I think I can tell pretty quickly these days if something’s going to suit my skin. It usually goes like this peptides = breakout, Retin A = breakout, and not washing my face before bed = a catastrophic breakout that will probably take a year to fix. I wouldn’t say my skin is sensitive because I can pretty easily douse it with various acids with no repercussions, but it is crazy reactive so I’ll know within literally hours whether something is going to cause a problem or not. The one thing that not only never breaks me out, but actually calms and hydrates better than anything else, is a balm.
What is a balm?
I like to think of a balm as a serum’s big sister because they’re both water-free, super concentrated, and great for thirsty skin, but a balm is a little more hydrating than a serum would be. Without water they’re made using essential butters oils that are in a solid state with a consistency much like a thick icing, so when you rub it into the skin, it melts and absorbs quickly and completely. This means they’re much more concentrated so you need just the smallest amount.
I reviewed HollyBeth Organics Rose Geranium Face Moisturizer $49 years ago when I was hesitantly dipping my toes into the world of organic beauty. At the time, the selection was limited and the brands weren’t all that savvy on how to deliver products that were safe and effective so I was happy to find that this worked so well. Now, years later I can fully appreciate how amazing this balm really is. It’s not only hydrating without the least bit of a greasy feel, it’s also completely soothing and calming which is great for my roller coaster ride of a complexion.
HollyBeth Organics is also USDA certified which means that each ingredient is more potent than those harvested from non-organic means, and this signature balm contains incredible ingredients known to brighten, calm, heal, and hydrate even the most dry or reactive skin. I like it as a primer to help keep makeup from looking dry and cakey, and I also press it around my eyes at night to try and soften those crow’s feet that are annoyingly visible since I’m still off Botox.
If your skin is dry or just looking dull, or gives you endless shit like mine- check out a balm, it might be the skin-saver you’ve been looking for.