How much time do you spend applying cream to your face, while neglecting your body? Editor Trudi Brewer shares the rules dermatologists wish you would follow daily.
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Spring is here, and the skin on your body is about to be on show, so it deserves some TLC. Applying body lotion after every shower is an easy habit, and the results are instant (think smoother, plumper skin) while long-lasting. Here's what dermatologists want you to know about using body lotion the right way to keep your skin looking its best.
Apply moisturiser on damp skin
"It’s best to apply lotion or cream when your skin is damp, as damp skin absorbs the lotion more readily," says New York-based dermatologist Jody Levine. And Dr Deborah Longwill agrees. "I recommend that after a bath or shower, people dab their skin dry with a towel, leaving some water, and then seal in the moisture with a body moisturiser - the same goes for your face when applying serums," says Miami-based dermatologist Deborah Longwill, who is a fan of daily applications. "Ideally, we should moisturise our body once a day, preferably after the shower. This helps lock in the moisture into your skin, which will keep your skin soft and hydrated. Also, consistency is key. You will notice results when you follow a daily routine. I love using coconut oil on my body post-shower."
BeautyEQ faves
Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Shimmering Body Oil Gel, $82.
The ideal hint of shimmer skin needs in summer, this lotion blends a subtle golden glow with super charged antioxidants, including vitamin C and CoQ10. You can expect brilliantly hydrated skin with a touch of sparkle.
KIEHL'S Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $64.
Famous for good reason, this luxurious body cream can heal the dryest of skins, thanks to the base of soy milk and honey with the blend of rich shea and jojoba butter. While it’s super nourishing, it absorbs quickly so you can get dressed within minutes of applying it.
Massage creams and lotions into the skin
Dr Levine recommends rubbing lotions and creams in circular movements to massage them into the skin. "Massage is one step many people forget, but massage boosts circulation to the area, which helps diminish dullness and promote lymphatic drainage. Research shows that it also helps to reduce tension in the skin, allowing blood to flow to the surface easier for a healthy glow. It's also a relaxing ritual after a long day if you're a nighttime shower person." Or use a body brush to apply your creams and lotions; this is a great way to boost blood flow and help the cream absorb quickly; plus, you won't have greasy hands - ideal if you wear silk or satin fabrics.
BeautyEQ faves
Avène NUTRITION NUTRI-FLUID LOTION, $30.
If your skin is prone to itching or flare-ups, this is one body lotion to keep on standby. We adore how quickly this lightweight milky-like lotion calms the skin thanks to a trio of plant-based lipids that help restore the skin barrier while the soothing thermal spring water heals tight, dry skin. It’s suitable for the entire family.
MOR BELLADONNA HAND & BODY LOTION, $44.
The first thing that hits you with this lotion is the heavenly scent it leaves on the skin. The fragrance blend is lemon, bergamot, French cassis, lilies, Moroccan rose, white narcissus, vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. Then the super-food formula of goji berry and coconut, sweet almond, macadamia oils and nourishing Shea Butter kicks in to hydrate dry skin. Not only will your skin feel uber-smooth it will smell great too.
Swap formulas to suit the seasons
"My favourite tip is to apply creams in the winter instead of lotions because they are thicker and made with less alcohol and water, so they provide more hydration," says dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD. "It's not as easy to spread a cream, it will take you a few extra minutes, but it is worth it. In summer, you can cheat and use lotions because there is more humidity (hydration) in the air, so skin isn't typically as dry."
BeautyEQ faves
The Body Shop Sleep Balmy Body Cream, $59.
This newbie is made with 97 per cent ingredients from natural origin, including luxe-y French lavender essential oil and fair trade vetiver essential oil. Both are whipped with organic Italian olive oil. This gorgeous balm-like cream is housed in a sturdy recyclable jar; the brand says you can simultaneously love your beauty sleep and your beautiful planet, adding this cream to your beauty routine.
Tronque Rich as Croesus Firming Butter, $130.
This soufflé-like rich cream melts into the skin in seconds. The natural formulation is NATRUE-certified and stacked with skin-loving ingredients, including a quartet of butter, shea, cacao and mango. The different kinds of butter is then mixed with ceramides, mamaku (black tree fern), niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine. The firming effects of NZ red seaweed, maple bark, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado, jojoba and olive oil helps firm and give your skin an instant glow. While it’s an investment (a little goes a long way), the luxury doesn’t stop there; the jar is uber-slick too.
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