What Happens To Your Body If You Never Use Lotion? We Asked A Dermatologist

For most people, lathering skin with body lotion is part of their daily, ingrained routine. And when you're battling rough and scaly skin, reaching for a body lotion is often the first solution. However, not everyone moisturizes on a regular basis. In fact, many people don't apply lotion at all. Some individuals even believe that relying on a lotion impacts the skin's natural ability to produce oil. As such, Glam spoke to Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, to finally clear the confusion surrounding the necessity of body lotions. 

"Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands to coat skin cells in a thin layer of oil. This oil softens skin, makes it feel smooth, and helps trap water in the skin to prevent dryness," Dr. Camp explains to Glam during an exclusive chat. "Environmental factors, such as long, hot showers, harsh soaps, and cold, dry environments affect the ability of skin to retain moisture. Skin conditions, like eczema and ichthyosis, as well as genetic susceptibility, can also impact the skin's capacity to retain moisture." For individuals affected by these factors, skipping lotion prolongs irritation, redness, and itchiness caused by severely dry and flaky skin.

According to dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, some individuals can get away with not moisturizing post-shower — which is the best time to moisturize, FYI — but this doesn't apply for everybody. "While some people may have naturally oily skin that prevents their skin from becoming dry, others may experience dry, rough, cracked skin without the regular use of a moisturizer," says Dr. Camp during an exclusive chat with Glam. Everyone experiences transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to some extent, whether that be due to cold winter weather or skin irritation, but some people experience greater TEWL due to a sensitivity to environmental factors, such as harsh skin products, medications, and chronic skin issues.

"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 of dryness, cracking, and itching." Applying lotion will improve occasional dryness for any individual, but those prone to dermatitis and inflammatory skin conditions benefit from regular use of body lotions to soothe the skin and prevent flare-ups.

Most lotions help bring moisture back to the skin, but chronic skin issues such as eczema require specific lotions with targeted ingredients such as emollients or occlusives. To improve eczema symptoms, these ingredients increase moisture and help form a protective layer over the skin. Therefore, dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp recommends the Vanicream™ Moisturizing Lotion for such cases. "Made without botanicals, fragrance, or dyes, this lightweight lotion treats and prevents irritated, cracking, and itchy skin, and is ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin," he shares exclusively with Glam.

Additionally, if you're searching for another fragrance-free lotion with rich vitamins, Dr. Camp suggests The Body Lotion by Nécessaire. "In addition to providing hydration, this body lotion contains peptides, niacinamide, and vitamins A, C, and E to firm and strengthen skin," says Dr. Camp. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is another fragrance-free option that skin experts recommend due to the "ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone" which help "lock in moisture, plump skin, and improve smoothness and softness." Lastly, for a more luxurious moisturizer, take a look at the Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm. "This lightweight body lotion is made with an uplifting citrus aroma and nourishing nut oil extracts to soften and smooth the skin," Dr. Camp tells Glam. Note that these recommendations also work for common symptoms of dryness or dehydration — yes, there's a difference — but if symptoms persist or worsen, it's best to consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment.