How to Use Body Lotion?

What is a Body Lotion?

A lotion is a topical preparation, applied to the skin with bare hands or cotton wool, with the intent to moisturise and/or treat the skin. Most body lotions are meant to simply keep the skin soft, smooth and healthy, but they can also have anti-ageing properties and contain fragrances.

Body lotions are less viscous than creams, as they contain a larger percentage of water. This gives them a thinner consistency, making it easier for them to be spread over a large area. They normally come in a bottle and are easy to apply. You can also use body lotions on a daily basis as they are light and easily absorbed by the skin.

How to Use a Body Lotion?

Dry and tight skin is uncomfortable. A good body lotion helps keep your skin soft and supple, and eventually, younger looking. A proper skin care routine will keep your skin healthy and moisturised. But how do you use body lotion? Let us help you along:
  1. Step 1: Pick the right body lotion for your skin type.
  2. Step 2: Use the body lotion right after a shower, as your skin is most thirsty then. Damp skin absorbs lotion most readily.
  3. Step 3: Apply a coin-sized dollop of lotion on your palm, and start applying from the bottom up.
  4. Step 4: Distribute lotion evenly on each part of your body, and work section by section to ensure nothing is left uncovered. 
  5. Step 5: Use separate products for your face and body. A body lotion is formulated for the body, and the delicate skin on the face needs a special face cream.

4 Main Benefits of Body Lotion:

Regular use of body lotions can provide some amazing benefits. These include:

  1. Hydrating dry skin - Your skin can become dry for various reasons. Age, climate and sometimes just not taking proper care can lead to your skin becoming dry and flaky. Using a body lotion every day can help replenish lost moisture, and ensure your skin stays soft and supple
  2. Heal rough spots, especially calluses - You might have rough areas on your body, like around the elbows or knees that could benefit from body lotion application after a bath or at bedtime. Your feet may also be bearing the brunt of a job that requires you to stand or walk through sandy and dry areas. With regular use, a replenishing lotion can ease rough skin and make it as smooth and silky as the rest of your body
  3. Feel and smell good - Soft, creamy and with a pleasant fragrance, body lotions make your skin feel good. The soft fragrance of body lotion can also be relaxing and moisturising, leaving a long-term positive effect on you
  4. Get a glow - Body lotions come in various varieties and serve many purposes - from soft fragrances to moisturising action, to deep nourishment. Whatever the case may be, healthy skin is the result, and healthy skin has a beautiful natural glow that you cannot replicate.
 

Ingredients of a Body Lotion:

When choosing a body lotion for your skin, it’s important for you to know what ingredients it contains. Every skin type has its own unique issues, and it is important to understand what you are putting on your skin to avoid any flare-ups or adverse reactions. These are some of the most common ingredients found in body lotions:
  1. Ceramides - Ceramides are lipid molecules found in the membrane of skin cells, and are credited with helping to prevent moisture loss. Ceramides help maintain and restore the skin’s barrier function, sealing in the moisture
  2. Essential fatty acids - Also known as healthy fats, essential fatty acids provide cells with the fuel they need to carry out biological processes. The body doesn’t produce essential fatty acids on its own, so they must be absorbed from your diet or lotion. The skin needs this fuel for the moisturising function, and to keep itself healthy and glowing
  3. Glycerine, glycols and polyols – These ingredients have a special power to draw in and retain moisture, making them essential in soaps and cleansers. The presence of these ingredients means that your skin will not be stripped of its natural moisture when using the said products
  4. Hyaluronic acid - The hyaluronic acid molecule absorbs about 1,000 times its own weight in water. This ingredient offers a quick and effective hydrating action, which keeps collagen and elastin moist and functioning. If you have oily skin, hyaluronic acid is the perfect ingredient – it is lightweight, non-oily and safe to use even for acne-prone complexions
  5. Peptides - Peptides are amino acids that tell your skin how to function properly. They also help your skin to produce collagen, which keeps the skin youthful by reducing the appearances of wrinkles over time. Peptides are also known to be helpful in minimising the symptoms of skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and dermatitis
  6. Vitamin E – This essential ingredient works to hydrate skin, promotes healthy elasticity, and even defends against free radicals. This makes it the ideal anti-ageing ingredient, and hence, most face and body care products today include Vitamin E
  7. Antioxidants – Antioxidants fight free radicals, cell damage and wrinkles, and are really good for your skin. There are many types of anti-oxidants, which can be absorbed through food as well as body lotions, keeping your skin healthy inside out
 

When Fruits and Nuts Are Added to Body Lotions

Many of us want our bodies to smell a certain way, and that can be fruity, flowery or more. The type of body lotion you use will have a certain smell because of its extracts, but that is not the only factor you should consider when you buy body lotion.

For example, body lotions with honey are known to deliver the benefits of honey to your body. Our list below explains the benefits of nature’s ingredients in your body lotion:

  • Yogurt – Yogurt’s anti-ageing components help tighten pores while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a special formula to youth!
  • Coconut – A natural antibacterial and antifungal, coconut is used by millions of people because it is known to be an excellent moisturizer
  • Oatmeal – Oatmeal is not just a good breakfast meal, its anti-oxidant properties help revitalise your skin, and reduces itchiness and damaged the skin. A healing component in body lotions, oatmeal is a great refresher for your skin!
  • Honey – Not only is it extremely moisturizing, but honey is also great for preventing acne because it is a natural antibacterial. Its soothing qualities help the skin to glow
  • Peach – Containing Vitamin C, peach aids in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, helping tired skin look fresh and healthy! The components in peach also help decrease dark circles
 

Where Can You Buy a Body Lotion?

Supermarket shelves are full of body lotions and you will always be spoilt for choice. It is important, however, to pick up a lotion from a reliable brand. Large supermarket chains will have a wider range of products, and you will be able to find a formulation suitable for you.

You can also shop online for a good body lotion that caters to your needs. Read up on what each one has to offer, and make the selection accordingly.

Honey Oat Body Lotion

Johnson’s is introducing a new range of products – the Vita-Rich Yogurt Smoothies range – creating a completely new and revolutionary solution for your skin. Gentle and tough at the same time, our signature product, the Honey Oat Body Lotion, captures the power of natural yoghurt, honey and oats in a gentle and effective formula.