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Cold weather can be unforgiving on the skin. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, the skin’s natural barrier is put under constant pressure, often leading to dryness, tightness and sensitivity. This is where skincare in balm form truly comes into its own. Richer and more nourishing than lightweight gels or lotions, balms are designed to protect, comfort and replenish the skin when it needs it most.
Cleansing balms gently remove makeup and impurities without stripping essential moisture, making them ideal for dry or compromised skin. Moisture balms, on the other hand, help seal hydration into the skin, reinforcing the barrier and preventing water loss caused by cold air and wind. Packed with oils, butters and soothing ingredients, balm formulas offer long lasting comfort and support. When used consistently, they can help keep skin calm, resilient and healthy throughout the colder months, making them an essential part of any winter skincare routine.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm is an ideal first step in a cold weather skincare routine. This luxurious balm melts into a silky oil on contact, effectively lifting away makeup, SPF and daily impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Its rich texture helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier, which can become compromised in harsh conditions. Infused with superfood rich black cherry seed oil and starflower seed oil, it helps nourish and condition dry, winter-stressed skin. The balm also contains anti-ageing actives from the Pro-Collagen range, so it leaves skin feeling clean, soothed and supple rather than tight or irritated after cleansing.
Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Cleansing Balm
Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Cleansing Balm offers a deeply comforting cleanse that suits cold weather perfectly. Its balm-to-oil texture helps dissolve dirt and makeup while infusing the skin with rich botanical oils that support hydration and skin health. Ingredients such as rose, frankincense and vetiver help soothe and nourish skin that is prone to dryness and sensitivity in winter. The formula feels indulgent on application, leaving a soft, conditioned finish that does not disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. This cleansing balm turns washing into an uplifting, sensory experience while prepping the skin for moisturiser and helping to combat the dehydrating effects of cold winds and indoor heating.
Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade
Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade is a versatile balm that combines exfoliating and nourishing benefits, making it particularly helpful in colder months when dullness and dryness can take hold. Its papaya fruit enzymes gently encourage the removal of dead skin cells, helping to reveal smoother, brighter skin while keeping the texture soft. The product’s thick, balm-like consistency also helps to lock in moisture, making it an effective step before richer creams. Ideal for those with dry or combination skin, this marmalade can be used where the skin feels most compromised by cold weather, supporting a healthy, glowing complexion even in harsh conditions.
Murad Quick Relief Moisture Treatment
Murad Quick Relief Moisture Treatment is a deeply hydrating balm-cream hybrid that works exceptionally well in cold weather. Its rich, velvety texture provides lasting moisture to parched skin, helping to reinforce the skin’s barrier and reduce sensitivity triggered by low temperatures and indoor heating. Formulated with hydrators that attract and hold water, the treatment helps skin feel smoother and more comfortable throughout the day. Light-reflecting particles also add a subtle glow, combating winter dullness. This treatment can be used morning and night, either alone or layered under a heavier balm if extra nourishment is needed, making it a versatile choice for those seeking intensive winter hydration.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Neck and Decollete Balm
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Neck and Décolleté Balm extends the benefits of balm-based skincare to areas often neglected in winter routines. The skin on the neck and chest can become particularly dry and crepey in cold weather, and this rich balm helps deliver a potent dose of hydration and conditioning. Based on the renowned Pro-Collagen range, it includes marine and botanical actives that support elasticity and smoothness while deeply nourishing the skin. Its creamy, soothing texture melts into the skin, helping to fortify the barrier and protect against the drying effects of wind and indoor heat. Regular use helps keep the neck and décolleté area soft, supple and resilient all winter long.