Anyone who’s struggled to manage dry or flaky skin will have asked themselves over and over how to find the best cream for their own particular problem.
The answer is actually pretty simple: the best cream for dry skin, psoriasis or eczema is the one you feel happiest using every day and which doesn't flare you up.
But how do you go about finding that perfect cream for your particular skin type? Let’s start by looking at what qualities you want a moisturising cream or emollient to have.
1. Hydration
Moisturising regularly and effectively is absolutely key to maintaining skin in tip top condition.
So your quest for the best cream for you, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, should start with one that will provide effective hydration.
A good moisturiser such as those in our Dry Skin Range aims to nourish the outer layers of skin by forming a protective, water-resistant barrier to lock moisture in.
Our Skin Salvation ointment uses natural beeswax to form a thin protective layer and prevent water from escaping from the skin. You can apply it thickly after an evening bath or shower and it will work overnight to keep that moisture from evaporating and the skin from drying out.
Beeswax is an amazing, gentle, water-proof substance that has been the basis of the best traditional eczema creams for centuries. Our wonderful Daily Moisturising Cream works in a similar way but using luxurious shea butter to retain water.
2. Protection
Good skincare products provide protection from damage and irritants.
Very dry, raw and broken skin is open to various kinds of irritants and allergens, and eczema particularly is a condition that results in a faulty skin barrier. Without a fully-functioning protective epidermis, skin can end up being very itchy and sore indeed.
More itching means more damage and so the cycle continues. So the very best skincare creams also form a protective layer not just to keep water in but to keep irritants out.
The beeswax and shea butter we use in our products are both waxy enough to work in this way. They allow the skin to function healthily, maintaining its protective barrier and keeping skin as soft and moisturised as possible.
3. Usability
You need products that you enjoy using!
Finally, an important quality of any skincare cream is usability. Moisturising is so important in keeping skin in good condition that it needs to be done very frequently and very regularly.
It’s no good at all having a product that you don’t actually like, feels unpleasant on your skin or aggravates the discomfort.
It's vital when looking for the best skincare cream that you pick one that feels soothing and you enjoy using; this means that you're likely to keep on applying it whenever necessary and it will keep your skin as soft and supple as possible.
If you are wary of products that contain long lists of preservatives, fragrances and additives that you fear may irritate your skin, then choose a cream or ointment that is as natural as possible.
People have different preferences: some like thick, waxy ointments like Skin Salvation; some swear by soft creamy lotions like the Daily Moisturising Cream; other still prefer nourishing oils like our Bath & Body Oil which can be applied directly to sore or broken skin with the absolute minimum of rubbing in.
Every body is as unique as the person whose skin is being looked after. Whatever your own particular preference is, make sure that the moisturiser you chose is the best skincare cream for you.
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
with shea butter and calendula
Balmonds Skin Salvation
with hemp and beeswax
