Both body lotions and body oils are known to replenish skin, but is one better than the other for treating extra dry skin? Who wins the battle of body oil vs. lotion? The answer isn’t so simple: It’s not just about what you apply, but also how you apply it. Questions such as using body oil before or after lotion? Or is body oil better than lotion? Want to be answered; So, we consulted with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, to learn the best methods for using body lotion and body oil. Keep reading for his tips. Understanding Body Oil Vs. Lotion What is body oil? Body oil is a skincare product designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Made from a blend of plant-based oils, essential oils, and sometimes added vitamins. They are rich in natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil. These oils are known for their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting moisture. How does it work and what is body oil used for? When applied, body oil works by forming a protective barrier that locks in hydration, preventing moisture from escaping throughout the day. This helps keep the skin soft, smooth, and deeply nourished, especially in areas prone to dryness. Because of their concentrated formulas, body oils often provide a more intense level of moisture compared to lotions or creams. Common types of body oils include coconut oil, which is excellent for softening and soothing the skin; jojoba oil, known for its ability to balance the skin's natural oils; and argan oil, which is packed with antioxidants to promote healthy skin. Whether used after a shower or as part of a nightly skincare routine, a body oil moisturizer provides a pampering experience while helping to maintain smooth, hydrated skin. So, if you ever asked yourself “is body oil good for you’”, the answer is yes, as long as you need it. What is body lotion? Body lotion is a skincare product designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Typically water-based, body lotions contain a blend of humectants, which attract moisture to the skin, and emollients, which help soften and smooth the skin’s surface. These ingredients work together to lock in hydration, leaving your skin feeling moisturized and soft without feeling greasy. Body lotions are formulated to address different skin needs. Lightweight lotions are perfect for daily use, absorbing quickly to provide a smooth, non-greasy finish. Thicker creams are ideal for dry or rough skin, offering more intense moisture and creating a barrier to lock in hydration for longer periods. Medicated lotions, often containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or salicylic acid, can help address specific skin concerns, such as irritation or acne. Whether you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin, body lotion is a crucial step in your skincare routine. Regular use helps maintain skin’s elasticity, prevent dryness, and keep it soft and supple. For the best results, apply lotion right after a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, to seal in moisture and keep your skin feeling nourished all day long. Is It Better to Use Body Oil or Lotion For Dry Skin? Ultimately, you can use either body oil or lotion to replenish dry skin, but if you really want to reap hydrating benefits, it’s best to try both. “Body oils contain emollient ingredients like fatty acids to help hydrate and soften the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. Some oils lack humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so if you find that your skin is extra dry, Dr. Zeichner says you can apply a traditional lotion before an oil for maximum hydration. If you’re someone with oily skin, you can still benefit from using body oils, too. “Many people feel that oily skin types cannot use oil-based skincare products, which is not true,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Most of the cosmetic-grade oils used in skincare don’t weigh the skin down or cause breakouts.” When it comes to body oil, we love the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil for its lightweight texture that leaves skin hydrated and nourished without feeling greasy. As for body lotion, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion are some of our favorites. What’s the Best Way to Apply Body Oil and Body Lotion? “Whether you’re using a traditional moisturizer or an oil, apply the product within five minutes of getting out of the shower or bath to lock in hydration,” says Dr. Zeichner. He also recommends dotting the product onto different parts of the body and then rubbing it in to connect the dots. “Applying it this way will allow you to use less product and cover larger areas of skin.” What Are Common Body Moisturizing Mistakes? When it comes to moisturizing your body, either with a body oil or traditional lotion, there are some common mishaps you’ll want to avoid to get the best results. Dr. Zeichner says that one of the biggest mistakes patients make is overexfoliating without also moisturizing. “Exfoliating skin that’s already dry can lead to microscopic cracks in the outer skin layer and loss of hydration,” he says. “If you still have dry flakes after moisturizing, then you can use a gentle exfoliator.” The Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub effectively exfoliates skin without being too harsh. Next Up: A Simple Skincare Routine for Dry Skin Types
