The rise in popularity of skincare ranges fronted by facialists has led to many choices of balm and oil cleanser entering the market. Whilst making the skin feel luxuriant, these also offer to help prevent many skin ills, including dehydration and congested, dull skin.
Cleansing balms and oils have uses for everyone. They offer a superior clean for city dwellers, make-up wearers and those with spots or blackheads. However, they can also help to soothe and cleanse dry, mature or irritated skins without stripping them.
Balm cleansers come in two types: oily balms which emulsify with water to form a creamy milk, as well as ones which remain water-resistant and need to be steamed off the skin with a hot cloth. Oil cleansers usually emulsify with water to result in a lighter feeling milk. Both are usually suitable for use around the eyes as well as effectively removing things such as waterproof mascara.
What If I Have Oily Skin?
- Being close in texture to natural sebum, oils and balms easily bond with dirt and grease, lifting it away. The gets skin much cleaner than it would if sebum had to be first broken down by a detergent but this process is not as stripping. This in itself helps to regulate natural oil production in the skin meaning it does not get even greasier as it could in reaction to a harsh detergent product.
- Some brands make these products for different skin types so that it is possible to buy a fresher feeling, oily skin formula.
- Using a muslin cloth with the cleanser ensures a gentle daily exfoliation which is excellent for preventing blocked pores.
Which One Should I Buy?
- Choosing between an oil and a balm mostly comes down to desired texture.
- Ingredients vary from brand to brand. Some cleansers have a petroleum or mineral oil base whilst others are made from pure plant oils. If super-sensitive then avoid cleansers with strong essential oils. If the skin gets clogged easily, then ensure you buy a formula which is easy to remove.
- Look for added benefits such as pre-biotics to keep skin healthy, and essential oils to detox, sooth or nourish.
- Consider lifestyle; oils and balms which emulsify with water are easier to use in a hurry but offer a spa feel when used with a cloth, giving the best of both worlds.
- Fragile skinned people prone to thread veins or rosacea should choose a cleanser which emulsifies with water and is easy to clean off with fingertips if necessary. In such cases, the need to melt cleanser off with a boiling hot cloth every night might aggravate skin conditions.
General Tips:
- Use dry hands to massage the cleanser on to dry face, avoiding the eyes at first.
- If using a product which emulsifies, introduce some water with wet hands. Massage the product until it becomes a milk and then use this milk to remove eye make-up thoroughly.
- Wash off well with warm water or a muslin cloth, removing eye make-up first. Wiping this off with a wet muslin cloth ensures that product does not get into the eyes and makes for a cleaner finish.
- If using a non emulsifying product then steam off carefully with a hot damp cloth, alternating with a cold cloth. If using a mineral oil based cleanser then ensure the cloth is really hot enough to melt the product away. Natural oils will be removed more easily but still need to be cleaned well from the skin.
- Do not use the cloth to exfoliate over acne as it can irritate and spread bacteria.
- Do a facial massage whenever there is time, to improve skin tone and elasticity. A longer cleanse can be part of a home facial and is also relaxing to do. Concentrate on areas which feel congested, or on frown lines.
- Use every evening for a deep cleanse, and wash face with water or use a regular cleanser in the morning for beautiful skin every day.
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