Skin, Creams, and Ointments: What Are We Putting on Our Bodies Every Day?

We put a lot of things on our skin without always stopping to ask: why are we using this? Do we actually need it? And is the cream we're reaching for today the right one if a different problem shows up tomorrow?

It can seem simple.

Dry skin, so we apply a cream. A small scratch, so we reach for an ointment. An itch, so we look for an anti-itch cream. Redness, so we use something anti-inflammatory. A wound, so we think antibiotic. And sometimes we use a medication a family member handed us because "it worked for them."

But skin isn't one problem, and creams and ointments aren't one medication.

Some products moisturize and protect the skin, some treat inflammation, some are meant for fungal infections, some for bacterial infections, and some contain corticosteroids or other substances that need to be used correctly.

So the most important question isn't:

"What's the best cream?"

It's:

"What's actually happening to my skin, and what does it need?"

Skin: More Than Just a Covering for the Body

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it forms a barrier between the body and its surrounding environment.

This barrier helps limit water loss, protects internal tissues, and contributes to temperature regulation, while also containing sensory receptors that let us feel touch, pressure, pain, heat, and more.

When this skin barrier weakens, skin can become drier, more sensitive, and more prone to irritation[1].

This is why good skin care doesn't necessarily mean using lots of products.

In many cases, proper care starts with simple things:

Gentle cleansing, avoiding irritants, appropriate moisturizing, and protecting skin from things that harm it.

Why Does Skin Get Dry?

When skin loses more water than it should, it becomes dry[1].

This can happen due to dry or cold weather, frequent hot-water bathing, certain soaps and detergents, frequent handwashing, and some skin conditions or medical conditions[1].

Dry skin can show up as:

• Roughness.
• Flaking.
• Tightness or discomfort.
• Itching.
• Cracking.
• Redness.
• And sometimes surface bleeding when cracks become severe[1].

So dry skin isn't always just a cosmetic issue.

What Does a Moisturizer Actually Do?

A moisturizer isn't just something that makes skin feel "soft."

Moisturizing products work in different ways — they help hydrate skin and reduce water loss, and some of their ingredients help smooth skin and support its protective barrier[2].

There are several types of moisturizing products, including:

• Lotion.
• Cream.
• Ointment.
• Gel.

These aren't just different names — texture and formulation affect how a product is used and how well it suits different skin types[2][3].

Cream, Ointment, or Lotion?

Generally, lotion is lighter and less greasy, cream is thicker, and ointment is more greasy and retains moisture longer[2][3].

So:

For very dry skin: creams or ointments may be more effective than lotion[1].

For daytime use: some people prefer cream since it's less greasy and easier to apply[2].

For severely dry or cracked skin: ointment can be helpful since it's greasier and helps retain moisture[2].

But there's no rule that ointment is always better.

The right product depends on where on the body it's for, the degree of dryness, whether there's inflammation, moisture, or discharge, and a person's preferences and ability to use the product consistently[2][3].

Type	General Character	When It May Suit
Lotion	Light, spreads easily, less greasy	Large areas or daytime use
Cream	Medium texture between lotion and ointment	Mild to moderate dryness, everyday use
Ointment	Greasier, retains moisture longer	Severe dryness, cracking, certain dry spots
Gel	Usually light, absorbs quickly	Some specific uses, depending on the active ingredient

This table shows the general trend, not a fixed rule — someone may prefer cream over ointment even with severe dryness, depending on their skin and personal comfort[2][3].

When Is Moisturizing Actually Useful?

If skin is dry, a moisturizer can be used regularly.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying moisturizer right after bathing while skin is still slightly damp, as well as after handwashing and whenever skin feels dry[4].

You don't need to wait until skin starts cracking to begin moisturizing.

Regular moisturizing can help maintain the skin barrier and reduce dryness[4].

What Should You Look for in a Moisturizer?

A moisturizer doesn't need to be expensive or contain dozens of ingredients.

For dry or sensitive skin, fragrance-free products are generally recommended[4].

