“Cleansing balms are very effective at dissolving heavy face and eye makeup as well as all traces of dirt that has built up throughout the day or night,” says Jane Foulston. They’re also “suitable for both a morning or evening routine as well as either a first or second cleanse,” she shares.
“If your skin is feeling particularly dry use a nourishing cleansing balm as a simple face mask by leaving it on clean skin for 10-15 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth. Or use it as a lip balm, on cuticles, or on any other dry areas.”
When it comes to the actual products themselves, you might want to look out for those that contain hydrating ingredients such as fatty acids, aloe vera, squalane and hyaluronic acid, as well as enzymes and antioxidants to help wash away any traces of makeup while also strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.
How to use a cleansing balm
Application-wise, Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, previously recommended massaging cleansing balms “three times around the face with gentle pressure.”
“When cleansing with a balm use the opportunity to practice some at-home facial massage and lift and sculpt your eye area, cheekbones and jawline,” Jane adds. “Support the skin with one hand and use a microfibre cloth to gently buff the skin, using short, linear strokes to work with the natural grain of your facial tissues. This will improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and encourage healthier and younger-looking skin,” she shares.
For some, this process is a welcome departure from the vigorous scrubbing of years past. After a thorough massage, splash on some warm or cool (never hot) water or wet a clean linen cloth to gently wipe away the product. Complete your double-cleansing routine with a water-based face wash, and you’ll notice how much cleaner and revived your skin looks.
Looking for more quality skincare products? Shop the best sunscreens for face, best face masks, best vitamin C serums, best hyaluronic acid serums, best retinol creams and the best moisturisers and lotions.
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll down to check out our list of all the best cleansing balms…
This article originally appeared on Allure.
