When To Use a Cream and a Lotion
Lotions, moisturizers, pastes, ointments – when to use what? You might have an idea of it but in this article we will guide you, so you know exactly when to use what. Because a cream is not just a cream. When used correctly, you’ll get the best protection of your skin possible. So here is what our in-house nurses recommend.
Protect the skin, as it protects you
The skin is the biggest organ of the body. The weight is around 15% of our body weight and the surface is around 2 m^2. The skin is an antimicrobial defense mechanism, and its main function is to protect us against bacteria and viruses and serve as a barrier function. The skin regulates the temperature of the body and the living cells produce lipids and create a waterproofed barrier so the skin doesn’t dry out.
So, the skin is not only the biggest organ of our body but also a very important one. The correct pH value is vital for the skin to stay intact and hydrated so it can keep protecting you.
The skin contains a group of bacteria, called normal flora, that protects us from pathogenic microorganisms. Normal flora converts sebum into fatty acids, which lowers the pH and inhibits many pathogenic bacteria. Normal flora growth is optimal at acidic pH levels, while neutral pH is better for some other microorganisms. But too high pH isn’t suitable either, since it will remove the lipids risk of leaving the skin unprotected Hence all ABENA Skincare & Body Wash products have a pH value between 4-6.
When to use what?
When the skin is affected by external factors, like weather, healthcare, or age, the skin becomes dry. If the skin is dry, it can easily get wounds, and eczema can occur.
Now, the skin is at risk of being infected with bacteria and viruses.
To prevent the skin from becoming dry and weakened in the first place, you should use a moisturizer. The term moisturizer is often used for all types of creams, even though there is a big difference between creams and moisturizers. For instance, moisturizers are absorbed by the skin, while creams usually help keeping the moisture inside the skin. Creams are also thicker and contain more lipids, making them ideal for dry or mature skin that needs extra hydration and protection.
The important thing to remember is: The drier the skin, the thicker the cream you need.
4 steps to know when to use what
- A lotion contains around 13-15 % lipids (low concentration of oils/grease) and is for daily use to prevent dry skin and skin conditions.
- A moisturizer is perfect if the skin starts getting dry, for instance, use a moisturizer if you are using compression socks and the skin of your legs starts to get dry. A moisturizer contains around 20-50 % lipids (medium concentration of oils/grease).
- A lipid cream contains around 50-80 % lipids (high concentration of oils/grease). When using a thick cream, the skin is very dry, and small wounds and cracks might even start to show due to the dryness. Rashes can occur, and a lot of moisture is needed to restore the balance of the skin.
- An Ointment is used in the worst-case scenario. Now the skin is damaged and dehydrated. Redness and wounds occur. Here lipids are not enough to restore the balance of the skin and heal it. Other ingredients such as Zinc, Allantoin, Dimethicone might be needed.
When the skin needs a little extra care
If you are finding yourself in the worst-case scenario and your skin that is damaged and dehydrated, then there is a wide range of special creams and ointments you should know of. We will mention some of them here and when to use them. Remember ABENA’s Special Creams and Ointments holds a lot of variant ointments and special creams if you need to take extra good care of your skin.
- A barrier ointment is always the first step to prevent the skin from becoming dry, irritated, and red. A barrier cream can, for example, protect the skin when using an incontinence product.
- A skincare ointment is good if you need a product for not only preventing but also protecting – use a skincare ointment. It can be used all over the body and contains 41% lipids and dimenthicone which makes it the perfect allrounder for moisturizing, protecting, and recovering.
- Zinc based products are perfect to use if the skin needs barrier protection and has superficial wounds that need attention. For very sore skin use a zinc spray, so you don’t need to touch the exposed area when applying your Zinc based skincare product.
If you need help and guidance in choosing your skincare product, we are here to help! You can always contact ABENA, and we will help you.