Ingredients commonly found in moisturizing products include:

• Glycerin.
• Petrolatum (petroleum jelly).
• Dimethicone.
• Mineral oils.
• Hyaluronic acid.
• Certain lipids, ceramides, and other ingredients[4][5].

But a well-known ingredient name on the label doesn't automatically mean the product suits everyone.

Skin varies from person to person.

Is Every "Moisturizing Cream" Right for Every Skin Type?

No.

Someone might be very comfortable with a particular cream, while another person experiences burning or itching after using it.

Some products may also contain fragrances or other ingredients that irritate sensitive skin[4][6].

If a new product causes burning, redness, or persistent itching, it's best to stop using it and consult a pharmacist or doctor if the problem continues[6].

Not every skin reaction should be treated as evidence that skin "needs more cream."

Sometimes the cream itself is the irritant.

What About Petroleum Jelly?

Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) is a substance that can help reduce water loss from skin, and is also used in caring for some minor wounds[7].

For minor wounds, the American Academy of Dermatology generally recommends keeping the wound moist with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, rather than letting it dry out and crack[7].

This brings us to an important point:

Not every wound needs a topical antibiotic.

Does Every Scratch Need an Antibiotic Cream?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the ideas most worth correcting.

For a minor, clean wound with no signs of infection, basic care can be as simple as cleaning the wound and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, protecting it as needed[7][8].

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that routinely using topical antibiotics on minor wounds can cause irritation or contact dermatitis, and that most minor wounds don't need a topical antibiotic if there are no signs of infection[8].

So:

Minor wound ≠ automatic antibiotic.

When Does a Topical Antibiotic Actually Matter?

A topical antibiotic is meant to treat a bacterial infection when one is present and treatment is appropriate for it.

Signs that may indicate a wound is infected include:

• Increasing redness.
• Increasing pain.
• Swelling.
• Localized warmth.
• Pus or discharge.
• Red streaks extending from the area.
• Fever or feeling generally unwell[8].

But whether an antibiotic is needed depends on the nature, location, and severity of the infection — not simply the presence of a wound.

So Why Not Just Use an Antibiotic "Just in Case"?

Because medication isn't without cost.

Some topical antibiotics can cause contact dermatitis, rash, and itching[8].

Unnecessary antibiotic use also contributes to the broader problem of antibiotic resistance[8].

This is why using a topical antibiotic should be based on a real need, not the idea that "an antibiotic can't hurt, so let's use it just in case."

What About Antifungal Creams?

These creams are meant for specific problems caused by fungi.

But itching or redness don't necessarily mean a fungal infection.

The problem could be:

• Dryness.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Eczema.
• Psoriasis.
• Irritation.
• Bacterial infection.
• Or something else.

So reaching for an antifungal just because of itching may mean treating something that was never actually diagnosed.

If the problem is recurring, unclear, or not improving, it's better to seek a medical evaluation than to keep switching creams.

What About Corticosteroids?

Here we need to be more careful.

Topical corticosteroids — commonly just called "topical steroids" or "cortisone cream" — are very important medications for treating many inflammatory skin conditions[6].

A doctor may prescribe one, or a pharmacist may recommend one, in certain cases, such as some types of dermatitis.

But corticosteroids aren't a general ointment for every redness or scratch.

Choosing corticosteroid strength depends on various factors, including the type, location, and severity of the problem, which is why products vary in strength and how they're used[6].

Why Shouldn't Corticosteroids Be Used Randomly?

Because redness isn't a single disease.

It might be caused by skin inflammation that responds to corticosteroids, but it could also be an infection or another problem that needs a different treatment.

Using a corticosteroid in the wrong situation can mask signs of the underlying problem or worsen certain types of infection.

So the statement:

"This cream cleared up my redness"

isn't enough to prove it's right for someone else.

Are All Corticosteroids Equal?

No.

Topical corticosteroid products come in different strengths, and their effect is also influenced by where they're applied, how long they're used, and how they're applied[6][14]. Some medical sources generally recommend using stronger corticosteroids on the body, and milder ones on the face and skin folds (like the armpits and groin), given how thin skin is in those areas[14].

