Your forehead feels tight and the skin on your cheeks peels… but your favorite face cream is lying on the counter miles away, and the bottle of Jergen’s on the counter in your husband’s bathroom has never been looks more attractive than that. You think to yourself, “Can I use body lotion on my face?” While it may sound like a no-brainer, depending on your skin type and the type of body cream you’re using, the answer is usually “yes”.
“Typically, you can put lotion on your face,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California. “The exception is for people who are prone to acne and eczema, where they are more likely to have an acne flare-up or an irritant/allergic reaction, respectively.” That’s because “face creams are generally more likely to be non-comedogenic, meaning the formula shouldn’t clog pores and cause acne, and it’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it doesn’t include common allergens because facial skin is more sensitive to irritants and allergens.”
So as long as you don’t have acne, eczema, or a history of sensitive skin, you can apply lotion on your face. Just stay away from the exfoliating stuff. “Exfoliating acids such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid can be safely used on the face,” says Dr. Lee. “However, lotion formulations often contain a higher percentage of exfoliating acids than face creams,” meaning they’ll be too strong to use on your face.
When you consider applying lotion to your face, keep consistency in mind. Michael Renda, DO, trauma surgeon and co-founder of Alexis Lauren Collective, a luxury skin care destination in Miami, explains consistency as one of the biggest differentiators between face creams. and body lotion. So if your skin is not suitable for thick face cream, don’t apply thick lotion.
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Overall, remember that your skincare routine is up to you, and whether you want an all-in-one lotion for regular use or without a face cream and in case of an emergency. level, you can apply lotion on your face for a long time. because you don’t have acne, eczema, or a history of sensitive skin.
“I love simple skin care regimens and multi-purpose products like moisturizers that can be used on both face and body,” says Dr. Lee. “Find one that you love and can afford. Then buy it in bulk and travel-sized.”
3 moisturizers you can use on your face and body
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