A Dermatologist Ranked the 3 Worst Body-Lotion Mistakes
If there's anything I'm very strict about when it comes to my beauty routine, it's body lotion. I might forget a step in my nighttime skincare routine, but I never forget to put on body lotion in the morning, whether or not I shower that day. For the most part, it's paid off; aside from the occasional eczema flare-up on my hands, arms or neck, I have pretty smooth skin. But since I'm a curious person and like to question everything, I wanted to know if there were some things I was missing when it comes to body-lotion application.
So I reached out to dermatologist Dr Naissan Wesley of Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills in the U.S. to get her tips and to see what role body lotions play in reducing signs of looking after our skin as we grow older. We're not talking anti-ageing here—it's a privilege to age after all—but how using a body lotion can keep our skin protected and looking and feeling its best as we move through life.
In general, the guidelines for applying body lotion are pretty simple. "I recommend applying body lotion daily," Wesley says. "If recently showered, the best time to apply is within three to five minutes after a bath or shower to help trap moisture in and restore the skin barrier that may have been disrupted by soap or cleansers."
But whilst it seems straightforward, there are some mistakes you can make with body lotion according to Wesley.
What are the most common body lotion mistakes?
1. Not applying enough: Don't be stingy with the stuff. Of course, you don't need to empty the whole bottle onto your body but be generous with how much you apply.
2. Not applying it all over: Make sure you're moisturising every inch of your body; don't just apply lotion on your upper body and forget about your legs.
3. Applying a lotion that isn't moisturising enough: This might depend on your skin type or needs. Overall, you'll want to choose a product that contains the nutrients, vitamins and ingredients that will keep your skin hydrated for a while. "I prefer to use body lotions that contain natural and fewer unnecessary ingredients," Wesley says. "I find that a creamier texture or one that is a lotion mixed with oil often has longer-lasting moisturising effects than a thinner, more watery lotion that just tends to evaporate off the skin's surface. Ingredients such as shea butter, cold-pressed oils, borage seed oil, and/or fatty acids such as ceramides tend to have great barrier-protecting properties."
How can body lotion look after our skin as we age?
One thing I didn't realise about body lotions? They can play a big role in protecting your skin as we grow older. Here I was just honing in on the eye creams, serums, face oils and night creams of the skincare world and not even thinking that my body-lotion habit could also be helping to maintain radiant and firm skin.
"The skin often tends to appear more wrinkled when it's drier," Wesley explains. "Thus the same moisture-enhancing and barrier-protecting ingredients [mentioned above] also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, topical antioxidants can be helpful to repair free-radical damage from the sun and the environment, whilst peptide ingredients can be useful to help support collagen proliferation."
How often should you apply body lotion?
As for application, Wesley says you can apply it as often as feels good, as long as you don't have acne-prone skin and the lotion isn't clogging pores. "For mature or dry skin, applying lotion morning and evening would be appropriate, especially after bathing or showering," she advises. Regardless of whether you have mature skin or not, Wesley says application frequency will depend on the climate of where you live because cold, dry, and windy conditions might require more moisture support. Other factors include exposure to hard water and soap and any underlying conditions like eczema or thyroid disorders.
The best anti-ageing body lotions, listed:
1. Drunk Elephant Sili Whipped Body Lotion
2. Lisa Franklin Clinic Privé Luxury Bath and Body Oil – Energy
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Ageing Body Cream
4. Osea Anti-Ageing Body Balm
5. Sol de Janerio + Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
6. Caudalie Vinotherapist Nourishing Body Lotion
7. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion (Fragrance Free)
8. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
9. La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion
10. Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion
11. Nivea Light Moisturising Body Lotion for Normal Skin
12. Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy Body Treatment
13. Kai Rose Body Lotion
14. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
15. Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
16. Cowshed Replenish Uplifting Body Lotion
17. Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Body Crème
18. Lancer Skincare The Method: Body Nourish Créme
19. Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
SHOP OUR FAVOURITE BODY LOTIONS:
1. Drunk Elephant Sili Whipped Body Lotion
This body lotion has lots of skincare benefits with ingredients such as squalane and a ceramide blend to help hydrate and strengthen the skin's barrier. Not only will your skin be left feeling incredibly soft, but you'll smell delicious thanks to the naturally sweet scent from vanilla extract.
