Men and women need the same basic skincare steps, so the word "men" on a bottle is not a separate instruction manual. These are general moisturizer guidelines: check your bottle's ingredients and directions before choosing it for your face or body.1
Which lotion should you choose?
If your skin is sensitive, choose a mild, fragrance free moisturizer. "Unscented" is not the same thing: masking fragrances can still irritate skin. For acne prone skin, look for "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to clog pores, or "oil free" on the label. Neither wording promises that a particular product will suit you.1
| Texture | Where it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Lotion | Thin and easy to spread, especially over hairy areas; less moisturizing than richer options. |
| Cream | A richer choice for dry body skin, with less greasiness than an ointment. |
| Ointment | Thick and greasy; useful for very dry or thickened skin and nighttime use. |
A lotion spreads easily over hairy areas, which is a more useful qualification than sounding rugged on the bottle.2
Can you use it on your face?
A light lotion or gel can suit the face unless your skin is very dry. Choose a facial moisturizer with suitable labeling rather than assuming any body lotion is the right choice. If shaving leaves your skin dry, apply moisturizer immediately afterward while skin is still damp. Outdoors, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.14
How to apply lotion
- 1Wash with lukewarm water. For dry skin, keep showers to 5 to 10 minutes and avoid scrubbing.
- 2Pat your skin gently, leaving it slightly damp rather than drying it completely.
- 3With clean hands, smooth moisturizer over the skin in the direction of hair growth instead of rubbing vigorously.
- 4Leave the moisturizer on to absorb. If it comes in a tub, use a clean spoon rather than putting your fingers inside.
Moisturize daily and after bathing or shaving. For dry skin, apply moisturizer 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as needed when skin feels dry or tight. There is no need to reserve lotion for morning or evening; richer ointments can be more practical overnight.135
When should you choose something else?
For nummular eczema, which causes patches of eczema, choose a fragrance free, hypoallergenic cream or ointment rather than lotion. Apply it after washing and throughout the day when skin is dry.6
Stop using a moisturizer that makes skin itchy or sore. Speak to a pharmacist or clinician about persistent burning, inflamed hair follicles or worsening facial breakouts. Get medical help if dryness does not improve, itching interrupts sleep, or scratching causes open sores. If you use a prescribed steroid cream, leave at least 30 minutes between applications and ask which product goes first. Keep emollients and fabrics carrying their residue away from flames and cigarettes.235
Where this answer comes from
- 1Skin care tips for menaad.org
- 2Emollientsnhs.uk
- 3Emollients and how to use them - Overviewguysandstthomas.nhs.uk
- 4Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skinhealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 5Dry skin - self-care: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
- 6Eczema types: Nummular eczema self-careaad.org
