Body Oil Vs. Lotion: Which Is Best For Your Skincare Routine?

Body Oil Vs. Lotion: What Is The Difference?

Note: Even people with oily skin types can try lightweight, fragrance-free non-comedogenicⁱ  XA property or a specially-formulated product that does not clog or block skin pores and keeps skin breathable. body oils in moderation to reduce the skin’s natural tendency to produce oil. However, be careful about the kind of oil you use if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.

Now that you know the difference between body oils and lotions, let us find out their benefits in the next section.

Benefits Of Body Oils

1. Hydrate The Skin

Body oils help improve your skin’s barrier function and seal the natural moisture, keeping the skin hydrated. They are absorbed by the skin and have a reparative, moisturizing effect.

2. Regulate Sebum Production

Oils are well known for their absorbent properties. Many plant oils, such as jojoba, olive, coconut, argan, almond, and avocado oils have natural ingredients that mimic the natural lipidsⁱ  XNaturally occurring groups of compounds, including fats, vitamins, waxes, and hormones stored in the adipose tissue (body fat). found in your skin. These similarities in structure can help repair the skin barrier responsible for oil production (1).

3. Even Tone The Skin

Body oils can help reduce the appearance of celluliteⁱ  XDimpled skin on the buttocks and thighs caused when fat cells push through the second layer of skin (dermis). , scars, and stretch marks. They also brighten your skin, treat dullness and roughness, and offer a natural-looking glow.

Trivia

For thousands of years, people have used plant-based oils as body oils. For example, ancient Egyptians frequently lathered themselves in olive, fenugreek, and sesame oils to moisturize their skin and aid in bathing.

Benefits Of Body Lotions

1. Keep The Skin Soft And Supple

Lotions can combat issues, such as cracking, itchiness, and tight skin, by nourishing the skin with the added moisture it requires. They deeply penerate your skin and help replenish its lost moisture and leave it supple, soft, and hydrated.

2. Provide Long-term Moisturizing Effect

A body lotion helps provide your skin with a generous dose of moisture all day long. After applying body oil, you can top it up with a lotion to keep your skin doubly hydrated. Unlike body oils that work best after a shower on damp skin, you can apply body lotions any time of the day.

3. Contain Nourishing Ingredients

Lotions with hyaluronic acidⁱ  XA gooey, slippery substance produced naturally in the fluid in the eyes and joints to keep them hydrated and lubricated. , glycerinⁱ  XA natural compound derived from animal fat or vegetable oil that is used as a moisturizer to treat skin dryness. , aloe vera, vitamin E, and ceramidesⁱ  XA class of fatty acids (lipids) found naturally in the skin cells that act as a natural barrier to the skin. can help enhance the skin’s water-retaining abilities (2). Certain lotions contain both oil and water, which can prove beneficial for dry skin conditions and has ant-aging effects.

Trivia

Ancient Sumerians and Egyptians are responsible for the oldest records of use of lotion-like salves (dating back to 3000 B.C). Lotions were prepared from honey, oils, and animal fats. While the Egyptians employed components like castor oil, herbs, milk, and honey, the Sumerians used ground-up plants and tree oils.

How To Apply Body Oil

• Use a body oil on damp skin right after the shower. This will help lock in the moisture easily. Also, remember that a little amount goes a long way.
• Add a few drops of body oil to your bath. High-quality plant oils with rose or lavender essential oils can help in self-care as it provides deep moisturization and makes your bath water smell divine.

How To Apply Body Lotion

It is best to slather your body lotion onto your skin after a shower and massage it in until fully absorbed. You can also add a few drops of body oil to your favorite lotion for extra hydration. You can also choose body lotion with a high sun protection factor to prevent sun damage.

When it comes to body oils or lotions, it would be wrong to say that one is better than the other. Both of these products are excellent at moisturizing your skin. So, which one should you opt for?

Body Oil Vs. Lotion – Which Is The Best?

Both body oils and lotions have their unique formulas, benefits, and uses. Therefore, it is best to keep both around, so you are prepared to treat your skin as per its needs.

Depending on your skin type, concerns,  and climate, use a combination of both body oil and lotion. You can layer body lotion on top of oil, similar to facial oils and moisturizers.

For instance, using only a body lotion during winters might not be hydrating enough for your skin. Hence, include a body oil in your skin care routine and beauty routine to prevent dryness in a cold climate.

Opt for lightweight non-greasy formulas during the humid, summer months. Stick to an oil or body lotion that is fast-absorbing and does not make you sweat. Avoid body oil on eczemaⁱ  XA skin condition leading to dryness, inflammation, and itching that is common among children but can happen at any age. -prone and oily skin.

Consider using body oil twice or thrice a week as a deeply nourishing treatment to hydrate and replenish your skin. Use the lotion as a daily moisturizer for soothing and rejuvenating your skin.

Caitie, a beauty blogger, shares her experience of using a homemade body oil with essential oils, vitamin E capsules, and carrier oils: “It does such a good job moisturizing that I don’t find I need to reapply [it] between showers (i).”

Infographic: Key Differences Between Body Oil And Body Lotion

People often confuse body oil and body lotion. While both products help improve your skin health, they are vastly different. Check out the infographic below to learn about the key differences between these two unique products to help you choose the best one for your skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use both body oil and lotion?

You can use body oil and lotion for smoother, hydrated, and healthier skin. However, ensure that you apply body lotion first and then the body oil for the best results.

Can I put body oil on my face?

Yes, you can use body oils on your face. You can use jojoba or plant-based oils as they have fewer risks of side effects. However, ensure that you conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

Is coconut oil better than body lotion?

While both offer good skin care benefits, coconut oil is more hydrating and nourishing, thus can be a better option for some individuals. However, it also depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin or are prone to acne, then a water-based body lotion might be better for you.

Is it better to moisturize your body at night or morning?

You can moisturize your skin at night as when you sleep your skin can heal and get nourished. However, for best results, moisturize your body in the morning to have smooth, supple skin throughout the day and then at night post-shower.

Which one is more suitable for sensitive skin, body oil or lotion?

While both are safe for sensitive skin, some body oils may not be suitable like olive oil, which may aggravate inflammation and damage the skin barrier. A water-based lotion might be a better option as it is gentle and can get absorbed quickly.

Can body oil or lotion be used for massage?

Yes, both can be used for a massage, while body oil would be a more suitable option.

Learn the advantages of using body oil and lotion on your skin, as well as how to make body oil at home! Also, discover the right way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in this video.

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Dr. Nisha RMBBS, MD DVL

   

Dr. Nisha is a clinical dermatologist and aesthetic physician with 7 years of experience. She completed her MBBS at Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute and earned her master's degree from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research. She also did a fellowship in Cosmetology and Trichology, Microblading, and Micropigmentation. She established Anlon Art Salon, a medi-salon that caters to...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more