The cleaning is the essential gesture of the facial care. You already know that no matter how many active ingredients you apply, they will not be able to perform if you have not removed the dirt particles from the skin, both on its surface and in depth. That is the mission of a cleansing balm. 

It is a cleansing product for the face with a semi-solid consistency and an oily phase. They generally contain in its formulation vegetable oils, butters or waxes. It seems that this format has reached its peak thanks to the arrival of the double facial cleansing exported from Korea. 

What Is a Cleansing Balm?

These cleansers are creamy balms formulated with nutrient-rich natural oils designed to do double duty: The first is to deeply cleanse the skin, and the second is to restore its moisture balance. That is, while you remove heavy makeup, sunscreen and impurities accumulated during the day, cleansing balms hydrate your skin, without stripping the natural oils that it produces.

With a cleansing balm, your skin will be cleaner than with a common makeup remover and excess oil will be completely removed, because the natural oils that are included in cleansing balms dissolve and attract the excess oil that usually produces pores clogged and sprouts.

 Balms are known to break down makeup and replenish skin without causing irritation. Unlike other cleansers, balms can be used around the eye area to remove makeup because they are made with natural ingredients that will not irritate sensitive skin.

A cleansing balm is the best option if you are looking for extra hydration for your complexion; something necessary in summer, since it is usually more tight due to excess sun and high temperatures. This cosmetic has nourishing ingredients that gently cleanse your face, while helping to maintain the lipid barrier, hydrate and even restore it. Sweet almond oil, mooring seed, green tea and cherry blossom extracts and antioxidant vitamin E are some of the active ingredients that will leave your skin looking new, in just five minutes.

For those who do not know: the cleansing balms are very comfortable. They are presented in a solid state, and upon contact with the skin and hands, they dissolve and release their oily content, which will be responsible for removing all remaining makeup and dirt from the skin. By having greasy components, they drag even the most resistant formulas, and also serve to remove make-up from the eyes. And all, gently, without drying or altering the skin. Their compact texture also makes them more comfortable to use than oils, which tend to show escapist tendencies far too often.

The Strengths of Cleansing Balms

Cleansing balms can also be used to remove make-up from eyes. Experts from different firms specializing in facial care claim that the benefits of such formulas more forceful are many:

  • They are perfect for any skin type. Especially for the ripe and dry ones. Professionals recognize that they are also very beneficial for the most sensitive dermis because they are more hydrating and nourishing formulas. 
  • They can even be suitable for acne skin due to their ability to decongest and balance (always look for non-comedogenic options).
  • They have a calming function. Choose one that, in addition to containing cleansing agents, treats the skin by including oils in its ingredient list. Thus, you will help to pamper and regenerate the dermis without leaving an annoying feeling of tightness.
  • They help you relax. 
  • These products as well as being “more delicate and gentle on the skin, removing make-up, deep cleaning and providing immediate luminosity while nourishing, they offer the consumer a relaxing effect thanks to their aromas unique.
  • They can be used on the eyes. Its powerful action allows it to remove dirt from eye makeup, even from the most elaborate looks that use super-pigmented and water-resistant formulas.

The Correct Format to Use Cleansing Balm for Your Skin 

The makeup remover balm is key to the first step of the Korean double cleanse technique that everyone wants to emulate

You may think that with makeup remover wipes you have plenty to get rid of makeup. You could not be more wrong because in addition to being a product that constantly generates waste, they are not the best alternative according to dermatologists and cosmetic experts to remove make-up. 

They do a very superficial cleaning that does not end up being effective. Although they may be comfortable for you, they have more cons than pros and should be only an emergency method.

Instead, you may have heard of the double cleansing technique that Korean women do . And when it comes to facial skin, Asians are the ones who have the advantage over us and have become a world benchmark.

How to Do the Double Cleaning?

As its name suggests, it consists of two steps for which two different products are also used: one oil-based and the other water-based. Both offer different options to choose from. The first is usually an oil or a makeup remover balm that manages to wash away all the dirt (sweat, makeup and other particles). In contrast, water-based products come in the form of soaps, cleansing gels or foams.

Two products whose combination aims to cleanse the skin in depth, improve the texture of the dermis and ensure that it can better absorb the treatments that are applied later.

Step 1

Apply a makeup remover balm to both your face and eyes. Massage into dry skin including the eye contour, then rinse with lukewarm water to transform the balm into a creamy milk until it is completely gone. In this way, not only is it possible to remove make-up from the skin and wash away all the dirt, it also remains hydrated thanks to the properties of balms 

Step 2

It’s the turn of the water-based facial cleanser. For its correct use it is advisable to apply a small amount to the palm of the hand. Then add a little water and lather for a few seconds until a light lather is produced. After applying the product to the face and rubbing gently avoiding the eye contour, it can be rinsed off with water.

The third step would be to balance the pH of the skin at the end of this ritual using the facial toner.

Can Oily Skin Use It?

Don’t run away from the word oil! If you wonder if oily skin can use an oily product, remember that oil attracts oil. The ingredients in these balms typically include a solid oily component, combined with an emulsifier. They help oily substances dissolve in water. That is, all the fat is removed from the skin without leaving the face “oily”.

Actually, oily skin types can also benefit because the oils in the balm gently “melt” excess oil on the skin without over-drying.

Why Are They the Best Option for Removing Makeup?

Cleansing balms are the best makeup remover because most makeup products are made from oil and are designed for long-term wear. While water-based cleansers and removers can remove makeup, the oils in cleansing balms are attracted to the oils in makeup. This allows the balm to gently “break down” makeup without causing dryness or stripping the skin of its natural oils.

With cleansing balms there is no need to scrub, swab, or soak excessively, which can irritate the skin. This means that you can remove makeup effectively without irritating your skin.

How Are They Applied?

  1. Use it as the first step in your routine. 
  2. On dry skin, apply 3 to 4 teaspoons of balm all over your face. It is important to do it with a dry face since in this step, it is where the balm is attracting the oil from the skin.
  3. With circular massages, you make sure that the balm extracts all the impurities and excess sebum accumulated throughout the day.
  4. Rub over eye makeup with your fingers.
  5. Wet your face and rub in the cleanser. The oil will turn into a milky liquid that will remove all the dirt. 
  6. Rinse with warm water 4 to 5 times to remove all the product.

Hope this article helps you to know about cleansing balms if you are planning to buy one for your skin.