Crema vs. nata vs. loción
In the Spanish language, 'crema', 'nata' and 'loción' are three terms that are often used in contexts involving the concept of 'cream'. However, they refer to different substances and have different applications.
Crema
'Crema' refers to a thick, rich substance used in cooking or applied to the skin for beauty or health. In culinary contexts, it resembles thick dairy products used in various dishes. In cosmetics, it refers to creams applied to the skin.
Usé crema de leche para preparar la salsa.
(I used cream to prepare the sauce.)
Aplica una capa fina de crema hidratante en tu rostro.
(Apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream on your face.)
Nata
'Nata' refers specifically to a dairy product that forms on the surface of milk when it is left to stand; it can be considered the equivalent of what is known as 'cream' in English-speaking countries, especially when it comes to culinary uses.
La nata flota en la superficie de la leche sin pasteurizar.
(The cream floats on the surface of unpasteurized milk.)
Me gusta añadir nata batida sobre mi pastel de chocolate.
(I like to add whipped cream on top of my chocolate cake.)
Loción
'Loción' refers to a liquid or lightweight formula applied to the skin for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. It is generally less viscous than 'crema' and is used for various skin treatments or as part of a skin care routine.
Después del baño, uso una loción para cuerpo que me encanta.
(After bathing, I use a body lotion that I love.)
La loción de calamina es buena para aliviar las picaduras de mosquito.
(Calamine lotion is good for relieving mosquito bites.)
Summary
'Crema', 'nata' and 'loción' are three terms in Spanish that can all be translated into English as 'cream', but serve different purposes. 'Crema' can refer to both culinary creams and skin care products, 'nata' specifically refers to dairy cream, especially in cooking contexts, and 'loción' refers to a liquid or lightweight skin care product.