickness.
Best for: Skin types that are not too dry or oily, or skin conditions like rosacea that need a mix of both.
Lotions work especially well for people who want a daily cleanser that will not feel too heavy or clog their pores.
What Is Cream?
After all three types, creams are the richest and thickest. The higher percentage of oil or fat-based ingredients gives them a thicker texture. Emollients, such as shea butter, glycerin, ceramides, and other highly moisturizing ingredients that restore and lock in moisture, are what Dr. Kobets says creams are made of.
People with very dry skin or skin problems like eczema are often told to use creams to keep their skin’s moisture barrier strong. Their thicker texture may make them take longer to absorb, but they protect and moisturize for a long time.
Important things about creams:
The level of consistency is heavy and thick.
It works best for people with very dry skin or skin that stays dry all the time because of conditions or environmental factors.
Because they keep moisture in, creams are great for use in the winter, when dry air and heating systems can make the skin lose wetness.
How to Pick the Best Skin Cream
Think About Your Skin Type
Which lotion will work best for you depends a lot on the type of skin you have. Here’s how it works:
If your skin is oily or prone to acne, choose gel creams. Their light makeup keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy film.
For dry skin, creams are best because they deeply moisturize and help heal the skin barrier.
If you have combination skin, lotions are a good way to moisturize without making your skin feel too heavy or too light.
Sensitive Skin: All three choices can work as long as they are made for sensitive skin. Look for items that don’t have any harsh chemicals, scents, or dyes in them.
Think about the weather.
The seasons can also change how you choose a lotion. During the warmer months, when people sweat and make more oil, lotions, and creams tend to feel better on the skin. But when it’s cold outside, you need thicker creams to fight the dryness that comes from low humidity and heating inside.
Texture Preference Is Important
In the end, what you like is just as important as your skin type. Some people like how refreshing a gel feels, while others like how a cream feels like it’s healing them.
What parts of food do
The more you know about the chemicals in your moisturizer, the better choice you can make. Here are some familiar parts and what they do well:
Hyaluronic Acid: This strong humectant is found in a lot of gel creams and draws water to the skin to keep it moist.
Shea Butter is an important ingredient in many creams because it deeply moisturizes and helps heal the skin’s barrier.
Gels and creams contain glycerin, which helps the face hold on to water.
Ceramides are very important for repairing the skin barrier, especially in creams for dry or eczema-prone skin.
Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that is often found in creams and is good for dry or sensitive skin.
Textures Side by Side: Gel vs. Cream vs. Lotion
Based on the material, here’s a simple list of the three choices:
The gel is lightweight.
Type: Lotion
Heavy: Cream
The different amounts of water, oil, and other ingredients in the formulas cause these texture changes. Lotions are in the middle, with gels being the most water-heavy and creams being the most oil-heavy.
Tips from Experts on the Best Ways to Moisturize
Apply Right After Showering: To lock in moisture, put lotion on skin that is just a little damp.
Do not forget to use sunscreen. If your lotion does not have SPF, you should put sunscreen on top of it during the day.
Use different products on different parts of your body. For example, use creams on your elbows and knees because they are very dry, and gels or lotions for the rest of your body.
What It Means
What body lotion you choose will depend on your skin type, the season, and the texture you like best. Gels are great for oily skin and the summer because they are light and hydrating. It’s easy to use lotions every day, and they’re great for people with mixed skin. When it’s cold outside, creams are the best way to keep your face moist.
Ask a dermatologist for help picking out a product that will work for your face if you’re not sure what to do. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to always moisturize your skin for healthy, glowing skin.
