Body lotion vs body oil for dry skin: which to use

Verdict: lotion for daily dry skin, oil for sealing it in on damp skin or on very dry patches. In the body lotion vs body oil question, they do different jobs. Lotion is mostly water with some oil. Oil is only oil.

Which wins on

Cautions

• Oil makes floors slippery. Wipe your feet before you step out of the shower.
• Do not use it on broken or sore skin without asking a pharmacist.
• Strong scents can irritate dry skin. If it stings, stop.

If your skin is red, itchy, cracked or sore, it may be a condition such as eczema or dermatitis. The NHS has information on contact dermatitis. A pharmacist or doctor can advise if it does not settle with moisturiser.

For hands, a thicker cream usually works better, see dry cracked hands in winter. For feet, see cracked heels.

A worked example

Say you have dry shins in winter, and you shower every morning.

1. Pat dry so the skin is still a little damp.
2. Put on a few drops of plain oil and smooth them over.
3. Put your clothes on after a minute.
4. In the evening, put lotion on the same area if the skin still feels tight.

This gives you the seal in the morning and a top-up at night. If this is too much, use only one. A thick cream does a similar job in one step.

Common mistakes

• Putting oil on bone dry skin. It sits on top. Use it on damp skin.
• Using too much oil. It stains clothes and sheets.
• Skipping the routine for days. Regular use matters more than the type.
• Using a fragranced product on irritated skin. It can sting.