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If you’re keen to keep up your skincare regime while travelling, you may be wondering what kinds of products to make a point of packing to bring with you on holiday.
A quick stroll through your local Boots or Superdrug will no doubt reveal aisles upon aisles of skincare products destined as travel ‘essentials’, including everything from luxury face masks and lip treatments, to expensive scrubs and serums.
While these products claim to offer a whole host of benefits – and I don’t doubt some really are great for travelling with – personally, I like to keep my skincare regime to a minimum to save on luggage space when travelling. That said, two products that I’d never leave home without are either body oil, or body lotion.
Here’s why I always recommend packing a decent body lotion or body oil into your suitcase or carry-on, including the benefits and drawbacks of each, and tailored skin type tips.
What is body oil?
So, let’s start with the basics: what is body oil? Well, as you might be aware, body oil is a form of moisturiser that can be used to hydrate and soften the skin. Unlike lotions, however – which are typically water-based – body oils are, as the name would suggest, oil-based. As a result, body oils glide over the skin with ease and can provide a more intense hydration experience, making them ideal for anyone travelling with sensitive skin.
What does it do?
While body oil is praised for its moisturising characteristics, many people wear it on holiday to give their skin that golden, sun-kissed glow. In fact, some body oils actually contain self-tanning ingredients, so it’ll turn your skin a beautiful bronze shade too, making you look like you’ve spent hours topping up your tan on the beach.
What’s more, body oil is also known for its ability to protect our skin from harmful natural elements, like the sun and the wind.
And, finally, don’t forget it can also make for a handy massage aid if you end up with sore, aching muscles after a long day-out or an active hiking trip.
How does it differ from lotions?
Body oil and body lotion both serve the purpose of moisturising our skin. However, body oil is typically a more concentrated form of moisture than lotion comprising a combination of blended oils, typically vegetable or nut oils.
As such, body oil tends to be greasier than lotion yet with a lighter consistency, which some people prefer because it provides longer-lasting moisture for their skin, without feeling sticky on the skin.
Body lotion: a quick guide
Body lotions, on the other hand, are made with a water-based solution combined with oil (usually an emolient like mineral oil, or petrolatum) and an emulsifier. This mixture forms a thick, creamy product that can be applied to the skin. Lotions take longer to absorb than body oils, and can sometimes leave behind a greasy residue.
Which is best for travelling with?
So, which is better for your skin while travelling – body oil or moisturiser? The answer will likely depend on your individual skin type; if you have dry skin, you may find that body oil is more effective at moisturising your skin than lotion. Indeed, for me personally (as someone diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria, or dermagraphism) I find that body oil leaves my skin feeling moisturised for longer, and absorbs into my skin instantly, whereas I need to wait for body lotion to dry usually.
Of course, you’ll also need to consider luggage restrictions and allowances, but if you have space, you could always pack both body lotion and body moisturiser into your case.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out which product is right for you is to experiment with both, and see what works best for your individual skin type.
Do you prefer travelling with body lotion, or body moisturiser? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
This is a sponsored post.