The right care after showering

Why is applying body lotion important for the skin?

The protective lipid film of our skin is removed in many situations, such as when using soap, and through hot and cold temperatures, dry heated air and vigorous rubbing with a towel. 

Moisture and oils that the skin needs are also lost during exercise and in the sauna. Many factors can quickly destabilise the skin. 

Applying a body lotion tailored to your skin's individual needs provides optimal support and restores skin balance, so you can feel comfortable from head to toe again.

Which ingredients make a body lotion effective?

There are body lotions in liquid form and in solid form. The latter are more economical and environmentally friendly – they only need to be wrapped in paper or foil packaging. 

To achieve the desired results, pay attention to the active ingredients in the lotion. The most important are moisturising ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, urea, dexpanthenol, vitamin E. 

Hyaluronic acid penetrates into deep skin layers and binds water there to create a plumping effect. 

Aloe vera supplies the skin with moisture and also has soothing and regenerative effects. 

Urea is considered one of the most effective substances against dry skin, increasing the water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum and making the skin soft and supple. 

Dexpanthenol improves elasticity, promotes skin regeneration and increases skin moisture.

How do nourishing ingredients in body lotions work?

Nourishing actives include argan and almond oil, coconut seed butter, coenzyme Q10, squalane as well as herbal and fruit extracts. 

Argan oil supports cell renewal and helps to prevent skin ageing, coenzyme Q10 benefits mature skin and helps skin cells with energy production, squalane reduces trans-epidermal water loss, aids the formation of the hydrolipidic film and prevents oxidation of the skin's own lipids. 

What should you consider when choosing a body lotion?

Choosing a body lotion depends entirely on your skin's needs – not every lotion suits every skin type. 

Avoid parabens, silicones, mineral oils and strong fragrances if you have sensitive skin or prefer natural care.

Look for certified natural cosmetics, vegan, cruelty-free options or eco-friendly packaging if those aspects are important to you.

Which skin types are body lotions particularly suitable for?

A good body lotion should not only match your skin type but also spread easily and absorb quickly. It forms a pleasant protective film for several hours that shields your skin from moisture loss without a greasy feel. Compared with body oils, body lotions contain less fat. As a result they absorb faster and leave a slightly cooling sensation as the contained water evaporates. This is the best daily solution for normal, healthy-looking skin. 

Dermatologist Dr Yael Adler from Berlin explains: “Those with oily skin do not need to apply lotion from head to toe after every shower. On normal skin, at a minimum especially dry patches such as arms and legs should be treated after showering with a moisturising lotion. Only those with dry skin should really apply lotion all over each time, to avoid redness and itching.”

How to care for your skin correctly: tips for applying body lotion

• When buying a body lotion, check which skin type it is formulated for. For sensitive skin, choose lotions specifically for sensitive skin types. A body lotion should not be chosen based only on fragrance, as many people do.
• Apply body lotion after showering or bathing, because the skin's pores are open and active ingredients are better absorbed. Ideally apply the lotion to still slightly damp skin: pat the skin gently with the towel and immediately spread the lotion in circular motions.
• Solid body lotions are similar to use. They melt slightly when applied to still damp skin and are a bit richer than liquid ones. Therefore they are better suited to dry skin.
• It is advisable to massage the skin with a massage glove before showering to stimulate circulation. This helps skin cells regenerate better and makes it easier for the lotion to absorb.
• Allow the product enough time to absorb. Getting dressed immediately after application is therefore not a good idea. Plan five to ten minutes if possible.
• If you find it annoying to wait for the lotion to absorb, use that time to brush your teeth or do your hair styling.
• Don't switch products too often to avoid irritation. Our skin gets used to a particular lotion so you can benefit from it in the long term. That's another reason to choose the product carefully.
• After shaving, use an unscented lotion for sensitive skin, as shaving makes your skin more sensitive. The aim is to reduce irritation and provide moisture to the stressed skin.
• You can also make a body lotion yourself. Mix thoroughly 150 ml of aloe vera gel and 150 ml of olive oil and put the creamy mixture into a well-cleaned screw-top jar. This homemade lotion can be kept for up to three months in a cool, dark place.
• There are also DIY recipes for solid body lotions. For example, you can take equal parts of pure organic coconut oil, organic jojoba or almond oil and beeswax, then melt everything in a pot over a water bath and add 15 to 30 drops of organic essential oil. Pour the mixture into a clean silicone mould and place it in the fridge to harden.
• Pay attention to the shelf life of the product, as body lotions are usually available in large bottles and cannot always be used up quickly. If consistency or smell changes, or the expiry date has passed, dispose of the lotion and treat yourself to a new one.

These tips help to richly nourish your skin so that nothing stands in the way of your soft, smooth appearance!