Salve Vs Lotion: What’s The Difference?
When it comes to skincare, there is a lot of confusion about which products to use. There are so many different types of products that seem to do the same things. It can be frustrating when all you want is to find the best products to promote healthy skin.
Salve and lotion both have their own unique properties, but aren’t they both just moisturizers? Well, no, not exactly.
Salves and lotions are similar in some ways but they have two different jobs, so it’s important to educate yourself on the benefits of each before deciding which one is right for you.
Salve Vs Lotion: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between these two products is that salves typically have a thicker consistency than lotions and contain a higher concentration of oil-based ingredients. Salves are designed to create a protective barrier on the skin and lock in moisture, which makes them ideal for dry skin types.
Salves sit on top of the skin longer before they absorb completely because of their oily base. Lotions are a better option for full body moisturizing because they soak into the skin faster and usually don’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin.
Lotions won’t be quite as moisturizing as a salve because they do allow moisture loss and don’t create that protective layer, but they are still effective.
Benefits and Uses of Salve
Salves are a good choice to soothe and heal minor cuts and scrapes and to help relieve the symptoms of chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The most common uses for salve are to:
- Help heal wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns
- Soothe and moisturize dry, cracked, or chapped skin
- Reduce redness and irritation
- Help treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis
- Provide relief from the itching and discomfort associated with insect bites
- Help heal chafed skin
- Provide relief from the pain of minor burns
- Some formulations reduce inflammation associated with sprains, strains, and sore muscles
- Help treat and prevent diaper rash
- Help protect and heal minor skin irritations
Benefits and Uses of Lotion
Lotions, on the other hand, are lighter and contain a higher concentration of water-based ingredients. Because they have a high water content, they are typically less greasy than salves, and can be used to hydrate and protect the skin.
Lotions are ideal for normal to oily skin types, and some formulations with ingredients like vitamin E can be used to help treat acne, reduce scarring, and even out skin tone.
Lotions are also a great option to moisturize acne-prone skin since they are lighter and won’t clog pores. The most common uses for lotions are to:
- Hydrate and nourish the skin
- Reduce redness and irritation
- Some formulations reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Soothe and relieve dry and itchy skin
- Help repair dry, cracked skin
- Heal and protect skin from environmental damage
- Help restore skin’s natural pH balance
- Provide intense moisture
- Some formulations help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Choosing Between Salve vs Lotion
When choosing between salve and lotion, it’s important to consider your skin type and the type of skin care you’re looking to achieve.
If you have seriously dry skin or are looking to treat a specific skin condition, then a salve might be your best option. If you’re looking to moisturize and protect your skin daily, then lotion and body butters might be the right choice.
Lotion is a more commonly used daily product and salve tends to be used more like a topical medication. Even though salve can have medicinal properties, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used on large areas, but it depends on the specific ingredients. Ultimately, it’s important to use the right product for you.
You can experiment with different products to find what works best for your skin. Skincare products are highly personal because there are real differences in each person’s skin. Keep in mind that something that works well for one person may cause skin irritation or other skin problems for someone else.
Popular Salves
Shop Desert Oasis Skincare Lavender Hand Salve
Shop Burts Bees Moisturizing Skin Salve
Popular Lotions
Shop Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion
Shop Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion
FAQs
Is hand salve better than lotion?
When it comes to your hands, salve and lotion both work well. Since salve is thicker and more moisturizing, it may work better overall. The only problem will be how greasy your hands will be after use. If you need something clean and absorbable, use hand cream or lotion.
Is salve better than cream?
This depends on the particular condition being treated. In general, salves are usually used for conditions that require a barrier on the skin or require a longer-acting form of medication like excema. Creams are used for conditions that require more immediate relief like chapped skin.
What is the difference between a salve and a balm?
Salves and balms are both ointments that are used to treat skin irritations, but there are some differences in the two. Salves are usually oil-based and made with natural ingredients like herbs, beeswax, and essential oils.
They’re usually used to treat minor skin irritations like cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. Body balms are usually wax-based and made with petroleum jelly and other synthetic ingredients. They are used to treat more serious skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.
Can I use salve as lotion?
Yes, salve can be used as a lotion, but it may not be the most ideal choice. Salve is typically oil-based, and can be quite thick and greasy, so it may not be great for those who prefer a lighter lotion. It’s also typically used for a skin concern that is more advanced than just skin hydration.
How often can you put salve on hands?
If you have skin issues like irritated skin that you’re using salve to treat, it’s recommended to apply salve to your hands at least twice a day, or as needed.
If you’re using it for moisturizing dry hands, use it as needed as long as it doesn’t have skin irritating herbal ingredients that should be limited. Follow the instructions on the specific salve you’re using.
Is Vaseline a salve?
Vaseline is petroleum jelly and is not a salve, although it is often used to make salves. Salve is typically made with wax but it can be made with vaseline, which makes it more of an ointment.
How do you apply salve to your skin?
Applying slave is much like applying lotion, but it will take longer for your skin to absorb the salve. A little goes a long way with salve so only a small amount is needed. Just rub it in like you would lotoin until the salve is mostly absorbed.
What makes a salve a salve?
Salve is just combination of three specific ingredients herbal infused oil (almond oil, coconut oil, hemp oil) and a wax to thicken them into a solid state at room temperature. Organic beeswax is most commonly used.
Is the L silent in salve?
In some parts of the world salve is pronounced with the L, but in the U.S. the l is most commonly silent.
Can I use lotion on my face?
Skin lotion works great on your face. Regular body lotion is probably not the best choice for your face because facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body.
Is it OK to use lotion everyday?
Daily moisturization is essential for your skin health. It also improves the appearance of your skin and gives it a softer texture. For best results, use a body lotion from the chest down and a face lotion for your face and neck.
Conclusion
Both salves and lotions are great choices for alleviating common skin issues such as dry, cracked, and itchy skin. Whether it’s from cold weather, constant washing of your hands, or a medical condition, the long shelf life of both salves and lotions makes them great options for helping with uncomfortable skin issues.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out which you prefer is to test them both out and see which you like best.
