I read a while back that the more choices we have, the more complex our life can become. It does make sense, but I see it from a time management perspective. Imagine you are standing at the lotion isle of a supermarket. Would it be quicker if there were only 2 choices to choose from? If you knew what you wanted, it might just take you a second. But what if you went to the store thinking that you needed a better lotion? Well... you might as well plan to be there for a good several minutes. Not only are there hundreds of brands to choose from, you also need to decide if you want lotion, cream, butter, with this ingredient, with that ingredient, the pretty jar, the cute bottle, etc. etc. And if you read ingredients like me, you'll be there a little longer.
Your decision is basically based on several factors including the following: cost and value, preference and knowledge, and past experience. These factors play a huge part in how and what you choose. Your past experience with a particular product and the value you place on the quality and ingredients and its relationship to your health can have a strong influence in your choice. So if cost or a negative past experience are not an issue, and you don't really have an opinion about a product, then consider yourself lucky! You just saved yourself time!
But, in case you are not happy with the status quo, here is information that you might find useful.
Lotions, like creams and body butters are preparations for the purpose of moisturizing and softening and/or to perfume your skin. Lotions, however, have the lowest viscosity. Simply put, lotions are thin preparations, which means it has high water content (about 60% or more). If your goal is to moisturize and hydrate, you get little and temporary benefit from lotions - water simply evaporates, leaving your skin dehydrated again. In addition, lotions are a mixture of water and oil, therefore, an emulsion (mostly synthetic chemicals) are used to effectively mix water and oil. Like creams and some body butters, lotions have water, therefore, they require preservatives to prevent growth of bacteria and mold. So if you've heard of parabens as an example, you might think twice before making a choice. The benefit of lotions? It hardly requires effort to apply it on your skin. It's liquid and spreads fast, but like I said, it also disappears fast.
Creams are slightly thicker than lotions and have lower water content. The process of mixing oil and water is the same as lotions. However, you get a little more benefit from creams, especially if high quality oils are used. These are easy to apply on your skin as well. Because it has water, creams contain preservatives and emulsions.
Body butters contain more oil than water. In some preparations, body butters contain no water. These butters easily melt on your skin. Winter time is the best time to use body butters because your skin is likely more dehydrated from heating your home. Those living in the desert region would highly benefit from body butters throughout the year. Expect to see preservatives and emulsions in body butters containing water. Body butters by Dr. Em Natural Beauty Care contain no water, which means no preservatives - just 100% pure goodness from plant-based oils, butters, and extracts. These preparations are thicker (lighter for whipped body butter) but easily glides and melts on your skin. You might feel oily but if you take the time to massage it on your skin for absorption, you will enjoy long-lasting hydration, moisture, and glow.
Lotion bars (also known as massage bars, moisturizing bar, skin balm) are solid preparations where no water is added to the mixture. Lotion bars by Dr. Em Natural Beauty Care are made with plant-based oils, butters, extracts, and essential oils without synthetic fragrance or perfume. Lotion bars need no preservatives because it has no water where bacteria or mold can grow. You do need to make sure your lotion bar is kept in a dry container and only handle it when your hands are clean. The sure way to prevent contaminating your lotion bar is to use it after your shower and after you wash your hands. Application of lotion bars to your skin requires some effort and time. You rub it on your skin until it slightly melts, then spread with your hands. Or, you can take a small piece, rub between your hands, then apply to your skin. It is also a good idea to have one lotion bar for each member of the family. The benefit of lotion bars is its 100% pure goodness. Your skin receives all the wonderful nutrients that it needs to stay healthy or to improve its condition. Your skin feels moisturized and hydrated until your next shower or bath.
Also note that products containing perfume are drying to your skin because perfume contains alcohol. Also worth mentioning is that many individuals are allergic to perfume while others develop severe migraine headaches triggered by inhaling perfume-containing products including those in lotions and creams. So be considerate of your family members and friends.
So, the next time you go to the market for a moisturizer, consider what you know now before deciding. Read the ingredients. Be informed and not influenced by the cute container or fancy label. If you can help it, choose natural and preservative-free products. Your health may depend on it!
So I say, Stay beautiful inside and out.
Much love,
Dr. Em
Subscribe to my blog and receive notifications when new content is posted. I'd love to hear from you my readers, so please share a comment.
To shop for my natural skin & hair care products, go to dremnatural.com
To read more about the ingredients I use, go to https://dremnaturalbeauty.blogspot.com/2020/07/learn-about-ingredients-of-dr-em.html
Comments
Post a Comment