Body lotion, cream or balm? How to choose for dry winter skin

Choosing a moisturizer mostly comes down to texture: how much water is in it, and how much oil, butter or wax. Here's how lotions, creams, butters, balms and body serums differ, the unscented and natural ones we carry, and how to get more out of whichever you pick.

Lotion, cream, butter, balm: what's the difference?

The names aren't regulated, so a "butter" from one brand can be lighter than a "cream" from another. Go by the texture and the ingredient list rather than the name.

Unscented body lotions and creams

If perfume bothers your skin or your nose, start here. None of these has added fragrance, and they range from a light pump lotion to a cushiony cream.

"Unscented" means nothing was added for scent, but ingredients can still have their own smell. Cocoa butter smells faintly of chocolate, and some herbal extracts smell green. If you still react to an unscented product, the ingredient list is where to look.

Richer creams and butters for winter

When lotion isn't enough, these are thicker and a little goes a long way. Spread them thin on slightly damp skin, and store natural butters somewhere cool, since they soften in heat.

Weleda Skin Food Original is for small, dry areas rather than all-over use. The Cure's whip is just cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil, and the Muskoka whip is rich enough that a small scoop covers a lot.

Balms and body serums

Neither of these has any water in it. They work best in small amounts, and the serum is used a little differently from lotion.

If you like a little scent, the same body serum comes in Sweet Vanilla.

Beauty From BeesBody Serum, Sweet VanillaThe same waterless serum, for use on wet skin, with a vanilla scent.Shop →

Lighter first, richer second, and always on damp skin.

How to get more out of any moisturizer

1. Apply it to damp skin. Right after a shower or bath, pat yourself mostly dry and put lotion on within a few minutes. Moisturizer works best at holding water in skin that still has some.
2. Keep showers warm, not hot. Long, hot showers leave dry skin feeling drier. Dermatologists suggest short, warm showers and moisturizing right after.
3. Reapply on your hands. If you wash your hands often, keep a cream by the sink. One morning application won't last through a day of handwashing.
4. Layer only where you need it. A lotion all over and a balm on your heels is plenty. You don't need three products unless you enjoy them.
5. Patch test something new. Try it on a small area for a day or two first, especially if your skin reacts easily.

What makes a body lotion "natural"?

"Natural" isn't a regulated term for cosmetics in Canada, so it can mean different things on different labels. The ingredient list is the useful part, and cosmetics sold in Canada have to list their ingredients.

1. Read the first few ingredients. They're listed roughly from most to least, so they tell you what the product mostly is.
2. Check for anything you avoid. Nuts, sesame, lanolin, beeswax and fragrance are the usual ones to look for.
3. Pick a texture you'll actually use. The best moisturizer is the one you'll reach for every day.

Questions we get a lot

What's the difference between body cream and body lotion?

Lotion has more water and less oil, so it's lighter and absorbs faster. Cream is thicker, with more oil or butter, and feels more cushioned on dry skin.

Is body butter better than lotion?

Not better, just richer. Body butter suits very dry areas or bedtime, and lotion is easier for all-over daily use. Many people use both.

Can I use body butter every day?

Yes, if you like the feel. Use a small amount on damp skin. If it feels greasy, save it for dry areas and use lotion elsewhere.

Is unscented lotion better for sensitive skin?

It removes one common trigger, fragrance, so it's a sensible place to start. It doesn't guarantee you won't react to another ingredient, so read the list.

Should I put on body butter or lotion first?

Lighter first, richer second. Lotion goes on first, then a butter or balm on the spots that need more.

You'll find our full body lotion, butter and serum collection at both stores: 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth. For your face, see our guides to natural face moisturizers and tallow balm. Luminate Express delivers the same day across most of HRM, and we ship across Canada, free on orders over $80.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, tips for dry skin. This article is general information, not medical advice.