One of the things I adore about balms is how incredibly versatile they are. There are a million balms available with even more uses. I’m a bit of a minimalist and the fewer products I have to keep in my bathroom or put on my body, the better, so I’m always on the lookout for products that serve many purposes…like a fantastic balm.

So, I wanted to share a less popular use for a balm; cleansing and hydrating. I know, I’m just about to lose some of you because you just got visions of a greasy face, full of unsightly blemishes – but wait! I’ve tested this myself and have been using organic oils and balms to hydrate my face (and entire body) for years and I am totally hooked.

Let me make something really clear. I am not talking about petroleum based oils or balms. Please, for the love of your skin, no mineral oil or Vaseline. What I’m talking about are pure plant oils: jojoba, coconut, sunflower, avocado…and organic if you can afford it.

The big myth is that oils will make your face break out, so what you need are soaps and cleansers that strip away the grime, leaving your face squeaky clean. I don’t know about you, but a squeaky clean face feels parched and tight to me, causing me to run for my moisturizer. The truth is, natural plant oils, like jojoba, actually mimic our skin’s sebum and help to minimize clogged pores and blackheads. Using oils actually helps our skin maintain its natural balance.

This is not a new concept, but one the beauty industry at large doesn’t want you to believe, because if you could simply cleanse and moisturize your skin with a plant oil or natural balm, you wouldn’t need their a five-step routine for morning and night! 

The balancing affect of natural oils on your skin is one of the benefits of this method, and here is the other that makes this a grand slam. Plants are loaded with nutrients. But you already knew this right? This is why you try to eat all of your fruit and veggie servings every day. Did you know that you can reap some of these same benefits when you put vitamin and anti-oxidant rich plant ingredients on your face and body?

Dr. Shannon’s Organic Skin Balm is one of the most nutrient rich formulas I have created and since I have been using it to cleanse and hydrate my face, I have noticed a difference, not only in the feel of my skin, but in the appearance.

I personally LOVE using Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm to cleanse and hydrate my face and here is how I do it:

I either take the tin in the shower with me or use it at my sink. Be careful not to get water in the product/container. I use a little salt spoon to remove product or put some on my finger before I get my hands wet in the shower and I wash my face first.

I rub the balm between my palms to warm it and thin the consistency. Then I press it onto my cheeks, forehead and chin and begin to massage it all over my face.  I don’t leave any part of my face out. Ladies, this is an amazing make-up remover. Gently loosen mascara and eye make-up in your eye area. Next, I use a warm, wet washcloth. I like to drape it over my face for a few second to add a little steam affect before gently wiping the excess balm, makeup and “dirt” from my face.  That’s it!

Sometimes, I add a light application of balm after cleansing, or one of my favorite face oils from La Bella Figura because I love my face to feel a bit dewy. It is also a really nice foundation before applying make-up.

At night, my routine is the same, except I always add extra balm to hydrate after cleansing and I love to use it around my eyes as a restorative eye cream.

Men, I can’t leave you out. Balms are an excellent aftershave. You don’t need a lot of product to be effective. Just a very small amount, rubbed between your palms and pressed onto your face will work. Start out with less and add more if you need it. If applied correctly, you won’t have a shiny, greasy face. On top of the moisturizing benefits, Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm works as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe razor burn redness and stinging.

What do you think? Are you ready to try it?

We are going to give away (3) .5 oz tins of Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm to 3 participants who want to try this method of cleansing & hydrating! All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment here telling us what you think about using a balm on your face to either cleanse, hydrate or both! If you have already tried or love it – let us know this too! We’ll choose 3 winners next week!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

-Mom (of Mom & Doc Apothecary)