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It’s the Balm: Multiuse Balms

by Celia Shatzman
Multiuse Balms

One multitasking wonder is what’s needed to transform our skin from winter to spring.

The end of winter can leave your skin wrecked, with chapped lips, cracked heels, wind burn, parched cuticles, dry skin patches and flyaway hair, to name a few. It might seem like you need a pharmacy to treat that list, but there is actually one miracle multitasker that does it all: a multiuse balm.

“Balms are intensely nourishing and can be used for a variety of purposes—not only your skin, but also your hair and nails,” says Dr. Christine Choi Kim, dermatologist for The Body Shop. “People with oily, dry and even sensitive skin can benefit from a multiuse balm depending on how it is used. In this era of 10-step skincare regimens, it is great to have one product that can do so many different things!”

Balms heal minor scrapes and scratches more quickly, soothe itchy insect bites, remove makeup in a pinch, tame split ends, brighten a tattoo, tame eyebrows, improve the appearance of skin marks, prevent and soothe blisters, hydrate after shaving or waxing, and can be used as a hair texturizer, beard conditioner and groomer, diaper rash soother, sore muscle soother, a daily moisturizer. Athletes also find it effective to prevent chafing and calluses while running.

“For extremely dry skin, apply balms over damp skin after a shower or bath to seal in the extra moisture,” suggests Dr. Kim. “Wrap feet in cotton socks and hands in cotton gloves to seal in the balm. The warmth and moisture will encourage penetration of the oils into the skin.”

Depending on your needs, look for different ingredients. “For sensitive skin types, a short ingredient list means fewer potential irritants to worry about,” Dr. Kim says. “You can feel confident that you know exactly what you are applying to your skin. Look for products with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, which protect against UV radiation and free radical formation by environmental pollutants.”

Balms can either be wax- or oil-based. “Waxes form an occlusive layer on the skin, which helps to hold moisture in,” Dr. Kim says. “Beeswax provides firming and thickness and serves as a barrier to keep both the moisture and medicinal qualities in, and everything else out.” However, wax buildup can lead to clogged pores, so skip applying it on acne-prone skin.

Another major plus is multiuse balms are ideal for on-the-go and traveling. “They do not leak or spill and they can be easily dropped into your purse or gym bag,” Dr. Kim says. “They are the ideal product for our busy modern lifestyle.”

Give one of these multiuse balms a try:

The Body Shop Amazonian
Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm

This has a unique combination of natural oils, as well as beeswax. It is non-sticky, non-oily and absorbs into the skin quickly. Plus, proceeds from each sale of Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm go toward building bio-bridges and protecting endangered species. thebodyshop.com

Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm

Packed with hydrating and essential healing nutrients, this anti-inflammatory balm boosts circulation to speed up healing and tightens connective tissue. It increases elasticity and decreases redness, scars and discoloration. tammyfender.com

One Love Organics Skin Savior
Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm

Its ingredients—organic coconut oil, mango butter, jojoba and chia—vary as widely as its uses. Gently massage it into skin and then rinse to remove dirt and makeup without overdrying, warm it in your hands before applying to damp skin as a moisturizer, or blend it with your go-to mineral powder to create a super hydrating custom foundation. shop.oneloveorganics.com

Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm 

Vitamin A-rich rosehip seed oil takes the spotlight in this multitasker that can be usedas an exfoliating cleanser, balm or face mask. It also contains borage, which is known for its anti-inflammatories and ability to restore the moisture barrier, as well as geranium to balance, smooth and strengthen skin. us.nyrorganic.com










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