Hand Care 101 - Balm Benefits

I recently watched an interesting clip on the TV that was talking about the amount of hand washing we have all been doing and how it has had a negative impact on our hands. 

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/05/hand-care-101.html

 It is great that we are all doing our bit to keep ourselves safe during this Covid 19 pandemic but our hands have certainly been suffering.

As we wash our hands the soap and the alcohol both kill the virus but at the same time they dry our hands out.  The soap strips away the natural, protective oils in your skin causing them to dry out.  We traditionally use a moisturising lotion or cream to apply to our hands after washing them but it just doesn't seem to be effective. A more effective application is a balm.

What is the difference between a Lotion, cream and a balm?

• Lotions: Lotions are typically the lightest consistency of these skincare products and include water as one of their main ingredients. They have a low oil content and typically only moisturise for a short period of time. Many lotions use synthetic preservatives or alcohol to prevent microbial growth. This alcohol can dry out the skin -- the exact opposite of the lotion’s purpose. Lotions frequently come in a bottle with a pump.

• Cream: Creams typically have a lower water content than lotions and therefore a higher oil content. Creams are thicker than lotions and are often packaged in jars, tubs or glass containers. 

• Balm:  Balms are typically plant oil and wax-based ointments.  They are thicker than lotions and creams and don’t contain water.  Balms provide superior protection and deeply nourish skin because they use plant oils, butters from nuts and fruit, and waxes such as beeswax. While balms may feel greasier than lotion, those oils are doing their job at nourishing your skin.
  Balms are best for extremely dry areas such as the hands, joint areas or the heels and feet. It is common to apply a balm to hands and feet and cover with cotton socks or gloves, especially at night, to help restore moisture and repair the skin. Also, balms don’t contain alcohol, which dries out the skin.

Our Balm  

• is pure and natural - no chemicals, water or alcohol contained in them
• is super potent therefore you can use it sparingly and regularly.  For a super intensive treatment apply liberally and cover with socks/gloves for a night time repair treatment.
• not only provides moisture but helps the skin to retain moisture
• comes in two handy sizes - 60ml amber glass jar or 25ml aluminium tin

Balm Basics:

• LESS IS MORE - start with a little amount and apply more if you need
• Use clean hands to apply 
• Keep Balm covered when not in use
• Keep it out of extreme temperatures as the consistency can change 

So, are you convinced?  Balms - yay or nay?  Leave a comment below or if you are already converted to our nourishing balm go and leave us a review!