Lotion
While a lotion may be used as a medicine delivery system, many lotions, especially hand lotions and body lotions and lotion for allergies are meant instead to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.[3]
Some skincare products, such as sunscreen and moisturizer, may be available in multiple formats, such as lotions, gels, creams, or sprays.
Medicine delivery
Dermatologists can prescribe lotions to treat or prevent skin diseases.
Lotions can be used for the delivery to the skin of medications such as:
- Antibiotics
- Antiseptics
- Antifungals
- Corticosteroids
- Anti-acneagents
- Soothing, smoothing, moisturizing or protective agents (such as calamine)
- Anti Allergens
Occupational use
Since health care workers must wash their hands frequently to prevent disease transmission, hospital-grade lotion is recommended to prevent skin dermatitis caused by frequent exposure to cleaning agents in the soap.[5] A 2006 study found that application of hospital-grade lotion after hand washing significantly reduced skin roughness and dryness.[6]
Care must be taken not to use consumer lotions in a hospital environment, as the perfumes and allergens may be a danger to those who are immunodeficient or with allergies.[7][8]
Cosmetic uses
Most cosmetic lotions are
Cosmetic lotions may be marketed as anti-aging lotions, which can also be classified as a cosmetic in many cases, and may contain fragrances. The Food and Drug Administration voiced concern about lotions not classified as drugs that advertise anti-aging or anti-wrinkle properties.[7][9]
Production
Most lotions are oil-in-water
and stabilizing agents are commonly added to lotions.Manufacturing lotions and creams can be completed in two cycles:
- Emollients and lubricants are dispersed in oil with blending and thickening agents.
- Perfume, color and preservatives are dispersed in the water cycle. Active ingredients are broken up in both cycles depending on the raw materials involved and the desired properties of the lotion or cream.
A typical oil-in-water manufacturing process may be:
- Step 1: Add flake/powder ingredients to the oil being used to prepare the oil phase.
- Step 2: Disperse active ingredients.
- Step 3: Prepare the water phase containing emulsifiers and stabilizers.
- Step 4: Mix the oil and water to form an emulsion. (Note: This is aided by heating to between 110 and 185 F (45-85 C) depending on the formulation and viscosity desired.)
- Step 5: Continue mixing until the end product is 'completed'
Potential health risks
Acne
Depending on their composition, lotions can be comedogenic, meaning that they can result in the increased formation of comedones (clogged hair follicles).[10] People who are prone to acne or forming comedones often prefer lotions that are designed to be non-comedogenic (not causing outbreaks).[10]
Systemic absorption
All topical products, including lotions, can result in the
Absorption through the skin is increased when lotions are applied and then covered with an occlusive layer, when they are applied to large areas of the body, or when they are applied to damaged or broken skin.[11]
Allergens
Lotions containing some aromas or food additives may trigger an immune reaction or even cause users to develop new allergies.[12]
There is currently no regulation over use of the term "hypoallergenic", and even pediatric skin products with the label were found to still contain allergens.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology released a warning in 2014 that natural lotion containing ingredients commonly found in food (such as goats milk, cow's milk, coconut milk, or oil) may introduce new allergies, and an allergic reaction when those foods are later consumed.[12] A 2021 study found that "frequent skin moisturization in early life might promote the development of food allergy, most likely through transcutaneous sensitization".[15]
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0781746731.
- ^ McDonald, Michel (July 2009). "What's The Difference Between An Ointment, A Cream And A Lotion?". ABC News. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Soaps & Lotions". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- S2CID 24483442.
- ^ "Hand Dermatitis in Health Care Workers" (PDF). Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- PMID 16476166.
- ^ a b "Fragrances in Cosmetics". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ Thompson, Kirsten M.; Littau, Cheryl A. (11 April 2011). "Keep consumer hand lotions at home". American Nurse Today. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging Products". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ a b Sibbald, Debra (October 2016). "Acne". RxTx. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
- ^ a b "Betamethasone (Topical)". Lexicomp Online. Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp, Inc. April 21, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
- ^ a b Graham, Melissa. "Researchers find link between natural lotions, new food allergies". American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Archived from the original on 2017-11-09. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- PMID 25342949.
- ^ Doyle, Kathryn (2013-12-12). "Some skin creams bad news for eczema". Reuters. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- PMID 33678253.