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What should you use, body lotion or body oil?

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Body Lotion vs Body Oil

Winter’s almost here and for many of us that means dry-as-a-cactus, flaking, itchy skin. It’s time to pull out your trusty moisturizer, whether plant and nut-based oils or lighter lotions to keep your skin from drying out. But moisturizers can be a minefield. So many choices with each claiming special powers. So what’s better for your skin, body lotion or body oil? 

• What you need to know about body lotions

Who doesn’t love a silky body lotion? Luxurious, creamy and whipped to silkily melt into skin. Lotions like Vaseline Intense Care Advanced Repair Lightly Scented Lotion, St. Ives Daily Hydrating Vitamin E Body Lotion and Biotique Bio Winter Cherry Rejuvenating Body Nourisher are created by blending oil and water together. However, since oil and water don’t mix, wax is added as an emulsifier to thicken up the potion, resulting in anything from a light lotion to a heavy cream. This forms an “occlusive” layer on skin to lock in moisture.

Lotions replenish lost moisture to leave skin supple, soft and hydrated. Just what you need to soothe dry, chapped and rough skin. Popular ingredients in body lotions include Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil and plant extracts with beneficial properties. If you have sensitive skin, there are plenty of options too including silicone-free Kiehl's Aromatic Blends Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Body Lotion.  

• Where body oils score over lotions

There are times when body oils do the job of hydrating dry skin far more effectively. Pure oils have been used for thousands of years in ancient beauty rituals, and have high nutrient and antioxidant levels. They are 100 percent active and are easily absorbed into skin because they don’t contain fillers. The perfect solution if you have dry skin and are over 30 when the skin’s natural oil stores start depleting.

A common skin care myth is that oils clog pores and make you break out. Totally untrue! In fact, applying the right kind of oil on acne-prone skin actually reduce breakouts. Try Richfeel Oil For Acne and see the difference for yourself. In fact, oils have an amazing ability to balance the skin’s lipid layer. If you have oily skin try AromaMagic Oily Skin Oil and Sebamed Cleansing Shower Oil.

• Affordable skin care

Light skin oils that contain Apricot, Olive, Lime, Sandalwood, Rosehip, Lavender, Avocado, Argan, Patchouli and Orange extracts benefit all, including sensitive skin types. Oils are so good for your skin because they deliver antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids to skin effectively. Remember a little goes a long way making them a cost-effective way of getting supple, smooth skin. Applying oil to wet skin increase absorption, so apply right after your shower when your skin is still damp. Another plus, natural oils like Fabindia Sweet Almond Body Oil, Natural Bath & Body Morrocan Rose & Argan Oil After Bath Oil and Forest Essentials Cold Pressed Body Massage Oil - Madurai Jasmine & Mogra don’t clog pores. 

Many oils are often infused with herbs, so if the ingredient on the label includes names of flowers and plants, you’ve found a good quality oil. Now all you need to do is let your skin glow with the goodness of all these herbal extracts. So, which moisturizer will you choose, lotion or oil? 

Want to know how to choose the best body wash as per your skin type? Check out:
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