Glow-Locking 101: How to Layer Body Lotion and Oil for All-Day Hydration

If your skin looks hydrated right after you moisturize—but somehow feels dry or dull a few hours later—it’s not your imagination. The secret to long-lasting glow isn’t more product, it’s how you layer it. Enter: glow-locking.

Glow-locking is a simple body care method that pairs nourishing lotions with skin-loving oils—like those found in Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter collections—to hydrate skin, seal in moisture, and keep it soft and radiant all day. By layering body lotions and body oils together the right way, you can lock in hydration and enhance your skin’s natural glow.

Below, we break down what glow-locking is, why it works, and exactly how to layer body lotion and oil for lasting hydration and radiance.

What Is Glow-Locking?

Glow-locking is a body care layering method where lotion hydrates the skin and body oil seals in moisture to prevent dryness and enhance natural radiance.

Think of it as a two-step body care layering routine that helps keep skin moisturized long after application.

Lotion delivers water-based hydration to the skin.
Body oil seals that hydration in and helps support the skin barrier.

Used together, they leave skin smoother, softer, and visibly glowing.

Lotion First or Oil First? The Best Order for Body Lotion and Body Oil

If you’ve ever wondered whether body oil goes on before or after lotion, the answer is simple:

Always apply lotion first, then oil.

Lotion hydrates the skin, while oil seals in that moisture. Applying oil before lotion can prevent hydration from absorbing properly.

Glow-locking rule: Hydrate first. Seal second.

The Ultimate Glow-Locking Body Care Routine

Step 1: Start With Damp Skin

The best time to glow-lock is right after showering, when skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap moisture and improve absorption.

Step 2: Apply Body Lotion

Massage a generous amount of lotion into the skin to hydrate and soften. Try one of these nourishing options:

These formulas help replenish moisture and prep skin for oil.

Step 3: Seal With Body Oil

Warm a small amount of oil between your hands and glide it over the skin to lock in hydration:

These lightweight oils absorb beautifully without feeling greasy.

Step 4: Let It Absorb

Give your skin a minute to absorb before getting dressed. You’ll be left with a healthy glow—not a slippery finish.

Why Glow-Locking Works

Using lotion and body oil together helps:

Lock in long-lasting hydration
Improve softness and smoothness
Enhance natural radiance (with or without shimmer)
Reduce dryness and tightness, especially on melanin-rich skin

Glow-locking is especially helpful during colder months, after shaving, or anytime skin feels dry or dull.

Choosing the Right Lotion and Oil for Glowing Skin

Intense moisture: Pair Cocoa Butter Lotion with Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil.
Soft, comforted skin: Layer Shea Butter Lotion with Shea Butter Body Oil for dry or sensitive skin.
Lightweight hydration and shine: Use Coconut Oil Body Lotion followed by Coconut Oil Body Oil.
Subtle glow: Layer Cocoa Butter Lotion with Shimmer Radiance Body Oil for a soft, light-reflecting finish.

Glow-Locking for Different Skin Types

Dry skin: Glow-lock daily using richer formulas.
Normal skin: Glow-lock a few times a week to maintain softness and radiance.
Oily or combination skin: Focus glow-locking on the body and use a smaller amount of oil.

For more tips, explore our guide to body care for dry skin.

When Should You Use the Glow-Locking Method?

Glow-locking works anytime skin needs extra moisture, but it’s especially effective:

Right after showering
During cold or dry weather
After shaving
When skin feels tight or looks dull

Glow-Locking FAQs

Does body oil replace lotion?
No. Lotion hydrates the skin, while body oil seals in moisture. For best results, use both.

Does body oil go on before or after lotion?
Always apply body oil after lotion to lock in hydration.

Is it better to use body oil or lotion after a shower?
Both. Apply lotion first to hydrate damp skin, then follow with body oil to seal in moisture.

Can I glow-lock year-round?
Yes. Use lighter layers in summer and richer formulas in winter.

Will glow-locking feel greasy?
Not when done correctly. Oils are designed to absorb beautifully over lotion.

Expert Glow Tip

For an extra radiant finish, lightly press a small amount of Shimmer Radiance Body Oil onto high points like shoulders, collarbones, and arms. It catches the light without feeling sticky.

The Takeaway

Glow-locking is an easy way to elevate your body care routine. By layering hydrating lotions with glow-enhancing body oils, skin stays soft, moisturized, and radiant long after application.

Because glowing skin isn’t just about shine—it’s about the care underneath.

Explore Palmer’s full Hand & Body collection of lotions and body oils