Body Oil vs. Lotion: Which Is Better?

By now, we all know how great oils and lotions are at keeping the skin smooth and hydrated, playing a vital role in any body care routine. But with all the options on the market in both categories, you may have a hard time deciding whether a body oil or body lotion is the better option. After all, both skin care products promise soft, hydrated skin, so what’s the difference, right? Well, you can skip the Google search because we’re here to share some helpful information. Read on to find out if body oil is better than lotion, so you can decide which product to add to your daily skin care routine.

Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?

Body oil actually isn’t better than lotion, but that also doesn't mean lotion is better than body oil either. We wouldn’t say one is better than the other. Both body care products are great for moisturizing your skin. As you can imagine, with different formulas, each has its own ideal uses. And instead of trying to pick one over the other, it’s best to figure out when to use each one. Sometimes you’ll want to reach for an oil and sometimes a lotion may be a better fit. Or you can layer one on top of the other, just like facial oil and moisturizer.

When To Use Body Oil

Your skin naturally produces oils, but those can be lost via cleansing, and oil production can also slow down as you age. That’s where body oil comes in to save your skin and provide it with any nourishment that it might have lost. Body oils also make for the perfect no-fuss moisturizing option as they absorb quickly into the skin. Check out three of the best times to use body oil below. 

1. Use It In Warm Weather 

Body oils are a great pick to use during the warmer seasons because they aren’t as heavy compared to thick and creamy lotions and moisturizers. Plus, we tend to show more skin during warmer temperatures, and body oil can help give off a natural-looking glow on your arms and legs. 

2. Use It To Lock In Moisture

Right after hopping out of the shower, be sure to apply a body oil to help seal in moisture. Body oils formulated with plant-based skin care ingredients like jojoba, sunflower seed, and avocado are great for locking in moisture because these natural ingredients are similar to the ones found in our skin. These oils are then able to absorb quickly and help repair the skin’s moisture barrier, which will help your skin stay hydrated. 

3. Use It To Get Glowy Skin

If you have dull-looking skin, try incorporating a body oil into your skin care routine. Some oils are designed with a higher concentration of moisturizing ingredients, helping to give off a hydrated and glowy appearance. So grab your favorite body oil and smooth it onto your legs and arms for that aforementioned natural-looking glow. 

When To Use Body Lotion

While oils help to replenish nutrients in the skin, lotions work to treat different skin care concerns ranging from dryness to itch relief. They come in various forms and, according to the Mayo Clinic contain a higher percentage of water which makes them an ideal pick for those with sensitive or oily skin. Check out three of the best times to use a body lotion below. 

1. Use It For Dry Skin 

You may think that a body oil would be more hydrating than lotion, but that isn’t always the case. Lotions tend to be formulated with water, which in turn helps your skin stay hydrated. In fact, lotions are usually a mix of oils and water, making them the best of both worlds for skin that’s in need of moisture and hydration.

2. Use It To Moisturize 24/7 

Like we said, body oil is great for applying straight out of the shower, but if you’re looking to give your skin a dose of hydration throughout the day, turn to lotion for your moisturizing needs. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face/Neck/Chest/Hands, which smells as great as it feels thanks to its honey-inspired fragrance. Formulated with nurturing oils, this moisturizer helps to soothe and soften the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. 

3. Use It To Target Specific Skin Concerns 

Both body oils and body lotions can help nourish your skin, but lotions tend to offer other benefits, too. If you have sensitive skin, there’s a lotion for that. If you have acne-prone skin you can look for lightweight lotions formulated with ingredients that won’t aggravate your skin. 

How To Use Body Oil And Lotion

At the end of the day, both body oil and body lotion have their benefits. It’s really all about personal preference and figuring out what your skin needs. When applying body oil be sure to use it on damp skin so it can lock in moisture and remember a little bit goes a long way. When using body lotion, slather it onto your skin and massage it in until the product is fully absorbed. For a dose of extra hydration add a few drops of body oil to your favorite lotion to use both. Happy hydrating!

Photo Credit: Sarah Duvivier 

Next: 5 Tips To Get Glowing Skin For The Spring