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5 Does-It it-All Balms to Save Your Skin this Winter

By Katie Dickens December 5, 2016

best winter balms — Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s no way around this season’s effects on your face.

The cold winds that blow in the winter will mess with your skin in very uncomfortable and unattractive ways. Blame the dryness for sapping you of moisture, frigid gusts that can cause something akin to a sunburn, or hail hitting you in the face. You’re not imaging things; the forces of nature are conspiring against you. You’ll have to take extreme measures to make yourself presentable like slathering yourself in a salve that would seem far too thick in warmer months, but will help heal while steeling your skin against the harsh elements. We rounded up five multitasking best winter balms designed to be applied from your head to your heels.

Beardbrand Utility Balm

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If the brand’s name doesn’t make it obvious, you can use this all-natural balm to condition and tame your beard. But it also softens weather-weary skin with a trio of butters—mango, cocoa and shea. $32, beardbrand.com

Jackson’s 04 Organic Coconut Melt

dr-jacksons — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Coconut oil has been called a cure-all and while the jury is still out on that bold claim, everyone can agree that it does a pretty solid job of hydrating parched body parts. $16, mrporter.com

Dr. Rogers Restore Healing Balm

dr-rogers — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When the forces of nature have had their way with you, leaving you red and with a burning sensation, this skin-saving salve will help make things right (and less itchy) with loads of healing glycerin and protective castor oil and wax. $80 for 8 oz., doctorrogersc.om

Valmed Military Hudsalve Balm

hudsalve — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If this salve stick is good enough for Swedish soldiers (for who it was originally created), than it should be fine for you. It’s designed to heal and protect skin in the most extreme conditions so perfect for when winter adventuring gets intense. $8, bespokepost.com

This Works Turbo Balm

Tuck this tiny jar of Cocoa Butter and Tahitian Monoi Oil packed balm into your coat pocket so you can treat chapped lips, cuticles and cheeks anywhere and everywhere. $22, thisworks.com

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Katie Dickens is a Manhattan-based beauty and grooming writer. She has held staff positions at Glamour, In Style, People…

Grooming

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: Which one should you actually use?

mens skincare routine changes to make man in sunscreen

Even on cloudy days or days spent indoors, wearing sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable part of a healthy skincare routine. Not only can excess sunlight cause premature aging of the skin, but it's also critical to wear sunscreen to protect against various types of skin cancer. When choosing sunscreen, you'll find two main types -- chemical and mineral sunscreen. The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate has been an ongoing one, as both forms of sunscreens have their pros and cons. Below, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each type of sunscreen to help you choose the best option.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, often made of chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or other similar chemicals, are absorbed into the skin when applied. This type of sunscreen is generally easy to apply to the face and body and absorbs UV rays that touch the skin.
Pro: hydrating for the skin
Due to the thin and blendable nature of chemical sunscreens, they are generally hydrating for the skin and can be added to cosmetics such as moisturizers, skin tints, or foundation products.
Pro: sweat and water resistant
Many cosmetics that market "SPF included" contain chemical sunscreens. People also like chemical sunscreens because they are quite sweat and water-resistant.
Pro: no white residue
Chemical sunscreens also blend well into the skin and do not leave any white residue. If you think back to the sunscreen you used as a kid, chances are it was a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens have become more popular in recent years as consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients in their skincare and health products.
Con: not the best for sensitive skin
Although chemical sunscreens are easy to use, they are not always a great choice for those with skin conditions or sensitive skin. The chemicals found in this type of sunscreen can cause allergic reactions or worsen conditions such as melasma.
Con: chemical ingredients and environmental impact
In addition, some of the chemicals used in these products may be linked to cancer, as trace amounts get absorbed into the bloodstream. Another con to consider is the environmental impact of chemical sunscreen, which may damage reefs and other marine environments.

Grooming

Why everyone is saying bakuchiol is the new (natural) alternative to retinol for your skin

skin

Expected to reach USD 1.79 billion by 2030, the global retinol market has been on the rise recently -- offering an easy and accessible way to achieve brighter, more youthful skin at home. Retinol works by helping to increase your skin's proliferation (creating new skin cells) and helps increase your skin's collagen production to help target acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and other common skin concerns.

Although many people find they have great success with retinol, it's not for everyone. Not only can retinol be harsh on certain skin types, but it's not always the best choice for those who prefer a more natural skincare routine or one that is plant-based. That's why many people opt for Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative. Below, we'll break down the hype about Bakuchiol and its potential benefits for your skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol comes from a plant grown in India known as Psoralea corylifolia. Also known as the "babchi" plant, this botanical extract has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Recently, Bakuchiol has gained popularity in the skincare world, offering properties similar to those of the well-known retinol. Bakuchol extract is offered in many forms to add to your skincare routine, such as in serums or moisturizers. Sometimes, Bakuchiol is also combined with other botanicals, such as jojoba or rose hip, to help improve effectiveness.
What are the benefits of bakuchiol?

Grooming

My 5 favorite (discounted) Tom Ford colognes in April 2024

Someone spraying a Tom Ford cologne on themselves.

When you buy a Tom Ford cologne, you get one of the best men’s colognes around. However, understandably, such fragrances come at a premium. If you’re keen to save money while also scoring some great new fragrances this month, we’ve got all the best cologne deals on all things Tom Ford. Once you’ve chosen the right cologne for you, dive into our highlights below to see the best Tom Ford cologne deals that are available this month.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver -- $122, was $235

Launched in 2009, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver aims to encapsulate the modern man’s spirit with timeless elegance. It has top notes of grapefruit which blends with the aromatic freshness of sage. There are also notes of orange flower, orris, and a hint of spicy nutmeg and pimento. Base notes of amber woods and oak moss add earthy depth which last throughout the day in a manly yet sophisticated way. For a more traditional and classic scent, you can’t go wrong with Tom Ford Grey Vetiver.