Lotions

What are lotions?
Lotions are cream, gel orjelly formulations designedto sit on the skin andpromote soft, smooth, moisturized skin. There are also specialized lotions such as sun screen lotions, after-sun lotions, lotions that deliver medication into the skin, lotions that relieve itching, lotions that soothe after insect bites, and others.
How do lotions differ from moisturizers?
Moisturizers are designed for facial skin, which has different needs because signs of aging are visible earlier than on body skin. Moisturizers contain ingredients to combat anti-aging and provide the right facial texture. Lotions do as well but the requirements are not as intense as for facial skin. Body skin is thicker and less porous and has different physical demands on it, so it demands different treatment.
What ingredients are found in lotions?
Lotions are usually creams that can be of thick or thin consistency. The creams consist of a combination of a water-based component mixed with oil-based or butter-based ingredients, bound together by a wax-based component, and preservatives, with optional fragrance added.
Water as an ingredient makes the lotion go rancid quickly and since Nen’s does not use artificial preservatives, we do not use water in our lotions. Instead, we use Hydrosols, which give the lotion more stability and a more pleasant scent to boot.
Our oils are natural and cold-pressed plant oils. We do not use animal fats such as emu oil or lard. Our oils and butters provide nurturing and softening properties but they also moisturize superbly.
Most commercial lotions use emulsifying wax to bind the water and oil components. Emulsifying wax results from mixing a plant or petroleum-based wax with detergent (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate, poly-sorbates, etc.). We do not use emulsifying wax. Instead, we use natural ingredients such as beeswax and borax. Beeswax is a humectant, which means it draws and seals in moisture. Borax provides stability to the lotion so that waters and oils do not separate. Our borax is isolated from plant sources.
There are no artificial fragrances in Nen’s Naturals products. Our lotions are naturally scented by the combination of natural ingredients. We do not use artificial preservatives in our skin care products. Certain oils, essential oils, and vitamin E are effective natural preservatives.
How should lotions be used?
Lotions should be used daily to keep the skin moist, soft and smooth. Most municipal water hardens skin, relative to, for example, rain water or pure spring water. Lotions step in to soften skin. Lotions can also be used for massage and can be applied to hair ends to curb splitting.
If a lotion does not absorb quickly, you are using too much. If your palms feel too greasy, they are not in need of so much lotion. Simply rub a tissue between your palms to remove unneeded lotion. Palms are less porous than other areas of the body, so they require less moisture. Regular use will give you a feel for the amount of lotion to use.
How do you choose the best lotion for you?
The obvious answer is to choose whatever works for you. However, there are ingredients that provide more benefits for certain skin types.