There are a number of different types of lotion products designed to treat and condition the skin. Using lotion can be a great way to soften and condition the skin, help to heal blemishes, minimize the appearance of scars and stretch marks, or protect the skin from the sun. Some of the most common lotion products include facial lotion, body lotion, hand and foot cream, and lotion with added fragrance.
One of the most common types of lotion products is facial lotion. There are a number of different types of facial lotion available, all of which are usually designed to be non-comedogenic, or non pore-clogging. Face cream to treat and prevent wrinkles is very common, as well as face cream to promote clear skin. Facial lotion products designed for acne-prone skin typically include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. In addition, facial lotion often contains sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays from the sun.
Of course, body lotion may contain sunscreen as well. It is a good idea to wear sunscreen whenever one will be spending any time outside. Body lotion is typically designed to be applied to areas such as the arms, legs, and stomach, or especially dry areas such as the elbows and knees. It is typically thicker than facial lotion, and may not be non-comedogenic; this means it has the potential to clog the pores, which is why body lotion should not be used on the face. Sometimes body lotion will include a fragrance, which may also be referred to as perfume lotion.
Other types of body lotion products include lotion for the hands and the feet. Hand lotion is typically intended to be very moisturizing without being greasy, whereas foot lotion is typically very thick and rich in order to soften the thick skin on the feet. For people who have very dry skin or who suffer from eczema, thick, rich lotions are the best choice for the body in order to treat the dry skin and to prevent it from cracking.
Some lotion products make claims such as an ability to treat stretch marks, to help tone and tighten the skin, or to reduce cellulite. Though some stretch mark creams containing ingredients such as cocoa butter may be partly effective, most such claims are unproven. Though the lotion will likely not be harmful, it is also quite unlikely that it will make any difference regarding the tightness of the skin or the appearance of cellulite.