We all suffer of one or another skin condition. Even though most of the time it is a simple problem, finding the correct product is very important. The problem is to find the right one when there are so many that are offered. How do we decide which one fits our skin better? How do we know which is better for the condition we are suffering?? We will now determine the answer to a question that is very important: what is the main difference between a balm, a cream and a lotion?
Creams are mixtures for the skin, specially the facial area. Creams are made up of water and oil, which means that they are semi-solid emulsions. The ones that contain mostly water and a small amount of oil are called Oil-in-water. These preparations are used for cosmetic creams since they are easier to wash off and don't feel heavy on the skin. Water-in-oil is the opposite, having a smaller amount of water in a larger amount of oil. In most cases, it is this type of preparation that is used as prescriptions creams since there are some medicines that do not react well to formulas that have more water in it. Oil-in-water formulas are usually used more for cosmetic purposes, however, water-in-oil creams are more moisturizing than the other type since they lessen water loss.
What About the Moisturizing Balms?
Lotions have lower viscosity than creams and balms. In most cases, their composition is oil-in-water. These preparations are meant to be used on unbroken skin. While in the case of creams they are applied carefully with the tips of the fingers, lotions are spread with bare hands, cotton or cloths. In some cases, they are also used to aid massages. Lotions can also be used to carry medicine, but in most cases they are used in areas that are covered with hair, like the scalp. As a matter of fact, some prescription shampoos are lotions.
Another type of preparation to be used on the skin are balms, which are also called Liniments. They are a lot like lotions in viscosity. This preparation has a characteristic that is important: these products have to be rubbed in, applied with friction. Liniments are usually offered as products to relieve pain, such as the pain or stiffness caused by arthritis or muscle pain.
Natural skin balms are also a new tendency. They are known for helping keep the skin components balanced since they have no chemicals in them. If you are looking for a liniment and you have very sensitive skin, this type of product is suitable for you.
Creams are mixtures for the skin, specially the facial area. Creams are made up of water and oil, which means that they are semi-solid emulsions. The ones that contain mostly water and a small amount of oil are called Oil-in-water. These preparations are used for cosmetic creams since they are easier to wash off and don't feel heavy on the skin. Water-in-oil is the opposite, having a smaller amount of water in a larger amount of oil. In most cases, it is this type of preparation that is used as prescriptions creams since there are some medicines that do not react well to formulas that have more water in it. Oil-in-water formulas are usually used more for cosmetic purposes, however, water-in-oil creams are more moisturizing than the other type since they lessen water loss.
What About the Moisturizing Balms?
Lotions have lower viscosity than creams and balms. In most cases, their composition is oil-in-water. These preparations are meant to be used on unbroken skin. While in the case of creams they are applied carefully with the tips of the fingers, lotions are spread with bare hands, cotton or cloths. In some cases, they are also used to aid massages. Lotions can also be used to carry medicine, but in most cases they are used in areas that are covered with hair, like the scalp. As a matter of fact, some prescription shampoos are lotions.
Another type of preparation to be used on the skin are balms, which are also called Liniments. They are a lot like lotions in viscosity. This preparation has a characteristic that is important: these products have to be rubbed in, applied with friction. Liniments are usually offered as products to relieve pain, such as the pain or stiffness caused by arthritis or muscle pain.
Natural skin balms are also a new tendency. They are known for helping keep the skin components balanced since they have no chemicals in them. If you are looking for a liniment and you have very sensitive skin, this type of product is suitable for you.
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