Can I Use Body Cream on My Face? A Dermatologist’s Answer

in collaboration with

Isabelle Gallay (dermatologist)

Can your body cream be a 2-in-1 on vacation? And also be used to moisturize your face? We’ve all asked ourselves this question when we forget or when we’re running out of a bottle, waiting to buy our favorite brand again. But is this really sensible for your skin? We asked dermatologist Dr. Isabelle Gallay.

Body cream is not suitable for the face

For the expert, the answer is rather simple: “No, it is better to avoid covering your face with a cream dedicated to the body”. Indeed, thinner, more fragile and more exposed, the skin on your face requires very specific, light care to hydrate and protect it.A body emulsion is not recommended for the face, because it meets another need. It is more covering and meets the hydration needs of thicker skin. In fact, it risks being too rich for the face.

Of course, there’s not much risk in using it occasionally, on a day when you forget. But even then, it depends on your skin type.Someone who has someacne for example, can inflame the skin with just one application, we avoid it” recognizes the expert.

The reverse may be appropriate, however.

If you forgot your body cream, or on the other hand, the dermatologist announces, you can apply your day cream as a backup.It’s a bit of a shame, of course, depending on the price or the active ingredients in the cream, but even if a face cream is less moisturizing than a body cream or balm, you won’t have any problems applying it to the rest of your body, arms, legs, or hands.” she admits. A good tip, if you have a jar of face cream to finish, soon to expire, or that you no longer use.

Finally, one last tip is to aim for an officially 2-in-1 moisturizing product. These develop a formulation adapted and tested for use validated on both parts, face and body. With a saving of space in the bag.

Slideshow: The best face and body moisturizers