Body lotion is an effective tool to keep the skin supple all over the body. It prevents dry patches and other skin problems and for this reason can be used regularly.
What is a body lotion?
Body lotion and body oil are cream, oil or gel-like substances that increase the moisture and/or fat content in the skin. Body lotion and body oil are cream-, oil- or gel-shaped substances that increase the moisture and/or fat content in the skin. They are applied to the entire skin of the body for this purpose and are absorbed into the upper layers of the skin. In addition to chemical or natural fat and moisture donors, many products have other active ingredients that are intended to improve the skin’s appearance. Not all of them are undisputed in their effectiveness, as the market for body lotions and body oils is in high demand. Medical and purely cosmetic body lotions have different properties. While the medicinal variants are characterized primarily by their active ingredient complex, the products available in drugstores also depend on their fragrance and packaging. For this reason, fragrances are often added to the latter group, which can trigger allergic reactions under certain circumstances. Since there is a lot of advertising for body lotions (also known as “bodylotions”) and body oils, these have a high share among the cosmetic products sold. Women in particular use them regularly. More and more men are also discovering this type of body care for themselves due to target group-specific advertising.
Forms, types and kinds
Body lotions are sold in all colors, shapes and package sizes. When considering the care properties, they can be divided into moisturizers, lipidizers and other cosmetically effective lotions. The latter group, for example, can tighten the skin, which is primarily interesting for older people and for women after pregnancy. Other products work against impure skin by possessing antiseptic ingredients. Certain medicinal body lotions help in the treatment of skin diseases. For example, a popular ingredient in body lotions for neurodermatitis sufferers is urea (uric acid), which soothes and softens the skin. Body oils – which can be considered a sub- or secondary form of body lotions – primarily provide fat and thus promote the suppleness of the skin. Other components can be found in popular products. These can be, for example, glitter particles that lay on the skin and create a shimmering effect. Self-tanning body lotions are also sold, which are used as a substitute for self-tanner. Recently, lotions that are used in the shower and rinsed off after application have become popular. The reason for this type of use is the time saved, as it is no longer necessary to wait for the lotion to be absorbed – in addition, this opens up another sales market.
Structure and mode of operation
A body lotion is an emulsion. This means that it consists of a water and a fat portion, whereby the two components can have a different extent. In addition, a body lotion contains other active ingredients and additives that have certain benefits. The so-called “fat phase” of the lotion is formed by butters, waxes, fatty alcohols and/or wax esters. Butters are very rich but are difficult to apply to the skin. Waxes are also very solid and, if present, are used only in small amounts. The fat phase also includes lighter oils, such as the plant oils used in natural cosmetics. Fats are ideal for dry skin and prevent stretch marks when used during weight gain or before and during pregnancy. The water phase contains water as well as hydrolates, ingredients that moisturize the skin. A high percentage of moisturizers is suitable for skin that is prone to blemishes, which is often the case on the back and neck. Body lotion additives include fragrances, water– and fat-soluble actives and preservatives, as well as other chemical ingredients used to affect the lotion’s consistency. While the moisturizing components of a lotion are quickly absorbed into the skin, fat remains on the surface of the skin for a longer period of time and only gradually migrates into the underlying skin layers.
Medical and health benefits
Body lotions and body oils are used for skin care at any age. Older people in particular benefit from their care effect, which makes the skin supple and – depending on the active ingredient complex – can also tighten it. Used regularly, body lotions can prevent skin problems. They also help to reverse existing difficult areas by combating dry skin, for example. To be effective, body lotions must be used daily over a period of time. This applies equally to lotions used in the cosmetic industry and to medical products. Body lotions can be recommended or prescribed by the attending physician. They are used for extremely dry skin of diabetics, for problems with neurodermatitis or psoriasis and during or after pregnancy. Although body lotions and body oils act on the skin, they also have a psychological benefit as a result. Healthy skin supports a sense of physical well-being, while constantly itchy or severely blemished skin can promote the development of mental illnesses. Many women fatally make part of their self-esteem dependent on the appearance of their skin. Body lotions and body oils that tighten and soften the skin can provide a valuable service in this context. The use of body lotions selected according to the needs of the individual skin type thus has a high medical and cosmetic benefit – combined with a relatively low cost.
