The Difference Between Body Butter and Lotion and Which One is Best for You!

                                 

Many of you have sent me messages inquiring about the difference between Body Butter and Lotion so I decided to do a post on the subject....( That's another way of saying " I didn't know either" )  Seriously, with the array of body lotions and butters available, making smart skin care choices can be difficult. According to Plastic Surgeon and Author Dr. Michelle Copeland, It takes two types of moisturizers to keep the skin healthy: Humectant and Lubricant. These hydration elements are often found in both body butters and lotions. Therefore educating yourself about ingredients, knowing how products are labeled, and knowing your skin type will ensure the best results from either type of product.  

Industry Labeling 

While ingredients can play an important role in classifying a product as either a butter or a lotion, there are no standards to dictate how companies name their products as long as they do not deceive consumers with false labeling and product claims. That means a product is not required to contain any kind of "butter" for it to be called a body butter. It is texture and consistency that primarily determine how a product is classified and marketed to consumers according to licensed esthetician Jeffrie  Ann Hall.  

Body Butter Basics

Moisturizers know as butters tend to be heavier and more emollient and have a more luxurious feel as opposed to lotions. When moisturizers contain lubricating ingredients, such as shea butter, and natural oils, such as coconut, olive, and jojoba, they coat the skin to create a barrier between the skin's surface and outside elements, this barrier seals in moisture as well as protects the skin from environmental impurities and damage from harsh environments.  

Lotion Basics

Product's classified as lotions are normally lighter in consistency, have a lower oil content, are not lubricating and accommodate all skin type. One primary benefit of a lotion is that it can preserve the moisture already in the skin; products that do this are considered humectants According to Skin Care Rx, dry skin lacks moisture rather than oil, making humectants products a  better choice over creams or oils. Alpha Hydroxy and Hyaluronic acid are common humectants in lotion that, after serving as exfoliants, brings the skin's natural water source from the dermis to epidermis.  

So, Which is better?

I don't think one is really any better than the other in general but depending on your own skin type, one may be better than the other. It seems as though, to break it all down, that if your skin tends to be more oily, then you should stick with lotion. Whereas, If your skin tends to be more dry then body butter would definitely help you out. However, from what I gather, even with dry skin, maybe the body butter shouldn't be your everyday moisturizer but rather an occasional treatment, maybe a few times a week and regular lotion the rest of the time as body butter does have some pore clogging ingredients.

All in all, I believe that taking care of your skin is the most important. Rather you decide to go with lotion or body butter just make sure to read the labels and get familiar with key ingredients to stay away from. Some commonly found ingredients in lotions and body butters should be avoided, as they may irritate or harm the skin. One ingredient you want to avoid is lanolin, which can be irritating and extremely heavy, and mineral and coconut oils, which can clog pores. Also, very important, If you have an allergy to nuts, you should be aware of all ingredients in your skin care products but you definitely need to stay away from body butters as most of them contain ingredients that could cause a reaction. 

I hope this helps you guys out and gives you a better understanding of the difference between the two products as well as which is best for you to use. Please, do not hesitate to comment or message me with any questions you have. If I don't already know the answer, I will get the answer for you. That's what I am here for! With the ton's of beauty and skincare products on the market today, we all need to be better educated on what to stay away from and what to make sure is included. I know when I hit the beauty stores, I can't help but notice all the confused faces scanning the never ending array of products, I too have that same look. But, researching, knowing the good ingredients from the bad and reading the labels can help us all eliminate all the poser's out there!