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Moisturizer or Lotion? Differences for your face?

Let's get to the basics. First, yes, it can be a challenge to find what works best for you.
Now we all should, all faces/ skins can be different. Oily, Sensitive, Dry, Very Dry. Combo (both oily and dry skin) & Normal skin.
Next we have the seasons, humidity factors, environmental issues, temps, & age.
We then products designed not for the face, like body lotions. If it does not say for the face, I would not slap it on. That is just me.
Now back to topic > as the OP listed Moisturizers or Lotions?
We need to have a better separation from the two.
For me, there are really two types : Lotions and Creams

Lotions normally come in some form of a pump. It will usually have more water/ glycerin/ ingredients to thin it down mainly for few reasons: one > to get it through the pump, two > easy to apply / faster absorption, three > usually cheaper to make.

Creams normally come in a screw off container / jar. Thicker unusually, less watered down (I use a little spoon). It does not usually absorb as quickly. Normally more expensive.

Moisturizers can be slapped on the label on any of these, including balms, or other forms. It is just a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. Glycerin (& water) is one of the cheapest and most use "moisturizers". There are many other humectant used.

Balms are just a cream w/ diarrhea (little more runny)

Now, here are some other facts on ingredients. Lots of the inexpensive stuff with contain (based) Mineral Oil, Petroleum, the purpose here is to cheaply lock in the moisture. I personally stay away from products which has these. I have very sensitive skin & allergies, so it does not like me and I stay away from them. YMMV - YSMV > Research it, find what works best for you.

Hope this is a help, I just tried to keep at a top level.

After my shave and rinse, I slap on a good coat of a very good quality aloe (high content % aloe). Works for me...
Once it has absorbed, I will add a good face cream.


Now we know there is a ton of focus on just the shave. There can be more, up to you.
I just package it all up and define it as Smart Face Management.
Look (pun intended), you may not care.
But every one else has to see that mug plus does not get better, as you get older.

Take care of your face, no one else will.
Invest (time & $) in it wisely .....

Cheers
BFX

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Phoenixkh

I shaved a fortune
A few years ago now, a reaction to a popular shaving soap gave me a pretty severe "sunburn" and sent me to the dermatologist.... She recommended CeraVe and Cetaphil products... We bought a set of each: facial wash, body wash and moisturizer in a tub.... They are both great companies who make excellent products. We slightly prefer Cetaphil.... but both work well.

I have a couple post shave products. I'm currently 3017 my ESC post shave moisturizer/balm... I have two of them and they've been sitting in storage. I'll use them until they are gone... Before that, I've been using Neutrogena Hydro Boost. It's a great product but they did change the formula recently.

For my hands, I've used O'Keefe's Working Hands for years.... I don't work out in the cold now.... but it was a life saver back when I did. Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands is also a good product for me.
 
Not sure if it's something you'd want to consider but there are latherless shaving creams that are like rinseable lotion. EOS sensitive shea is one. It's marketed to women but I thought it worked well for shaving my face. I don't use it as I decided it wasn't my thing (I like creams more like soap or surfactant, and have more problems with oily skin) but also thought it might be great for problems with dry skin.
 
I have just done a search to see if I could find another source in the US, sorry but it seems difficult to buy. A pity because it really works for me.
If I ever make it back to Europe or the UK again, I'll have to hit some local stores and see about bringing some home. Or I may get lucky and find some with a future shave product order.
 
Wow that is that. I can find them for 9 euro. Which is a lot more economic. I guess it is the import cost to the US inflating the price.

I guess in today's economy it really pays off to look for either bigger or local brands/ product

Most EU "consumable" shave products in the EU are roughly twice as much here in the USA. Subtract VAT and add all manner of fees and costs. I used to get the Original Mitchell's Wool Fat shave soap in the ceramic jar for what a loose puck cost, or a bit less, in the USA before they changed the formulation.
 
For my hands, I've used O'Keefe's Working Hands for years.... I don't work out in the cold now.... but it was a life saver back when I did. Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands is also a good product for me.
Udder Balm is pretty good for chapped hands!
 
Face specific moisturiser usually is much lighter in feeling and look, doesn’t have fragrance and includes other active ingredients such as Vitamins A, C and E, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and peptides, spf etc. If you check the ingredient lists of a lot of popular face moisturisers, these active ingredients have such low amounts they are essentially useless. So definitely make sure you are looking at the ingredients to make sure you are getting what you are paying for. You can even buy serums of just vitamin C and hylaruonic acid etc and use those on your skin first and follow up with 100% aloe Vera or jojoba oil if you don’t want to buy the all inclusive moisturisers. I would say invest in a better shave soap and get a reasonably priced face moisturiser with hylaruonic acid. The ones you are currently using have SLS and detergent chemicals and foaming agents in them that are harsh on the skin and heavy body moisturiser can clog pores and lead to breakouts and worse irritation. I don’t recommend aftershave balm either, it’s usually just a worse moisturiser with cheap fragrance at a higher price point.
 
For my hands I use GlaxalBase. This stuff stinks, but it works better than all the other moisturizers I've tried.

For my face, I really like Zingari Mann. I picked up a small bottle of it when I first started DE shaving and I'm glad I got a heads up that a little goes a long ways. Three small shots the size of a green pea is more than enough for my whole face.
 

JWCowboy

Probably not Al Bundy
My favorite moisturizer is Kiehl’s, CeraVe is a good budget option. Another thing to consider is if you might possibly be a little dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water goes a long way for a host of problems, particularly dry skin.
 
