If your skin looks flaky, dry, and dull, it may be because of your moisturizer. Use our guide to help you find a suitable moisturizing lotion.
The label of a lotion is similar to a book. It can give you an idea of what you will find inside, but it’s only possible to tell if you’ll enjoy the product once you use it. Getting a moisturizer that is too greasy, does not last, or is just disappointing is easy. Experts share tips to fix the most common lotion problems.
Problem: The lotion does not absorb quickly.
This is a common complaint that occurs when you use too much lotion. Emollients are ingredients designed to prevent water from evaporating off your skin. Perry Romanowski is a cosmetic chemist from Chicago who says people use twice as much moisturizer as they should.
The Fix: Use less! Ni’Kita, a cosmetic scientist and vice president at Englewood Labs in New Jersey, recommends covering as much skin surface as possible with the least amount of lotion. This will reduce the time it takes for the cream to be absorbed by your skin.
It may be necessary to exfoliate your skin before moisturizing. These dried-up skin cells can prevent lotion absorption if you have a flaky, dull layer on your surface. Lactic acid in a moisturizer is both exfoliating as well as moisturizing.
Problem: The lotion leaves streaks.
The water evaporates as you apply lotion to your skin. This residue contains emollients that help moisturize the skin.
The Fix: Use fewer products. Switch to a product containing dimethicone but not petrolatum. “Petrolatum is harder to rub in and dimethicone leaves no streaking,” Romanowski says.
Problem: The lotion is greasy.
Again, the cause is high levels of emollients. Romanowski states dimethicone (silicon) evaporates once the lotion is applied.
Next time you go shopping, find a lotion with Cyclomethicone. “Cyclomethicone will evaporate faster than dimethicone,” says Romanowski.
Add baby powder to the lotion to reduce the amount of emollients. Wilson says he sprinkles some baby powder into his hand before applying the cream. This helps absorb the excess oil. Use only a tiny amount, or the mixture will clump.
Problem: I need to apply lotion constantly.
This is usually caused by using a lighter lotion or applying it too soon after showering.
The Fix: Dermatologists advise applying lotion while your skin is still moist after bathing, especially in dry winter. This will help seal moisture and keep your skin feeling soft for longer.
You can also supercharge your lotion by adding a few drops of oil to the small cream in your hands. Wilson says, “Adding extra emollients gives the application more staying power.”
Problem: The scent needs to be stronger.
Some products scented well in the beauty aisle can smell completely different when brought home.
The Fix: You can’t change the scent of a product once it’s been brought home. But you can keep an eye out for future offenders. Know the difference between “unscented,” “fragrance-free,” and “fragrance-free”: An “unscented” lotion contains a masking scent to cover the chemical smell of the product. A product labeled “fragrance-free” will not include a fragrance but could still have an odor.
The ingredients list can also include the words “linalool” and “limonene,” which create a stealthy fragrance.
Problem: I want to use the same moisturizer on my face and body.
When it comes to moisturizing, multitasking is not a good idea. Very few people can use a single product from head to toe. Wilson says that using one product to moisturize your entire body is possible, but only when your skin doesn’t become very dry. The ingredients in products designed for the skin can be heavier than those for the body. These heavier formulas may clog the pores.
The Fix: Wilson recommends gentle multipurpose formulation if you have low-maintenance, overall skin. You must use different products if you have dry, flaky skin all over your body and skin on your face prone to wrinkles or acne.
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Problem: My skin is irritated or stings when I use lotion.
This could be a sign of allergies or sensitivities, which may have been caused by the fragrances and preservatives used in your lotion. These additives come in different forms, such as sodium sorbate, parabens, and DMDM hydantoin. Existing skin conditions may cause stinging or burning. Romanowski says the area could be susceptible to emulsifiers and fragrance ingredients if you have a skin rash or a wound.
Fix: It may seem obvious but stop using products that sting or irritate your skin. It’s best to avoid the irritation in the first instance. Find out what triggers your skin’s reaction before you purchase any new products. Avoid products that have dyes or fragrances, which can irritate. Check the ingredients carefully. Search for formulations that are designed for sensitive or infant skin.