manager_1 Are you tempted to use body lotion instead of face moisturizer? You should stop right there. Although facial moisturizers and body lotions have some similarities, they are very different skin care treatments.
Here’s why you shouldn’t use body lotion on your face and how to keep your face smooth, healthy, and hydrated.
Can you apply body lotion to your face?
Stick to moisturizers that are specifically designed for your skin. The skin on the face is more delicate than that of the body.
If you apply body lotion to your skin, it tends to be thicker. This can cause irritation, redness, discoloration, dryness, or even acne. However, if you only use it a few times, there are unlikely to be any serious side effects.
Why should I use a face cream over lotion?
Because they are made for different skin types, body and facial care products often contain different ingredients.
“Facial skin is considerably thinner compared to the skin on the rest of the body, and much more sensitive,” cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green says.
These skin types are also more prone to dark spots, wrinkles, and acne. Facial moisturizers are made to protect sensitive skin and focus on certain types of skin.
Green says that you can select a moisturizer with targeted active components that address a variety of skin issues, depending on your skin type.
Body lotions are made for thicker, less sensitive skin. These products are often rich in moisturizing ingredients such as oils and butters, which makes them more effective at hydrating the skin.
Facial products aren’t usually considered lotions. Creams can be used to moisturize facial skin. They are thicker and more water-based than body lotions.
What happens to your skin if you apply body lotion?
Every person’s skin is unique. Peeps who have sensitive skin or conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis might have more reaction to using body lotion on their faces. Others’ skin might not react as much.
Even if your skin is extremely resilient, lotions can cause side effects that can be very annoying. This includes:
- Stinging
- Redness or discoloration
- Dryness
- Itching or burning
- Acne or clogged pores
This lotion may work in a pinch.
Don’t stress, you can use body lotion on your face if you forgot your moisturizer. Keep in mind that not all body lotions work the same. Some lotions offer more benefits than others, while others pose fewer risks.
A lightweight, gentle lotion for the body is your best option. It should not be oily or comedogenic. Try to avoid body butters or lotions that are designed for very dry or scaling skin. They tend to be thick AF and can trigger breakouts.
Why bother with moisturizer and lotion?
Green says that a moisturizer applied to the skin can help strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier, which keeps skin hydrated and healthy.
The right facial moisturizer may also help reduce wrinkles, dryness, and .hyperpigmentation. It may also reduce discomforts like dryness, itching or scaling.
Green says that body lotions can be used in a similar way to moisturizers for the skin. This can help protect your skin from dryness and inflammation.
How to moisturize your skin the right way
It’s not about applying creams nightly to your face. Your skin care routine matters, too. This step-by-step guide will help you achieve your skin care goals.
- Use lukewarm water to gently massage the cleanser onto your face. This should be done in the morning and before you go to bed.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse your face. Avoid hot water as it can dry your skin.
- Use a soft, dry towel to slitghly pat and dry your skin. This will help your skin retain more moisture.
- Optional: You can use a gentle toner or face serums.
- Use gentle upward strokes to apply your facial moisturizer.
- During the day, apply sunscreen if your moisturizer doesn’t include SPF.
Pro tip: While it’s not necessary, you can also use a moisturizer designed for the skin around your eyes. Be careful when applying the cream around your eyes. The skin is thin. Use a single finger and lightly tap the cream around your eyes until it’s absorbed.
What are the key features to look out for in a moisturizer for your face?
Your skin care routine can be affected by the face moisturizer you choose. These are some tips to help choose the right moisturizer.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, and artificial fragrances.
- Look for vitamins. Vitamin C can help boost collagen production, and vitamin E has some pretty sweet properties that may reduce signs of skin aging.
- Avoid aggressive or excessive exfoliation. Moisturizers with harsh chemical or physical exfoliants can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Select products that suit your skin type. You can then observe how your skin looks without using any skin care products.
tl.dr
The ingredients of these products will be different for facial skin because it is more delicate and thinner than the skin on the body. It is important to use moisturizers that are specifically designed for your skin.
If you are short on moisturizer, or have forgotten it, it is okay to use a non-comodenic and oil free body lotion for your face. Even the best body lotions can cause irritations such as reddening, flaking, or breakouts.
