Products that multitask are always popular, but it seems especially so for guys who want a no fuss routine.  One recently snagged my attention when Marta sent me Skinfinite’s “the balm” ($45 in the TIA Shop) to try out.   “the balm” is billed as an after shave/after sun cream-gel moisturizer formulated with ingredients to soothe, heal and also to address anti-aging.  Recommended for all skin types, notable ingredients include RejuvenOx (perfluorodecalin) purported to increase oxygen and moisture levels in skin and aid in wound healing and smoothing of wrinkles, Antarcticine (pseudoalteromonas ferment extract) helps skin retain water, has restructuring and anti-wrinkle properties, and Arginine (L) and tamanu oil (calophyllum inophyllum seed oil) to act as anti-inflammatory, promote healing and aid in wrinkle prevention.

Checking out Skinfinite’s website, I was intrigued by their skincare collection, as their products center around peptides, epidermal growth factors, plant stem cells, retinols, hyaluronic acid, alpha & beta hydroxy acids, and antioxidants. Their peptide serums were especially appealing and chock full of several of these ingredients.

First impressions are always important, and right out of the box “the balm” hit a positive note with excellent packaging.  Lift the clear protective lid from the jar and the entire lid is a push-top pump for super easy dispensing while protecting the product from contamination.  Thank you Skinfinite!

While I think of a balm as having a heavy texture, this is just the opposite – a lightweight and silky gel consistency that is non-greasy, smooths on easily and absorbs well.  After shaving, I applied “the balm” to a slightly damp face and neck (only areas I shaved) instead of my usual toner in the morning and also applied it to the same areas in the evening.  A little bit goes a long way so only a small amount is needed for the face and neck.  Since many moisturizers can aggravate my oily skin I was pleasantly surprised to find this one didn’t (not one break-out while using it), but did leave my skin feeling lightly moisturized for several hours.  It also seemed to leave skin a bit more plumped after a few days of consistent use, although I don’t see any apparent change in a couple of fine lines yet.

After having fallen victim to the sultry summer’s bumper crop of mosquitoes, I also applied “the balm” to some bites to see if it might make any difference in healing.  (Although not exactly scientific, since I didn’t have any nicks or cuts while shaving, I worked with what I had to evaluate healing properties.)   Of five mosquito bites, I applied it to two and left three untreated.  The mosquito bites I applied it to actually healed well before the untreated bites.

So after a month of use, I found I like “the balm” because it does soothe the irritation after shaving, moisturize, plump a bit and help heal skin.  It is fragrance free, easy to use, multi-tasks well and is worth checking out if you’re looking to simplify your routine.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Perfluorodecalin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Casein, Bisabolol (L‐alpha), Arginine (L), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Lysine HCI (L), Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Allantoin, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Totarol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate *Certified Organic