Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm: how to use it

What is cleansing balm?

A cleansing balm is a makeup removal option used at the start of a double cleanse. Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess oil. Water alone is less effective at removing oily material because water and oil do not mix. Cleansers contain surfactants, ingredients that loosen oil and dirt so they can wash away. A balm's role is cleansing, even if the name sounds like a small agricultural project.34

How do you use cleansing balm?

Follow the directions on your Green Clean jar for the amount and whether to start on wet or dry skin. The sequence below is general cleansing guidance, rather than a substitute for the product's directions.4

1. 1Use the balm as your makeup removal step. Massage gently with your fingertips rather than scrubbing with a brush or washcloth.
2. 2Rinse as directed, using lukewarm rather than hot water. Remove cleanser residue thoroughly.
3. 3If you are double cleansing, follow with a gentle facial cleanser and rinse again.
4. 4Pat your face dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing to replace moisture lost during cleansing.

When should you use it?

The evening makeup removal step is the clearest place for a balm. Remove makeup before bed; if you wash only once a day, make it the evening wash. Most people should wash their face morning and night, but that does not mean using a balm twice daily. Dry or sensitive skin can suit water alone in the morning and a cleanser at night. Oily skin generally benefits from cleansing twice daily, with another wash after vigorous activity when needed.12

Do you need a second cleanser?

If you wear makeup, trying a balm followed by a gentle cleanser is reasonable. If you do not wear makeup, double cleansing is generally unnecessary and can make skin drier. Double cleansing is an option for makeup removal, not a membership requirement for owning a bathroom. There is also no standard washing time that everyone needs to meet, so a full minute of massage is not a universal rule.1

Who should be careful?

Sensitive skin can sting during or just after cleansing. Fragrance, preservatives and some botanical ingredients can cause reactions, so check the full ingredient list against any known allergies. A fragrance free cleanser is generally the gentler choice. Stop using a cleanser that causes redness, itching, swelling or persistent irritation rather than increasing washing to try to fix the problem.34

For acne prone skin, look for products labelled oil free, won't clog pores or noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Do not assume those claims from a product's name. Acne guidance favours an oil free makeup remover followed by a mild cleanser. If breakouts develop after adding a skin care product, stop the suspected product; a dermatologist can help when the cause is difficult to identify. If you already use acne treatments, adding an acne treatment cleanser can increase dryness and irritation.23

What should you expect after washing?

Judge the cleansing step by whether makeup and cleanser residue are removed. Tightness, increasing dryness or irritation are reasons to change to a gentler cleanser or reduce unnecessary washing. Cleansing removes some natural skin oils as well as dirt, which is why moisturizer belongs after washing rather than waiting for skin to feel uncomfortable.14