8 Best Body Lotions

Skin care has been around for ages. The need to moisturize, exfoliate and soothe our skin dates back to the Sumerians, one of the earliest known civilizations. People throughout history have known the importance of skin care and have concocted preparations with ingredients derived from animals, plants, and minerals. 

Skin care is way more than indulgence or extravagance. It’s about keeping our bodies healthy inside and out. Our skin after all is our body’s largest organ. The average adult can have as much as 8 pounds and 22 square feet of skin. The skin houses an infinite number of pores, glands and blood vessels. 

Our skin isn’t just our outer shell but acts as a layer of protection for our muscles, internal organs, and bones. It insulates our body from excess heat and extreme cold. It regulates our temperature and guards against pathogens (germs and bacteria that can make us sick). 

Skin Care Throughout History 

Before name brands took over the skincare market, people had to rely on organic “homemade” products. Civilizations dating back to 10,000 BC used early lotions in the form of oils, herbs, spices, and even poisonous powders. 

From unearthed burial tombs and hieroglyphics, it was learned that ancient Egyptians used different oils and fragrances to care for their skin. Essential oils and perfume were also used to mummify the dead. The Egyptians were the first to discover the skin care benefits of aloe vera, olive oil, and milk. They also used unconventional ingredients such as dough and ostrich eggs. 

Biblical accounts tell of instances where expensive perfumes were used to cleanse the feet and ointments to soothe the body. Frankincense and myrrh were befitting gifts from the three wise men because people from biblical times valued them for their anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. 

The ancient Greeks were known to use their supply of olive oil and honey outside the kitchen. Greek athletes used a mixture of fine sand and honey to protect themselves from the sun. This was done more to avoid getting a tan than anything else; as a darker skin shade was associated with being of a lower class. Hippocrates, considered as the father of modern medicine, may have used honey as a moisturizer. The first cold cream was created by a Roman physician named Galen. The cream was made from a mixture of rose oil, melted beeswax and water. 

During the Renaissance, skin color was associated with economic class or social standing. A white complexion was a mark of royalty, nobility, wealth, and privilege. Members of the upper class periodically used a concoction of lead and vinegar or a sublimate of mercury to turn their skin chalky-white. They would cover their faces, necks and exposed arms with this white paste or lotion. Unaware of the hazards of lead and mercury, they eventually suffered the horrible effects of mineral poisoning. 

Today, science, technology, and progressive social norms have ushered in an array of skincare products that are safer and more effective for all skin types and color. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continually monitors the safety and effectiveness of skincare products. 

Body Lotion Buying Guide 

A majority of us easily forget that our entire body needs the added care that body lotions provide. While not as prominent as our faces or scalp, our bodies also need care and maintenance for us to stay healthy. Body lotion allows us to feel and look great even as we age. 

Take note that the skin on our face is different from the rest of our body. A lotion that may work on our sensitive facial skin may not be as effective on other parts of our body. Some ingredients in body lotions may be absent in facial lotions and creams. 

Body lotions and creams may look similar but are different in consistency and oil content. Body lotions generally have a lower viscosity (thickness or consistency), containing a larger percentage of purified water. This fluidity makes it easier to lather over a larger area of skin. Unlike creams that are stored in lid-covered jars, lotions are usually stored in bottles. This allows us to easily squeeze or pump out as much lotion as we need. 

Knowing Your Skin Type 

We now have a wide range of body lotions available to us. Some people test different kinds and brands to find the right body lotion for their skin type. 

There are many skin types and conditions. There’s normal skin, dry skin, very dry skin, sensitive skin, and even mature skin. Sometimes, the condition of our skin is affected by the climate or our diet. 

Normal: People with smooth, fine-pored skin paired with a rosy complexion, have normal skin. Normal skin may be the easiest skin type to manage. You can try using scented body lotions that make you feel refreshed and relaxed. 

Dry: Dry skin or dehydrated skin usually feels rough, flaky, and itchy. Because of the lack of moisture and lipids (fatty acids), the skin feels tight and uncomfortable. This skin type is prone to irritation from exposure to different climates: hot, dry, cold, frigid, and windy. Humid climates are safe havens for those with dry skin. The humidity naturally helps the skin stay moisturized. If harsh climates are unavoidable, choose an alcohol-free, oil-based body lotion. Always have your body lotion handy to keep your skin consistently moisturized and hydrated. You might also consider adding oily fish to your diet as the fatty acids in the fish act as an internal natural moisturizer. Fish oil supplement capsules are also effective. 

Blemished: Blemished skin is more visible on our faces with the frequent appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. But there is such a thing as body acne or “bacne”. Your skin produces more sebum (or oily secretion) than usual because of genetics, stress, or hormonal changes. Dry climates are suitable for this skin type. It keeps breakouts at bay, but you may need to use a moisturizer. If this need arises, choose a water-based, alcohol-free body lotion to moisturize without clogging the pores and causing a breakout.   

