What is the healthiest lotion to use?
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You're probably fully stocked on all of the latest face creams, but what about one of the best body lotions? Aside from sun protection, moisturizer is arguably the most important element of any skin-care routine. "Moisturizer doesn't just add water back into your skin, it also traps in the water you already have to plump it up and protect it," Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Yale University, previously told Allure. But try as we might, so often, the skin-softening process ends at our necks. Show
That is, until now. It's time to heed expert advice and find the body moisturizer that's going to make every inch of your skin happy. "Your skin absolutely needs moisturizer," says Gohara. "Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It's not bloody or gutsy, but it's still an organ, and organs need water." The easiest way to get the rest of your body in on the hydrating action? Slather on a luscious lotion that's formulated with nourishing ingredients that enhance your skin type to look and feel its best. Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, says some of the best ingredients to look for in your body moisturizers include emollients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing additives like glycerin, ceramides, and oils derived from coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba. She also says to look for formulas that include free radical-fighting antioxidants like vitamins B, C, or E. According to James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, mildly exfoliating body lotions are ideal for all skin types, especially those who have concerns over body acne. "This is especially important in acne-prone skin because the skin barrier is disrupted and there is underlying inflammation," he says. "Lotions that contain mild glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid can be helpful as long as they are not overused, which can lead to sensitivity." Dr. Greenfield also adds that acne-prone skin types should avoid ingredients that are considered occlusive, including heavy, petroleum-jelly-based creams or oils because they can trap bacteria under the skin. Now, ready for dolphin-level hydrated skin? Whether you prefer a frill-free body lotion, a luxurious cream, a lightweight oil, or a rich balm, these products are guaranteed to wrap your skin below the chin in some serious TLC. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
These products are all dermatologist recommended. The derms we spoke with say that when selecting the best lotion for your family, the ingredients are the most important factor to consider (as every age group has different skin needs). “In infancy and childhood, the skin can be relatively ‘immature’ and lack some of the essentials that keep it working effectively to protect us from the environment, so a thicker moisturizer may be best,” explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “During teenage years and early adulthood, the skin’s oil production can be significant, making the use of a moisturizer that is noncomedogenic essential,” says Ilyas. Then, as we age, our skin starts to thin out, so it can benefit from a serum-based moisturizer that’s more lightweight. It is possible to find a one-size-fits-all lotion that can be used by your entire family, no matter the varying age groups. Here are some of the very best, according to dermatologists. Pricing guide
Best overallVanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream is a trusted choice by dermatologists for use on the whole family, not only for what it contains but also for what it does not contain. It’s free of harmful ingredients like dyes, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde (yep, the stuff found in plywood). “When it comes to a recommendation for the entire family, knowing each person may have varying sensitivities to products, this is a simple and easy recommendation to make,” says Ilyas. The cream’s long lasting and nongreasy formula is what makes it the best overall choice. Additionally, it has received the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. The cream can be used on different parts of the body, such as the face, hands, legs, and feet. Best for sensitive skinLa Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion
The key to shopping for lotion when your skin is dry and sensitive, is to pick something lightweight, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and nongreasy, according to Rina Allawh, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology. “In my eczema and psoriasis patients, I find that this works excellent to further supplement prescription topical steroid use,” she says. “The ingredients are safe and above all else provide optimum hydration with minimal irritation, making it also a favorite among my patients with acne-prone skin.” Best for dry and cracked skinNeutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
The search for a lotion that’s nongreasy, yet hydrating enough to tackle the driest and roughest skin is not an easy one, especially for those with the common condition known as hand dermatitis, or eczema of the hands. This one does an impressive job hydrating while protecting the skin barrier. “This product contains a high concentration of glycerin, an important player in restoring moisture,” Allawh says. “It’s fragrance-free, lightweight, nongreasy and translucent, so it is ideal for frequent hand washers.” Best for de-stressingAveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion
We could all use a little help in the de-stressing department, especially in our current societal climate. That’s why this lotion is a best seller — it contains soothing and calming ingredients like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang essential oils that help you relax and unwind. It also contains colloidal oatmeal, which protects the skin and acts as a prebiotic to normalize the skin’s microbiome, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “It repairs the outer skin layer with ceramides, which fills in the cracks between skin cells in the outer skin layer.” Best for the faceNeutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Choosing a face lotion that can be used by your whole family is a bit trickier than choosing a body lotion — that’s because the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive. “Body lotions are often comedogenic, meaning they clog up pores and leave a greasy residue on the face,” warns Allawh. However, this face cream from Neutrogena contains hyaluronic acid, a key player in pro-aging and skin rejuvenation. “It also helps improve the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier while not leaving behind unwanted greasy or oily residue,” she says. Best on a budgetVaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
