Cleansing balm for dry sensitive skin and blackheads: HEEDA Jirisan

Why were blackheads and uneven texture a concern for my dry, sensitive skin?

After childbirth, my whole face became dry, and my cheeks in particular felt tight after cleansing. I had severe acne as a teenager, and because I had squeezed it with my hands, my pores tend to be large, making uneven texture and blackheads look more noticeable.

It had not been long since my skin barrier recovered after contact dermatitis, so strong scrubs and peels felt burdensome. While managing my skin condition at a dermatology clinic and an esthetics salon, I looked for a gentler approach at home.

What home care did I use instead of a scrub?

I cleansed with water only in the morning and used a low-irritation cleanser only in the evening. I kept the water lukewarm and avoided scrubs, which can be harsh on dry skin.

I learned from an esthetics salon to apply cleansing balm and roll it briefly over the skin. Since rubbing for too long can be irritating, I did it gently for around two to three minutes.

How did I use HEEDA cleansing balm?

HEEDA Jirisan Moist Charcoal Cleansing Balm comes in a 100ml size. I scooped out one spoonful with the spatula, applied it to my skin, and rolled it until it turned oily. Then I added water to my fingertips to emulsify it and rinsed several times with lukewarm water.

Right after application, it had a black color reminiscent of charcoal, then turned white as I rolled and emulsified it. I wear eye makeup only once or twice a week and rarely use face makeup beyond sunscreen, but I used this product about once a week to care for blackheads and skin texture.

How did my skin feel after weekly use?

The sebum that had seemed lodged between my pores looked reduced, and my skin texture felt a little smoother. I also liked that my skin did not feel tight after cleansing. Still, this was my experience with dry, sensitive skin and using it once a week.

What lifestyle habits did I maintain alongside it?

I tried to get at least five hours of sleep, and on days I fell short, I made up for it with a roughly 15-minute nap. I tried to swap bread and doughnuts for Greek yogurt, granola, roasted seaweed, and tofu; drank plenty of water and tea; and cut my coffee from three cups a day to one.