There is nothing that can protect the skin and moisturise it at the same time like a face balm. The texture of a balm, as opposed to those of oils and lotions, makes sure that your skin is protected and the elasticity is restored. It is also perfect to protect against pollution, fine dust, smoke, smog or even just to shield against the elements.

Face balms are basically solidified oils that melt when they come in contact with the warmth of the skin. Unlike moisturizers, balms are anhydrous, meaning that they contain no water unlike moisturisers and creams which are meant to be lightweight and hence are formulated with a high percentage of water. They provide a more robust and nourishing protective layer to your skin, regenerating the moisture barrier, sealing in your skincare for optimal results while shielding from external elements such as cold or dry air.

Balms are known to be healing, calming, ultra-hydrating, luxuriously thick, oftentimes aromatic and are usually the final step in the skincare regimen.

The skin is made up of hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (oil-loving) layers. The deeper part of our skin is hydrophilic while the top layer is lipophilic. Naturally, water is what keeps the skin hydrated, healthy, and functioning optimally and thus the moisture barrier is a very important part of the skin. The top oil-loving layer has a natural oil called sebum that stops water from evaporating while also protecting the skin.

So, water and oil work together to keep your skin healthy; water allows the skin to function and oils prevent water loss and protect the skin. Face balms imitate this balance and thus act as an additional protective and moisturising layer to the skin's natural mechanism.

With winter coming on, now is the best time to invest in a good facial balm to keep your skin from drying out which may cause even more problems. If your skin feels parched and dry at night, use a face balm generously and keep it overnight. As you sleep, your skin's natural repair cycle kicks in and the balm's ingredients can soak in more deeply and completely. The next morning, wake up to dewy and supple skin-no rinsing required. For dryness and irritation prone areas, a small amount of face balm is enough to get rid of chronic dryness and flaking of skin.

Cold winds and temperature can do heavy damage to the skin during the winter. The face balm creates a protective layer on the skin which keeps any harm at bay. However, winter does not mean there will be no sun damage. Face balms can prevent scarring, sun-burns and tanning of skin in the sun as well as hyperpigmentation. Face balms are also perfect for anti-ageing as they help with wrinkles, fine lines and rejuvenation and brightening of skin.

Face balms are usually made of plant butters such as cocoa, shea and cupuacu butter. The best option out of the three is cupuacu butter. The reason is because cupuacu butter has the amazing ability to retain up to 440% its own weight in water. It's also high in antioxidants and phytosterols that help prevent premature aging and the breakdown of collagen. However, due to the thickness and high oil content of such balms, it is advisable to check your skin type with your doctor first as with oily skin, balms may not work that well.