Lotion isn’t only for the ladies! There are countless reasons to apply body lotion, but it’s a step many men skip. Or something they only apply when their skin is uncomfortably dry. However, you should be applying body lotion year-round. Here’s a comprehensive guy’s guide to applying body lotion.
Why Apply Body Lotion?
Stop worrying about lotion being only for the ladies. In fact, impressing partners of any gender is one reason to apply lotion. It’s easy to forget, but our skin is an organ—our body’s largest organ at that.
Here are a few reasons to apply lotion daily:
- Dry, rough, ashy, or cracked skin isn’t sexy.
- Lotion locks in moisture, keeping you hydrated.
- It creates a protective barrier against the weather.
- Antioxidant-rich formulas have antiaging benefits.
When To Apply Body Lotion?
When speaking in terms of head-to-toe application, you should apply lotion after every shower or bath. After you bathe, a layer of moisture is stripped away. Applying lotion rehydrates and protects your skin. Body lotion is designed to be applied from the neck down. Use facial products from the neck up, which we discuss in greater detail further down in this article.
Also apply hand lotion daily, as hand sanitizer and washing your hands dries out your skin.
How To Choose A Body Lotion?
Many men avoid body lotions because they don’t like the sweet aroma. Or they like the aroma, but it overpowers their cologne. Not to worry, as highly fragranced lotions are far from your only option. In fact, the chemicals in highly fragranced lotions often dry out your skin.
Choose a lotion that is formulated with natural ingredients. Uncle Jimmy has you covered! Our Men’s Body Lotion is formulated with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Black Seed Oil, and Honey. It has a mild aroma that won’t overpower your cologne.
How To Apply Body Lotion?
Now, let’s dive into a few tips to ensure you are applying your body lotion the right way.
#1 How To Avoid A Hairy Mess
One of the reasons you may avoid applying body lotion is that most of it gets trapped in your body hair. Then it transfers onto your clothing. You can avoid this mess by choosing a formula that is creamy, but oil-based. The Coconut Oil and Black Seed Oil in our Body Lotion ensure that it is thin enough to pass through your hair to your skin. The Shea Butter is thick enough to provide intense moisture, but the oil makes it easy to apply.
For super-hairy areas, apply the lotion to your fingertips instead of your palms.
#2 Choose A Non-Comedogenic Lotion
Struggle with blackne or pimples on your butt? You aren’t alone! Reach out to your dermatologist as they may prescribe or suggest a topical product to keep acne to a minimum.
Then, select a non-comedogenic body lotion. This means it is a product that won’t clog your pores. When your pores are clogged, it increases the likelihood of blackheads and breakouts.
#2 Exfoliate
One way to keep your skin looking its best is to exfoliate. This will slough away dead skin that can clog your pores leading to acne and premature aging.
We understand that you may prefer to keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. So, we suggest applying your Body Wash to a washcloth, loofah, or shower puff. This will provide daily gentle exfoliation. Avoid the temptation to scrub too hard.
If you prefer, you can also use a granular body exfoliator once a week. You exfoliate your face while shaving, but consider investing in a granular facial exfoliator for the skin above your facial hair. Again, be gentle.
#3 Apply Year-Round
Some men only apply body lotion in the winter months when the air is cooler and dryer, but you should apply lotion year-round. Even if your goal isn’t silky soft skin, you should want your skin to be healthy. Lotion protects your skin from harsh weather, nourishes it with antiaging antioxidants, and keeps it hydrated. When it’s extremely cold, dry, windy, or hot—lotion isn’t enough.
- Consider adding a humidifier to your office and bedroom when the air is dry.
- Wear protective clothing when it’s windy, cold, or hot.
- Layer sunscreen on top of your body lotion.
#4 Lotion Is Not Sunscreen
While they look similar, their functions are completely different. Lotion is designed to nourish and hydrate, while sunscreen is designed to filter UV rays. Clothing provides a bit of UV protection, but you must protect exposed areas. Or invest in UV clothing and swimwear.
Apply your body lotion first, wait 5 minutes and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 50. Use a waterproof formula if you will be swimming, playing water sports, or if you’ll be super sweaty. Reapply waterproof formulas every 2 hours and regular sunscreen every 4 hours.
Don’t apply body sunscreen to your face as it is likely to clog your pores and irritate your skin. Instead, invest in SPF 50 facial sunscreen.
#5 Don’t Forget Your Face
Our face is where we begin to show the signs of aging first. This is due to the combination of our faces being constantly exposed and our daily facial expressions. As a proactive approach, many men invest in AM and PM facial serums and facial moisturizers.
To keep things simple, you can apply your Beard Oil and Beard Balm to your full face. Balm is typically used only for mid-length to long beards or curly and kinky beards of every length. However, it can be used year-round as a facial moisturizer or any time your skin is extra dry.
If you don’t mind a multi-step skincare routine, apply your serum first, followed by your moisturizer, and oil or balm.
#6 Don’t Forget Your Lips
Keep your lips kissable by applying a daily lip balm. You may require a thicker formula in the winter. Try to keep licking your lips to a minimum as it dries out your lips. You’ll lick your lips less if you have lip balm on.
#7 Don’t Forget Your Feet
An increasing number of men get pedicures, even if only a few times a year, to slough away rough areas. At the very least, apply lotion to your feet a few nights a week before you go to bed. Better yet, if you slip a pair of socks on so that the lotion stays put.
Now you know everything you need to know about applying body lotion!
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