Body lotion

Body lotion is an effective tool to keep the skin supple all over the body. It prevents dry skin and other skin problems and can therefore be used regularly.

What is a body lotion?

Body lotion and body oil are cream, oil or gel-like substances that increase the moisture and / or fat content in the skin.

Body lotion and Body oil are cream, oil or gel-like substances that increase the moisture and / or fat content in the skin. For this purpose, they are applied to the entire skin of the body and are absorbed into the upper layers of the skin.

In addition to chemical or natural fat and moisturizers, many products have other active ingredients that are supposed to improve the skin's appearance. Not all of them are indisputable in their effectiveness, as the body lotion and body oil market is in high demand.

Medical and purely cosmetic body lotions have different properties. While the medicinal variants are primarily characterized by their active ingredient complex, the fragrance and packaging of the products available in drugstores are also important. For this reason, fragrances are often added to the latter group, which under certain circumstances can trigger allergic reactions.

Since there is a lot of advertising for body lotions (also known as "body lotions") and body oils, they make up a high proportion of the cosmetic products sold. Women in particular use them regularly. More and more men are also discovering this type of body care for themselves due to target group-specific advertising.

Shapes, types & types

Body lotions are sold in all colors, shapes, and package sizes. When considering the care properties, they can be divided into moisturizers, grease donors and other cosmetically effective lotions. The latter group can, for example, tighten the skin, which is primarily of interest to the elderly and to women after pregnancy. Other products work against blemished skin by having antiseptic ingredients. Certain medicated body lotions help treat skin conditions. A popular component of body lotions for neurodermatitis sufferers is, for example, urea (uric acid), which soothes and makes the skin supple. Body oils - which can be viewed as a sub or minor form of body lotions - primarily provide fat and thus promote the suppleness of the skin.

Other components can be found in popular products. This can be, for example, glitter particles that lie on the skin and create a shimmering effect. Self-tanning body lotions are also sold, which are used as a substitute for self-tanners. Lotions that are used in the shower and rinsed off after application have become popular recently. The reason for this type of use is the time saved, as there is no longer any need to wait for the lotion to be absorbed - it also opens up another sales market.

Structure & functionality

A body lotion is an emulsion. This means that it consists of a water and a fat component, whereby the two components can have a different scope. In addition, a body lotion contains other active ingredients and additives that have a specific benefit.

The so-called "fat phase" of the lotion is formed by butter, waxes, fatty alcohols and / or wax esters. Butters are very rich, but difficult to apply to the skin. Waxes are also very solid and - if available - are only used in small quantities. The fat phase also includes lighter oils, such as the vegetable oils used in natural cosmetics. Fats are ideal for dry skin and help prevent stretch marks when used during weight gain or before and during pregnancy. The water phase contains water and hydrolates, i.e. components that add moisture to the skin. A high percentage of moisturizers is suitable for skin that is prone to blemishes, which is often the case on the back and neck.

Additives for the body lotion are fragrances, water- and fat-soluble active ingredients and preservatives as well as other chemical components that are used to influence the consistency of the lotion. While the moisturizing components of a lotion are quickly absorbed by the skin, fat remains on the surface of the skin for a long time and only gradually migrates to the underlying skin layers.

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Medical & health benefits

Body lotions and body oils are used for skin care at all ages. Older people in particular benefit from their care properties, which make the skin supple and - depending on the active ingredient complex - can also tighten it. Used regularly, body lotions can help prevent skin problems. They also help to regress already existing difficult areas, for example by fighting dry skin areas.

Body lotions must be used daily for a period of time to be effective. This applies equally to lotions in the cosmetic industry and to medical products. Body lotions can be recommended or prescribed by the attending physician. They are used for extremely dry skin of diabetics, for problems with neurodermatitis or psoriasis and during or after pregnancy.

Although body lotions and body oils act on the skin, they also have psychological benefits as a result. Healthy skin supports physical wellbeing, while constantly itchy or extremely blemished skin can promote the development of mental illnesses. Many women fatally base part of their self-esteem on the appearance of their skin. Body lotions and body oils that tighten and smooth the skin can be of great service in this context.

The use of body lotions, which are selected according to the needs of the individual skin type, has a high medical and cosmetic benefit - combined with a relatively low cost.