Body Moisturizers

Contents [ Hide ]

Body moisturizers   are important for keeping skin soft, smooth and youthful. They are a quintessential beauty product to indulge in during the cool, dry winter months and they are a must-have year-round for those with dry skin. Choosing a moisturizer (or several) is easy, considering that most people just pick up one of the first they see in the drugstore. However, keep in mind that giving some thought to your purchase may actually result in happier skin.

Understand Your Skin's Needs

  1. Normal Skin   : For the most part your skin stays soft and smooth all year round. You might get slightly dry during the winter, but that's about the extent of your skin woes. How lucky you are. You have the most choices. Select your favorite fragrance because most likely it won't irritate your skin. Choose maybe two or three different lotions of varying thicknesses to suit your skin at different times of year. For example, an intense moisturizer for winter, a light, scented lotion or mist for summer and a standard lotion for use anytime during the rest of the year. You may also want to consider lotions that contain an SPF . 
  2. Sensitive Skin   : Your skin may be on the dry or oily side, but the main problem you face is dealing with itchiness, redness, rashes or irritation. You may or may not have a skin condition such as eczema, keratosis pilaris or even allergies. In this case, it is recommended to avoid products that contain fragrances or other chemical products. Natural and organic products   are usually a very good choice. When in doubt about a product, try to do a patch test before slathering it on your whole body.
  3. Moisturizer for Dry Skin   : No matter whether it's summer, spring, winter or fall, you tend to have dry, itchy, flaky skin. You are the prime target for thick, rich, luxurious moisturizing creams that contain essential oils ,  shea   and cocoa butter .  Fragrances are fine as long as you don't have sensitive skin too. Moisturizers that include an exfoliating chemical, such as 1% or 2% BHA (salicylic acid), might help to rid your skin of the dead flakes. For moisture during the summer months when creams can be too heavy, try periodically spraying a moisturizing mist on your skin. It won't be heavy, but it will keep your skin from becoming parched.
  4. Acne-Prone Skin   : When you have breakouts frequently on your back, neck, thighs or buttocks, it is best to follow the same regime on your body as you do on your face. It also means that you should be sure to couple your moisturizing regimen with your cleansing routine so as to get the best results from the products you use. Non-comedogenic   products that include an exfoliant and a medication are the best. Look for traces of sulfur or clay to dry up blemishes and tea tree oil to help disinfect your skin from bacteria. Another option for the winter months if you have dry skin to boot, is a moisturizing gel. They absorb quickly, won't clog pores and provide plenty of skin nourishment. Avoid thick butters or oils as they tend to clog the pores. If the problem is severe, retinoids, oral antibiotics, photodynamic therapy and Accutane are serious solutions to acne problems. You must consult a physician before using these products. See Acne Treatments for more information.

Moisturizer Types

There are two main types of body moisturizers: lotions and creams. Creamy moisturizers aren't the only way to nourish the skin. Below you can see that there are many options for hydrating the skin, ordered from the lightest to the heaviest.

Mist : Light, barely there nourishment adds just a touch of moisture. Great for the hot summer months when lotions simply melt from the heat.

Oil : Great for right after getting out of the shower to seal in moisture. Often light and fast absorbing but not a substitute for a true moisturizer if you have dry skin. They can also be used for massage.

Lotion/Souffle : Average weight and thickness make them easy to wear for most everyone, but they provide only limited moisture for very dry skin.

Cream/Whip/Mousse/Butter : Thick formulas moisturize deep down and are best for those with dry skin.

Moisturizers also have secondary features that may appeal to some users. The other qualities that people look for in moisturizers are:

Top Picks

Like with all bath and body products it is imperative as an informed consumer that you know what matters most. Above all other features on any product are the ingredients. Never take cost as a substitute for quality. Learn to read labels, understand which items are emollients, which are prone to drying skin, which are natural and which are synthetic. Surely you have seen the aisles in the drugstores and the hundreds of products available online. It is no doubt a jungle out there. Just keep in mind that there are plenty of user reviews and product ratings at your disposal. From those, a list has been compiled to enhance your shopping experience. From basic moisturizers for everyday use, to slightly posh new products and luxurious gifts ideas, hopefully these will help guide you to finding a new favorite moisturizer that is perfect for your skin.

Inexpensive: Less Than $10

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula  

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment  

Nivea Creme  

L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer  

Aveeno Body Lotion  

Mid-Range: $10 to $20

De-Lovely Luscious Body Butter  

Lush Dream Cream  

L'Occitane 100 Pure Shea Butter  

Philosophy Soul Owner  

Ahava Advanced Hand Cream  


Luxury: $20+

Kiehl's Creme de Corps  

Fresh Shea Butter  

Jaqua Girls Buttercream Frosting Sinfully Rich Body Butter  

Tend Skin  

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter  

Related Buying Guides

External Links