One of the commonest mistakes in skin care is trying to fix a ‘lotion’ problem with a ‘cream’. I know, it seems like knowing the difference should be a simple thing, but it ain’t, especially owing to the fact that they serve a common primary purpose – skin hydration. Well, what’s the real difference then, and even more importantly, why should you care
But first……
What are the similarities between lotions and creams
Primary composition
Creams and lotions are both basically emulsions of oil in water. The composition of a typical lotion or cream consists of a bunch of active and non-active ingredients mostly bound in the oily component. Beyond the binding of ingredients, the oily component also plays a cosmetic role as an’ oiling’ agent that covers the skin with a thin layer of oil, and this where the choice of lotion or cream comes in.
Why you shop for them
Creams and lotions intersect, and may be hard to differentiate along lines of what they are meant to do for your skin. They are primarily formulated for skin moisturization. This, they achieve by their ‘water’ component which is meant to moisturize your skin right then when you apply. Additionally, the oily component provides a coating that protects against water loss by evaporation, but this is more of a cream than a lotion thing.
And now……..
How are lotions different from creams
The water-oil balance
Lotions have a higher composition of water in their water-oil balance than creams. This makes lotions lighter in consistence, and as a result they usually come to a dressing table near you in squeezable dispenser bottles. On the other hand, the more oil-rich creams are thicker and usually come packaged in lidded containers for your scooping pleasure.
Absorb-ability
Lotions are generally more ‘skin-soluble’ than creams. This makes a cream well-suited for protecting the skin from water loss as much of it stays on the surface as a protective coating. On the other hand, lotions are absorbed more and so provide moisturization by absorbing water into the deeper layers of skin.
Extra active contents
Due to the difference in absorb-ability, creams more likely to contain emollient moisturizer active ingredients like petroleum jelly, lanolin, jojoba oli, etc. On the other hand, humectant moisturizer ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerol, aloe vera and others that hydrate from within the skin are common ingredients of lotions.
So what does this mean for you
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Skin type
Your skin type should be where it all begins. For people with dry skin types, creams are definitely the ideal choice. This is because a dry skin is partly the result of reduced natural oil production by the skin. Consequently, if you have oily skin, then the last thing you need are them greasy creams, lotions should be your thing.
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Climate and weather condition
The simple rule is to use lotion during the day and in hot summer months, when a product that absorbs fast without leaving a greasy residue on your skin makes all the sense in the world. At night, when the skin’s oil production lowers, creams are more ideal. Also during the cold winters, the atmospheric air is less humid, and so you prone to water loss through evaporation. A cream would be the ideal moisturizer in the winters, due to its protective approach to skin hydration.
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Medical conditions and predispositions
When faced with medical conditions that cause skin dryness or are worsened by dry skin, a cream will come in handy to protect the skin from water loss. Such conditions include eczema, rosacea, hypothyroidism, vitiligo, seborrheic dermatitis and others.
Knowing your lotions from your creams could be the one thing that’s been missing in your skin care routine, but that’s about to change. Happy shopping.