Thin skin in certain areas of the body needs different care than thicker skin elsewhere.

This is why not all corticosteroid ointments should be treated as if they were one product.

What About Combination Creams?

Some products combine more than one active ingredient in a single formula, such as:

Antifungal + antibiotic + corticosteroid.

These products can seem appealing because they give the impression of "treating everything."

But the problem is that each ingredient has a different function.

If the problem is fungal, having an antibiotic isn't necessarily helpful.

If the problem is just dryness, a person may not need any of these medications.

If there's an infection, adding a corticosteroid without proper diagnosis could be inappropriate.

So having more active ingredients doesn't mean a product is better.

A good medication is one that addresses the right problem.

Does Children's Skin Need Extra Caution?

Yes, but for a different reason than commonly assumed.

Studies haven't found a significant difference in the thickness of the outer skin layer between children and adults[10]. One important factor behind children's increased sensitivity to topical products is that their skin surface area relative to body weight is much greater than in adults — meaning the same amount of topical medication is proportionally absorbed in a larger relative dose compared to a child's body size[10][11]. But this isn't the only factor; absorption is also influenced by the child's age, where the product is applied, its strength, how long it's used, and whether there's tight covering (like a diaper) or a rash that increases skin permeability[11].

This is why a strong corticosteroid product suitable for an adult may pose a greater risk if used the same way on a child, especially over large areas or for long periods[11][15]. This isn't just theoretical caution: medical reviews show children are relatively more prone to certain systemic side effects of strong corticosteroids due to increased skin absorption relative to body size[15][16].

The practical rule: adult medication is for adults, and children's medication needs a dose, type, and strength determined specifically for the child by a doctor — not just a smaller amount of the adult version.

What About Anti-Itch Creams?

Itching is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

It can result from dryness, eczema, an allergy, a bite, an infection, or another skin condition.

So using an anti-itch cream may relieve the sensation temporarily without necessarily treating the cause.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that some products used to relieve itching may contain ingredients that can irritate dry or sensitive skin[4].

So:

The itch going away doesn't necessarily mean its cause has gone away.

What About Alcohol and Antiseptics?

Antiseptics have specific uses, but they're not a substitute for everyday skin care.

For minor wounds, Mayo Clinic guidance recommends cleaning the wound with water and avoiding substances like hydrogen peroxide or iodine inside the wound, since they can irritate tissue[9].

Overusing harsh substances on skin can also contribute to dryness and irritation.

So the goal of skin care isn't to make the surface "sterile."

The goal is to keep its natural barrier as intact as possible.

Is Soap Always Beneficial?

Cleansing matters, but over-cleansing or using harsh products can harm skin.

For dry or sensitive skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle, fragrance-free cleansing products[4].

This matters especially for people who wash their hands frequently or are repeatedly exposed to water and detergents.

Sometimes the problem isn't that a person "isn't moisturizing enough" — it's that they're constantly stripping away the skin's protective oils.

Why Do Dermatologists Specifically Recommend Gentle Soap?

There's a precise scientific reason behind this recommendation, not just a general preference.

Healthy human skin tends to be slightly acidic, with its pH typically cited within a range of about 4.5 to 5.5 — a mild acidic environment known as the "acid mantle" — with some natural variation depending on skin location, age, and other factors. This mantle helps protect skin from harmful bacteria and maintains the integrity of its protective barrier[12].

But traditional soap often has a much higher pH — sometimes reaching 8, 9, or more — and this difference can temporarily weaken the skin barrier after each use[12][13]. Repeated use of strong alkaline soap over time can weaken skin's ability to retain water and increase its susceptibility to irritation[13].

This is exactly why gentle cleansers closer to skin's natural pH are preferred, especially for dry or sensitive skin, or with frequent handwashing.

What About Natural Oils?

"Natural" doesn't necessarily mean "suitable for everyone."

Some oils may be beneficial for certain skin types, but some can also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Oil also isn't a substitute for every type of treatment.

