Lotion Vs. Body Oil: Which First? Skincare Guide

Do you struggle with dry, lackluster skin, even after diligently applying lotions and creams? The secret to unlocking truly hydrated, radiant skin might lie in a simple, yet often overlooked, step: the strategic use of body oils.

Even with a full body care routine in place, there's a chance you might be missing a crucial element that can make all the difference for soft, hydrated skin. Body oils, with their nourishing formulas and moisturizing ingredients, are often the unsung heroes in the battle against dryness. They work wonders to banish and prevent dry skin, adding a layer of luxury and effective care to your daily ritual.

Aspect	Details
Product Type	Body Oils, Body Lotions
Primary Function	Hydration, Moisturizing, Locking in Moisture
Key Ingredients	Vitamins, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Essential Oils (in lotions); Various carrier oils (e.g., jojoba, almond) often infused with essential oils (in oils)
Historical Significance	Body lotions and oils date back over 3000 years to the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians, highlighting their enduring value in skincare.
Application Timing	Ideally, both are applied on clean, damp skin right after showering or bathing. Before bedtime applications also offer excellent results, and they can be used anytime your skin feels dry.
Application Sequence	Generally, lotion is applied first to hydrate, followed by oil to seal in moisture. Alternatively, you can use oil in the shower.
Benefits	Lotion quickly hydrates and softens, reducing dryness; Body oils provide a protective barrier, sealing moisture and enhancing skin's glow.
Expert Recommendation	When layering, use the "thinnest to thickest" rule: Apply lotion first, followed by oil.
Application Considerations	Avoid applying body oils on dry skin. If using in the shower, add a small amount to damp skin.
Additional Notes	Can be used separately or together for enhanced hydration; can be added to unscented lotion for added fragrance.
Reference Website	Verywell Health

That being said, if you're not used to applying body oil, you may be unsure of the correct approach. One common question is: do you apply lotion or body oil first? The answer lies in understanding how each product functions and how they interact with your skin.

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When it comes to layering your products, the general rule of thumb is to apply the thinnest products first and the thickest last. But how does this translate to body care? I've seen a lot of people apply body oil before body lotion, and while it may seem counterintuitive, the order you apply these two products can make a significant difference in their effectiveness.

Many experts recommend applying lotion first for hydration, followed by body oil to lock in the moisture. As Dr. advised, this allows the lotion to penetrate the skin and deliver its hydrating ingredients, while the oil creates a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Personally, I love to follow this advice, especially when using high-quality products like the popular Saltair body lotions, and its a game changer.

Another perspective on the subject is to consider the oil's occlusive properties. The oil creates a seal, locking in moisture. If you apply it before lotion, it can potentially hinder the lotion's ability to be absorbed, making the process less effective. Therefore, to apply body oil and lotion effectively, consider the "thinnest to thickest" rule.

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In essence, if you're aiming for optimal hydration, apply a lotion rich in key ingredients like vitamins, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and essential oils to hydrate the skin. Once it's rubbed in and absorbed, layer your body oil on top. This will act as a protective barrier to lock in the added moisture. This approach is beneficial, as you can also use either or both! - no matter which product you choose, just remember to apply it on damp skin. Both body oil and body lotion provide optimum results when applied to clean and damp skin right after the shower.

After a bath, and before bedtime applying lotion offers the best results, however you can also use body lotion anytime you feel your skin needs it.

If youre focused on dullness, you may enjoy an oils instant glow. If youre super dry or focused on signs of aging, you may even choose to layer both together, as many skincare aficionados recommend the "thinnest to thickest" rule: Apply lotion first, followed by oil.

It's important to note a critical caveat: Never, ever use body oils on dry skin. Dry skin oil applications, although wonderful for massage, take longer to absorb, leaving a greasy layer on the skin that won't penetrate the stratum corneum effectively. Lotion, on the other hand, is lighter than oil, so it spreads and absorbs easily into the skin. Lotion penetrates the skin quickly, hydrating, soothing, and softening the skin right away, reducing the appearance of dry skin. Therefore, when considering "is body oil better than lotion?", the answer is not a simple one, as it hinges entirely on the goal you're trying to achieve.

Whether you use body oil before or after lotion can depend on its intended use and the products you are using. To learn more, try a new favorite routine and explore how to use body lotion. Body lotion and oils date back over 3000 years to the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians, indicating their time-tested effectiveness. For even more hydration, you can lock in the moisture with body oil, or mix the two together and then apply, depending on what you're feeling.

As Dr. says, "no matter which one you choose, its great that you are thinking of your skin. For that, I applaud you," and urges people to "choose a healthy one."

I use body oil most days. An interesting technique involves using it in the shower. You have to do it when you're standing in the shower dripping wet. You put just a tiny bit of the oil in your hands and then rub it down your body. The water from the shower will help the oil travel and will sort of thin out the layer that you end up applying. Do it all before you towel dry.

The reason it is beneficial to apply lotion first and then oil stems from the fundamental difference in their properties: oils are heavier. As a result, oils act as a sealant, forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This means that if you apply oil before lotion, the lotion's hydrating ingredients may not be able to penetrate the oil barrier and reach the skin effectively. Alternatively, you can skip the cream altogether, or use it before your body oil if this method is more suited to your skin type.

When should we apply body oil? There are two ways to use the oil in the shower.