The air is finally getting cooler in the south, there’s dew. They rains have returned, which means two things. Football season and winter is coming. In the south winter isn’t always gorgeous, it’s brown and dormant. That blah also pertains to our skin. Winter skin is the worst. It’s itchy, painful, and annoying. If you’re like me eczema loves to make it’s return. Besides using warm water and more gentle cleansers like a cleansing oil (Bioderma Cleansing Oil $27.54) body lotions start to play a bigger role in our self care.
‘Medicated’ Body Lotions
These are body lotions with an additional active ingredient making them what I’m going to refer to as medicated as an easy differentiation from your stand alone body lotions. In this sense, medicated will not mean prescription. These are also not to be substituted for medical advice. When in doubt please seek medical advice for any skin condition. No blog, Youtube, Influencer, etc can replace a medical professional that directly observes your concerns.
Amlactin Rapid Relief ($14.24 or $1.80/fl oz) – Used twice a week this stuff is amazing. I’ve been using it for 3 years now. Used once or twice a week this will help keep the dead skin exfoliated due to the 15% lactic acid. Beware, it will sting when you put it on after shaving. It does die down quickly but if you’re sensitive to chemical exfoliants you might look at the new item. Also this is not very good at moisture delivery. It does require an additional product. It also contains 3 ceramides to help build back the skin. Amlactin Rapid Relief does work extremely well when pair with another moisturing lotion to give that smooth dewy look. For those who fake tan during the winter months, this product is a must.
Major Ammonium Lactate 12% ($12.25) Significantly cheaper per ounce ($0.88/fl oz) this is the generic version of Amlactin Daily ($13.59 or $0.96/ fl oz). Not as high a lactic acid concentration as the Rapid Relief, it’ll still get the job done when used twice per week.
MG217 Medication Lotion with 3% Salicylic Acid ($9.34) – If you have bumpy skin, specifically keratosis pilaris, a body lotion containing salicylic acid can do wonders to help smooth that out. For those with minor acne (we all have bum bumps) this can also help with those bum bumps.
Less than $25 Body Lotions
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula (fragrance free) – ($16.99 for 3, 13.5 fl oz bottles) – I’ve linked one of the better deals I could find but you can’t beat Palmer’s Cocoa Butter for price and moisture delivery.
Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Body Creme ($25) another lotion love of mine, the Triple Moisture Herbal Body Creme has Hemp Seed Oil in it which provides the Omega Fatty Acid complex (3, 6 and 9-omega fatty acids) to keep our skin full and supple. It also contains shea butter fairly high in the ingredients list which provides a thick moisture barrier helping to lock that moisture into the skin. For those needing a vegan option, it’s vegan and cruelty free as well.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream I think I have a very well know dislike of CeraVe products on my face although my husband seems to really like them. That dislike is exclusive to the face. Their body moisturizers are truly great products. Full of ceramides and hydrating alcohols that are locked in with dimethicone this product is highly suggested for those with eczema. It even gets the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Lotion ($12) – For those who want to stay away from perfumed products this is not for you but it does contain some amazing hydrating power and smells (rather strongly) of roses. For those who do wear perfume and want that product to highlight I’d search elsewhere; however, if you use your lotion as your perfume this is going to be perfect. At $12 is definitely cheaper than a $100 bottle of perfume.
$25-$50 Body Lotions
Hempz – Milk and Honey Herbal Body Moisturizer ($28) – Sorry for another Hempz product but they have excellent moisturizers. Still containing shea butter for a thick consistency it also contains sweet almond oil which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Although not as thick as the triple moisture body cream, this is a very gentle product that I can apply over my sensitive skin without fear of aggravating my eczema.
Truly Vegan Collagen Boost Anti-aging Body Cream ($28) – Not only vegan skin care but this product is rather nice. Its a great product for that spa day type treatment at home. Very very heavy on the moisture my skin feels so supple and dewy after using this one.
The Body Shop Shea Jumbo Butter ($36) – This one can get a bit hard as it ages. The said it still a great thick moisturizer that will lock in and protect your skin from the harsh winter air.
$50+ Body Lotions
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps ($86 per L) I would honestly just buy the liter the smallest option is $32. I have actually 4 times. This lotion is luxury but it’s oh so good. It doesn’t feel sticky or slimy. It’s a thick lotion full of butters and oils known to be deeply hydrating. Squalane is the second ingredient and other ingredients include Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Soybean, Avocado Oil, and Sunflower seed oil. There’s no ‘fragrance’ listed on the ingredients list. The smell that comes is strictly that of the product. It smells great though. Proof that you really don’t need to artificially fragrance body care when quality ingredients and formulas are used.
La Mer – The Body Creme ($300) – coming in at a jaw dropping $300 for 10oz and one of longest ingredients lists I’ve seen for a body lotion I still have to admit this stuff is pretty good. It’s really a lot better than pretty good. The entire goal of this product is to make you happy. My body just wants to drink it. If you’re feeling extra luxury they also have Genaissance de La Mer The infused Lotion at $305 for 5 oz that my body literally drinks. After I get my car bought and house purchased I might treat myself to a bottle. I think my jaw is still on the floor where I tried this.
