Cleansing balms aren't new - they have been around for centuries, with ancient Egyptians known to  have used oils

to cleanse and moisturise their skin, and Japanese geishas have long used a mixture of camellia and rice bran oils to cleanse their skin.

 

 What's interesting is that over time, oil-based cleansing methods have evolved, with modern-day skincare enthusiasts turning to cleansing balms to achieve a deep cleanse that also nourishes the skin, and right now, balms are everywhere. 

 

 In this guide , I'm going to explore what they are, how they work, and why I think they are particularly good for older skins. 

So let's start with the basics…

What is a Cleansing Balm?

A cleansing balm is a type of cleanser that typically contains a blend of oils and  waxes, usually in a solid format (versus a cleansing oil for example). 

 

These Balms and Butters are designed to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin while

leaving it hydrated and nourished.

 

How Does a Cleansing Balm Work?

 

Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, cleansing balms work by breaking down makeup and impurities on the surface of the skin, allowing them to be easily wiped away.

 

When a cleansing balm is applied to the skin, it melts into an oil-like consistency, which helps to dissolve and lift away makeup, dirt, and impurities. After massaging into the skin, it is removed with warm water, removing any debris from the day.

 

Any clean cloth can be used - and this makes a much more sustainable choice than compared with throw away tissues or cotton wool.  I particularly like a muslin cloth, as the fabric texture is slightly rough -which means it's gentle enough to be used for those of us that suffer with sensitive skin, but it very gently exfoliates the skin as you remove the cleansing balm.  And I like something for nothing. 🙃

Why a Balm Type Cleanser is Particularly Good for Older Skins

 

A cleansing balm is my top cleanser recommendation for my ladies over 45 - it combines all the things I love - it works first and foremost, and brings additional benefits, it hydrates, it exfoliates, and last but not least it provides a few moments of mindfulness as we unwind from the day. 

 

As we age, our skin's natural oil production decreases, which can lead to dryness, dullness, and fine lines. Using a cleansing balm can help to combat these effects by nourishing the skin with a blend of nourishing oils and antioxidants.

Many cleansing balms, being oil based have the advantage of being packed with ceramide rich plant oils which  help to plump and hydrate the skin, making for more comfortable skin.

Why an Organic Cleansing Balm?

Using a cleansing balm that is made with organic ingredients can offer additional benefits for your skin.

Organic ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms, which can  leave harmful residues on the skin.

Organic ingredients are also typically grown in nutrient-rich soil, which can result in a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals in the final product.

Additionally, many organic ingredients are naturally soothing and gentle, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Overall, using a cleansing balm made with organic ingredients can offer a more natural and nourishing cleansing experience for your skin.

Is a Cleansing Balm good for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

Cleansing with a balm cleanser can offer several advantages for those with sensitive skin.

Because cleansing balms are formulated with nourishing oils and emollients, they are often gentler on the skin than traditional foaming cleansers, which can contain harsh surfactants that strip the skin of its natural oils.

The nourishing oils in cleansing balms can help to replenish the skin's moisture barrier, which is especially important for those with sensitive skin that is prone to dryness and irritation.

Additionally, many cleansing balms are made with natural, soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and lavender, which can help to calm and soothe irritated skin.

Overall, using a cleansing balm can be a great option for those with sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle and effective way to cleanse their skin without causing further irritation or dryness.

 

Is a Balm Cleanser Good for Breakout Prone Skin?

Using a cleansing balm can also offer several advantages for those with breakout-prone skin.

Many traditional foaming cleansers contain harsh surfactants that can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can actually trigger an overproduction of sebum and lead to more breakouts.

Cleansing balms, on the other hand, are formulated with nourishing oils that can help to balance the skin's oil production, which is key for preventing breakouts.

Additionally, many cleansing balms are made with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like lavender and rosemary essential oils, which can help to reduce inflammation and reduce the spread of bacteria on the skin.

Overall, using a cleansing balm can be a great option for those with breakout-prone skin who are looking for a gentle and effective way to cleanse their skin without exacerbating their breakouts.  Just make sure you remove any cleanser residue and pick your next level of hydration wisely - depending on how thirsty or not your skin feels.

The Best Way to Use a Cleansing Balm

1 - Start with dry skin: Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, which are designed to be used with water, cleansing balms are best used on dry skin. Simply take a small amount of the balm and massage it on to your dry skin using gentle, circular motions.

2 - Focus on problem areas: pay special attention to areas of the skin that tend to accumulate more dirt, oil, and makeup, such as the T-zone, chin, and around the hairline.

3 - Use a clean cloth wrung through with warm water, I like organic muslin, to remove all traces of makeup and impurities from your skin.

My Favourite Plant Oils to Look Out for in a Cleansing Balm

Ditch the rubbish.  Avoid anything petroleum based and plump for the best plant oils you can find.

1 - Jojoba Oil: This lightweight, non-greasy oil is easily absorbed by the skin and closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it a great choice for all skin types. Jojoba oil is also rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a great option for breakout-prone skin, and it's perfect for sensitive skin.

2 - Camellia Oil - A light, moisturising oil which has been used in anti-ageing skincare preparations for centuries.  Camellia oil is high in oleic acid, vitamins A, B and E and is a superb moisturiser - for skin, hair and the body and is also extremely light, being absorbed into skin very quickly with no residue and will  not block your pores.

3 - Coconut oil: This versatile oil is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent breakouts.Coconut oil is also deeply nourishing and can help to hydrate and soothe dry or irritated skin.

4 - St John's Wort Oil - used for centuries by  herbalists,  this is a soothing macerated oil which  is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, so very calming on the skin, great for irritations and blemishes and good for sensitive skins.  I like to include it in a cleansing butter to soothe the skin, and reduce potential break outs.