Both body lotions and body oils are known to replenish skin, but is one better than the other for treating extra dry skin? The answer isn’t so simple: It’s not just about what you apply, but also how you apply it. We consulted with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, to learn the best methods for using body lotion and body oil. Keep reading for his tips.Is It Better to Use Body Oil or Lotion for Dry skin?Ultimately, you can use either body oil or lotion to replenish dry skin, but if you really want to reap hydrating benefits, it’s best to try both.“Body oils contain emollient ingredients like fatty acids to help hydrate and soften the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. Some oils lack humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so if you find that your skin is extra dry, Dr. Zeichner says you can apply a traditional lotion before an oil for maximum hydration.If you’re someone with oily skin, you can still benefit from using body oils, too. “Many people feel that oily skin types cannot use oil-based skincare products, which is not true,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Most of the cosmetic-grade oils used in skincare don’t weigh the skin down or cause breakouts.”When it comes to body oil, we love the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil for its lightweight texture that leaves skin hydrated and nourished without feeling greasy. As for body lotion, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream is one of our favorites.
