What is the difference between body balm and body cream?
Balm: Balms are typically plant oil and wax-based ointments used to heal or soothe the skin. They are thicker than lotions and creams and don’t contain water. Balms can have a consistency somewhere between a heavy liquid to a solid. Body balms feed your skin essential fatty acids and nutrients and lock in moisture, which helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and replenishes your skin barrier.Skin balms are especially rich and nourishing, great for very dry and sore skin or for areas that sometimes need extra attention like feet and elbows. They work to protect the skin, with lots of beautiful ingredients to be absorbed, making them highly effective for deep moisturising as well as being very soothing.The main difference between Creams and Balms is that Balms have a thicker, more emollient texture. Balms are typically made with a higher concentration of oils and waxes than creams, giving them a richer consistency that feels luxurious on the skin.However, it doesn’t necessarily deeply moisturize the skin like a cream or lotion moisturizer. Why is this? Well, because balms contain only occlusions and emollients as their main ingredients and not water. So, they contain mostly oils, butters, and beeswax.Thanks to the combination of butters and oils, body balms are moisturizing while serving as a protective barrier for your skin. It can help heal the skin and promote skin regeneration. For these reasons, body balms are great for skin conditions that require moisture, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and the likes.
Do you wash off body balm?
Cleansing Balms: Apply to dry skin (with dry hands), massage onto skin, emulsify with water, massage some more, rinse thoroughly, and pat your skin dry. You can use body balm as an all-around moisturizer, like any cream, lotion, or butter, but balm’s thick texture has some added benefits for all skin types. With wax being an essential ingredient, body balms are an excellent skin sealant.Simply pop the top of the tin and gently rub your fingers over the surface. You do not need to break the surface of the balm. The heat from your hands will melt and transfer a little bit onto your fingertips. From there simply rub the balm into your skin anywhere on your body.First, apply your moisturizer, then your balm to lock it all in. A lot of people think a balm works the same way as a moisturizer. However, it doesn’t necessarily deeply moisturize the skin like a cream or lotion moisturizer.Body balms feed your skin essential fatty acids and nutrients and lock in moisture, which helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and replenishes your skin barrier.
When to apply body balm?
For optimal hydration, apply body balm after a shower when your skin is still moist to effectively lock in moisture. If you have dry skin, you should apply body balm daily. For those with normal or oily skin, applying it every 2-3 days should suffice. Choose a balm if your skin is very dry, cracked, or needs intensive care—balms are ideal for deeply hydrating rough patches. If you have normal or slightly dry skin, a lotion provides balanced hydration and is easier to spread over large areas.A balm not only provides moisture, it helps the skin to retain moisture. Oils nourish and soften the skin, while beeswax – which serves to thicken the balm – also helps to create a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture.To get the most out of a body lotion, apply it after you get out of the shower or bath, when your skin is warm and damp (it shouldn’t be sopping wet either). Warm, moist skin is the perfect canvas for how to use body lotion, allowing the skin to draw the maximum benefit from your chosen moisturiser.Maintaining smooth skin requires hydrating with body lotion or oil after a shower. This step helps to lock in moisture and prevent fine lines. It’s essential to nourish your skin with these products as part of your skincare routine. Doing so will combat water loss and keep your skin hydrated.For very dry skin, balms and salves are also helpful: They have a higher oil-to-water ratio than standard moisturizers do and are designed to sit on top of the skin. Balms seal in hydration.
Can you use body balm on your face?
A body moisturizer that is labeled “noncomedogenic” is generally safe to apply on your face. Noncomedogenic is a term used to describe skin care and makeup products that are formulated in such a way that they are not likely to clog pores or cause breakouts. If the product label states it is safe for use on the face, you can go ahead. But if your skin type is oily, sensitive, or acne-prone, you must avoid using body lotion on the face. Additionally, ensure that the moisturizer or body lotion you use is non-comedogenic and non-sticky.For most people, the answer is yes. You should use both face serum and moisturizer as part of your total skincare routine, especially to get the most effective results if you’re working to improve your complexion. Keep in mind that skincare products work over time.So, when to use moisturiser then? The best time to moisturise your skin is in the morning immediately after washing your face. This will help keep your skin hydrated through the day,” explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic in Mumbai.MOISTURIZE EVERY DAY Moisturizing your body twice per day can help keep your skin properly hydrated and nourished and help prevent dryness. Daily moisturizing is just as important when you’re on-the-go or traveling, according to Dr. Sugai.
Is balm better than lotion?
Because lotions wear easily on the skin, they make a good option for lightweight daytime hydration. However, since lotions contain large amounts of water, their moisturizing effect can be significantly less than creams and balms and relatively short-lived. Creams are best used to moisturize and deeply hydrate the skin. Balms, on the other hand, are purely oil/fat-based preparations used for healing skin trauma and irritated or dry tissue.They are similar to creams in that they are designed to moisturise and nourish the skin. The main difference between Creams and Balms is that Balms have a thicker, more emollient texture.Body balms are products that help lock in moisture while also giving your skin the nutrients it needs to glow and be healthy. Body balm is great for taking on the go, especially if you struggle with dry skin. Plus, you can free up space in your bag and not worry about a bulky bottle of lotion that could leak.Balm: Balms are typically plant oil and wax-based ointments used to heal or soothe the skin. They are thicker than lotions and creams and don’t contain water.Both are great choices for dry skin and moisture retention. The creamier texture of body lotions makes it easier to spread across the skin while absorbing quickly for instant hydration. If you have rougher patches of skin and need a moisturizing boost in the winter months, a balm may suit your needs.
How does balm work?
When applied externally, camphor numbs the nerve endings. Menthol is a white crystalline substance and a principal constituent of oil of peppermint and it dilates the blood vessels. Because of the increased blood flow one gets a cool sensation in the balm-applied area. Ingredients in the balm, such as camphor, increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, creating a warming sensation that can distract from pain and stiffness. Camphor and menthol may also improve blood circulation to the muscles, potentially speeding up healing time and reducing inflammation.Designed to refresh and moisturize hands, face, and body, these highly nourishing Body Balms contain an emollient that helps sooth and hydrate the upper layers of the skin.A balm not only provides moisture, it helps the skin to retain moisture. Oils nourish and soften the skin, while beeswax – which serves to thicken the balm – also helps to create a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture.Balms have a thicker consistency than a serum and work on the surface of the skin, while the serum penetrates the deeper layers. Eye balms are designed to moisturise, protect and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to help skin appear more taut. Look for ingredients that promote moisture and suppleness.