Is a Lotion or Cream Better for Dry Skin?

If you've ever wondered if either a lotion or cream would be better to use for dry skin, then the answer really depends on the personal choice and what you're actually looking for. A lotion has a thinner consistency and so you can get a lot of actives and extracts into it, which can then seep nicely into skin cells to really do some lovely hydration in the skin. Whereas a cream is thicker and can also contain a huge number of actives and extracts, but tends to sit on the skin somewhat for a more long-lasting level of protection. This is why serums tend to be more of a lotion consistency and face cream moisturisers tend to be more of a cream consistency. To get the best hydration for your dry skin then using both a lotion serum and a face cream is always going to be the best for your skin and give the maximum impact.

At Nakin we recommend that our customers with very dry skin use our Performance Face Serum or Revitalising Face Oil, and then one of our face creams on top. This means that skin gets the deeper hydration into the skin cells from the serum lotion or oil, but also the most long-lasting protecting cocooning hydration in our face creams.

If you have dry skin, you know how important it is to keep it moisturised and hydrated. However, with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for your skin. Two popular options are lotions and creams, but which one is better? In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between lotions and creams and help you decide which one is right for you.

Firstly, let's talk about what lotions and creams actually are. Lotions are a lightweight, thin liquid that is absorbed into the skin quickly. Creams, on the other hand, are thicker and heavier. They take longer to absorb into the skin but provide more intense hydration and are ideal for long-lasting hydration and protection.

When it comes to dry skin, both lotions and creams can be effective, but it depends on your individual needs. If you have mild dryness or just need a daily moisturiser, a lotion can work if its thick enough for everyday use and won't leave your skin feeling greasy. However, if your skin is extremely dry or irritated, a cream might be a better option. This is because it provides more comprehensive hydration.

Another factor to consider is the ingredients in your moisturiser. Lotions are typically water-based, which makes them lighter and easier to absorb. They often contain ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are great for hydrating the skin. Creams, on the other hand, are oil-based and may contain heavier ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter. These ingredients are great for repairing and protecting the skin, plus easing dehydrated or irritated areas. 

When it comes to choosing between lotion and cream for dry skin, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have mild dryness or want a daily moisturiser, a lotion is a good choice as long as it also has some stress protection for skin. If you have sensitive or extremely dry skin, a cream may be a better option. Always pay attention to the ingredients in any product that you use, as this is the No 1 criteria of any skincare product. With the right product and application, you can say goodbye to dry, flaky skin and hello to a healthy, glowing complexion.