Body Lotion Is Used For The Face, Is It Safe? Know The Facts

Illustration is body lotion safe for the face (Pexels/Ron Lach)

JAKARTA – Lotion for the body or known as body lotion is formulated to moisturize the skin on the body, especially for the hands and feet. But is it safe to use for the face?

The first thing that needs to be recognized is the composition of the body lotion that you have. Body lotion is not specially formulated for facial skin. In fact, facial skin is more sensitive than the skin on the hands or feet. If used once, the effect may not be significant. But if it becomes a habit, know the following facts.

Facial skin is much thinner and smoother

According to Doctor Anna Chacon, a dermatologist in Weston, Florida, facial skin is much thinner and smoother. Around your eyelids, is the thinnest and most delicate skin of the rest of your body, apart from the skin on your groin.

Facial skin, quoting from Healthline, Monday, December 13, has smaller pores with a higher concentration of skin oil glands. This is what causes facial skin to break out more easily than other skin. Meanwhile, added Chacon, the skin on the back and legs is often very thick, both in pores and in skin tissue.

This distinguishes the need for special formulations in facial skin care. Certified anesthesiologist, Doctor Renée Moran says that products made for the body are generally stronger in terms of moisturizing or exfoliating the body. That is, body lotion contains ingredients that are too harsh for facial skin.

Body lotions don't have a specific purpose like facial care products

Skin care products are formulated with a special purpose such as for oily skin, sensitive skin, or normal skin. Sometimes the formulation is also made according to the problem you want to overcome, for example whitening, removing dark spots, or disguise wrinkles. In fact, lotions are mostly water based and serve no specific purpose except moisturizing and whitening.

The moisturizing content in the body lotion is too heavy for facial skin

Moisturizing ingredients in body lotions are usually made from butter or oil. However, these ingredients are too heavy and can worsen facial skin problems such as acne. Not to mention if the scented body lotion. Fragrance or fragrance in body lotion can easily irritate the skin, which is more delicate.

Chacon indirectly does not recommend to avoid using body lotion for face cream. He even wears body lotion for his face when he travels. However, side effects also need to be realized, especially for those of you who have sensitive skin characters. Side effects that can be experienced when using body lotion for the face include redness, itching and irritation, dryness, and acne.

Moran added, if you want to be minimalist and use one type of lotion for each skin spot, you can choose a lighter lotion so that it can also be used for oily facial skin. Also choose an unscented lotion for whatever skin type you have.

In essence, it is still advisable to avoid using body lotion for facial skin. Keep using the cream according to the formulation and that matches the character of your skin so as not to damage the softness and smoothness of the skin.