Eczema Balm vs Ointment: Which is Better for Your Skin?
When managing eczema, selecting the right product can significantly impact the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Two popular options are balms and ointments. Understanding the differences and benefits of each can help you make an informed decision tailored to your skin's needs.
Texture and Application
Ointments are thicker and greasier than balms, making them an excellent choice for severe dry skin. They form a protective barrier over the skin, locking in moisture and shielding it from irritants. Curezma’s Intensive Ointment is particularly noteworthy as it is packed with a rich blend of natural oils, including castor oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and tamanu oil. This diverse mix provides deep hydration and supports skin barrier repair, making it ideal for eczema-prone skin.
Balms, on the other hand, have a firmer texture and are less greasy, often preferred for milder cases of eczema or for those who dislike the feel of heavier ointments. However, compared to ointments like Curezma’s, balms generally offer less moisture retention and barrier protection. For instance, a well-known balm in the market contains only one type of oil versus Curezma's blend of over 10 oils, and lacks the diversity found in Curezma's formula, which could limit its efficacy in providing comprehensive skin care.
Why Avoid Petroleum Jelly?
While petroleum jelly is commonly used in many skincare products due to its moisture-locking properties, it's important to consider its potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the potential release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. This risk arises when petroleum jelly is not properly refined, which can happen in some over-the-counter products.
Why Avoid Mineral Oils?
Mineral oils, while effective at creating a barrier to lock in moisture, can sometimes be too occlusive, potentially trapping bacteria and causing further irritation or breakouts. Additionally, mineral oils are derived from petroleum, which raises similar concerns regarding contamination with PAHs .
Safe and Comprehensive Care with Curezma's Intensive Ointment
The sheer variety and quality of oils in Curezma’s Intensive Ointment make it an outstanding choice for those with eczema. The blend of natural oils not only locks in moisture for 100 hours, but also provides anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. This is particularly beneficial during seasonal changes, such as transitioning from winter to spring, when eczema flare-ups can become more frequent.
Sources:
- National Eczema Association on Moisturizing
- Safe Cosmetics on Petroleum Products
- NIH Study on Clinical Trials and Eczema
- NCBI on Mineral Oils
