lotion vs cream for dry skin / what is lotion
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| what is lotion |
Lotions are usually formulated with more water content than creams and are considered lightweight and easily absorbed by your skin. Creams are generally thicker in consistency than lotions and make an ideal choice for people with dry skin on their face or body, or for use during the drier winter months.
There is no dearth of skin care creams and lotions in the market. Name an ailment, and you will find hundreds of skin care creams, lotions and other products for it. As a result of ongoing research and due to ever increasing demand, the number of skin care products seems to be on the increase. Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which these products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?
Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.
Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.
Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream
Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.
Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.
Is lotion or cream better for skin?
Lotions are generally preferable for those with oily skin, whilst creams are better for those with dry skin. To better maintain skin's hydration and suppleness, the heavier solutions trap moisture and/or offer a protective barrier. Thicker formulations aid in reducing acne flare-ups and congested pores.
Should I use a moisturizing cream or lotion?
Is cream preferable to lotion? While both have a place in your skin-care routine, creams have more benefits over lotions when used frequently since they lock in moisture more effectively and for a longer period of time. Dr. Gupta states, "As an allergist, I typically always recommend creams to keep skin moisturized."
Is lotion and moisturizer the same thing?
Certain vitamins and minerals can be found in lotions, but they must be topical; that is, they must act on the skin's surface rather than penetrate it. Contrarily, a moisturizer is a lotion that is intended to add moisture, vitamins, or minerals into the skin rather than just on top of it.