For a body moisturizer that truly passes the test of time (and won’t break the bank), you can turn to good old petroleum jelly. “Petroleum jelly has been a staple for a majority of my patients for various ailments including dry skin, rashes, nosebleeds, and cosmetic purposes,” says Allawh. “The ingredients are safe and effective and gentle for patients with sensitive, dry skin.” Best containing SPFTiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 40
One way to ensure that you’re always wearing sunscreen is to buy a body lotion that contains SPF to block out the sun’s harmful rays — even during winter. “I love the smooth feeling of the TiZO sunscreen brand. TiZO sunscreens are all mineral sunscreens composed of zinc and titanium oxides,” Kung says. Additionally, the formula is free of dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. Best for exfoliationAmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
One of the best things you can do for your dry skin is to exfoliate — or slough off dead skin cells to reveal younger, healthier cells underneath. A gentle way to do this is through the use of lactic acid. This everyday lotion contains 12 percent lactic acid. “It’s safe for pregnant women and helps achieve hydration of the skin while also smoothing the dry, flaky, bumpiness that can accompany dry skin,” says Ilyas. Best clean face moisturizerSkinFix Triple Liquid Peptide Lotion
Formulated with glycerin, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, SkinFix Triple Liquid Lotion works to restore the skin’s barrier and retain moisture. The lotion is also fragrance-free and is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin. It works on people with dry, combination, and normal skin. While the word “clean” has been loosely defined, Kung defines it as nontoxic skin care that is recyclable. “The company’s mission is to make good skin care with refillable containers,” she says. Best healing formulaEucerin Advanced Repair
Looking to get more bang for your buck? You can stay moisturized and save with Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Body Lotion. Each bottle is filled with 16 ounces of a ceramide-rich formula. It’s suitable for children ages 5 years and up. “Eucerin Advanced Repair is a great one for sensitive or prone to irritation skin,” says Richard Torbeck, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Health System. Best splurge face creamSenté Dermal Repair Cream
If you’re looking to up the ante on your over-the-counter facial cream, look no further than Senté’s Dermal Repair Cream. Enriched with vitamin E and green tea extract, the cream works to protect the skin from damaging free radicals while boosting your skin’s immune system. “Senté Dermal Repair Cream is formulated with an anti-aging hydrator with the highest concentration of patented HSA technology that combines antioxidants for people with dry sensitive skin who also wants to treat fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and photodamage,” says Kung. Applying lotion regularly can keep your skin barrier strong. It also reduces the risk of developing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. Moisturizing regularly is especially important for older adults because of age-induced dryness. “After the age of 25, the skin metabolism slows down, and by our 30s, the skin becomes gradually drier and less elastic,” explains Kung. “As we get older, we have fewer oil glands, so we produce less oils in our skin.” Research has shown that lotions specifically containing ceramides can help increase skin hydration within 24 hours in people with atopic dermatitis more so than lotions without ceramides. What lotion is best for sensitive skin?According to Kung, Vanicream is the best lotion for sensitive skin. “This is because Vanicream products are free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releases,” she says. What should I do if my skin is super sensitive and dry?If you have super sensitive and dry skin, Kung recommends using mild soaps and cleansers that are formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum because they leave a moisturizing film on the skin. She also recommends moisturizing when skin is damp to allow the body to absorb the moisturizer better. In addition to applying your lotion regularly, you can use a humidifier to prevent your skin from drying out. How often should I moisturize?According to Torbeck, moisturize at least once a day after showering or bathing. You can consider moisturizing twice a day if you’re prone to dry skin. Every family is different, and the way you care for your crew isn’t one-size-fits-all. But it’s possible to find a lotion that will keep everyone’s skin happy and healthy, even if you’re managing conditions like eczema or acne. What is the safest lotion to use?Best Non-Toxic Body Lotion Brands. Reed + Gwen. This clean beauty brand is brought to you by one of the best non-toxic mattress & bedding brands on the market: Avocado. ... . Silk Therapeutics. ... . Eu'Genia Shea. ... . True Botanicals. ... . Beautycounter. ... . Weleda. ... . Earth Mama. ... . Breedlove.. Which is the best chemical free body lotion?Check out these top non toxic body lotions without harmful chemicals – because your body needs love too.. Vertly California Bloom Body Oil.. Cocokind Sake Body Lotion.. Fitglow Beauty Body Cream.. Asutra Melt Body Butter Lotion.. Bite Body Balm.. Routine Natural Body Oil & Dream Cream.. One Seed Yuzu Vanilla Body Oil.. What is the best lotion according to dermatologist?Both CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream come recommended by multiple dermatologists. CeraVe is our top pick overall because it relieves dryness with simple ingredients without leaving a greasy residue.
What lotion is chemical free?Dove Body Love Light Hydration Body Lotion For All Skin Types Paraben Free, 48hrs Moisturisation with Plant Based moisturiser, Fresh Hydrated Skin 400ml.
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