Lotion or cream moisturizer for dry skin?

Is cream or lotion better for dry skin?

You do not need to choose one texture for every situation. A cream can be practical for work or school, while a greasier ointment can suit very dry skin at home, where a glossy finish has fewer professional obligations. Choose the least expensive moisturizer that works, feels acceptable and gets used regularly, because the receipt is not part of your skin barrier.34

Which moisturizer is thicker, lotion or cream?

Cream is generally the richer choice; ointment is the thick, greasy option. Cream sits between lotion and ointment for oil content, which is a more useful ranking than whatever adjective occupies the front of the jar. Thickness is not the only decision: the formula also needs to suit the area you are treating.15

What should you look for on the label?

Start with a fragrance free moisturizer. Glycerin attracts and retains water, while petroleum jelly, mineral oil and dimethicone help reduce water loss. Emollients are ingredients that soften and smooth the skin. Urea and acidic formulas can sting scratched or cracked skin, so those are not the best starting point for damaged areas.25

How should you apply moisturizer?

1. 1Wash your hands before handling the moisturizer.
2. 2If using a tub, take out the moisturizer with a clean spoon or spatula rather than your fingers. A pump can dispense directly onto clean hands.
3. 3After bathing, gently pat your skin dry but leave it slightly damp. Apply moisturizer immediately.
4. 4Smooth a thin, shiny layer over the affected areas, following the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing vigorously.

Apply moisturizer in the morning and before bed, as well as after washing. Slight dryness may need only a light moisturizer at night; very dry skin can need a greasy moisturizer every couple of hours. Adjust the frequency to the dryness rather than applying a thicker layer once and expecting it to last indefinitely.25

Can I use body lotion on my face?

Choose a moisturizer designed for the area you are treating; a body lotion is not automatically the right facial moisturizer. You may need separate products for your face and body. If you also have acne, look for "noncomedogenic," meaning unlikely to clog pores, or "oil free." These descriptions indicate a lower likelihood of breakouts, not a promise of none.56

Dryness from benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids or isotretinoin is also a reason to moisturize. Daily moisturizer can help your skin tolerate these acne treatments. Apply it after washing while some water remains on your face.6

What should you expect, and when should you get help?

Moisturizers soften dry skin and support its protective barrier. Their effects are greatest during the first six hours after application, so regular use matters more than a single application. There is no fixed healing deadline for ordinary dry skin.25

Stop a moisturizer that causes a new rash and seek medical advice; persistent irritation also deserves a different product. See a dermatologist if dryness does not go away or keeps returning. Cracks that bleed or become open sores need care to prevent infection.125

If you use a prescribed topical steroid, keep moisturizer and steroid applications about 30 minutes apart. Paraffin containing emollients can leave flammable residue on clothing and bedding: avoid smoking and naked flames while using them. Moisturizer can also make baths and showers slippery.13