When dry facial patches appear, they are noticeable through flaking/peeling, rough texture, and a tight or uncomfortable feeling, typically in localized areas such as the cheeks, under the nose, or along the jawline. Many people try to address the problem by adding moisture, but this method does not always solve it.
In some cases, dry patches respond better to targeted or supportive occlusion rather than just increased hydration (e.g., excessive body cream/moisturizer). Here's a breakdown of how to compare a face balm to a regular body moisturizing cream. In this blog, we explain when each option may be appropriate, depending on the cosmetic outcome you want to support.
What Causes Dry Patches on the Face?
Dry patches on the face can develop for several reasons, including changing seasons (weather), overwashing (cleansing) their skin too often, using products with strong active ingredients (e.g., glycolic acid), and/or low humidity levels.
Unlike overall dry skin across the entire face, dry patches are localized and reflect a surface-level disruption rather than a general skin type.
When the skin barrier is compromised for a period of time due to dryness, certain areas may lose moisture more quickly than the surrounding tissue. Dry patches are purely superficial issues, not caused by an underlying medical issue.
Understanding that dry patches reflect barrier disruption rather than simple dehydration helps explain why heavier, more occlusive products may provide more effective support than simply increasing moisturizer.
Understanding the Skin Barrier and Why It Matters
The skin barrier is composed of lipids that work together to retain moisture and protect the skin's surface. When the barrier is functioning properly, it helps prevent moisture loss and irritation, resulting in a smooth and comfortable feel and an overall healthy appearance. Cosmetic signs of a compromised skin barrier include flaking, uneven skin texture, and decreased comfort; therefore, the appearance of dry patches is just one of many signs of a disrupted barrier.
Barrier support is a cosmetic approach that reinforces the skin barrier with occlusive ingredients and gentle formulations. The goal is to help maintain moisture levels and surface resilience rather than address a medical concern.
What a Moisturizer Is Designed to Do
Moisturizers are emulsions designed to hydrate the skin daily. They typically have lighter-weight formulations that are easily absorbed into the skin. This makes them great for providing moisture to the skin’s surface and for daily maintenance of adequate moisture levels; therefore, they deliver the most moisture when the skin barrier is functioning correctly and can provide consistent, even hydration.
However, moisturizers may be insufficient for persistent dry patches or areas exposed to increased environmental stress. Because of their light formulations, they also provide little reinforcement for the compromised areas of the skin.
What a Face Balm Is Designed to Do (Cosmetically)
A face balm has a thicker, more occlusive texture than a moisturizer and typically forms an occlusive layer on the skin's surface rather than absorbing into the skin like a regular moisturizer.
The purpose of face balms is to provide an additional layer of protection that helps maintain surface moisture by creating a barrier between the skin and external factors. Face balms may also contain CBD Isolate* to enhance the formulation's cosmetic properties upon topical application. These formulations are safe, effective, and can provide support and calming effects at the surface level.
Combining the occlusive nature of face balms with CBD Isolate creates a formulation or routine that focuses on comfort, particularly for sensitive or reactive skin types.
