Technically a moisturizer, creams are also a blend of oil, water, waxes and beneficial ingredients. However, because creams are usually about a fifty-fifty blend of oil and water, they are thicker than a moisturizing lotion (and more powerful).
Moisturizer is used for restoring the moisture in the skin of the body whereas cream blocks and prevents the moisture loss. Cream is an emulsifying agent used for topical applications. Moisturizer is absorbed into the skin as it is derived from plant extracts, oils and other nutritional components.
Moisturizers are mainly used in the daytime whereas creams are mainly used at nighttime. 3. Moisturizers are used to hydrate the skin, and they are absorbed by the skin. Creams usually help in locking the moisture of the skin inside.
The bottom line
All the same, body lotion isn't meant for facial skin, so it could make some skin concerns worse. Sticking to products specifically formulated for your face will generally do more to benefit your skin in the long run.
Moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin.
Due to being a more powerful moisturizer, you can use a cream once a day instead of twice a day like you would a lotion. As a matter of fact, it's recommended to use a cream during the colder months if you have very dry skin. Like a moisturizing lotion, it is still easy to spread over large areas and feels lightweight.
As a general rule, face nourishers like serums, moisturisers and oils should be applied starting with the lightest formulas. Serums are thin and full of active ingredients you want to drive deep into your pores, so start with them before you move on to fuller-bodied creams.
Know when to go in reverse.
If your sensitive skin reddens with the thought of using even one treatment product, try putting on a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer first and then serums on top. "The cream will reduce the potency of the serums," says Dr. Hirsch, "but they'll also be less likely to cause irritation."
– Always apply face cream or a moisturizer before applying the foundation even if your skin is oily. – If your skin is prone to breakouts or is prone to acne choose a cream containing alpha hydroxy or benzoyl peroxide. – A face cream should be applied daily , even if you aren't going to apply makeup.
The most important times to use moisturizer are after a bath, shave or exfoliation. For some, this might be twice a day. Moisturizing after a shower is very important because hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin, leaving it parched and dry.
"Skin's oil production peaks at midday, and there is less oil production at night. Therefore, when you lose that protective layer of natural oils, your skin loses more water, so it's important to replenish the water loss with a moisturizer overnight," says Sobel.
Dermatologists suggest that you apply night creams after cleansing your skin (and not just before you hit the bed) to ensure that the skincare ingredients sink in well. In fact, cell regeneration is supposed to be at its maximum during 10pm and 2am, so applying night cream before this is ideal.
Use both hands to apply moisturizer to clean, still-damp skin. Use short but firm strokes with your hands to spread the moisturizer over your body and smooth it into your skin. Be sure to apply moisturizer in the direction of the hair follicle and don't rub too hard to avoid skin irritation.
Pat any excess product onto the top of your hands, neck, and décolletage. Step 4: Apply a moisturizer (Yes, your moisturizer should come after your Vitamin C serum — remember the “thinnest to thickest” rule.)
A face cream has more active ingredients and is specialised to cater to specific needs such as brightening or hydrating. However, body lotions mainly cater to concerns regarding firming or deeply moisturising your body.
Moisturizers improves skin hydration and increases stratum corneum water content by directly providing water to the skin from their water phase and increasing occlusion to reduce trans-epidermal water loss, it also covers small skin fissures, provides a soothing protective film and protects skin from friction.
In short, yes. "A daily moisturizer is necessary to maintain your skin's moisture barrier and to prevent environmental damage to your skin," Weinstein explains.
Drink plenty of water in the evening.
Holistic nutritionist Joy McCarthy recommends drinking at least a liter of water overnight for glowing skin in the morning. “Keep it beside your bed, and if you wake up thirsty, take a couple sips.
Unlike moisturiser, night cream (as the name suggests) is only to be applied of an evening, ideally before you go to bed. Night creams have been formulated especially to make the most of the skin's 'nighttime rhythm', in which it regenerates and repairs the day's damage.
Night is an essential time to renew your mind—and your skin. Adding a lotion before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. It also helps seal in moisture and repairs the skin barrier that's compromised by dry air and harsh cleansers.
“When you use moisturizer every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger,” he said to Refinery29. “If you apply a lot of moisture, skin will become sensitive, dry, dull, and interfere with natural hydration.”