Cleansing Balms for Blemished Skin: Everything You Need to Know

Our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balms work with blemished skin to promote healthy, hydrated skin. When you double-cleanse using a cleansing balm, you are effectively removing more clinging makeup, sunscreen and impurities that otherwise might have stuck around and caused you to breakout. Since cleansing balms are so gentle and hydrating, they can be used both morning and night, applied directly to dry skin. And with blemished skin, you may prefer this cleansing solution over makeup remover wipes that physically exfoliate the skin. If the skin is over-exfoliated, redness and irritation may occur which can trigger breakouts.

To discover the best cleansing balm for blemished skin, first we need to understand how unwanted blemishes come to the surface in the first place. The culprit: a mix of hair, oil, dirt and dead skin cells plugging skin’s oil gland canals, called follicles. Plugged follicles provide the right environment for bacteria to grow. When the skin detects bacteria, this triggers an immune system response to attack the bacteria within the plugged follicle, causing a pimple or cyst (the painful ones).

Effectively cleanse the skin in the morning and double cleanse at night to prevent plugged follicles. When you double-cleanse, start with your cleansing balm. This will do the heavy lift, easily melting and removing the buildup from the day. Follow this with your favourite cleanser to wash away anything left and continue with your regular skincare routine. 

Not all cleansing balms are equal, so it’s important to check the label for comedogenic offenders. Cleansing balms are typically oil-based and gentle in nature. And if the word “oil” is a red flag for you, you have good skin instincts. There are different types of oils out there including skin-loving oils (non-comedogenic) and oils that clog pores (comedogenic). Look for a cleansing balm that’s formulated without mineral oils, which tend to cause breakouts. Oils that are good for blemished skin include select essential oils like geranium which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help condition and soothe the skin.

Again, it’s good to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique. Try to be mindful of how your skin feels when you do a double-cleanse with a cleansing balm. If it feels good, keep it up. There is no single correct way to go about cleansing skin, but a general rule of thumb is to cleanse at least 1-2x daily with your double-cleanse at night.

To double-cleanse blemished skin, use your cleansing balm first and follow with your favourite blemish-treatment cleanser. Benzoyl Peroxide washes effectively kill acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid washes help breakdown dead skin cells sticking to the skin and unclog pores. A clay-based wash formulated with kaolin clay is another proper blemish-fighting cleanser if you’re opposed to medicated cleansers.

With the moisturising properties of a cleansing balm, your skin should feel hydrated and calm after cleansing rather than tight and irritated. If your skin feels too dry after cleansing, apply a moisture-balancing skin essence to help re-balance the skin and prepare it for other treatments.

Morning Skincare Routine for Blemished Skin

Step 1 - Cleansing Balm: Use your favourite cleansing balm

Step 2 - Wash: Then, use a gentle blemish-treatment cleanser to wash and treat

Balance: Apply a moisture-balancing skin essence or oil to optimize skin for treatments

Treat: Apply your anti-blemish treatments, antioxidants, or other anti-ageing treatments

Moisturise: Apply your favourite daytime moisturiser or a moisturiser with SPF

Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Blemished Skin:

Step 1- Cleansing Balm: Use your favourite cleansing balm

Step 2 - Wash: Then, use a calming, gentle cleanser to wash away the day

Balance: Apply a moisture-balancing skin essence or oil to optimize skin for treatments

Treat: Apply your anti-blemish treatments, antioxidants, or other anti-ageing treatments

Moisturise: Apply your favourite night time moisturiser–try one that’s aloe-based or not as traditionally heavy

The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding to incorporate a new product into your skincare routine is that everyone’s skin is different and is affected differently. Blemished skin may benefit from using a cleansing balm because they are ultra-gentle yet powerful in lifting and dissolving lingering sebum and impurities that cause breakouts. Cleansing balms are also a gentle yet effective alternative to using makeup-remover wipes that can be abrasive and over-exfoliate the skin. If you think a cleansing balm is right for you, shop our collection of cleansing balms here.

The Iconic Original

This award-winning essential is infused with a unique blend of 9 essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus and smells like aromatherapy in a jar.

The Rose-Infused Icon

Formulated with delicate English Rose Oleo Extract, this floral favourite leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and oh-so-soothed.

The Fragrance-Free Cleansing Balm

Fragrance-free version of our bestselling cleansing balm that melts away makeup and impurities for a glowing complexion.