What are the roles of lotion and milky lotion, which are the cornerstones of skin care, and what is the difference between them?

Toner and milky lotion are essential skincare items. Many men may understand that both are used to moisturize the skin, but may not know the detailed roles and differences between them. This article will provide a thorough explanation of the differences between lotion and milky lotion, which you may or may not know.

Supervision

Cosmetic Dermatologist, Specialist in Japanese Society of Anti-Aging MedicineNatsumi Miwa

Graduated from Kitasato University School of Medicine in 2013. After completing her training at the University of Tokyo Hospital, she worked as an internist and dermatologist at a clinic in Tokyo. From May 2017 to June 2020, she worked at a cosmetic clinic in Tokyo as a director. She has been the director of ”LonaLona CLINIC" since July 2020. She is active in a wide range of activities including lectures, TV, radio, magazines, and the web.

First, check the roles of lotion and milky lotion!

First of all, let’s take a look at the roles of lotion and milky lotion. In fact, both have multiple roles, so there may be some effects that you are not aware of.

What are the roles of lotion and its effects on the skin?

Lotion consists mostly of water and water-soluble beauty ingredients. We will introduce what effects they have on the skin.

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Role of lotion (1) “Moisturizing the skin

One of the major roles of lotion is to supply moisture to the skin. After washing the face, the sebum film that keeps the skin moist is removed, leaving the skin in a very dry state, so using lotion is a must. Unlike ordinary water, lotion contains moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin moisturized for a long time.

Role of lotion (2) “Regulating the skin’s ph level

Human skin is originally slightly acidic, with a pH of 4.5 to 6. Although it may temporarily become alkaline due to stimulation from face washing or shaving, it will return to a slightly acidic state soon. However, when the skin is dry, it is difficult for it to return to a slightly acidic state, and it may lean toward alkalinity, causing acne or rough skin. By conditioning the skin with lotion, it leads to the stabilization of the skin’s ph value.

Role of lotion (3) “Softens the skin and improves the skin’s adaptation to subsequent skincare items.

After using lotion, the basic flow of skin care is to use a serum or milky lotion. In fact, lotion also plays a role in improving the skin’s adaptation to these items. When the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, dries out, it becomes hard and prevents the penetration of serums and milky lotions. Some people may mistakenly use a serum or milky lotion without applying lotion, but this may halve the effectiveness of the skincare items, so be sure to use lotion.

Emulsion plays three major roles! Check the effects on the skin.

Emulsion is a skincare item consisting of 70~80% water and 10~20% oil. What is the role of milky lotion, which contains more oil than lotion? Here we will introduce its effects on the skin.

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Role of emulsion (1) “Preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin

Emulsion covers the surface of the skin with oil to prevent the moisture in the stratum corneum from evaporating. This role is originally performed by sebum, also known as natural cream, but the sebum film alone cannot protect the skin from the drying effects of air and air conditioning. This is why milky lotion is essential even for men with oily skin.

Role of milky lotion (2) “Softening the skin

Oil is also expected to soften hardened skin. While lotion softens only “dry, hard skin,” milky lotion is characterized by its ability to address all causes of dryness, thickening of keratin, and rough texture. Men in particular tend to have hard skin, so it is best to take good care of it with milky lotion.

Role of milky lotion (3) “Protecting the skin from external stimuli

Emulsion, which is used at the end of skincare, protects the skin and keeps it free from external stimuli. Bare skin is easily affected by friction and air pollution, which can cause rough and sensitive skin. Therefore, milky lotion should be used not only at night but also in daytime skin care.