My favorite moisturizer is Kiehl’s, CeraVe is a good budget option. Another thing to consider is if you might possibly be a little dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water goes a long way for a host of problems, particularly dry skin.

After living in the "Desert" for ~15 years, the Camelbak motto of "Hydrate or Die!" was one I lived by. Most people are dehydrated to some degree whether living in the city or out in the countryside.

In my case, proper hydration is an integral part of my farm and overlanding lifestyle as is eating real food made from things grown on a farm, not in a beaker or vat in a factory!!! 😋
 
Face specific moisturiser usually is much lighter in feeling and look, doesn’t have fragrance and includes other active ingredients such as Vitamins A, C and E, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and peptides, spf etc. If you check the ingredient lists of a lot of popular face moisturisers, these active ingredients have such low amounts they are essentially useless. So definitely make sure you are looking at the ingredients to make sure you are getting what you are paying for.
Exactly and a big part of the reason I came here to ask. Those $3/0z tubes seemed like a ripoff after looking at the label and ingredients but, what do I know about this topic beyond the basics and anecdotal random evidence?
 
You can even buy serums of just vitamin C and hylaruonic acid etc and use those on your skin first and follow up with 100% aloe Vera or jojoba oil if you don’t want to buy the all inclusive moisturisers.

During winter time when my face gets dry especially after shaving I use 12 drops of jojoba oil and rub it on my face. Works really well. Inexpensive and does not have a bunch of other stuff in it. Plain and simple.

Sounds like this is the answer I am really looking forward to in terms of "lotions"! 🎯
 
I would say invest in a better shave soap and get a reasonably priced face moisturiser with hylaruonic acid. The ones you are currently using have SLS and detergent chemicals and foaming agents in them that are harsh on the skin and heavy body moisturiser can clog pores and lead to breakouts and worse irritation. I don’t recommend aftershave balm either, it’s usually just a worse moisturiser with cheap fragrance at a higher price point.

The Aveeno gel is the one I am using right now so, one of the better options. I can really tell the difference in it compared to Edge Gel and similar products. Nivea "Cool" gets the nod in warmer months for a quick shave.

Thankfully, regarding lotions and sunscreens and similar products, clogged pores isn't an issue. I guess my shower routine and morning prep for the day keeps my face clean enough to avoid this potential issue. I also use premium brand lotions, not the cheapest "bucket" I can find so, that probably helps.

Regarding the SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, detergents, and foaming agents, etc are likely a much worse problem with the common foaming shave creams. Gels likely have some, or similar products, in much smaller amounts to aid flow. And yes, the common foam shave products are a NO-GO for me due to their harshness.
 
I'm getting a lot of weepers in this cold weather with artificial heat these days. I attribute this to the increased dryness of the skin on my face where my whiskers are. I also find the bleeds are a lot harder to stop as well. And yes, my platelets are doing fine! 🧛‍♂️

I looked into Vitamin supplements being a part of the cause but, I never noticed any meaningful change due to "common" vitamins. I should note I take AHREDs for eyesight, a Multivitamin, and a bit of Vitamin D and E in the Winter months.

So, I started with the Lotion I had already (Jergens) which was really meant for my hands. It was hard to work into my face and seemed a bit oily and clammy for hours after application. Nivia Maximum Hydration seems to be a lot better in this regard but, looking at all the options in town was a bit overwhelming with numerous options within a single brand, compounded by store and multiple brand lines of lotion and moisturizers for way too many linear feet of shelving to look at!

So, what is different with Moisturizers compared to quality lotions? What are the better lotion or moisturizer options that aren't super expensive (>$1.50/oz)? I'm sure those 3oz tubes for $10 to $18 each are good but, that is cost prohibitive for me. On the flip-side, a 36 oz container of Great Value random lotion isn't appropriate either. I am thinking about options from Cerave, Nivea, Cetaphil, and similar options without super expensive additives.

Lastly, perhaps a different shave soap, foam, or gel would help. Right now, I mainly use Aveeno shave gel but, Nivia "cool" in the warmer months is pretty nice too. I should note that this occurs when using known long term "good" razors and my "normal" blades not, some new razor or PIF blades which is why I am considering my skin which dries out some during the Winter months.

So, moisturizer or lotion, and which one? And no, an electric razor or multi-bladed disposable isn't really an option for me to fix this problem! 🤣
Winter weather is drying to your skin. I use Neutrogena. It is reasonably priced and contains hyaluronic acid which is very soothing and beneficial to your skin.

 
Winter weather is drying to your skin. I use Neutrogena. It is reasonably priced and contains hyaluronic acid which is very soothing and beneficial to your skin.

I got a different Nivea product locally that is working well so far with a change to Feather blades in my Athena razor.

I am noticing a difference in the feel of the skin on my face too!
 
I always use Bulldog brand facial moisturizer after shaving. It’s on the less expensive side of men’s products, feels a bit thick when dispensing but absorbs well and for me is t noticeable afterwards. I’m not a big “products” guy, but many moons ago when I was in my 20’s a wise older, and non-wrinkled, lady emphasized moisturizer to maintain skin health and looks, along with good genes.
 
The moisturisers I’ve tried have been more trouble than they’re worth, so I just keep it simple. In my younger days I used witch hazel.
In later life, when my skin started to get dry, I switched to cold water shaving and Rose Water.
 
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