subject: Natural Body Balms Vs Natural Body Creams [print this page] Youre concerned about your skinYoure concerned about your skin. Perhaps you have dry skin, or eczema. Maybe your skin isnt a problem right now, but you know as soon as that harsh winter comes around youre going to get that dry, itchy alligator skin you dread and youre going to need something to help out. Youre smart enough to realize that you need a natural soap, or natural body lotions and youre already using them. However, this time around you know you need some deep therapy. Only a natural body cream or natural body balm will do, but you ask yourself the question. Which is going to work better for me? Natural Body Balms? Or Natural Body Creams? Both are natural. Both are thick enough to go the distance but which one is best?
Heres a few key differences that may help you choose which one to use.
The first thing that usually comes to mind when you say Balm is that the product is going to contain some sort of medicinal ingredient like cortisone and it will probably smell like medicine as well. This statement has some truth to it, but thats not always the case. Balms, whether they are a natural body balm or medicinal balm, are made up of mostly oil. Oils are good for the skin as they can be very thick and dont just rub off easily. Once rubbed into the skin they stay there and the healing ingredients in them will stay there too. However, being the product is all oil it will often seal your skin. While this is good to keep moisture in it can also prevent that moisture from evaporating and cooling you down. Using a balm on a hot summer night might send you into the hot and uncomfortable zone. Balm, when used generously, may be too effective. If you use a balm, make sure the thourougly wash the area at least within 24 hours as it can also seal in any dirt that may have been on your skin causing minor irritations or the start of pimples.
A cream consists of water and oil. As a side note, when comparing cream to lotion, a lotion will have more water content than a cream. Creams are usually thought of as a pleasant smelling thick application. However, creams can have medicinal ingredients too. Its always wise to check ingredients before you use them. Since creams have a water component they are usually better at adding hydration to your skin rather than just sealing it in. Creams will also apply much easier. Often balms will need to be worked or warmed up before applying. Creams are usually ready to go at room temperature. Creams, just like balms, are often thick enough to stay on your skin for a good length of time before they rub off, but you will find you may need to apply several times over the course of a day to get the same effect as a balm. Also, creams will allow your skin some breathability. If your skin is prone to acne, pimples or irritations you may want to use a cream over a balm as it will let moisture out, helping to cool you down and take away some of the dirt that builds up on your skin during the day.
So when it comes to choosing a natural boldy balm or natural body cream you should consider how warm you want to feel or how sensitive your skin is to irritation from trapped dirt. You should also consider how long you want the active ingredients in the product to affect your skin. A balm will keep it there longer.
