If you want to learn all about cleansing balms, then you’ve come to the right place. You would think that all cleansers work the same. I mean, aren’t they made just to clean your face? But, no, they are much more than that. There are so many choices out there that it is sometimes hard to know how to choose between a cleanser, cleansing wipes, a cleansing oil, and a cleansing balm.
You probably have your favorite way to cleanse your face. Yet, after I introduce you to cleansing balms, you may wonder how you lived without them. So, keep reading to learn all about cleansing balms. And why you should include them in your skin care routine.
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What Is a Cleansing Balm?
It is a concentrated, luxurious cleanser. In addition, it removes dirt, makeup, and other toxins from the skin. But, at the same time, it does not leave your skin dry or stripped of its natural oils.
Balms like Farmacy’s Green Clean often contain natural ingredients that will not irritate the skin. You can also use it around your eyes to remove makeup. That has not always been the case with most cleansers, though.
The natural oils in cleansing balm formulations can break down even the toughest makeup, dirt, and grime. In addition, they work like a deep cleanse to remove oil from the skin, which can lead to acne breakouts and clogged pores. Once you remove the makeup, dirt, and grime, your skin will feel and look better.
There is no doubt that cleansing balms are the perfect first step to a daily skincare routine.
How Do You Use a Cleansing Balm?
With a cleansing balm, the best way to get soft, radiant skin is to apply it with dry hands to dry skin. Unlike other cleansers, cleansing balms should be applied dry. This is because the balm’s oils need to interact with the skin’s oil before you add water. When you add water, the surfactants release surface tension on the skin. As a result, you can easily remove makeup with a damp cloth or rinse it with water. To learn how to use a cleansing balm, follow these steps:
Step 1: Take a quarter-size amount of the balm and warm it between your dry fingers.
Step 2: After you warm the balm on your fingers, massage it to dry skin in circular motions. If you have eye makeup on, gently massage the eye area for a little longer until all of the makeup dissolves.
Step 3: When the makeup breaks down, add warm water to the skin to create a milky texture. Continue to massage the skin gently in circular motions.
Step 4: Then, remove the balm with a warm, damp cloth. After that, your skin will feel clean and fresh. Make sure you follow up with your preferred toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Can You Double Cleanse With a Cleansing Balm?
Cleansing balms are the perfect first step to a double cleanse routine. A balm can remove all of your makeup so that the second cleanser can address your skin type and concerns.
For the second cleanser, I like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. They help to seal moisture in and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Thus, it is the perfect second cleanser to use.
Do They Work for All Skin Types?
Yes, you can use balms on all skin types and concerns as they are so skin-friendly. People with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin will love these balms. They work well with these skin types.
Cleansing balms provide an immediate moisture boost to your skin. Plus, you can remove makeup with less effort. In the end, you will have soft, supple skin that is free from irritation or redness.
People often think that cleansing balms are only for those with dry skin. Yet, people with oily skin can also benefit from a balm. The oils in the balm help draw excess oil from the skin without drying it out.
Are They the Best Makeup Removers?
The answer is yes! Since most makeup products are oil-based, they are made for extended wear. Cleansing balms are the best way to remove them. As the cleansing balms attract the oils in makeup, they can gently dissolve them. It is great during the winter months since it does not cause dryness or strip the skin of its natural oils. After only one use, your skin will also feel softer and smoother.
What Sets Them Apart from Oils and Wipes?
There are many types of cleansing balms to choose from, so it is important to know how they compare. Cleansing balms are similar to cleansing oils but in a more solid form. The solid form keeps the skin moist since it often contains butters and oils. These added ingredients help to hydrate and soften the skin as well.
Face wipes are convenient to use, and they are generally effective when it comes to removing makeup. However, they often contain drying chemicals and do tend to require more rubbing to do the job. As a result, these factors can cause irritation and redness, especially around the eyes. Whereas cleansing balms only require circular motions to remove makeup.
What Do I Look For in a Cleansing Balm?
The things I always look for when shopping for a cleansing balm:
- Look for ingredients that hydrate. I always look for humectants and emollients in a balm. Those ingredients soothe, soften, and add moisture to the skin. Good oils are nutrient-dense and feed the skin’s cells. Squalene, shea butter, and fatty alcohols are all good examples.
- Skip the fragrance. I do not use a cleanser that contains fragrance. A cleanser with fragrance may not stay on your skin as long as a leave-on product. However, it may still linger on your skin. In addition, you may find a fragrance to be a skin irritant. It is especially true if you have sensitive skin or a condition like eczema. So, you may want to limit your exposure. When in doubt, leave it out!
- Test to see how well it emulsifies. If I am at the store, I can usually do this on the back of my hand. That will give me an idea of how well the balm can emulsify into a milky texture and if it removes all the product and residue when I rinse.
The Bottom Line
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing your face. When done correctly and consistently, you will see the positive effects it has on your skin. In addition, the sensory experience a balm cleanser offers encourages a few moments of gentle massage that we should always do more often.
Did you learn anything new about cleansing balms? Do you use a cleansing balm? If so, which one is your favorite? Please take a moment to comment.
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Great post, I love cleansing balms. I use them at night to remove makeup. I also have similar post.
Thank you for reading my post. It’s always good to hear from fellow beauty enthusiasts.