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Dry skin isn't a good look on anyone, which is why keeping a good body lotion or body oil on hand is a necessity. Both formulations work towards hydrating the skin, so it looks and feels smoother and softer, but how body lotions and body oils work is a bit of a science lesson. "Body lotions and body oils contain ingredients that supplement the skin barrier to create a layer over the skin that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss," says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.
Meet the expert
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York. David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of LightSaver sunscreen. Erica Marie Gatt is an esthetician and the founder of EM Skin Studio.
Nonetheless, well-hydrated skin is the name of the game. So, how do you decide between moisturizing with a body lotion versus a body oil? We tapped the experts to find out what they had to say about the two to reach optimal hydration.
The Key Differences Between Body Lotion and Body Oil
Whether you slather on body oil or body lotion, both work towards the same goal of hydrating the skin. But they differ in their approach and overall texture. Heavier body oils, which are inherently thicker, create an occlusive barrier to prevent water loss from the skin. But for all its dry skin-repairing capabilities, body oil doesn’t absorb quickly or spread nearly as well as a lotion, making it hard to coat cracks in the skin.
Body lotions are thinner formulations. "On the skin, lotion tends to absorb faster and feel a little lighter, and it is easier to spread," Dr. Engelman says. They are mainly made up of emollient ingredients, but many also contain occlusive ingredients (like oils), so you get the best of both worlds.
"Body oils make for a better choice in colder weather when there's less humidity in the air because its heavier texture makes it more effective for long-lasting moisture and protecting against transepidermal water loss," Dr. Engelman says. On the other hand, she shares that lightweight body lotions tend to be less occlusive, so they are often preferred to use in the summer.
Board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, recommends body oils for those with dry skin and body lotions and creams for normal skin types. “Both formulations offer plenty of hydrating benefits, lock in moisture and deliver hydrating ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids to the skin,” he adds.
Benefits of Body Lotion
Body lotions are all about hydration. A good, moisturizing body lotion seals in moisture and floods skin with hydrating ingredients. “They also soften the skin to keep it supple,” says Dr. Engleman.
Esthetician Erica Marie Gatt says that body lotions are wonderful for hydrating normal, combination, and oily skin types with a lightweight layer of moisture. “Regularly using a body lotion can also help improve the skin’s texture. A good body lotion will help with rough or flaky skin so that it feels smoother and more supple.”
Skin hydration is especially important as the seasons change and winter rolls around. “Once the weather gets cold and dry, the hands, arms, and legs can become very dry, so it's important to keep the extremities hydrated so they're soft and moisturized,” Dr. Kim adds. Some body lotions even go beyond basic hydration and provide additional benefits like minimizing lines and wrinkles, preventing stretch marks, exfoliating the skin, and antioxidant protection.
One rule of thumb: if your skin is prone to acne or is very oily, look for a lightweight body lotion. “Very light, non-oily products can add hydration where needed without being occlusive or increasing the incidence of clogged pores,” Dr. Engelman adds.
Benefits of Body Oil
Body oils are thick, heavy formulas that help lock in moisture and create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss, which is why Dr. Engelman likes them for very dry skin. Body oils also provide deeper hydration to the skin. According to Dr. Kim, if you have very dry skin, applying a body oil to the skin while it is still a little damp will help lock in all the moisture for optimal benefits.
Unlike a creamy body lotion, body oils can be a little slippery or greasy, yet almost all leave behind a pretty sheen or glow. “One body oil that I love is Bio-Oil,” Dr. Engelman says. “I used it while I was pregnant to help prevent stretch marks from forming.”
Choosing Between Body Lotion and Body Oil
Personal preference and skin type are important when deciding between body lotion and body oil since the wrong formula can potentially cause some issues. As Dr. Kim explains, if someone with normal skin wears a body oil daily, the skin can become clogged and break out. “So, a cream or lotion is better for this skin type,” he says. “But for someone with dehydrated skin, body creams and lotions may not be sufficient, and oil may be the way to go.”
Another factor to weigh when choosing between a body lotion and body oil is the weather and the time of year. "I always tell people to consider the season," says Dr. Engelman. "The skin needs thicker, more moisturizing products in the colder months and more lightweight, less occlusive hydration in the warmer months."
Combining Body Lotion and Body Oil
For some people, using a body lotion or body oil alone delivers enough hydration, but a combination approach may be necessary for those with extremely dry or dehydrated skin. Gatt recommends applying a body lotion and body oil for ultimate hydration. “First, apply a body lotion to the skin directly after a shower while the skin is damp, and then use an oil,” says Gatt. “The oil is more occlusive, so it helps lock in the moisture.”
The Bottom Line
Body lotions and oils are excellent hydrators, and both do a good job of reinstating lost moisture to the skin. In fact, there's no one formula that's better than the other. What it really comes down to is your skin type, personal preference, and how much moisture your skin needs to determine whether a body oil or a body lotion is right for you.