Winter brings cosy nights and festive cheer but can also wreak havoc on your skin. According to the Irish Skin Foundation, around 54% of the Irish population every year experience issues with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. If you’re grappling with extremely dry, flaky, or dull skin this season, a hydrating face balm might be the solution you need. These ultra-moisturising products are the heroes of winter skincare, helping to repair your skin barrier and lock in hydration when the weather is unforgiving.
Whether you’re a seasoned skincare enthusiast or new to the world of balms, this guide will walk you through the best hydrating balms for dry skin, how to use them effectively, and answer your most pressing questions.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- What is face slugging and how do you do it?
- The best products for face slugging
- Are face balms suitable for all skin types?
- What are the downsides to face slugging?
- Why choose Meagher’s pharmacy?
- Frequently asked questions
Read what is meant by face slugging and how to do it.
Read our recommended products for face slugging.
Find out more about which face balms are suitable for different skin types.
Read the potential downsides to face slugging.
Read the benefits of buying from Meagher’s pharmacy.
We answer common queries on the best hydrating balms.
What is face slugging, and how do you do it?
If you haven’t heard of face slugging yet, prepare to meet your new winter skincare obsession. This skincare trend involves using a thick balm or ointment as the final step in your evening routine to create an occlusive layer, sealing in hydration and boosting your skin’s ability to repair itself overnight. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King describes slugging as “applying an occlusive like petrolatum to the face before bedtime.”
How to slug like an expert:
- Prep your skin. Cleanse with a gentle, hydrating cleanser, then apply a hydrating serum or oil-free moisturiser. Let it fully absorb.
- Apply a balm. Hydrating face balms are a winter skincare essential, especially for those battling extremely dry, flaky, or dull skin. Using a pea-sized amount, spread a thin, even layer across your face. Avoid rubbing it in—think of it as a hydrating mask.
- Leave it on overnight. For best results, wait 30 minutes before heading to bed to minimise transfer onto your pillowcase.
- Cleanse in the morning. Use a mild, non-stripping cleanser to remove the balm and start your day with soft, hydrated skin.
Slugging works wonders for dry and sensitive skin, leaving it plump, glowing, and healthy. Find out more about treating sensitive and irritated skin.
The best products for face slugging
When it comes to choosing a balm, it’s important to look for formulas that suit your skin type and specific needs. Here are our top picks:
1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is your ultimate solution for soothing and repairing dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. Enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Madecassoside, this multi-purpose balm calms redness, restores the skin barrier, and promotes rapid healing. Its rich, non-greasy formula provides instant comfort, making it ideal for everything from dry patches and minor irritations to post-treatment care. Dermatologically tested and suitable for all ages, even babies, this cult-favorite balm is a must-have for anyone seeking gentle yet powerful skin recovery. Rediscover soft, healthy, and resilient skin with Cicaplast Baume B5!
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It’s rich yet non-greasy, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. |
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Perfect For: compromised skin barriers, redness, or irritation.
2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M is a game-changer for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Infused with nourishing Shea Butter and calming Niacinamide, this ultra-soothing balm restores the skin's moisture barrier, relieves itching, and reduces the frequency of flare-ups. Its fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture provides immediate comfort, keeping your skin hydrated for up to 48 hours. Suitable for the whole family, including newborns, this dermatologist-recommended formula is your go-to for long-lasting relief and healthier, more comfortable skin. Transform your skincare routine with the power of Lipikar AP+!
| Why we love it |
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| Delivers long-lasting hydration while soothing even the most sensitive or eczema-prone skin, leaving it smooth and comfortable. |
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Perfect For: dry to very dry skin and eczema-prone areas.
3. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment is your go-to solution for restoring and protecting severely dry, cracked, or compromised skin. Powered by three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this rich, dermatologically developed formula deeply hydrates while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Its unique texture provides a breathable protective layer, locking in moisture to accelerate skin repair. Ideal for hands, feet, and other dry-prone areas, this fragrance-free ointment is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Experience advanced hydration and visible skin improvement with CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment!
| Why we love it |
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| Intensely nourishes and repairs cracked or dry skin, locking in moisture with its ceramide-rich formula. |
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Perfect For: extremely dry or cracked skin
4. Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm
Eucerin Aquaphor Skin Soothing Balm is a trusted remedy for dry, irritated, or cracked skin. Its protective, fragrance-free formula, enriched with glycerin and panthenol, locks in moisture to support natural healing. Perfect for hands, feet, minor burns, and sensitive skin, it restores smoothness and comfort. Experience lasting hydration and healthier skin with Aquaphor!
| Why we love it |
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| A versatile skin saviour that protects, calms, and heals everything from dry patches to minor burns. |
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Perfect For: use on dry patches, cracked lips, or even minor burns.
5. Avene Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream
Avène Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream is the ultimate solution for soothing and repairing sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin. Enriched with Avène Thermal Spring Water and restorative ingredients, this gentle cream calms discomfort, promotes skin regeneration, and forms a protective barrier against external irritants. Perfect for use on dry patches, minor cuts, or post-treatment care, it leaves skin soft, hydrated, and visibly healthier. Trust Cicalfate for quick, effective skin recovery!
| Why we love it |
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| A gentle yet effective cream that regenerates and soothes damaged or irritated skin with a lightweight feel. |
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Perfect For: sensitive, damaged, or post-treatment skin.
Are face balms suitable for all skin types?
Face balms are primarily designed for dry to very dry skin, as they provide intense hydration and barrier repair. However, not all balms suit every skin type, and it is important to choose the right option for your skin:
- Dry skin: Face balms are excellent for restoring hydration and reducing flakiness. While most skin balms are suitable for dry skin, if you have skin flaking and cracking, choose an option that is specifically designed for extremely dry and fragile skin. Read about taking care of your skin during the winter.
- Sensitive skin: If you have very sensitive skin that reacts to certain skin products, try gentle, fragrance-free options like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Balms with heavy occlusives might clog pores on very oily skin, so opt for non-comedogenic options such as CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment.
Do you have acne-prone skin? Read how to treat acne-prone skin here.
What are the downsides to face slugging?
While slugging is a fantastic remedy for dryness, it may not suit everyone. You should be aware of the potential downsides that can come with face slugging:
- Stickiness: The occlusive layer can feel sticky, especially during sleep. If this bothers you, try slugging during the day for 4+ hours and washing it off before bed.
- Clogging: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid products with comedogenic ingredients to prevent skin clogging.
Potential downsides can be minimised by choosing the right option for your skin. Shop our complete range of skin hydration products here.
Answering your questions on hydrating balms
Can you use a face balm all over your face?
You can apply a face balm all over the face, however they are often rich-textured, so you can also use them as spot treatments for areas like your cheeks or around your nose.
When should you use a face balm?
Face balms are best used at night to maximise their repairing and hydrating benefits. You can also use them during the day in harsh weather conditions.
What’s the difference between a face oil and a face balm?
Face balms focus on barrier repair and hydration, making them ideal for extremely dry or damaged skin. Face oils, on the other hand boost radiance, softness, and suppleness and can be used for facial massage routines.
Can you use a face balm in humid climates?
Balms may feel heavy or greasy in hot, humid weather. Opt for lightweight alternatives like gels or oil-free moisturisers.
Are there side effects of using a face balm?
Potential downsides include clogging for oily skin types or irritation if the balm contains fragrances or unsuitable ingredients. Always patch test before the full application.
