How often should you use body lotion?

When should you apply more?

Tightness, roughness, flaking and itching are signs of dry skin. Reapply moisturiser when dryness returns, and moisturise your hands after washing them. Cold weather can increase how often you need moisturiser. Indoor heating, air conditioning and frequent washing can also contribute to dryness, so a routine that works in one season can need adjusting in another.235

For an emollient used to manage a dry skin condition, three or four applications daily can be appropriate. Follow your treatment plan, including continuing after the skin clears if your clinician advises it. Varicose eczema has specific directions: use an emollient at least twice daily even without symptoms, and every two to three hours for very dry skin.136

How to apply body lotion after a shower

1. 1Keep the shower warm rather than hot, and limit bathing to five to ten minutes. Use a gentle cleanser where needed and avoid scrubbing dry skin.
2. 2Gently pat your skin with a clean towel, leaving it damp rather than rubbing it completely dry.
3. 3With clean hands, dispense your moisturiser. If it comes in a tub, use a clean spoon or spatula rather than putting your fingers inside.
4. 4Apply straight away. Smooth an emollient gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing it vigorously.
5. 5Leave a thin layer to soak in for about ten minutes. Leave on moisturisers do not need rinsing off.

Should you use lotion, cream or ointment?

Lotion can be sufficient for mild seasonal dryness in otherwise normal skin, particularly in younger people. Lotions are thin and spread easily, making them useful on hairy areas. Persistent dry skin generally needs a cream or ointment because these retain more moisture. A thicker texture can be the more useful upgrade, even if lotion has already secured the better parking spot on your bathroom shelf.14

Creams are less greasy than ointments and suit daytime use; greasy ointments suit very dry or thickened skin and overnight use. Choose fragrance free products for dry or sensitive skin. An unscented product can still contain ingredients that hide other smells and irritate sensitive skin. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are useful moisturising ingredients to look for.1345

When should you change the routine or get help?

If you use a steroid cream, leave at least thirty minutes between the steroid and your emollient, and ask your doctor which to apply first. This prevents dilution and spreading medicine onto skin that does not need treatment.13

Stop using a moisturiser that makes your skin itchy or sore. Tell a clinician about burning, stinging, a new rash or inflamed hair follicles. Seek medical help if dryness persists despite regular care, itching interrupts sleep, or scratching leaves open cuts or sores.123

Keep emollients away from flames and cigarettes. Clothing and bedding carrying emollient residue can catch fire easily, including with products that contain no paraffin. Washing fabrics does not completely remove the residue.1