6 Best Scented Summer Body Lotions To Keep Mature Skin Smooth, Hydrated and Firm
Summer is here, which means it's time to get your skin hydrated, discover your summer scent and find your summer body lotion! The warm weather is the perfect time to restore your skin, such as dry legs and rough patches you're recovering from from the winter, and bring out those fragrances you've had stowed away during the colder months. Here, a top dermatologist explains why we should be using body lotions during the summer, what to look for and the best scented summer body lotions to try.
Why should you use body lotion during the summer?
Just like in winter, your skin can also dry out in the summer — just for different reasons. Factors like hot temperatures and even the chlorine from your pool can sap the moisture right out of your skin, so it's important to restore this moisture with lotion. "Summer sun exposure and heat can dehydrate the skin so it’s important to maintain moisture balance with hydrating ingredients," affirms Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
And an added perk is that body lotions can help skin look more glowy and dewy, which is a must for the summer. That's because we're showing more skin and want to avoid any dry patches on legs and arms; and body lotions can help with that.
Best of all, scented body lotions can keep you smelling fresh and great all day long as we tend to sweat more in the summer. And, it's a great opportunity to bring out those summery scents, like citrus and beachy aromas.
Related: 7 Best Summer Perfumes That Boost Your Mood and Can Be Worn All Year Round
Which ingredients to look for in summer body lotions
Moisturizing and hydrating ingredients are key for summer body lotions, but you want the formulas to feel lightweight on. "Summer body lotions should be hydrating but not greasy, fast-absorbing and protective against UV rays if used during daylight hours," explains Dr. Rambhia.
Ingredients-wise, finding products that contains hydrators and protective properties is a good place to start. "Specific ingredients to look out for include humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which will help to draw in and retain moisture in the skin," advises Dr. Rambhia. "Antioxidants are also a great addition to summer body lotions as they serve to protect the skin from environmental free radical damage that can accumulate with UV exposure. Most importantly, the addition of physical blockers or chemical sunscreen filters are very important to protect body skin from UV rays."
Related: The Best Body Butters for Soft, Smooth, Glowing Skin: Dermatologists Weigh In
And when it comes to fragrance, looking for gentle fragrances is your best bet to not irritate or dry out skin. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid fragrances or look for scents specifically formulated for sensitive skin. To learn more about fragrances for sensitive skin, watch the video below from @camilleknowles7069 on YouTube.
Related: 7 Best Neck Creams for Women Over 50, Plus Why Dermatologists Say You Should Use One
The best scented summer body lotions
Keep reading to see the best scented summer body lotions to smell and feel great all season long.
Best overall summer body lotions
OUAI St. Barts Moisturizing Body Cream
This is a bit heavier of a lotion, but still great for the summer because it has hydrating cupuaçu butter, coconut oil and squalane, and smells like the perfect beachy, summery scent.
eos Shea Better Body Lotion in Vanilla Cashmere
We love this drugstore find, because not only is it affordable, but it's scent is loved by thousands with almost 12,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. Plus, it contains hydrating shea oil and shea butter.
Best scented summer body lotion with sunscreen
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF50
You can't forget your sunscreen! We love this find because it has SPF50 and a great, summery, subtle scent. "This is a fast-absorbing, non-greasy face and body lotion that hydrates the skin, and offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun-protection. Perfect for kids and adults!" recommends Dr. Rambhia.
Related: 13 Best Body Sunscreens Beloved by Dermatologists and Skin Pros
Best firming summer body lotions
Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion
This lotion contains marula butter for hydration and skin barrier protection, ceramides for elasticity and moisture and shea butter for skin barrier protection and nourishment.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Visibly Firming Refillable Body Cream
This body lotion is a cult favorite because of its deliciously-smelling, tropical scent that screams summer, and its ability to tone and firm skin with caffeine-rich guaranà.
Best summer body lotions for sensitive skin
Dr. Rambhia recommends this hydrating lotion for the summer due to its gentle, light scent that is sensitive-skin friendly. "This is a lightweight and lightly fragranced moisturizing body lotion that contains 10% urea, which helps to hydrate the skin and also exfoliate it gently, resulting in softer hydrated skin," she says.
For more of our favorite summer beauty finds, click through these stories:
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