Skincare

While I have always been a huge skincare lover and like to try all the anti-aging products I can get my hands on, I have finally extended this care to the skin on my entire body. I no longer want to just use a simple body cream with no additional skincare benefits. There are TOO many options available now of body products that are targeting anti-aging concerns and using similar ingredients that are often used in facial skincare. I already use and love the Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil which is a rich body oil designed to help firm, improve skin elasticity and deeply hydrate the skin. Instead of repurchasing it however, I decided to try the Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm next. Though a balm implies a solid formulation, the Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm is a mix between a body oil and creamy serum. It is truly divine and luxe feeling when on the skin. I may even like this more than the Body Oil because of the additional creamy nature of this formula. This post will be a more thorough look at the Body Balm formula, how it performs and whether I think it is worth trying.

Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm

The Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm is a body moisturizer designed to firm, smooth and deeply hydrate the skin. It’s a creamy serum that can be used daily to help treat various signs of aging on the body. I love that it is both a beauty product that smells amazing and makes my skin feel SO soft but it also has a handful of skincare ingredients that target more specific concerns. It moisturizes like a body lotion but has the benefits of a serum.

What Is a Body Balm?

A body balm can either be solid or liquid and is usually a product that helps to intensely nourish the skin on your body. It’s a richer more intense formula and in some cases can have additional ingredients that help to treat anti-aging concerns. The formula more than likely will be quite rich and formulated with various oils  that deliver more hydration and moisture than traditional body creams or lotions.

Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm Review

I normally associate balm products with a solid form so I was a bit surprised that this came in a liquid formula but I absolutely feel in love with the texture. As you can see from the above photo, the texture is quite oily and creamy at the same time. But the hydration and GLOW that it gives the skin is absolutely insane. I am talking INTENSE hydration and made my skin look and feel so supple and nourished. I really enjoyed the Osea Undaria Body Oil but this Anti-Aging Body Balm definitely wins out for me between the two. For those with very dry skin or mature skin, this is an amazing product to use that will treat a variety of concerns.

Price Point

This is definitely a product priced in the luxury category. The bottle that I have is 5 oz and is $54. There is also a 1 oz. size for $20 and a 9.2 oz size for $84. However, a little goes a LONG way with this product so you can definitely get a lot of use out of the mid size bottle.

Packaging

There is a pump dispenser for this which is ok since the formula is more of a liquid, but I know I will have to have it turned upside down at the very end to make sure I get all the product out. LOL Not sure what exactly companies can do to avoid this so it’s not an issue that would stop me from purchasing.

Texture

As someone who LOVES a body oil and rich textured products, I love the feel of this body balm. It’s oily and creamy together and feels intensely nourishing. That being said, it can feel a tad greasy if you use too much so start with small amounts and build up from there. A tiny pump can cover a large area of the body. It doesn’t absorb immediately and takes a few minutes to fully dry but doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin.

How to Use

I like using most of my body oils and body balms while my skin is still slightly damp after the shower. I want to trap the moisture on the skin so I usually will apply this after my shower before I get out. I will rub it all over and then after a minute or two, I will pat myself dry with a towel if there is any parts that still feel too damp.

Benefits

Obviously this body balm is going to deliver intense nourishment to the skin, but there are additional ingredients that target other concerns. It helps to smooth and firm the skin and really makes crepey skin look supple and less noticeable. Also, the glow and radiance that it gives the skin is absolutely amazing. I even love to apply this to my bare legs and arms right before I leave because it is more beneficial to the skin than a regular body glow product but gives me the same effect without any shimmer.

Scent

The scent isn’t particularly strong but it is prominent. It has a fresh and herbaceous scent that is reminiscent of a spa in my opinion.

Ingredients

This body balm is chock full of super nourishing oils such as passion fruit and babassu oils. It also includes coconut oil which helps seal in moisture, while safflower seed oil soothes dry skin. Additionally there is alaria seaweed that improves skin elasticity and makes skin feel firmer all over. Here a full look at the entire ingredient list for reference: Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil.

Where to Buy Osea Products?

• Osea
• Nordstrom
• Bluemercury
• Credo Beauty
• Revolve
• Ulta Beauty

Skin cycling is a new term that I have seen circulating social media and thought I would share how I personally use it in my skincare routine and why I like it so much. I’m not sure who exactly coined the term “skin cycling” but board certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe made it very popular. Dr. Bowe has extensively shared the benefits to skin cycling and how best to use it in your own skincare routine. Though it seems to be a new term, I have been using this concept in my skincare routine for years. Skin cycling is the using products with “active” ingredients (exfoliants and retinols, etc) on certain nights and then on the other nights allowing your skin to rest by using products to moisturize or soothe thus minimizing irritation.

I don’t have sensitive skin but I personally like this type of product rotation because my skin gets the benefit of using stronger active ingredients every few nights while allowing my skin not to get too irritated from overuse because there are rest/repair nights in between. Obviously everyone has different skin types and skin goals so this may work for some but you should always do what’s best for you skin to ensure maximal results from your products. Below is my current nighttime skin cycling routine and details on what nights I typically use each product. (Occasionally I will change things up from time to time but for now, this is primarily what I’ve been doing on a regular basis.)

Skin Cycling Schedule

Retinol Nights (Monday, Thursday)

These are the nights that I use my Retinol product in my routine. Below are the products I use and in the order I use them:

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.

Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser

This is my second cleanse.

Pixi Glow Tonic

A gentle chemical exfoliator that I swipe on with a cotton round

Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.

CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist

I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.

I’m From Rice Toner

This helps to really plump fine lines and I like to apply it on damp skin.

Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream

I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

This is the retinol I am currently using. It is quite mild so I can increase it to more than 2x/week if I wanted to but for now, I use it twice a week.

Naturium Barrier Bounce

I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites.  It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.

Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide

This is an amazing nourishing night cream that also helps to plump and firm the skin.

Exfoliating Nights (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday)

These are the nights when I use a strong exfoliating/resurfacing serum in my routine. I always prefer chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliation when I’m choosing to exfoliate my skin.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.

Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser

This is my second cleanse.

Pixi Glow Tonic

A gentle exfoliating toner that I swipe on with a cotton round

Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.

CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist

I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.

I’m From Rice Toner

This helps to really plump my skin and I like to apply it on damp skin.

Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream

I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

This doesn’t exfoliate intensely but this is a strong brightening serum that also targets anti-aging concerns. It does wonders to help fade dark spots and even out my complexion.

Naturium Barrier Bounce

I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites.  It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

I like a rich nourishing moisturizer as my final step even in the warm weather. Especially since I use many actives in my skincare routine, I prefer a moisturizer that really helps to maintain and protect my skin barrier.

Repair Nights (Wednesday, Saturday)

Recovery night is the night that I don’t use any strong active (retinol, acids, etc) skincare products and just focus on nourishing my skin. I find giving my skin a break like this throughout the week ensures my skin doesn’t get overly irritated from all the powerful products I use the other nights.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.

Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser

This is my second cleanse.

Colleen Rothschild Micro Mineral Soothing Toner

It’s soothing, calming and incredibly hydrating. I drench a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face.

Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.

CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist

I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.

TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner

I love how hydrating and soothing this toner feels on the skin. I pour a little into my hands and pat it into my face.

Rhode Glazing Milk

This glazing milk is super nourishing and really supports my skin barrier. I also pour it into my hands and pat it into my face. It’s a must have on repair nights!

Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream

I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.

Naturium Barrier Bounce

I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites.  It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.

Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide

This is an amazing nourishing night cream that also helps to plump and firm the skin.

Have you tried skin cycling? And if so, what is your current routine??