Combination (Dry and Oily): There are people whose skin is both dry and oily. This type of skin is quite difficult to care for. People with combination skin types may have shiny skin that is susceptible to blemishes. You could opt for a multi-purpose body lotion that can protect you from harmful sunlight and has anti-inflammatory ingredients. Look for oil-free moisturizers. 

Sensitive: This is more of a skin condition than a skin type. Combination skin and dry skin can both be sensitive. Sensitive skin becomes red and dry. It feels itchy and tight, and it reacts to both internal and external factors. These may be stress, a poor diet, UV light, or dry heated air. Try your best to avoid polluted cities as the smog and fumes can agitate your skin. See to it that your body lotion is alcohol-free. Also, stay away from scented body lotions and anti-aging products that may further aggravate your skin. 

Mature: Our skin changes in appearance and in structure as we age. Mature skin takes longer to heal due to slower cell regeneration. The skin is always dry because of decreased collagen production. The key to keeping mature skin youthful and vibrant is constant moisturizing. A body lotion containing anti-aging ingredients like collagen, vitamin E, vitamin B-3, and vitamin B-5 can prevent and reduce lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. 

Caring for Your Skin 

With the right body lotion, you can have quality dermatological care right in your own home. No matter what climate you live in and what skin type you have, your skin will always need care and maintenance. It deserves nothing less. 

Moisturize                                                                                                                            Body lotions contain many ingredients to hydrate skin. These ingredients are grouped into three different categories. Each has their own unique attributes and mechanisms to moisturize skin. 

Occlusives are the most common type of moisturizers. They work by forming a protective waterproof layer on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture. These types of moisturizers are mostly lipid or fat-based which leave a slightly oily sheen on the skin. They are ideal for acne-prone skin because they effectively block pores from releasing natural oils. While they don’t add moisture to the skin, they do prevent the reduction of organic moisture by up to 99%. The most popular occlusive ingredients are candelilla wax, carnauba wax, palm kernel oil, macadamia oil, castor oil, and cocoa butter. 

Emollients are moisturizers that soften and stimulate the skin without having to add moisture to it. This is done by filling in the spaces between skin cells which repair dry patches to improve appearance and restore the skin’s elasticity. Emollients are the fundamental ingredients in skincare products that soothe dry skin and relieve skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Oil-based emollients are thicker and more concentrated which makes them perfect for extremely dry skin. People with normal to oily skin should use lighter, water-based emollients. The most common skincare emollients are aloe vera, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and shea butter. 

Humectants increase moisture by intensifying water absorption from the dermis, the skin’s second layer, into the epidermis, the outermost layer. They can also allow the skin to absorb moisture from the external environment. The collected moisture is stored beneath the layers of the skin. This characteristic makes humectants the best moisturizer for the majority of skin types and conditions. The most effective humectants for skincare are glycerin and hyaluronic acid. 

Added Features 

UV Protection & Anti-Aging/Premature Aging: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, discoloration, dryness, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer. If you live in a tropical climate, or are frequently exposed to sunlight, get a body lotion with UV protection and anti-aging properties. 

Soothing: Scented and textured body lotions can make you both feel and smell great. Give your body the pampering it deserves after a long, hard day at work. 

Exfoliating: We shed dead skin cells constantly. Exfoliating body lotions are useful for removing the remaining dead cells and to smoothen our skin. Make sure your body lotion contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs. These acids are derived from natural substances like sugar cane, milk, and grapes which make for ideal exfoliants. You can also use it to smoothen bumpy “chicken skin” or keratosis pilaris that usually appears on the back of the upper arms and thighs. 

Extra Tips 

• A body lotion’s price isn’t always an indication of its quality. There are great body lotions available in drugstores and supermarkets. 
• Choosing a more affordable body lotion is preferable as you have to use it all over your body on a daily basis. You might have to apply it twice or thrice a day on your elbows, knees, and hands. 
• Make sure your body lotion feels and smells right for you. When trying out something new, use a patch test: Try it on a small area on your chest for a couple of days to see if it irritates your skin. 
• Don’t take lengthy showers. Take warm showers or baths but keep them short – five to ten minutes tops. Overexposure to water dries the skin. 
• Your body wash can cause or worsen dry skin during cold weather. Use a mild body wash and stay away from exfoliating cleansers. 
• It’s best to apply moisturizing lotion after you shower or bathe. Your damp skin will absorb the moisture better and will spread over your skin easier. 
• For people of any skin type: Invest in a humidifier for your home. The device emits water vapor to keep your skin moisturized, among other health benefits.  
• Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and fluids. 

It's best to consult a dermatologist for periodic skin conditions, such as acne, inflamed dry skin, rashes, or irritations. Self-medicating can make these conditions worse. Remember that with different skin types, what works for one may not necessarily work for another.