Why you shouldn’t use body lotion on your face

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

In a bid to save time or money, especially with the hike in price of goods in the country, many people consider substituting body lotion for a facial moisturizer.

While at first glance, body lotion may seem like a good choice; moisturizing and accessible but skincare professionals are increasingly cautioning against this common habit.

Let’s look into the unique needs of facial skin, the risks associated with body lotion, and the reasons why dedicated facial products are essential.

1. Both body lotions and facial creams share a similar purpose: to hydrate and protect the skin. However, these products are formulated with different goals in mind, due to the unique characteristics of body and facial skin.
2. Our facial skin is more sensitive and thinner than the skin on the body. Body lotions are generally created for larger, thicker skin areas and are often packed with heavier ingredients like mineral oils, shea butter, or coconut oil. Body lotions may contain high levels of synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and oils. While these ingredients can be soothing for the body, they often provoke skin issues on the face, causing irritation, redness, and stinging. Body lotions frequently lack beneficial elements like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants found in facial moisturizers that cater specifically to the face’s unique needs.
3. Another key difference between body lotions and facial moisturizers is their pH balance. Facial skin has a naturally acidic pH, generally around 5.5, which helps maintain a healthy barrier against bacteria, pollutants, and environmental damage. Body skin, however, is less acidic, and body lotions are often formulated to match this balance. Most body lotions are formulated with a pH that caters to body skin, and using these products on the face can disrupt its pH balance, leading to dryness, inflammation, or dullness over time.

Common side effects include:

• Redness: Body lotions with high fragrance or alcohol levels can cause inflammation, particularly around sensitive areas like the nose and cheeks.
• Burning sensation: Heavier lotions may trigger burning sensations on sensitive facial skin, especially when combined with other skincare products.
• Itching and irritation: Synthetic additives and fragrances are common culprits of skin irritation, leading to itching and discomfort.
• Acne and breakouts: Oils and fatty compounds clogging the pores can increase acne, even in those with normal or combination skin.

What’s the Alternative?

The good news is that recently, the skincare industry offers an abundance of facial moisturizers designed specifically for every skin type and concern.

Dermatologists recommend choosing products based on your skin’s unique needs: for dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides or glycerin; for oily skin, select a lightweight, oil-free product. Most facial moisturizers also contain essential antioxidants and other anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or retinol, which help manage wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. These are elements typically absent from body lotions.

Also, try to include sunscreen in your skincare routine as it is vital in protecting facial skin from UV damage, which accelerates aging.