Oil or lotion: Which is best for dry, cranky kids’ skin?

Some choices are easy to make: like, pizza for dinner or Broccoli Surprise? But other choices are a bit trickier: like, should you use an oil or a lotion on your kid’s flaky skin? (And who is really the most annoying character on Sesame Street?)

If you’re mulling over the best way to tackle your kid’s dry, unpredictable skin, it’s useful to know how oils and lotions work. The ways that they are similar (they’re both wonderfully hydrating, incredibly nourishing, and love Twisties), but also, the ways that they differ. Read on!

About oils...

Oils are terrific at locking in moisture on the skin’s outermost barrier. They’re often made from a blend of natural, plant-based oils that do wonders for skin (Skin Wizard is packed with hard-working ingredients like jojoba, sweet almond, chia seed and squalane), and are delightfully reparative and easily absorbed because they mimic natural lipids and the skin treats them like its own.

Oils work best to lock in moisture when skin is damp, so it’s smart to apply right after bath or shower, while the skin is still a little slippery. They’re also excellent for baby massage, which can be a delightful calming, bonding experience – providing your baby or toddler will lay still long enough. And when combined with a lovely, nourishing body oil, massage can also help to replenish the skin and provide barrier repair.

About lotions…

Creamy moisturisers are a mix of oil and water, which makes them especially good for dry skin as they can hydrate the surface of the skin and penetrate the layers beneath it. (In Super Softy, you’ll find a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil and shea butter to replenish and protect, plus calming chamomile.)

Because they’re partly water-based, lotions are the best at penetrating the skin, and delivering ingredients that can improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. They’re also easy to apply and most are designed for daily use.

So, which one?

Think of Super Softy as your go-to daily moisturiser, and Skin Wizard as a replenishing booster, or massage product, or itchy skin fire-putter-out-er-er. Or, use them together! Layering Super Softy on top of Skin Wizard is the ultimate, combining the nourishing, soothing and moisturising ingredients of both products to protect, hydrate and calm your little human’s skin.

Just remember to always patch test first. (Very important!)