Lotion

This article is about the skin treatment. For the band "Bodylotion", seeNeophyte (band).For other uses, seeLotion (disambiguation).

Lotion andshampooat theBanff Centre

Lotionis a low-viscositytopical preparation intended for application to theskin.By contrast,creamsandgelshave higher viscosity, typically due to lower water content.Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, orcotton wool.

While a lotion may be used as a medicine delivery system, many lotions, especiallyhand lotionsandbody lotionsand lotion forallergiesare meant instead to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.

Some skincare products, such assunscreenandmoisturizer,may be available in multiple formats, such as lotions, gels, creams, or sprays.

Medicine delivery

Calamine lotionis used to treat itching.

Dermatologists can prescribe lotions to treat or prevent skin diseases.It is not unusual for the same drug ingredient to be formulated into a lotion,creamandointment.Creams are the most convenient of the three but inappropriate for application to regions of hairy skin such as the scalp, while a lotion is less viscous and may be readily applied to these areas (many medicatedshampoosare in fact lotions). Historically, lotions also had an advantage in that they may be spread thinly compared to a cream or ointment and may economically cover a large area of skin, but product research has steadily eroded this distinction.Non-comedogeniclotions are recommended for use on acne prone skin.

Lotions can be used for the delivery to the skin of medications such as:

• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Antifungals
• Corticosteroids
• Anti-acneagents
• Soothing, smoothing, moisturizing or protective agents (such ascalamine)
• Anti Allergens

Occupational use

Since health care workers must wash their hands frequently to prevent disease transmission, hospital-grade lotion is recommended to prevent skindermatitiscaused by frequent exposure to cleaning agents in the soap.A 2006 study found that application of hospital-grade lotion after hand washing significantly reduced skin roughness and dryness.

Care must be taken not to use consumer lotions in a hospital environment, as theperfumesandallergensmay be a danger to those who are immunodeficient or with allergies.

Cosmetic uses

Most cosmetic lotions aremoisturizing lotions,although other forms, such astanning lotion,also exist.

Cosmetic lotions may be marketed as anti-aging lotions, which can also be classified as a cosmetic in many cases, and may contain fragrances. TheFood and Drug Administrationvoiced concern about lotions not classified as drugs that advertise anti-aging or anti-wrinkle properties.

Production

Most lotions are oil-in-wateremulsionsusing a substance such ascetearyl alcoholto keep the emulsion together, but water-in-oil lotions are also formulated. The key components of a skin care lotion, cream or gel emulsion (that is mixtures of oil and water) are theaqueousand oily phases, anemulsifierto prevent separation of these two phases, and, if used, thedrugsubstance or substances. Various other ingredients such asfragrances,glycerol,petroleum jelly,dyes,preservatives,proteinsand stabilizing agents are commonly added to lotions.

Manufacturing lotions and creams can be completed in two cycles:

• Emollients and lubricants are dispersed in oil with blending and thickening agents.
• Perfume, color and preservatives are dispersed in the water cycle. Active ingredients are broken up in both cycles depending on the raw materials involved and the desired properties of the lotion or cream.

A typical oil-in-water manufacturing process may be:

• Step 1: Add flake/powder ingredients to the oil being used to prepare the oil phase.
• Step 2: Disperse active ingredients.
• Step 3: Prepare the water phase containing emulsifiers and stabilizers.
• Step 4: Mix the oil and water to form an emulsion. (Note: This is aided by heating to between 110 and 185 F (45-85 C) depending on the formulation and viscosity desired.)
• Step 5: Continue mixing until the end product is 'completed'

Potential health risks

Acne

Depending on their composition, lotions can be comedogenic, meaning that they can result in the increased formation ofcomedones(clogged hair follicles).People who are prone toacneor forming comedones often prefer lotions that are designed to be non-comedogenic (not causing outbreaks).

Systemic absorption

All topical products, including lotions, can result in thepercutaneous (through the skin) absorptionof their ingredients. Though this has some use as a route of drug administration, it more commonly results in unintendedside effects.For example, medicated lotions such asdiproleneare often used with the intention of exerting onlylocal effects,but absorption of the drug through the skin can occur to a small degree, resulting in systemic side effects such ashyperglycemiaandglycosuria.

Absorption through the skin is increased when lotions are applied and then covered with anocclusivelayer, when they are applied to large areas of the body, or when they are applied to damaged or broken skin.

Allergens

Lotions containing some aromas or food additives may trigger an immune reaction or even cause users to develop new allergies.

There is currently no regulation over use of the term "hypoallergenic", and even pediatric skin products with the label were found to still contain allergens.Those witheczemaare especially vulnerable to an allergic reaction with lotion, as their compromised skin barrier allows preservatives to bind with and activate immune cells.

TheAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunologyreleased a warning in 2014 that natural lotion containing ingredients commonly found in food (such as goats milk, cow's milk, coconut milk, or oil) may introduce new allergies, and an allergic reaction when those foods are later consumed.A 2021 study found that "frequent skin moisturization in early life might promote the development of food allergy, most likely through transcutaneous sensitization".

See also

• Barrier cream
• Cold cream

External links

• Lotions during the early 19th century