If someone has a diagnosed skin condition, oil shouldn't be assumed to replace targeted medical treatment.

The better rule:

We judge a product by its formulation, function, and how well it suits the situation — not just whether it's "natural" or "synthetic."

What About Facial Creams?

Facial skin isn't identical to skin elsewhere on the body in thickness, sensitivity, and exposure to external factors.

Some people have oily or acne-prone skin, while others deal with dryness or sensitivity.

This is why lighter products, or those labeled non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging), may suit some people with acne-prone skin[5].

But even here, there's no single rule that fits everyone.

Does Oily Skin Need Moisturizing?

Having oily skin doesn't mean moisturizing is off-limits.

But the type of moisturizer may need to be lighter, such as a gel or products suited to skin prone to clogged pores[5].

The idea isn't to add oil to skin, but to choose a formula that fits its condition.

What About Sunscreen?

There's another product that shouldn't be confused with treatment creams: sunscreen.

UV exposure can harm skin, which is why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, along with seeking shade and sun-protective clothing[4].

This isn't a treatment for dryness or infection.

It's part of protecting skin from UV-related damage.

Can You Use Someone Else's Cream?

Better not to, just because it "worked for them."

The product might contain a medication you don't need, be the wrong strength, or be intended for a completely different condition.

More concerning, the person may not even know the active ingredient in the tube.

So it's always useful to look at the packaging and ask:

What's the active ingredient?

Not just:

What's the brand name?

Don't Judge a Medication by Its Color, Texture, or Popularity

There can be one white cream and another white cream, but one is a moisturizer and the other is a corticosteroid.

Two ointments can look similar, but one is antifungal and the other is antibiotic.

One might suit your skin, and the other might be wrong for a particular area.

So a medication's outward appearance doesn't tell us its function.

What matters is the active ingredient, its concentration, and its intended use.

Can Several Creams Be Used at the Same Time?

Sometimes yes, but it's not wise to randomly mix multiple products.

When someone is using a prescribed treatment alongside a moisturizer, there may be specific instructions about the order of use and the gap between products[2].

NHS guidance recommends, when using emollients alongside certain topical treatments like corticosteroids, waiting about 20 to 30 minutes between the moisturizer and the other treatment, without a strict preference on which goes first unless a doctor or pharmacist specifies otherwise — the goal of this gap is to avoid diluting the treatment's effect or spreading it to areas that don't need it[2].

So if you have several products, don't assume layering them all on at once makes the treatment stronger.

What If We Made a Mistake and Used the Wrong Cream?

The first step is to stop using the product suspected of causing the problem, especially if redness, burning, itching, or a rash appeared after using it.

After that, gently clean the area and avoid randomly adding other products.

If the reaction is severe or persistent, or signs of infection appear, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Most importantly, don't try to "fix" the problem by adding another cream on top of the first one without knowing the cause.

When Should You See a Doctor?

This is general health information only, not an individual diagnosis or a substitute for a medical examination.

What Should a Patient Tell Their Doctor?

If you go to a doctor because of a skin problem, tell them everything you've put on your skin.

Even if it seems unimportant.

Mention, for example:

• The name of the cream.
• The active ingredient, if known.
• How many times you used it.
• Since when.
• Where you applied it.
• Whether you used more than one product.
• Whether you used a home remedy or oil.
• Whether the problem appeared before or after using the cream.

These details can help a doctor distinguish between the original condition and irritation or sensitivity caused by one of the products.

A Simple Rule Before Applying Any Cream

Before using any product on your skin, try going through these questions:

1. What's the problem?

Dryness? A scratch? Itching? A rash? Inflammation? Infection? A burn?

2. What does the cream contain?

Moisturizer? Petroleum jelly? Corticosteroid? Antibiotic? Antifungal? Something else?

3. Why am I using it?

Do I have a clear reason?

4. Does this need a diagnosis?

If the problem is unclear, recurring, or getting worse, diagnosis may matter more than trying a new product.

