Skin Care: Is a Cream, Gel or Lotion Better?

Day creams or moisturizers are usually oil-in-water emulsions: they contain water molecules that surround the oil molecules.

These creams provide very good moisture and are quickly absorbed by the skin. They are suitable for normal to rather oily skin.

What do these designations depend on and what is the best option for skin care?

Lotions are also emulsions of oil in water, but their water content is usually higher than that of creams, which makes them easier to spread on the skin.

Water-in-oil emulsions for dry skin.

Fatty or very rich creams, on the other hand, usually contain more oil than water. In these products the ratio is reversed: the fat molecules envelop the water droplets.

Water-in-oil emulsions are moisturizing and reduce water loss from the skin, meaning they are ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Fast absorption: the gels

Skin gels are usually firmer in consistency than creams and are more transparent. Ingredients such as gelatin, cellulose derivatives, or acrylate polymers can provide large amounts of moisture or other skin-care substances. Gels therefore generally have a very pronounced moisturising effect. Additives such as menthol also provide a cooling effect.

Gels can be spread very easily on the skin and are absorbed quickly, without leaving any white film. They are available as water-free oil gels, oil-free hydrogels, or oil-water gels.

There are also oils for the skin

Skin oils do not contain any water, but only fat-soluble substances, and they retain moisture and lipids in the skin, reducing water loss.

However, these types of oils can also make it difficult to remove or evaporate substances present in the deeper layers of the skin. Especially oils that form a rather thick epidermal film are therefore not recommended for oily or combination skin.