Why Have Different Types of Cream / Lotion

Even for people who understand the importance of using a cream or lotion on your skin, sometimes they do not understand why you need different *types* of lotion. Why not just make one single lotion and use it on your whole body?

The key is that different parts of your skin are, in fact different, for many reasons.

First, the skin itself is thicker or thinner. Think of how thick the heel of your foot is - it needs to handle a great deal of weight on it, multiple times a minute. Then compare this to the skin underneath your eye, which is very thin and delicate. To get something to soften your heel, it would need to be quite strong. You would want only the most gentle of lotions near your eye, though.

Next, there's the fragrance issue. A lotion you use for your hands and feet might be nice with a gentle rose fragrance, to add aromatherapy to your day. However, you wouldn't want something on your face to have fragrance. Right next to your nose, that could get overpowering very quickly.

There's the clinginess of the lotion. To get something to stick to your feet, where it is being moved around on shoes or the ground often, the lotion needs to be thick and clingy. You're not really worried about "clogging up pores" on your feet - all you care about is making sure the lotion actually STAYS on your feet. On the other hand if the lotion is on your face, you want it to be light. If your face lotion starts clogging pores, zits will result. That would be bad!

So here are the types of lotions I'd suggest, to start with:

Eye Lotion
It's amazing how important your eyes are, as far as appearance goes. People tend to look at your eyes when they talk to you. Your eyes are the window to your soul. Your skin around your eyes is VERY delicate. If you rub your eyes or use a lot of make-up, or are out in the sun a lot, that tender skin can weather very quickly. It is very worth it to create a fragrance-free, preservative-free, delicate lotion just for around your eyes. You see a lot of these in stores of course - they can get very expensive. You can make your own for far, far less. When you put it on, put little dabs around the eye and then gently smooth it in. That will minimize rubbing.

Face Lotion
Face lotion can be a bit thicker than eye lotion. You again want it to be fragrance free and rather light. Your face has pores in it, and if these pores get clogged, it can lead to acne. The key here is to keep your face hydrated, so it is well nourshed and fresh looking - but not to clog anything.

Hand / Foot Lotion
You want your hand / feet lotion to be thicker than the above two lotions, so it stays on these active parts of your body. You also do not want it to be greasy - you don't want slippery hands or feet! You want it to absorb well and to stay put. It can be "stronger" than anything you would use on your eyes and face - and it can also have fragrance in it. If you use this at night, it can help to put on socks and gloves, to keep it from smearing all over your sheets.

Body Lotion
The most general lotion falls in the middle somewhere. You don't need it as clingy as the hand / foot lotion, but it can also be stronger than what you put on your eyes and face. This helps to keep your overall body firm, supple and healthy looking.

Hand Cream and Lotion Recipes

Skin Care Lotions, Masks, Soap Reviews