Body Oil Vs Lotion: Which Is Better For Your Skin

Body oil and lotion both have their own benefits, and while their primary aim is to deliver moisture to the skin, the two products are different in so many ways.

Team Body oil or team lotion? Whichever of the two camps you belong to, you may be firmly and unquestioningly set in your ways.

We primarily use one or the other to moisturize our skin and possibly target other skin concerns that we may have, including acne or hyperpigmentation. However, is one better than the other for your skin, and when should you use which?

Body Oil

The skin naturally produces oils, but we strip away some of those oils while taking a shower or bath. Body oils can step in and add some of those oils that were lost.

Body oils regulate sebum production in the skin. Some of the similarities in the characteristics of the oil and your body's naturally produced oil can help repair and re-regulate your skin's moisture barrier.

Additionally, because the skin so easily absorbs oils, they can penetrate below the surface. In that way, they can transport their restorative properties for the skin while moisturizing.

Body Lotion

While oils may be sounding like the star of the show, lotions are not without their redeeming qualities. If you have dry skin especially, you may be better served by a lotion.

Because you're looking for intense hydration when looking for a lotion, you may want to look for something that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Lotions are primarily water-based and can be used at any time and not just on damp skin or following a shower or a bath.

When To Use Which

Body oils are great for oily skin because they can manage the production of oil. While it might sound counterintuitive, body oils may help you manage your acne, keratosis, or other skin concerns.

Oil is best used right after your shower, before your skin gets completely dry. On the other hand, lotion does not have to follow your shower immediately.

Lotion is also ideal if you have dry skin and require deep hydration. If you like, you can also use both of these products; oil over lotion, to reap the benefits of both.