Skin lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity, topical preparation aimed at treating unbroken skin. In general, skin lotion is an oil-in-water emulsion with cetearyl alcohol as emulsion stabilizer. Skin lotion is applied to external skin with bare hands, clean cloth, or cotton wool. It is usually not intended as a medicine delivery system (although some may be used for such purpose), but merely to smooth and soften the skin, which is the reason why skin lotion is used by many aging people. Facial usage of skin lotion can be considered as cosmetics, and for this purpose it frequently contains fragrances.

It should be realised that no product, including skin lotion, will work for everybody and every situation. This is because everybody is unique and has different agility, oiliness, dryness, etc. Different people might show different reactions to the same skin lotion. It is best, therefore, to figure out specific skin issues that a person might have and then find the right skin lotion to match this particular skin. It can be more complicated, though, because there is a possibility that there could be more than one skin condition. If it is the case, a solution that works on a combination of skin issues must then be found. Hence, knowing the ingredients that make up skin lotion is vital; this can only be done by reading the labels and information that come with the skin lotion.

The key components of a skin lotion are the aqueous and oily phases, an emulgent, and the drug substance or substances, if used. Additional ingredients may include fragrances, glycerols, dyes, preservatives, proteins, and stabilizing agents. Optionally, skin lotion is used for the delivery to the skin of medications such as antibiotics, antiseptics, antifungals, corticosteroids, anti-acne agents, moisturizing, or protective agents such as calamine. Non-comedogenic skin lotion is recommended for use on acne prone skin, for instance. Skin lotion can also be used for recreational purposes such as foreplay or masturbation in addition to being used as accessories to aid massage. Be careful not to choose skin lotion that contains dangerous chemical ingredients which can cause severe allergic reactions, skin irritation, or even cancer and other serious health conditions; some of these dangerous chemicals are petrolatum, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, and some synthetic fragrances.

Skin lotion for anti-aging usually works by conditioning the skin, reversing the damage due to aging process, or minimizing the damage. Some types of skin lotion also prevent further damage in the future; others may only cover the damage. Damage to the skin can also be repaired by boosting collagen and/or elastin. Bear in mind that such skin lotion may have to be used regularly over longer period of time to get long lasting results.

Please also check out my other guide on laser treatments and skin lightener