What is the difference between cream and ointment?

Do you ever wonder why your skin always needs a different type of moisturizer or medication? The simple truth is, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why today we are going to talk about the difference between cream and ointment – two commonly-used topical preparations that keep our skin healthy and rejuvenated.

What Exactly are Creams and Ointments?

Before diving into their differences, let’s first define what creams and ointments truly are in layman terms.

Let’s Talk About Creams

A cream is essentially a blend of oil and water-based ingredients with additional active compounds like fragrances, preservatives or steroids dissolved within them. It usually has a lighter consistency than its heavier counterpart the “ointment”, taking up a liquid-like form which makes it easier to apply on your skin surface without leaving any residue behind!

Oh-So-Mysterious Ointments!

On the other hand, an ointment is an oily mixture which contains fewer active ingredients compared to creams due to their use as either drug delivery systems or for their occlusive nature aiding in moisture retention – Wow! I know right? So much science lesson packed here!

Composition Matters: Ingredient Variations Between Creams &Ointments

The most significant contrast between these two lies within the composition of oils used:

  1. Water Content:Creams contain more water relative to their oil counterpart
  2. Consistency:Oily substances make up approximately 80% of Oinments.
  3. Type Of Oil Used: Any petrolematum based derivative qualifies as anointemnt while unique vegetable-oil structures (such as coconut) classify a specific groupings belonging under “creams”.

Now that we’ve tackled the key composition differences, let’s talk about how they actually feel on our skin:

Creamy & Smooth: The Beautiful Traits of Creams

A few tell-tale signs that you’re using a cream product are:

  • Lightweight consistency
  • Fast-absorption rate
  • Easily spreadable
  • tends to leave your skin with an overall revitalized and glowing complexion

Creams offer many benefits. These include quick relief for dry or patchy areas without leaving any noticeable residue behind.

Thicker But not Always Better-The How Ointments Feel On Your Skin

When it comes to ointments on the other hand, some thicker textures may require effort in regards to application but provide long-term benefits. Here’s what we know:

Pros Cons
Forms barrier around the skins surface preventing undesired moisture loss (aka “occlusive). May be greasy due to higher oil content relative to creams
Typically used for wound healing or highly damaged skin areas Takes time before fully absorbing into the epithelium (yes, say that three times faster!)

PSA: Be mindful when applying this thicker substance as overlapping skincare products might increase side effects! Nobody has time for a negative reaction lady!

It depends solely upon you and why you need them! Here is a list of common conditions where each excels at treating :

A Word Of Caution…Always read those labels!

OINTMENTS CREAMS
Head-To- Toe Hydration Anti-inflammatory properties

Wound Healing || Ideal if oily texture |

  • Dermatitis
  • Sunburn Relief
  • Eczema || Better suited for Facial Skin Care or Psoriasis Treatment|

Remember That Both Creams And Ointments can contain prescription or over-the-counter compounds which might have an untoward reaction.

If at any chance you feel uneasy switch to a different recommendation based on your personal comfort levels rather than what others may tell you! No two skin type are the same!

When selecting between either an ointment or cream, we always advise focusing on those with emollient properties. These help dry, scaly and singed areas of the flesh bind more water molecules beneath their surface leading to increased hydration levels and who doesn’t want that?

Another important attribute is avoiding products making high promises solely as marketing gimmicks- watch out for them!! Do not forget about patch-testing new skincare separately from other products.

Knowledge Note: If in doubt when it comes to moisturizers, try consulting professionals such as dermatologists instead of following trending advice-laden Instagram posts.

While both categories offer unique advantages, including prescriptions medicines being formulated into these product types for topically applied therapeutics aimed at treating skin cancers; many patients endure various side-effects due to multiple ingredients utilized by companies producing these skincare infusions!

This could potentially lead towards undesired outcomes and activation of already present allergies among people subjecting themselves regularly upon any particular form of treatment regarding their face! At this juncture having awareness situated within potential complications coupled with trial-and-error test run scenarios enables better decision making when committing long-term to topical medications prescribed!

Some common issues seen include burning sensations during application right after epidermis has been stripped barron through exfoliation techniques resulting in hypersensitivity OR !”Respiratory Issues” regarding abnormalities with Oxygen transfer due to skin obstruction!

That’s right, sometimes not being able to breath correctly can also happen indirectly through topical (or otherwise) application leading towards some scary stuff- so stay vigilant friends!

All in all, there are pros and cons to both preparations. It is wise evermore than before for one to be mindful of what you put on your skin! Give this article a share amongst friends or family members so they too might finally understand “Why We Need To Use Creams vs Ointments Depending On Our Personal Needs”.

Stay moisturized!!!

…And be sure to give that tub full of Vaseline a go if problems still persist 😉

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