For many people, choosing between lotion and cream is a matter of personal preference. But for doctors, the distribution of these two products could be much more important, especially when it comes to patients with dry skin or eczema. When should you use one over the other? First-time visitors might find this article helpful in deciding whether they need to apply lotion or cream first.,
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The “open google drive” is a document that provides information on how to use lotion and cream, as well as when to use each.
The aesthetic equivalent of selecting whether spinning or running is the best cardio activity for you is the lotion vs. cream debate. Both products are excellent for hydrating and moisturizing the skin. But how can you know when you should choose one over the other?
To assist you decide, it’s crucial to grasp the distinctions between the two so you can make the most use of both. We asked two doctors for their opinions, Ratika Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist and founder of bebaby moisturizing cream for tiny tots, and Annie Gonzalez, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology, because we want to provide you with science-backed information (not just our personal preferences).
Both skin-care experts explain some important data concerning lotion vs. cream below so you can maintain your skin as healthy and moisturized as possible.
To begin, what precisely is lotion?
Lotion is a moisturizer made mostly of water, along with oils and other moisturizing substances. “Lotions are lighter in feel and not as occlusive [meaning they don’t lock in hydration as effectively as creams] because of their greater water content,” adds Dr. Gupta. “However, they are useful in the heat and in sweaty conditions because of this.”
One of the benefits of the lotion’s mild composition is that it absorbs fast into the skin. “I usually urge my patients to moisturize three minutes after getting out of the shower to get the most out of a lotion,” Dr. Gonzalez explains.
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Lotion is suitable for skin types that are normal to slightly dry.
So, what exactly is a cream?
“Creams have a thicker consistency because there is less water in them—usually 50/50 water and oil,” Dr. Gupta explains. “They’re more moisturizing [than lotions],” she continues, “and they usually come in tubs since the cream is too thick to be administered with a pump.”
As a consequence, creams are ideal for dry or sensitive skin types that need to reinforce their skin barriers by hydrating in order to restore and protect the epidermis’ top layer from germs and environmental stresses. “Creams are fantastic for dry skin, eczema and its different manifestations, particularly in the winter,” explains Dr. Gupta, “when most patients feel skin itching owing to drier circumstances.”
Keep this advice from Dr. Gonzalez in mind while shopping for a cream: “When prescribing a cream to my patients, I typically urge them to seek for creams that are infused with hydrating omega-3s and lipids, as well as vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5, for further moisturization benefits,” she adds.
When it comes to applying creams, you may do it at any time, but they’re very beneficial to include in your nighttime beauty regimen. “Some individuals may prefer to use it at night when it’s more pleasant to apply,” Dr. Gupta explains, since it’s more likely to aid with TEWL (trans-epidermal water-loss), which simply means your skin dries up. And, since you’re more prone to get dehydrated when sleeping because you’re not drinking fluids for a long time, using a heavier moisturizer in the evening may assist. “Creams should be used all over the body, and if your face is really dry, you may use them on your face—but search for non-comedogenic substances [so they don’t clog your pores],” Dr. Gupta advises.
When should you apply a cream or a lotion?
During the day, Dr. Gupta suggests using lotions rather than creams for your face, particularly during the warmer months when you’re more likely to sweat and your skin is likely to be more moist and moisturized anyhow. Choose a moisturizer with moisturizing components like shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, or coconut oil. If your skin is dry all year, you should include a cream in your evening skin-care regimen. Depending on your requirements, apply it all over or to thicker parts of skin such as elbows, knees, and heels.
Dr. Gonzalez recommends rotating between lotions and creams depending on the season. “Lotions are lighter and may still give adequate moisture in the hotter summer months,” she adds, “but in the winter months, I frequently encourage my patients—even those who do not have dry skin—try a cream,” she says, adding that all skin types will benefit from a seasonal switch up.”
Is it true that creams are superior than lotions?
While both have their place in your skin-care regimen, creams, as opposed to lotions, provide greater benefits when used on a daily basis since they seal in moisture better and for longer. Dr. Gupta explains, “As an allergist, I constantly suggest creams to keep skin moisturized.” Dr. Gonzalez also suggests that her customers search for products that can keep their skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.
Cerave is a brand that Dr. Gupta recommends for both lotions and creams. “It contains ceramides, which are a critical element in skin barrier strengthening,” she explains. Dr. Gonzalez recommends Lubriderm’s advanced therapeutic treatment for very dry skin. “Recently, I’ve been loving and recommending Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Cream and Advanced Therapy Lotion, which are devoid of parabens, phthalates, perfumes, and colors and help turn extra-dry skin into healthier, more robust skin,” she explains. Both the cream and the lotion have a 24-hour staying power, excellent moisturizing properties, and quick absorption rates.
However, both doctors believe that doing anything to keep your skin hydrated is preferable than doing nothing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better to use lotion or cream?
A: Cream is better to use because it leaves a longer-lasting effect.
Can you use both cream and lotion?
A: Yes, many people like to use both cream and lotion in their skincare routine.
Should you apply cream or lotion first?
A: It is recommended that you apply a moisturizing cream first to your face, then add the lotion.