For most people, slathering your skin with body lotion is part of their daily routine. And if you’re battling rough and flaky skin, a body lotion is often the first solution. However, not everyone moisturizes regularly. In fact, many people don’t use lotion at all. Some people even believe that using lotion interferes with the skin’s natural ability to produce sebum. That’s why Glam spoke to Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, to finally clear up the confusion surrounding the need for body lotions.

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“Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands to coat skin cells with a thin layer of oil. This oil softens the skin, makes it feel supple, and helps to retain water in the skin to prevent dryness,” explains Dr. Camp Glam in an exclusive chat. “Environmental factors such as long, hot showers, harsh soaps, and cold, dry environments affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis, as well as genetics, can also affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture.” For those affected by these factors, skipping lotion prolongs the irritation, redness, and itching caused by very dry and flaky skin.

According to dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, some people can skip applying moisturizer after showering—which is the best time to do it, by the way—but that’s not true for everyone. “While some people have naturally oily skin that prevents their skin from drying out, others can experience dry, rough, cracked skin without the regular use of a moisturizer,” Dr. Camp says during an exclusive chat with Glam. Everyone experiences transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to some degree, whether due to cold winter weather or skin irritation, but some people experience higher TEWL due to sensitivity to environmental factors like harsh skincare products, medications, and chronic skin issues.

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“Certain conditions, such as eczema, affect the skin’s ability to retain water,” Dr. Camp tells Glam. In this case, he adds that “increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) puts skin at increased risk for dryness, cracking, and itchiness.” Applying lotion will relieve occasional dryness for anyone, but those prone to dermatitis and inflammatory skin conditions benefit from regular use of body lotions to soothe skin and prevent breakouts.

Most lotions help to rehydrate the skin, but chronic skin problems like eczema require special lotions with targeted ingredients like emollients or occlusives. To relieve eczema symptoms, these ingredients increase moisture and help form a protective layer on the skin. So for such cases, dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp recommends Vanicream™ Moisturizing Lotion. “Created and treated without botanicals, fragrances or dyes, this lightweight lotion prevents irritated, cracked and itchy skin and is ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin,” he exclusively reveals to Glam.

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Additionally, if you’re looking for another fragrance-free lotion with plenty of vitamins, Dr. Camp recommends Nécessaire’s Body Lotion. “Not only does this body lotion hydrate, but it also contains peptides, niacinamide, and vitamins A, C, and E to firm and strengthen skin,” Dr. Camp says. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is another fragrance-free option that skin experts recommend because of the “ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone” that help “lock in moisture, plump skin, and improve smoothness and softness.” And finally, for a more luxurious moisturizer, check out Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm. “This lightweight body lotion contains an invigorating citrus aroma and nourishing nut oil extracts to leave skin soft and supple,” Dr. Camp tells Glam. Note that these recommendations also work for the common symptoms of dryness or dehydration – yes, there is a difference – but if symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to see a dermatologist for individualized treatment.

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