What is the Difference Between a Balm, a Cream and a Lotion?

In one way or degree or another, we all have had a skin condition. Sometimes they are not so severe, but still, we try to look for the best product to solve the problem. The problem is to find the right one when there are so many that are offered. How do we decide which one fits our skin better? How can we be sure that the one we choose is the best one for our condition? We will now determine the answer to a question that is very important: what is the main difference between a balm, a cream and a lotion?



A cream is a topical composition that is usually used in the face area. Creams are emulsions that are semi-solid, which means they consist of oil and water. The ones that contain mostly water and a small amount of oil are called Oil-in-water. Because they are easier to wash off and they are not heavy, these preparations are used for cosmetic creams. Water-in-oil is the opposite, having a smaller amount of water in a larger amount of oil. They are used as prescription creams, most of the time, because there are some drugs that don't function well with water. And although for cosmetic purposes, oil-in-water creams are more frequently used, if you need moisture, water-in-oil preparations are more effective as they lower water loss in the skin.



What About the Moisturizing Balms?



Lotions are low-viscosity preparations. The majority of them have an oil-in-water preparation. These preparations cannot be used on broken skin. They are applied on the skin with bare hands or a cloth or cotton instead of with the fingertips as is the case of creams. They also are used to aid massages. Lotions can also be used to carry medicine, but in most cases they are used in areas that are covered with hair, like the scalp. As a matter of fact, some prescription shampoos are lotions.



Liniments, or balms, are also preparations for the skin. They are a lot like lotions in viscosity. One of the main characteristics of this type of preparation is that it has to be applied with friction, it has to be rubbed in. In some cases, pain or stiffness can be relieved with the application of a liniment.



Natural skin balms are also a new tendency. The fact that all their ingredients are natural helps the skin and its balance. If you are looking for a liniment and you have very sensitive skin, this type of product is suitable for you.