Each person has different skin, different characteristics, and specific needs.
In the market, we find countless formulations for the care of our skin with different textures and compositions.
Therefore, if you do not know which product to choose or if you want to start preparing your cosmetics, it is necessary to know a little about the different dermatological bases.
Contents
Characteristics of body creams:
Let’s start by defining what cream is. This is a very general term to define emulsions.
Sometimes we see that there is talk of creams on the one hand and emulsions on the other, but creams are emulsions, they are obtained from an emulsion.
These are characterized by being thicker formulations, with a semi-solid texture, and with a slower absorption.
In its formulation, its aqueous phase usually contains between 60-70% water.
This is the one responsible for the final result being thicker and more homogeneous.
Although there are different types of creams, these are usually intended for skin ranging from normal to dry and from the age of 30, skins that require more protection and extra hydration.
They are more moisturizing, perfect to better retain the water in the skin.
Although the term cream is widely used to define a multitude of cosmetics, from the point of view of the magisterial formulation.
It is about emulsions or mixtures of two phases, aqueous and oily.
Properties of body lotions:
Body lotions differ from creams by being lighter and less viscous. In their formulation, they contain a greater amount of water.
Therefore, they are quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving an oily trace. The watery part is evaporated generating a cooling effect.
Their main function is to hydrate and they are indicated for normal to combination skin, not offering very good results for dry skin. Its formulation usually contains between 70% -80% water.
We now leave you two examples of cream and lotion.
So that, you can see more clearly how the differences in their consistency and the proportion of water contained in their formulations, change their indications and frequency of use.
To get the most out of our skin, the use of this body milk in our daily hygiene routine provides hydration so that our skin appears smooth, soft, and shiny.
With Body Milk, you will not only be able to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin but you will calm and soften it even if it is atopic skin, for which its use is also indicated.
We are sure, after this guide, you are well aware of the difference between body lotion and body cream.
Is Bath and Body Works lotion or cream better?
We like Bath and Body Works’ creams better over lotion. It is thick and we do not need to use it as much.
However, we do not really like their lotions because it is too greasy. Their body creams are visibly better but we only use them as the scent.
Which is better Cetaphil cream or lotion?
Cetaphil is one of the great and widely sold skincare products.
According to our opinion, if you have dry skin, then you should go with cream since the cream is suitable and thick for dry skin whereas else, whereas the lotion is recommended for combination and oily skin.
So, it is advisable to check your skin type and use Cetaphil products accordingly.
Is body cream a lotion?
The range of dermo-cosmetics specially designed for the care of the skin of the body is growing. So much so that visits to the pharmacy or specialized stores become a real dilemma.
Many people are still not clear about the needs of their dermis and the specific treatments to rejuvenate and hydrate it properly.
And is that, despite the abundance and variety of pharmacy body creams, widespread misinformation means that not everyone knows how to use them correctly.
As every skin has its different characteristics, the necessities to fine-tune it are different.
Therefore, although body lotions and creams are utilized interchangeably, their applications and uses are not always the same depending on the dermis type.
Basic ingredients of body creams:
Knowing the basic ingredients of moisturizers is key to making a better selection. Of course, these ingredients can vary from one brand to another and have a different course of action, but in general, it is possible to determine which are the most used and effective.
Most body moisturizers have emollient and occlusive properties which work in conjunction with a combination of lipids for deeper hydrating action.
The correct proportion of these elements is essential for the cream to hydrate, restore the skin’s barriers and not feel sticky.
Creams also have elements that attract water to the surface of the skin, either from the inner layers of the dermis or from the air, and for this, several ingredients are widely used: stratum corneum, glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, acid hyaluronic, sorbitol, among others.
Glycerin, for example, is widely used because it is effective and inexpensive but has a stickier sensation than propylene glycol.
On the other hand, occlusive agents are also very important to prevent water from evaporating from the skin. Among the most used are Vaseline and mineral oil.
Emollients, on the other hand, are responsible for giving the skin a better appearance and the most used in creams are: shea butter, cocoa butter, fatty acids, vegetable oils, and ceramides.
The key ingredients of a good body cream:
In addition to the ingredients described above, a good body cream should also have antioxidants.
The reason is that they are key to preventing premature ageing, neutralizing free radicals, and significantly improving skin texture.
Also, if the cream has sun protection, the antioxidants will help make the action against UV rays much more effective.
When you read the components of the cream, make sure it has several of the following antioxidants: vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, soy extract, selenium, pomegranate extract, grape seed, and green tea, among others.
On the other hand, ingredients that improve cellular communication, such as vitamin B3, are ideal for reducing spots, wrinkles, or discolouration, so they are also very important.
The soothing and anti-irritant ingredients are also highly appreciated.
Elements such as green tea, chamomile extract, and aloe vera, among others, play a key role in helping to repair the skin and protect it from external agents.