Which moisturizer is the best?

Nobody likes dry skin, so having a good body lotion or body butter on hand is a must. Both formulas hydrate skin so it looks and feels smoother and softer, but there’s something of a science lesson in how body lotions and oils work. “Body lotions and body oils contain ingredients that complement the skin barrier, creating a layer on the skin that retains moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dandy Engelman, MD.

However, well-hydrated skin is key. So how do you choose between moisturizing with body lotion and body oil? We reached out to the experts to see what they have to say about these two for achieving optimal hydration.

Key Differences Between Body Lotion and Body Butter

Whether you apply body butter or body lotion, both serve the same purpose – hydration. But they differ in their approach and overall structure. Heavier body oils, which are thicker in nature, create an occlusive barrier that prevents water loss from the skin. But for all its ability to repair dry skin, body butter doesn’t absorb quickly or spread as well as lotion, making it difficult to seal cracks in the skin.

Body lotions are thinner formulations. “On the skin, the lotion tends to absorb faster and become a little lighter and easier to spread,” says Dr. Engelman. They consist primarily of emollient ingredients, but many also contain occlusive ingredients (like oils), so you get the best of both worlds.

“Body oils are a better choice in cold weather when there is less humidity in the air because their heavier texture makes them more effective for long-lasting hydration and protection against transepidermal water loss,” says Dr. Engelman. On the other hand, she shares that lightweight body lotions tend to be less occlusive, which is why they are often preferred for summer use.

Board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, recommends body oils for people with dry skin, as well as body lotions and creams for normal skin types. “Both formulas have multiple hydrating properties, locking in moisture and delivering hydrating ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids to the skin,” he adds.

Benefits of Body Lotion

Body lotions are designed to provide hydration. A good moisturizing body lotion locks in moisture and infuses the skin with hydrating ingredients. “They also soften the skin, keeping it supple,” says Dr. Engleman.

Esthetician Erica Marie Gatt says body lotions are great for hydrating normal, combination, and oily skin, creating a subtle layer of moisture. “Regular use of body lotion can also help improve skin texture. A good body lotion will help with rough or flaky skin and make it smoother and more elastic.”

Keeping your skin hydrated is especially important as the seasons change and winter approaches. “When the weather turns cold and dry, your hands, arms and feet can become very dry, so it’s important to keep your extremities hydrated to keep them soft and hydrated,” adds Dr. Kim. Some body lotions even go beyond basic hydration and provide additional benefits, such as minimizing lines and wrinkles, preventing stretch marks, exfoliating skin, and antioxidant protection.

One rule of thumb: If your skin is acne-prone or very oily, look for a lightweight body lotion. “Very light, non-greasy products can provide hydration where it’s needed without creating clogging or increasing the likelihood of clogged pores,” adds Dr. Engelman.

Benefits of Body Oil

Body butters are thick, heavy formulas that help lock in moisture and create a barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss, which is why Dr. Engelman loves them for very dry skin. Body oils also provide deeper hydration to the skin. According to Dr. Kim, if you have very dry skin, applying body oil to your skin while it’s still a little damp will help lock in all the moisture for optimal results.

Unlike creamy body lotion, body oils can be a little slippery or greasy, but almost all leave behind a nice shine and shine. “One body oil I like is bio-oil,” says Dr. Engelman. “I used it during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.”

Choosing between body lotion and body oil

Personal preference and skin type are important when choosing between body lotion and body oil, as the wrong formula can potentially cause some problems. As Dr. Kim explains, if a person with normal skin applies body oil daily, the skin can become clogged and break. “So, a cream or lotion is better for that skin type,” he says. “But for someone with dehydrated skin, body creams and lotions may not be enough, and oil may be a suitable option.”

Another factor to consider when choosing between body lotion and body oil is the weather and time of year. “I always tell people to consider the season,” Dr. Engelman says. “Skin needs thicker, more hydrating products in the colder months and lighter, less occlusive hydration in the warmer months.”

Combination of body lotion and body oil

For some people, using a lotion or body oil alone provides sufficient hydration, but people with very dry or dehydrated skin may require a combination approach. Gatt recommends applying body lotion and body oil for maximum hydration. “First, apply body lotion to your skin immediately after showering while your skin is damp, and then apply oil,” says Gatt. “Oil is more occlusive, so it helps retain moisture.”

Bottom line

Lotions and body oils are excellent moisturizers, and both are good at restoring lost moisture to the skin. In fact, there is no one formula that is better than another. It really depends on your skin type, personal preference, and the amount of moisture your skin needs to determine whether a body butter or body lotion is right for you.