How to Use Body Lotion to Stay Hydrated and Plump All Over
Body lotions aren’t what they used to be 10, or even five, years ago. Now you can find proactive skincare ingredients in them—like retinol and hyaluronic acid—so you can give your whole body the same tender loving care you give your face.
When you get out of the shower, don’t skip the body lotion, especially in the winter. It can help keep your skin looking more youthful, hydrated, and snatched even during the driest winter months. Plus, depending on your skin type and needs, you can correct even the most stubborn skin issues if you know which products to reach for. We break down everything you need to know about using body lotion like a pro, as told by esthetician Matthew Miller.
Meet the Expert
Matthew Miller is a licensed esthetician and founder of VERS.
What Is Body Lotion
Body lotion can help lock in moisture across the areas of your body that commonly go unnoticed or uncared for. According to Miller, “It works in the same way we would use moisturizer for our face. It also helps to hydrate skin and prevent water loss.”
Benefits of Body Lotion
Prevents Water Loss: Water loss is one of the first issues that makes skin appear to look older than it really is.
Softens Skin: Even the most rough skin can benefit from body lotion. Look for a lotion formulated for extra dry skin. For your feet, try putting lotion on and covering them with thick socks to really speed up the process.
Accelerates Healing: Wounds and scars need to stay wet or constantly moisturized in order to heal. That’s why silicone patches are so great at minimizing the appearance of scars. Keep cuts and wounds moisturized and clean to help accelerate healing.
Improves Texture: Applying body lotion can transform rough, bumpy skin to smoother, more hydrated skin over time.
Brightens: Look for ingredients like vitamin C to help brighten your skin’s overall appearance.
How to Use Body Lotion Like a Skincare Pro
1. Use a Scrub in the Shower
“There are creams and lotions that do exfoliate,” says Miller, “but they’d be better for people that are prone to body breakouts.” Meaning, you can exfoliate with a natural scrub during your shower to slough off dead skin, that way your body lotion can sink into your skin as soon as you apply it post-shower.
2. Don’t Dry Off Skin Completely
Miller likes to apply oils and lotions to damp skin. While you shouldn’t be dripping wet after a shower, a light towel-off will suffice.
3. Add Body Oil if Skin Is Extra Dry
This is a Miller-approved tip for skin that needs some serious quenching, especially in the winter time.
4. Apply Lotion Directly After
If you use body oil use right after. Or, if you skip the oil, apply lotion directly to damp skin.
Picking the Best Body Lotion for Your Needs
Balanced to Dry Skin
If you have normal to dry skin, pick up a light cream lotion, suggests Miller. We love the NANETTE LEPORE Body Lotion in Colors of Nanette. It has a fruity and floral scent combo that’s perfect for day or night use.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, reach for a skin balm or oil before you add lotion. We can’t get enough of the KEYS SOULCARE Sacred Body Oil that uses marula, baobab, and jojoba oils to lock in moisture and brighten your skin’s overall appearance.
Acne Prone or Keratosis Pilaris (KP) Skin
For acne-prone skin or skin that’s bumpy due to KP, Miller recommends a lotion that has glycolic acid for cell turnover and added exfoliation. CRABTREE & EVELYN Smooth + Refine Body Lotion is perfect, since it includes apple-derived AHAs that eliminate dead skin cells.
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