If you’ve ever wondered the difference between a facial cream, oil, or balm, you’re not alone. While they all appear to do the same thing—add moisture and nourish your skin—they each provide different benefits and a different experience. We know that keeping the skin hydrated is crucial to ensure that it remains healthy. We previously explained that the skin is the largest organ in the human body and represents our barrier and protection from the environment.
Maintaining a good diet and drinking the necessary amount of water per day is essential, but what about external hydration? How to properly provide it to the skin? What about facial creams, balms and oils? Which one is best for you? The options within the cosmetic market – even natural cosmetics – are vast, and it is good to know when to use each type of product and which is the ideal one for each occasion and type of skin.
Today at KŌNSE Beauty we will talk about the differences between facial cream, balm and oil and share some recommendations.
Creams: classic and indispensable hydration
Creams are typically a combination of oil and water-based ingredients and are designed to hydrate and protect the skin.
The main difference between creams and balms and oils is the amount of water contained in their formula (which is usually much higher than in other cases). They are also designed to be a more occlusive layer that seals in your previous skincare steps, to help you get the most out of them, while also protecting your skin from external environmental aggressors.
Whatever your skin type, you are going to need a cream moisturizer, even if you have dry, combination or oily or acne-prone skin. There are countless creams and many are formulated to help combat multiple problems at the same time.
For example, there are anti-aging creams for oily skin, moisturizers for acneic skin and, of course, creams for sensitive, dehydrated, oily and combination skin. For maximum benefit, you can layer a cream on top of your favourite facial oil, or mix a few drops of the oil directly into your cream before applying it to your skin. You can apply creams to damp or dry skin.
An all-rounder that we love at KŌNSE is the Hydra Repair Day Cream from Grown Alchemist. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves your skin deeply hydrated and with a matte and silky finish.
Do not forget that the eye and lip contour is somewhat more delicate than the rest of the skin, so try to find a good cream for dark circles if you want to work that area.
Of course, the rest of the body also requires care, and incorporating a good body moisturizer into your beauty routine makes all the difference. We recommend that you try Malako’s Fully Charged lotion. Not only it deeply hydrates the skin but also helps relieve tension. This cream contains Thai Plai (Zingiber cassumuna), a healing plant with anti-inflammatory properties, lavender, rosemary oil and, in short, a powerful blend of wild and organic ingredients.
Balms: hydration, care & repair
Balms have a higher oil concentration than creams, but less than a regular oil. They are solidified oils that melt into liquid when they come into contact with your skin. Unlike creams, balms do not contain water.
Important to note that if a product contains oil in its formula it does not necessarily mean that it is only suitable for normal to dry skin. Balms are especially beneficial for anyone with dry skin, or those in cold/dry climates. They absorb best when applied to damp skin, and typically. Similar to creams, they provide an occlusive, nourishing protective layer to your skin and seal in your skincare for optimal results.
There are special balms for each area of the body and designed for all kinds of situations. Its texture is perfect for spreading easily, and dense enough to create a protective barrier. This is why lip balms are so popular. We love SeventyOne Percent’s Second Skin. With a 99% natural formula, it serves to soothe irritations, hydrate and even relieve insect bites. It is rare to find such a versatile product at all levels, as it can be used on (almost) any area of the body.
Another favourite is DAFNA’S Recovery cleansing balm. It contains extracts and essential oils of moringa, olive, calendula and orange, among many other natural ingredients. It can be used as a cleanser and as a mask if you leave it on overnight. Its formula fights free radicals, regenerates, soothes and deeply hydrates.
Oil: the ally you should not forget
Facial oils typically consist of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants with important skin benefits. They mimic the natural sebum production in our skin, which helps balance our own oil production. At KŌNSE we select both single-origin oils and products that combine a variety of oils. Oils are also great when worn before or mixed in with your favorite moisturizing cream or balm. We recommend facial oils for combination/oily skin.
Wisdom Cares Ylang Ylang Facial Oil combines this extract with jojoba, apricot and grapeseed oil to balance and detoxify the skin while hydrating it.
For drier skin, DAFNA’S Serenity Facial Oil is soothing and deeply repairs the skin with its combination of organic ingredients. In addition, all the products of this brand are vegan.
There are also special boyd oils, which are easy to apply and highly nutritious. If you have dry skin, be sure to try Les Huliettes body oil. It contains grapefruit, avocado and argan oil.
Any of these products can be an ideal addition to your beauty routine, as long as you choose them with the right ingredients.
The key here is to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized and, most of all, to find the best possible combination to do it. Cream, balm or oil? Now you have all the information you require to make the right decision.
