The term “cleansing balm” refers to a type of moisturizer or cream that helps to remove impurities from the skin, as well as makeup. This kind of product is often marketed as a way to get rid of makeup and SPF.
Cleansing balms are a type of facial moisturizer that contains oils and other ingredients that have been efficiently designed to remove the makeup and dirt from the skin.
They are also very gentle, so are happily used by those with sensitive skin.
They are also a great way to cleanse your face without using harsh chemicals – another reason why those with sensitive skin love using cleansing balms.
So, now that you have a vague idea of what a cleansing balm is, let us take a look at it in more detail.
How Does A Cleansing Balm Work?
A cleansing balm is noticeably different to a regular cleanser. Whilst a cleanser might be gel-based liquid or foam, a cleansing balm is much richer and thicker, and feels oilier on the fingers.
A cleansing balm works by melting away the makeup, SPF, sweat, and dirt that has been sitting on your skin throughout the day.
Because a cleansing balm has an oil-base, it also does not strip the skin of its natural oils, making it super safe for those with sensitive skin.
A cleansing balm will leave the skin feeling hydrated and nourished, rather than dry and itchy. It can also be used in a two-step cleansing routine as the first cleanser, followed by a different cleanser if you wish.
How To Use A Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms may come in a pot or a tube, but they all work the same way and have a similar oily and thick consistency.
With clean dry hands, either scoop out a small amount using your fingers, or squeeze a small amount onto your fingers. The size of a small coin will do.
If the cleansing balm is extra thick, it is always worth letting it warm up and melt slightly in your hands, but otherwise use it straight on the face because it will begin to warm and become pliable.
Once applied to the damp skin of your face, massage in small circular motions to help break down everything that has accumulated on the skin.
If you are also removing eye shadow and mascara, spend some extra time gently massaging the area to dissolve the makeup.
Thirty seconds is usually enough time to remove everything, as you do not need to spend a long time working on the skin, but you can go up to a minute or two of massaging if you wish.
Once you have finished massaging, take a wet flannel or reusable makeup remover pad and soak it with water. Squeeze out the excess and gently use it to remove the cleansing balm.
Cleansing balm can be difficult to remove with just water alone because it is oil-based, so wiping it off is the best way to remove the residue.
Once you have finished the process, you can either go in with a second cleanse (if you have worn makeup and SPF), or leave it at that.
What Is Double Cleansing?
When it comes to a skincare routine, you may have heard of the double cleanse. Whilst you might freak out at the thought if you are a dry skin type, it is not something to be afraid of.
In fact, double cleansing has its benefits.
Related: Removing Waterproof Makeup
A cleansing balm is regularly used as a double cleanser, and is usually placed as the first step in the routine.
This is because a cleansing balm is a really good makeup and SPF remover, and is gentle enough to not strip any natural oils off the skin.
This makes it safe enough to then follow-up with a water-based cleanser.
Whilst the oil-based cleansing balm removed the makeup, SPF and dirt, the next cleanser will remove any traces of the cleansing balm and impurities that may be left.
Whilst you do not need to do a double cleanse if you did not wear any makeup, SPF or exercise, doing so can remove all the dirt efficiently keeping your complexion bright and clear.
Does A Cleansing Balm Work For All Types of Skin?
Cleansing balms can be used by any skin type during daily cleansing, including those who consider their skin oily or acne-prone.
That is because the oil in the balm will break down any excess oil without over drying the skin to cause the need for more oil to be produced, making the skin even oilier.
Those who are a dehydrated and dry skin type that may be prone to sensitivities will also benefit from a cleansing balm.
This is because it will not strip the skin of any oils, and in fact may even help to hydrate the skin and care for the skin’s barrier.
Whilst there is a misconception that only those with dry and sensitive skin can benefit from cleansing balms, it just is not true. They are great to be used by anyone due to how gentle yet effective they are.
Is Using A Cleansing Balm The Best Makeup And SPF Remover?
When it comes to a makeup remover, cleansing balms are the best option. One of the main reasons is due to them being oil-based.
Makeup itself is oil-based, and oil against oil is the best type of remover (think of the pans in the kitchen).
This means that by using a cleansing balm to remove makeup, it can break the oils in the makeup down to successfully remove every trace.
Also, it is gentle to use, and is particularly handy when it comes to winter when you might need extra moisturizing due to the harsh weather conditions.
They are also better for the environment because you are not using throwaway wipes, and are generally just healthier for the complexion no matter your skin type.
Cleansing Balm Vs Cleansing Oil
Whilst they both have a similar job of removing makeup and dirt, they do have a difference: texture.
A cleansing oil is messier and runs, which can cause an issue when you are trying to pour some into the palm of your hand or fingers.
A cleansing balm is much thicker and has a melting texture which is much more luxurious – in fact, some people use cleansing balms just because they can feel a little more expensive than a regular cleansing oil.
Final Words
Cleansing balms have become the go-to when removing makeup, or when we want to use something that is gentle yet effective at removing the daily dirt and debris that builds up throughout the day.
They can be used alone or as a first step in the double cleanse skincare routine, and are suitable for those who consider themselves dry skinned or even with acne-prone skin.
They do not need to be introduced slowly, and will not clog the pores, especially if removed properly with a damp flannel or reusable makeup remover pad.
If you are on the hunt for something that is gentle, yet extremely effective, and want to be able to remove SPF as well as makeup, then a cleansing balm is likely to be the best option for you.