Winter in India is often a magical season, filled with vibrant festivals, hearty meals, and cozy evenings. However, it also brings its fair share of skincare challenges- dry, itchy, chapped skin due to the cold and low humidity. Every time we slurp gajar halwa from the steaming bowls, we must also pay attention to our skin. In this guide, let's clarify if body oils or body lotions are apt for your skincare especially during winter, the difference between body oils and lotions, and when to use them for better results- know all here.Why Your Skin Needs Extra Hydration in WinterAs mercury is dipping, our skin is left dry and moisture-less, causing a gamut of skin-related problems ranging from dryness, chapped lips, cracked heels, and itchiness of scalp to many other problems. Since winter air has less moisture and indoor heaters suck away moisture from your skin, your skin needs extra hydration during this season. Balance this out by giving your skin a stronger moisturizing barrier, so it stays fresh and hydrated throughout the season. Providing additional hydration helps replenish lost moisture, protecting your skin from the harsh winter elements.Body Oils vs. Body Lotions: What's the Difference?When it comes to winter body care, many people wonder whether to use body oil or lotions. Both moisturize, but they have crucial differences in formulation and targeted concerns.Formulation: Body creams typically range around 70% water in addition to liquid oils, humectants, emulsifiers, and a variety of others. In contrast, body oils are around 70% oil and include a mix of carrier oils, antioxidants, and essential oils. This is an important formulation because it impacts how each cream behaves against the skin.Target Concerns: In the case of lotions, it is usually water, which hydrates the skin very nicely when applied to the outermost layers. It can also be great for targeting itch or flakiness in specific areas. Body oils lock moisture deeper down and allow really deep hydration that can focus on severely dry areas.Absorption and Penetrability: Since oils are fat-soluble, it is easier for it to penetrate the skin. Human skin is actually a relatively permeable membrane, so oils can penetrate down into the layers of the skin to help repair natural moisture. Lotions, being water-based, tend to simply stay on the top and do not offer the same hydration for those with extremely dry skin.Why Are Body Oils Beneficial?The following are reasons why body oils can be quite useful in your winter skincare routine:Long-lasting: A little goes a long way. Just a few drops can keep your skin hydrated and supple all day.Pure: Most body oils are made from natural ingredients and aren't filled with harsh chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive skin.Multi-purpose: Body oils can be used on your face, body, and even hair, which streamlines your beauty routine.Why Body Lotions Beneficial?The lotions are light-weight hence easy to use during the day without leaving greasy residues. Here's why they're important:Lightweight and Versatile: Lotions are lighter hence easy to use during the day, and layer under makeup without causing oiliness or sweat.Travel-friendly: Lotions usually come in leak-proof packaging so suitable for on-the-go skincare.Anti-aging Benefits: Most moisturizers contain added ingredients that also help nourish skin in the long run, retaining elasticity, and the signs of aging appear slower.Some winter oils for you to try:- Argan Oil: Rich in moisturizing and with high antioxidants.- Olive Oil: High in vitamins and healthy fats, it is one's favorite hydrating power.- Lavender Oil: Apart from its various uses, it improves body oil benefits and possesses soothing properties.- Rosehip Seed Oil: Packed with essential fatty acids, it will promote regeneration in skin and elasticity increase.When to Apply: Night or Post-Shower?Actually, when you apply your skincare can affect its effectiveness. The best time to apply body oils or body lotion is post shower time. Warm water opens up pores, allowing much better absorption by your skin of the applied oil.If you are a night routine type, applying body oils before sleeping can also prove to be advantageous in your case; it allows overnight working time for the oil to nourish your skin while you sleep. It is left to your personal preference and lifestyle as to whether morning or night application should be performed.If you are applying both, which one to apply first?If you are someone who chooses to apply both but do not know whether to use the body oils or the lotions first. Start with a body lotion to hydrate the skin, and then apply the body oil on top to lock that moisture in. By putting the oil over the lotion, it prevents the lotion from actually getting in as deep as it's supposed to. So by using both of these products at the same time, you can really make most of each.Make it winter and prevent your skin from that full of irritation and dryness related to the season. Body oils and lotions are different; you must know when and how to apply it, so keep your skin healthy and radiant. Welcome the magic of winter with nourished, soft, and glowing skin. With the right products and techniques, winter skincare could be a beautiful ritual and not a daunting chore at all.