Lotion or Ointment?
When deciding between using an ointment, or lotions and creams, it's essential to consider the condition of your skin and what you're hoping to achieve with the treatment.
EMULSIONS
Creams and lotions are typically emulsions, which means they are a blend of water, oils, and other ingredients, including emulsifiers that help these disparate components mix.
While this combination can be excellent for general moisturising and nourishing the skin, there's a catch: if your skin is wounded, grazed, or highly inflamed, the water content in creams and lotions can cause a stinging sensation. This can be uncomfortable and may even hinder the healing process for sensitive or damaged skin.
PURE OILS AND WAXES
On the other hand, ointments are crafted solely from pure oils, waxes, and plant butters, and crucially, they do not contain water or emulsifiers.
This composition makes ointments a superior choice for treating more severe skin issues such as deep cracks, significant dry patches, or any areas that are raw or bleeding, or painfully inflamed.
The absence of water ensures that ointments do not sting upon application, providing a comforting, soothing barrier that helps to protect the skin and allows it to heal naturally.
The rich, occlusive nature of ointments helps to lock in moisture and deliver concentrated healing compounds directly to the skin, making them an invaluable tool in your skincare arsenal for dealing with more acute skin conditions.