2. Lisa Franklin Clinic Privé Luxury Bath and Body Oil – Energy
This luxe body oil has an indulgent, citrusy scent, whilst the cocktail of essential oils leave the skin nourished.
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Ageing Body Cream
Though on the pricier side, Dr. Barbara Sturm's body cream is really worth it. Formulated with antioxidants, white almond and elderberry blossom, the lotion will tighten skin and diminish signs of ageing. It's also quickly absorbed and ultra hydrating.
4. Osea Anti-Ageing Body Balm
This body balm both tightens skin and reduces the appearance of sun damage. It has botanical ingredients like lemon, safflower and coconut oils.
5. Sol de Janerio Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Pronounced as "boom boom" in Brazil, this editor-adored body cream isn't just for your bum. The rich cream, which boasts guaraná, a native Amazonian plant that is one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet, is perfect for stimulating circulation, promoting firmness and smoothness as you work it into your skin. Also, it smells divine.
6. Caudalie Vinotherapist Nourishing Body Lotion
Caudalie's body lotion not only hydrates the skin, but it also helps prevent premature ageing with antioxidant polyphenols. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, shea butter and organic grape water.
7. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion (Fragrance Free)
This fragrance-free body lotion not only hydrates the skin, but thanks to lactic acid, it also works to remove dead skin cells. It's great for those with very dry or dehydrated skin and sinks in quickly on application.
8. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
I've always been a fan of the body butters from The Body Shop. They're slightly thicker in texture than a traditional lotion, but I love to use them when I want my skin to feel super soft. The shea butter one is great for dry skin, and I usually apply this at night to let it work whilst I sleep.
9. La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion
This one is a big splurge, but if you want something super-luxurious, La Mer's lotion provides all-day hydration whilst preventing further moisture loss. Like other La Mer products, it contains the brand's proprietary Miracle Broth, Reparative Ferment and Replenishing Waters complexes, which work to plump and brighten skin.
10. Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion
Not only does this body lotion smell amazing, but it's super effective, too. It's enriched with shea butter, natural oils and a blend of antioxidants to leave your skin feeling smooth and firm.
11. Nivea Light Moisturising Body Lotion for Normal Skin
Nivea's body lotion is a great affordable option. It sinks into the skin quickly but leaves you feeling so hydrated. For the price, you really can't go wrong.
12. Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy Body Treatment
Perricone MD's body lotion is specially formulated to help thin, crepey skin. The refreshing formula contains retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid, which all work to make the skin smoother and firmer. It also promotes skin renewal.
13. Kai Rose Body Lotion
As far as scents go, you'll struggle to find a lotion as potent as this. Layered with rose absolute, bergamot, clove, cedarwood and geranium, this body lotion is a luxurious way to moisturise your skin. Shea butter and complex vitamins ensure it's also high-performing and will leave your skin feeling impossibly smooth. I like to apply it after a bath before bedtime.
14. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Affordable skincare favourite Cetaphil also has a moisturising body lotion. This one has ingredients such as avocado oil to restore the skin's moisture barrier. It can be used both morning and evening for silky, smooth skin.
15. Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
This rich cream is formulated with botanicals, retinol, antioxidants and other good-for-the-skin ingredients for top-to-toe rejuvenation. It's also free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sulfates and detergents.
16. Cowshed Replenish Uplifting Body Lotion
If you apply your body lotion as part of your morning routine, Cowshed's blend of red mandarin, bitter orange and grapefruit will give your skin the fresh kickstart it needs. What I love most about this lotion is its non-sticky, fast-drying formula, which means I can get dressed soon after applying—handy, as I'm always running late.
17. Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Body Crème
With conditioning oils of jojoba seed, cocoa seed and sweet almond, Jo Malone's body creams are designed to nourish and protect the skin whilst bestowing your body with your favourite iconic scent—mine being Pomegranate Noir.
18. Lancer Skincare The Method: Body Nourish Créme
With 10% glycolic acid, this body cream exfoliates dead skin cells and improves texture and tone. It also contains marula, kigelia and Kalahari melon seed oils to trap moisture into the skin.
19. Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
Retinol isn't just a gold-standard ingredient for facial skincare, its emerging as a real powerhouse in body care too. This lotion is infused with encapsulated retinol—a gentler way to apply it—and it really does a great job of brightening, firming and evening skin tone when you use it on a regular basis.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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