Are face and body moisturiser the same?

The answer is no. Body moisturiser is not the best solution for moisturising facial skin and vice versa. Let’s find out why.

If there’s one thing that everyone, really everyone, agrees on, it’s this: moisturising your skin is always good for you! Water is indispensable for our bodies and especially for our skin. Well-hydrated skin is more elastic, toned and smoother. Why? We have talked about it HERE.

Skin is a plural word

The skin is one big organ that has many differences. The skin of the face, the skin of the hands and feet, and the skin of the body are all similar, but different. Depending on its position and function, the skin can be more or less thick, delicate, permeable, oily etc. etc. 

Hydration affects all areas of the skin equally; the dermis is in fact composed of 70% water, which is transported by the bloodstream.

When it comes to moisturising from the outside (with a cosmetic, for example), the differences between the various areas of the skin must be taken into account. This is one of the main reasons why a body moisturiser is specially designed for body skin.

Face and body skin: differences

The first difference between the skin on the face and the other parts of the body is easy to see: the skin on the face is constantly exposed to all external factors such as light, UV rays, pollution, make-up cosmetics, etc. The skin on the body is generally covered by a layer of water and is therefore not exposed to any external factors. The skin on the body, on the other hand, is generally covered by clothing and remains more ‘protected’.

The second important difference is thickness. The skin on the face is generally thinner, and therefore more delicate, than the skin on most other areas of the body. This convinces us even more that each area needs special care.

The third and final macro-difference between facial skin and body skin lies in the functions it performs. Sebum production, for example, is higher on the scalp, face and chest areas, while the number (and size) of sebaceous glands on the trunk and limbs is much lower.

Is a body moisturiser a good solution for moisturising the face?

A body moisturiser is not the best solution for moisturising the face and the same applies to a face moisturiser used for the body!

How do two moisturising products, one for the face and one for the body, normally differ?

Consistency

The first difference between a face moisturiser and a body moisturiser is the consistency, or density. This characteristic affects the usability of the product and its performance.

A face moisturiser will have a lighter texture suitable for areas where the skin is particularly thin, there is a strong presence of sebaceous glands and frequent exposure to external agents.

The body moisturiser will be more full-bodied and easier to apply and will be perfect for covering large areas of skin, which is mainly thicker and has a low sebum production.

Specific ingredients

The ingredients carried by a body cream are specific to the criticalities presented by this skin:

• Cellulite
• Severe dehydration
• Cutaneous slackening

These criticalities are usually addressed with active ingredients of a certain consistency such as butters, oils and paraffins, which are generally too heavy for facial skin.

Tolerabilty

The last consideration concerns tolerability. All products, both for the face and the body, undergo very strict tests to assess their effectiveness and safety.

Facial products have to be tested very thoroughly to avoid side effects or allergic reactions, as the skin is particularly thin and sensitive.

Let us not be surprised if the price is often very different: the active ingredients used for the face are almost always more expensive due to the continuous research work carried out by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This is also inevitably reflected in the cost to the consumer

Is it bad to put body moisturiser on the face?

Is it bad to put body lotion on the face?! No. Putting body cream on your face won’t damage your skin, but it would be good if you didn’t make it a habit, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you have any particular blemishes (oily skin, spots).