Spray Lotion: The Ultimate Moisturizer for Dry Summer Skin

Summer is just around the corner (June 20th, for those who are wondering) and, after over a year of quarantine, it’s safe to say that everyone’s ready to get out there and have some fun in the sun.

But with longer days and warmer weather comes the age old summer skin question: How do I moisturize my dry summer skin without using overly thick, sticky, and oppressive lotions or body butters? After all, the last thing anyone wants to do on a hot summer day is lather on a thick layer of gooey lotion.

The answer: spray body lotion. Here’s everything you need to know about spray lotion and how to find the best one for your thirsty summer skin.

First Thing’s First: Understanding Spray Lotion

Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is put on lotion -- especially if you’re in a rush, if it’s hot out, or if you’re about to put on your outfit for the day. Luckily, there are a lot of alternatives to help solve this problem, including body oils, in-shower lotions, and spray lotions.

For many, spray lotions have quickly risen to the top of the list -- and with good reason. The right spray lotion is:

• Quick and easy to apply
• Soothing for dry, irritating skin
• Thinner and lighter than traditional lotion or body butter
• Able to protect the skin against the elements

That said, you have to look for the right formula to really feel the benefits.

What to Look For In a Spray Lotion

What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, you’ll want to avoid spray lotions that contain potentially harmful ingredients like:

• Mineral oil
• A high percentage of alcohol
• Artificial fragrances
• Synthetic dyes
• PEG compounds
• Parabens

Alcohols, in particular, are often incorporated into spray lotions in large quantities to help them dry more quickly on the skin - but they ultimately end up damaging your skin’s barrier and drying it out if present in really high quantities. Similarly, parabens are often used to preserve products and prevent the growth of bacteria or mold, but they can disrupt your endocrine system and even cause developmental disorders.

To avoid these concerns, look for spray lotions that contain a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

This may sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. If you want to effectively hydrate your skin, you’ll need to apply ingredients that will draw in moisture (humectants) andingredients that will seal that moisture in (emollients and occlusives). Look, in particular, for non-comedogenic, skin-soothing options like:

• Aloe vera:This vitamin-packed moisturizer can actually repair your skin’s barrier and replenish dry skin by providing much-needed nutrients and free radical-fighting antioxidants.
• Jojoba seed oil:Jojoba oil is one of the best moisturizers out there because it’s naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic (pain-relieving), hypoallergenic, and anti-inflammatory. What’s more, it’s biomimetic, meaning that it’s super similar in composition to our own sebum! That means that it can effectively hydrate the skin withoutcausing congestion or irritation.
• Neem oil:A natural oil derived from the neem tree, neem oil is often used to help soothe skin and treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. This, in part, has to do with the oil’s naturally high concentrations of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that’s known to fade dark spots, calm inflammation, and even heal wounds to the skin.
• Coconut oil:This skincare ingredient can often be controversial because, when applied in large quantities, it can actually clog pores and cause irritation to the skin. That said, when present in skincare products in smaller quantities, coconut oil is one of the most effective emollients out there. Plus, it can restore the skin’s barrier and provide antimicrobial properties. Not too shabby.

You can also look for ingredients that help further soothe skin or treat specific skin concerns, including:

• Rose flower water:Created quite literally by steaming rosebuds in water, rosewater can soothe redness, hydrate, and decrease inflammation for sensitive skin - which is why it's often used as a daily face mist and as a light, on-the-go product.
• Witch hazel:A popular ingredient in natural toners, witch hazel is known to control excess oil production, reduce inflammation, fight puffiness, and treat acne without over-drying the skin.
• Willow bark:Similarly, willow bark can gently exfoliate, reduce acne, and treat the visible signs of aging.

Translation? Glowing, hydrated, ultra-balanced skin.

Find all of these ingredients and more in the Island Time spray lotion here.