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In the past few years, cleansing balm have become more famous as a skincare product. They work well to get rid of dirt, makeup, and sunscreen from the skin. In short, here’s what cleansing balms are and the way to use them:

What Cleansing Balm Can Do for You

Cleansing creams aren’t like other face washes. They have a unique texture—they start solid but melt into a smooth oil when you rub it into your skin. Their unique change is what makes them stand out from other cleansers and a favorite among people who love skincare.

Cleansing balm are gentle but effective, and they can be used on all skin types, even sensitive or acne-prone skin. They get rid of dirt and makeup well without taking away your skin’s natural oils.

Hydration and Nutrition: Some cleansers can make your skin feel dry and tight, but cleansing balm are made to feed and moisturize your skin while they clean. A lot of the time, they have good things in them, like vitamins, enzymes, and oils.

It melts makeup. Cleansing balm are strong enough to remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipstick. They easily remove makeup, which makes your nighttime skincare routine a breeze.

Soothing Feeling: Many cleansing balms have soothing ingredients like chamomile, lavender, or calendula extracts that can help calm skin that is red and irritated.

What are Balms That Clean, and How Do They Work?

A lot of cleansing balm are thick, if not completely solid. Whether you rub a balm between your hands or put it on your face, it normally thins out and turns into something more like a lotion or cleanser when it gets warm.

 A dermatologist at Cornell–New York Presbyterian Medical Center and a board-certified dermatologist named Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, tells SELF that when you massage the balm into your skin, it breaks down dead skin cells, sebum, and facial products like sunscreen and makeup.

According to the idea that oil attracts oil, using an oil-based product like a cleansing balm can help get rid of extra oil and makeup without making the skin red,” she says.

Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, tells SELF that balms are good cleansers, but they won’t get rid of all the oils on your face. 

She says that many of them are made with skin-beneficial ingredients like argan, jojoba, or grapeseed oils. She says, “A cleansing balm doesn’t take away the skin’s natural oils; instead, it repairs and strengthens the lipids in our skin barrier, which keeps the skin smooth and hydrated.” Lipids are fatty substances in your skin that help it stay healthy and keep it wet.

Most balms can be washed off with water, but some may leave a little behind. The double-board-certified dermatologist, Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, works at MDCS Dermatology and is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. He told SELF this. If the product you use makes your face feel a little oily, don’t worry—a little double-washing will fix that.

How Should You Use a Cleansing Balm to Take Care of Your Skin?

Instead of washing your face, most cleansing balm work best when you start with a dry face and massage the product into your skin. It should melt as you rub it in. 

You can use one as your main face wash. Still, Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD, founder of Maei MD and board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, says that you should follow it up with a water-based cleanser like the SELF-approved La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser,or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser,. This will make sure that you get rid of any leftover residue on your face. Just use each one after the other, and then do the rest of your routine as usual.

A cleansing balm can be used twice a day, especially if it’s your main face wash, but Dr. Garshick says it works best at the end of the day. To be honest, that’s when your skin is most likely the dirtiest.

 “People usually tell me to do it at night because that’s when their face has the most dirt and oil from the day,” says Dr. Penzi. He also says that cleansing balms can remove all kinds of makeup, from lipstick to eyeliner, so you can go to sleep with a clean face.

Who Should Consider Using a Cleansing Balm?

Dr. Garshick says that cleansing balm are most likely to help people with dry or sensitive skin as well as people who wear a lot of makeup or sunscreen. 

They work, but they don’t usually have strong ingredients, remove natural oils from the skin, or make you scrub your face so hard that it hurts. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Camp says to stay away from balms with scents or dyes because they could give you a reaction like contact dermatitis. (And test new goods for bugs all the time!)

Still, cleansing balms might be good for people with oily skin, too, because they do the same things that help people with dry skin. People who have oily or acne-prone skin should try balms as part of a double-cleansing procedure just to be sure they get rid of all the product and oil that’s still on their skin.

 According to Dr. Garshick, you can try them without worrying about your skin type. However, you might need to try a few different ones before you find the one that works best for you. To get things going, we’ve featured the best cleansing balm that experts and happy reviewers say will get rid of makeup and oil and nourish your skin.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, cleansing balm have completely changed the world of face care. These flexible products are an important part of any skincare routine because they remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities gently and effectively while also being good for the skin. The best cleansing balm do more than just clean; they treat your skin like a princess and leave it feeling refreshed, hydrated, and glowing.

FAQ

1. Tell me about cleansing balms. How are they different from other cleansers?

The best cleansing balm is a type of skincare product that gets rid of dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from your face. When you put it on your face, it turns into an oil from its rich, creamy texture. Many people think that cleansing balm are softer than regular foaming cleansers, which means that they can be used on all skin types.

2. Why should I use a balm to clean my face?

Cleansing balm can break down and get rid of sticky makeup and dirt without taking away your skin’s natural oils. They can also be used on sensitive skin and may not dry out your skin as much as other cleansers, leaving it soft and moist.

3. How do I use a balm to clean my face?

Make sure your face and hands are dry before you use a cleansing balm. Apply a small amount of the balm to your skin and rub it gently in a circle. As you rub, the balm will turn into an oil that will remove makeup and dirt. To get rid of the balm, rinse it off with lukewarm water or wipe it off with a wet washcloth.

4. If my skin is oily, can I still use a cleansing balm?

Yes, cleansing creams can be used on all skin types, even oily skin. They can help keep oil production in check and get rid of extra grease without making the skin too dry.

5. Can cleansing creams be used on skin that is sensitive?

A lot of cleansing products are made to be gentle on skin that is already sensitive. Look for items that don’t have any scent and are made with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

6. If I use the cleansing balm, do I still need a different tool to take off my makeup?

You don’t need a separate makeup remover most of the time when you use the cleansing balm. A good cleaning balm should be able to get rid of all kinds of makeup, even waterproof mascara and lipstick that lasts all day.

7. Do I need a second cleanser after using a cleansing balm, or can I use just one?

If you use a cleansing balm first, you should use a second wash, like a gentle foaming cleanser or micellar water next. This will make sure that all of your makeup, oil, and dirt are gone and that your skin is clean.

8. In your skincare practice, how often should I use a cleansing balm?

Using a cleansing balm every day is fine. Most people do it at night to get rid of their sunscreen and makeup. If you wear a lot of makeup, you might want to use a second wash to get rid of all of it.

9. Are there any things that you should stay away from in cleansing balm?

Stay away from cleansing balm that have harsh surfactants, strong scents, or ingredients that make your skin red and itchy. It is very important to read the list of ingredients and pick goods that are made with clean, gentle ingredients.

10. My face gets acne a lot. Can I still use the cleansing balm?

If you get acne a lot, you can use a cleansing balm. To find the best cleansing balms for your skin type, look for ones that are oil-free and won’t clog your pores.