5. Are there signs that call for a doctor?

If yes, don't delay medical evaluation by trying another cream first.

The Most Important Mistakes to Stop Making

Mistake One: "Any redness needs corticosteroid."

Not true; redness has many causes[6].

Mistake Two: "Any wound needs an antibiotic."

Not true; many minor wounds don't need a topical antibiotic[7][8].

Mistake Three: "The more expensive cream is the best."

Price alone doesn't determine a product's suitability.

Mistake Four: "Natural means it can't cause harm."

Some natural substances can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Mistake Five: "If it worked for someone else, it'll work for me."

The underlying condition might not even be the same, and even the right medication can need different use depending on the person and the area.

Mistake Six: "The more I apply, the faster it heals."

Amount and method of use should match the product and the condition.

Mistake Seven: "If the cream doesn't work, I'll add another one."

Sometimes the problem is the diagnosis itself, not a shortage of creams.

In the End: What Does Our Skin Actually Need?

Most days, skin needs things simpler than the sheer number of products on the market would suggest.

It needs:

Gentle cleansing.

Avoiding irritants once we know they harm us.

Appropriate moisturizing when skin is dry.

Sun protection.

And specific treatment when there's a skin problem that actually needs one.

Medicated creams, on the other hand, are treatment tools, not general-purpose products for random use.

Corticosteroids have their place. Antibiotics have their place. Antifungals have their place. Emollients have their place. Petroleum jelly has its uses.

But lumping all of this under the single word "cream" makes us forget the most important thing:

Whatever we put on our skin should have a real reason behind using it.

The goal isn't to own as many creams as possible at home.

The goal is to understand what we have, why we're using it, when to stop, and when to ask for specialist help.

And that's part of the health care that begins before you even open the tube:

Knowing first what you're actually trying to treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the more expensive cream the better one?

Not necessarily. Price alone doesn't determine a product's quality or suitability. What matters most is the formulation, active ingredient, skin type, and the actual problem.

Is every white cream a moisturizer?

No. A white cream could be a moisturizer, a corticosteroid, an antifungal, an antibiotic, or a combination product — appearance alone doesn't tell you the active ingredient.

Does every wound need an antibiotic?

No. Many minor wounds don't need a topical antibiotic if there are no clear signs of infection[7][8].

Do corticosteroids treat wounds?

Not as a general treatment. They're used for specific inflammatory skin conditions and should be used with proper guidance[6][14].

Can a cream be shared among family members?

It's better to avoid this, especially with creams containing corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungals, since the correct diagnosis and dosage can differ from person to person.

Sources

• [1] American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) — Dry skin: Overview. aad.org
• [2] NHS — Emollients. nhs.uk
• [3] American Academy of Dermatology — How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. aad.org
• [4] American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin. aad.org
• [5] American Academy of Dermatology — How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin (by skin type). aad.org
• [6] NHS — Contact dermatitis: Treatment. nhs.uk
• [7] American Academy of Dermatology — How to treat minor cuts. aad.org
• [8] American Academy of Dermatology — When to Use (or Not Use) Antibiotics on Your Skin. aad.org
• [9] Mayo Clinic — Cuts and scrapes: First aid. mayoclinic.org
• [10] "Comparison of stratum corneum thickness in children and adults," Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. jaad.org
• [11] "Optimized and safe use of topical corticosteroids in pediatric dermatology through interdisciplinary collaboration: a review," Discover Medicine, 2024. link.springer.com
• [12] Cleveland Clinic — What Is Skin pH? health.clevelandclinic.org
• [13] "The Skin Acid Mantle: An Update on Skin pH," ScienceDirect, 2024. sciencedirect.com
• [14] NHS — Topical corticosteroids. nhs.uk
• [15] "Topical Corticosteroids," StatPearls, National Library of Medicine (NIH). ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• [16] Ference JD, Last AR, "Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application," American Family Physician, 2021. aafp.org

This article is for general health education only and is not a substitute for diagnosis by a doctor or pharmacist when a skin problem is unclear, severe, or persistent.