Are you looking for a staple product to get hydrated, smoother skin all year long? Both body oil and lotion can give you desired results. Then the question comes about body oil vs lotion, which one should I choose?
Actually, both body oil and body lotion have their benefits. It really comes down to personal preference and determining what your skin requires.
By outlining their differences, we aim to help you choose between body lotion and oil in this article. Let’s begin!
What is Body Oil?
So what is body oil? Body oil is made up of oils (either individual or a combination of oils), primarily used to moisturize and nourish your skin’s outer layer.
To stop transepidermal water loss, it creates a barrier of defense.
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Benefits of Body Oil
Here are some top benefits of body oil.
- Controls the production of sebum: Many vegetable-based oils, like almond, jojoba, and avocado, mimic the lipids that naturally occur in our skin. This is why oils are praised for their ability to absorb moisture.
- Enhances the function of the skin barrier: According to research, when our skin absorbs body oils, the top layers treat the oils as their own, creating a reparative and moisturizing effect.
- Ingredients that are typically skin-friendly and natural: The majority of oil products on the market are typically blends of oils that are good for skin. However, it never hurts to read the label.
What is Body Lotion?
The body lotion is a lightweight blend of water, oil and emulsifiers, formulated to soothe, hydrate and rejuvenate the upper layers of your skin.
For soft, smooth, and hydrated skin, use a body lotion that can both lock in moisture and absorb water from other sources.
Benefits of Lotion
- Moisturizing dry skin: When it comes to moisturizing properties, lotion beats out oil. Lotions are a mix of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin,” she says.
- frequently includes ingredients that have long-term advantages: Look for lotions that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides, both of which gradually improve skin’s capacity to retain water.
- can extend the life of your self-tan: Self-tanners are aware that moisturized skin means a longer-lasting tan. Just make sure you don’t lather on the lotion until you’ve let the tan develop
Body Oil Vs Lotion: What’s the Difference?
Below, you’ll find a few more differences between body oil and body lotion.
Body Oil
As you might have guessed, oil makes up the majority of body oil.
An occlusive, such as oil, forms a physical barrier on the surface of your skin to stop transepidermal water loss. Oils are frequently found as ingredients in moisturizers because of this.
Oil can also function as an emollient, which means “softener” or “soother.” Your skin’s top layer could crack and flake, leaving spaces between the skin cells, if it doesn’t have enough water. When you use an emollient, it fills those gaps with lipids, which are fatty compounds that have a softening and soothing effect.
Yet since body oil is thicker than body lotion, it doesn’t spread as easily. Oil may therefore have a more difficult time entering those spaces.
Body Lotion
Body lotion is mostly made up of emollient ingredients. Nevertheless, to give you the best of both worlds, many body lotions also include occlusive components, such as oil.
Generally speaking, lotion is simpler to spread because of its lighter formula. Additionally, body lotion penetrates the skin better than oil.
Because of this, when you apply it to dry, tight skin, you usually notice the soothing and softening effects right away.
When to Use Body Oil?
The oils your skin naturally produces can be lost during cleansing, and as you get older, oil production can also decrease.
Check out three of the best times to use body oil below.
1. Use It in Warm Weather
Body oils are a great pick to use during the warmer seasons because they aren’t as heavy compared to thick and creamy lotions and moisturizers.
Additionally, body oil can help you exude a natural-looking glow on your arms and legs during warmer months when we tend to show more skin.
2. Use It to Get Glowy Skin
Try including a body oil in your skin care routine if your skin appears dull. Some oils are created with a higher concentration of moisturizing components, aiding in the creation of a dewy and radiant appearance.
To achieve the aforementioned natural-looking glow, take your favorite body oil and apply it to your arms and legs.
3. Use It to Lock in Moisture
Applying a body oil right away will help lock in moisture after you get out of the shower.
As a result, these oils can be quickly absorbed and assist in repairing the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping your skin hydrated.
When to Use Body Lotion?
While oils help to replenish nutrients in the skin, lotions work to treat different skin care concerns ranging from dryness to itch relief.
Check out three of the best times to use a body lotion below.
1. Use It for Dry Skin
While you might anticipate that a body oil would hydrate better than a lotion, that isn’t always the case. Water is commonly used in the formulation of lotions, which helps keep your skin hydrated.
Lotions are actually typically a blend of oils and water, making them the best of both worlds for skin that needs hydration and moisture.
2. Use It to Target Specific Skin Concerns
Both body oils and body lotions can help nourish your skin, but lotions tend to offer other benefits, too. There is a lotion available if you have sensitive skin.
If your skin is prone to acne, you should look for lotions that are lightweight and made with ingredients that won’t irritate it.
3. Use It to Moisturize 24/7
Like we said, body oil is great for applying straight out of the shower, but if you’re looking to give your skin a dose of hydration throughout the day, turn to lotion for your moisturizing needs.
Final Thoughts on Body Oil Vs Lotion
Body oil and body lotion serve the same basic purpose — helping keep your skin hydrated. The majority of your specific needs and preferences will determine which option you choose.
While body oil is a thicker product that helps create a barrier on the outer layer of your skin and prevents moisture evaporation, body lotion is a lightweight formula that helps to soothe and soften your dry skin.
Simply be mindful of any current allergies or skin issues when shopping for a product.
Read More: How to Use Body Scrub?
FAQs
Should I Use Body Oil Or Lotion First?
To make sure your skin receives the hydration it requires and locks it in, moisturize first, then add oil.
Can I Use Body Oil and Lotion at the Same Time?
In order to keep your skin hydrated, they can be used in addition to your lotion.
Should You Use Body Oil Everyday?
You can use body oil daily for better results, yes.
