For dry skin, look for a body lotion containing nourishing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, cocoa butter, shea butter or glycerin. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, Nivea and Eucerin UreaRepair are consistently popular choices for dry skin. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, a pharmacy emollient such as Dermol 500 may be more appropriate.
For most people, once daily — ideally straight after a shower or bath — is enough to keep skin comfortable. Those with dry skin benefit from applying twice daily, particularly during colder months when central heating and cold weather can strip moisture from the skin. If you're using an emollient lotion for a skin condition such as eczema, your pharmacist may recommend applying it three or four times throughout the day.
Body lotion is most effective when applied to slightly damp skin — within a few minutes of getting out of the shower or bath. Damp skin absorbs moisture more readily and the lotion acts as a sealant, locking that moisture in. Applying lotion to completely dry skin means the product has to work harder and may not be as effective.
Body lotions have a lighter, water-based consistency that absorbs quickly, making them ideal for everyday use or warmer months. Body creams are thicker and richer, with a higher oil or butter content, making them better suited to very dry skin or targeted treatment of dry areas. For most people with normal to mildly dry skin, a body lotion is the more practical daily option.
Yes — but it's important to choose the right formula. For sensitive skin, always opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotions that have been dermatologist-tested such as QV Skin Lotion. Products containing ceramides (such as CeraVe) or colloidal oatmeal (such as Aveeno) are particularly well-suited to sensitive skin, as they help to support and reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier without causing irritation.
Body lotions are generally not recommended for use on the face. They are formulated for thicker body skin and may be too heavy or potentially pore-blocking for facial use, especially on skin that is already combination or oily. For facial moisturising, a dedicated facial moisturiser is always the better choice.
For eczema-prone skin, it's crucial to use emollients or lotions specifically designed to soothe and protect. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas rich in ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, or paraffin. Brands like Dermol 500, E45, and QV are frequently recommended by pharmacists for their efficacy in managing eczema symptoms by helping to restore the skin's natural barrier.
