Can I use body cream on my face?

When is body cream a reasonable choice?

Moisturizers help put water into skin and prevent water from escaping, a job description considerably less glamorous than the skincare aisle suggests. Creams are thicker and contain more oil than lotions or gels, so they are useful when dryness needs more than a light moisturizer. Very dry facial skin can benefit from that richer texture. Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than body skin. For routine facial use, a product made specifically for the face is a sensible starting point. Treat a body cream as a possible moisturizer, not an automatic substitute for every facial product.234

What should I look for on the label?

• For dry or sensitive skin, choose fragrance free products and avoid botanical fragrances and essential oils. Fragrance free does not mean allergen free.
• For acne prone skin, look for oil free, noncomedogenic or won't clog pores. These descriptions indicate a moisturizer is unlikely to cause acne, rather than promising zero breakouts.
• For combination skin, apply the richer moisturizer to dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas too.
• Check whether the cream contains an active ingredient, such as hydrocortisone. A medicated body cream needs its own directions; do not treat it like a plain moisturizer.

Look for fragrance free rather than just unscented: unscented products can still contain irritating fragrance chemicals. An unscented label describes the smell, not a successful disappearance act for the ingredients.4

How should I apply it?

1. 1Wash your face gently with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing dry or flaky areas.
2. 2Pat your face dry, leaving a little water on the skin. Apply moisturizer promptly after washing to help trap that water.
3. 3Smooth the cream gently over the areas that need moisture, rather than rubbing vigorously. If the cream comes in a tub, remove it with a clean spoon or spatula.
4. 4Use a plain moisturizer daily when skin feels dry, and reapply as needed. Dry facial skin can need moisturizing more than once a day.
5. 5Keep daily sun protection in the routine. Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, ask your doctor which product goes first and leave 20 to 30 minutes between the treatment and an emollient moisturizer. This avoids diluting the treatment or spreading it onto areas that do not need it.1

When should I switch or get help?

Introduce only one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace. Switch away from a cream that worsens breakouts. Get advice from a pharmacist or clinician for persistent burning, stinging, a rash or inflamed hair follicles. Moisturizing should help soften skin and reduce discomfort from dryness. If dryness persists despite regular care, or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating, book a dermatologist appointment rather than repeatedly changing creams.136

What cream can help with body acne?

For acne prone body skin, choose a light, noncomedogenic moisturizer rather than a heavy occlusive cream. Salicylic acid helps improve acne, while a plain moisturizing cream mainly supports hydration. Moisturizer can help skin tolerate drying acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids. Less acne can appear after 4 to 8 weeks in a routine combining an acne friendly moisturizer with acne medication and cleanser. That is a treatment routine, not a reason to expect a body cream alone to clear acne.57