Skin-Loving Ingredients

So it's that time again folks! 

Today I'm going to be talking about body lotion and the various skin-loving ingredients that they're packed with and what each one does. As with all skincare products, body moisturisers are suited to certain skin types, but mostly they are formulated for dry to very dry skin. It's important to moisturise your whole body, as well as your face, because the environment can be very damaging to the skin and dry it out. Therefore it is important to hydrate the skin in order to replace the moisture that's been lost throughout the day.

I tend to use body lotion after a shower as the skin is clean and the pores are open, which helps to lock in moisture for longer. I also use body lotion after a swim, as chlorine is a chemical which can also dry out the skin, so I make sure to always moisturise the next day as a way of preventing that from happening. Nighttime is also a good time to moisturise as the skin needs time to recover from the damaging effect of the elements. However I don't always do this which I know makes me a hypocrite! Then again we all have areas that we need to work on in life, and this is one of mine. After all... there's always room for improvement!

Here are a few of the body lotions that I use on a daily basis, the ingredients found within them and, most importantly, what they do to help hydrate/moisturise the skin...


1) Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula:-

For: Normal to Very Dry skin
Skin-loving Ingredients: Pure Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E

Properties: Cocoa butter is used to soften and smooth the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of marks and to tone the skin. It can also be used as a way of soothing the skin after sun exposure and even help clear eczema! Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant which helps promote healthy, youthful looking skin.

Verdict: This body butter is one of the best that I have tried so far. It smells amazing, is fast absorbing and leaves skin silky soft as well! It has also helped make my stretch marks fade and eventually disappear completely making it a multi purpose lotion, which will go above and beyond to care for your skin. This is a gem of a product that works hard for your skin!


2) Soap & Glory, The Righteous Butter

For: Very dry skin

Skin-loving Ingredients: Shea Butter and Aloe Vera

Properties: The fatty acids and natural vitamins found in shea butter make it incredibly moisturising and nourishing for the skin. It is typically used to remedy dry skin and protect the natural oils within it. According to studies it can also be used as an anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera is a soothing and moisturising ingredient which can be used to treat sun burn. It also contains antioxidants and vitamins such as beta carotene, vitamin C and E, which are naturally firming and hydrating.

Verdict: I love this product and alternate it with my other favourite moisturiser, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula (see above). It smells lush and is lovely to apply as it sinks into the skin and leaves it feeling super soft. The only criticism I have is that I don't like that it comes in a tub as it gets under my nails when I scoop it out. Apart from that it is a joy to use!

3) Neutrogena, Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm

For: Dry and sensitive skin

Skin-loving Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid

Properties: This ultra hydrating ingredient can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it ideal for keeping the skin continuously soft and smooth and penetrating deep down into the layers of the skin. 

Verdict: When I first saw this product I was immediately intrigued by the word "whipped" as it sounded very luxurious. The texture was very light and mousse-like and it took me awhile to get used to the scent. However once I applied it I found that it melted into the skin, was incredibly hydrating and my skin felt instantly quenched! I normally use it for nighttime recovery to help replenish the skin's moisture barrier overnight.

4) Nivea, Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser

For: Dry Skin

Skin-loving Ingredients: Hydra IQ and Almond Oil

Properties: Hydra IQ is an intense moisturisation technology which deeply penetrates the skin to maintain the moisture barrier and prevent water loss. As well as soothing dry skin, almond oil can improve complexion and skin tone. It is highly emollient and balances the absorption of moisture and water loss. It can also be used to treat acne as it's an anti-bacterial and contains vitamins A and E.

Verdict: This formula has a very thick and creamy texture and takes awhile to absorb into the skin. I also found that it left a greasy residue. Once fully absorbed my skin felt firm but I wasn't particularly satisfied with the results as my skin didn't feel noticeably softer after applying it. I wouldn't personally use this product again as it didn't meet my expectations.

In conclusion I would say that I tend to prefer body butters rather than normal cream-based body lotions as I find that they are generally more absorbent and leave my skin feeling alot softer and non-greasy. However, those are just the ones I've tried so far so let me know if there are any other good ones out there, in the comments below! :) I always find that I feel properly pampered after using a body moisturiser and it makes my skin feel and smell great, which is always a massive bonus! It's definitely worth investing in one as Superdrug always have reductions. So you could walk out with an amazing product, for a fraction of the price!

That's it for now, so until next time...

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare! :)