Monday, April 25, 2011

Moisturizers, lotions and creams: what's the difference?

I can't tell you how many times I've stood in the skin care aisle in department stores wondering which is better for the skin.  Lotions, creams, oils, body butters and on and on.  Clearly, there are differences, but what are they? And, what's best?

This blog will attempt to answer these questions.

The products

Lotions

Let's take a look at what's out there.  Botn lotions and creams bring moisture into the skin. According to Elizabeth Tanzi, MD in "O" magazine's Ask Val Column, in the order of effectiveness in the oil-water-ratio, creams have more oil than water, and lotions have even less oil, therefore creams make the better moisturizer.
Lotions are made of oils and water.  These emollients are basically non-greasy.  They also provide a cooling effect when it is absorbed into the skin.  Because of its  absorptive property, lotions are preferred during the warmer season.  Lotions are also good for skin having a good deal of hair.

Body creams

Body creams are thicker and heavier than lotions.  These are also made of water and oil combination.  Some creams are made to be a lot heavier by the addition of a greasy substance, like olive oil.  Creams are the preferred product during the winter.

Body Butter

Body butters are super rich.  They are like lotion but have no water added.  (Lotions can have 70% -90% water).They are basically oil in the concentrated form.  Do to the high oil content, they do not wash off easily.  This would be the choice product dry, chapped skin during the harsh winter cold weather.



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