PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
Water Balm Skin Prep
Updated 5/2024
Product Knowledge Guide
Ultimate multi-tasking skincare solution to provide you with multiple benefits. Water Balm Skin Prep is a lightweight moisturizer and hydrating primer in one and known for the best moisturizer for mature skin.
This all-in-one skincare product acts as your day cream, night cream, toner, serum, eye cream, and makeup primer.
Designed to simplify your skincare routine while providing intense daily hydration, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and preparing your skin for flawless makeup application, Water Balm ensures your skin remains radiant and youthful.
- Deep Hydration: Your skin is moisturized and soaks in long-lasting hydration. An ultra-lightweight moisturizer combats dryness, leaving your skin nourished, supple, and younger-looking.
- Smooth and Youthful: Experience a noticeable reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Water Balm gives your skin a real-life photo filter effect.
- Hydrating Primer: Water Balm prepares your skin for flawless makeup application and helps your foundation looks smooth as butter.
- Multi-Functional: A powerful lightweight moisturizer that simplifies your skincare routine. One product that does it all, acting as your day cream, night cream, toner, serum, eye cream, and makeup primer.
- Moisture Barrier Protection: Look radiant and youthful. Water Balm strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and protects your skin against TEWL & environmental stressors.
- Time-Saving: Fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. This versatile lightweight moisturizer combines multiple skincare steps into one hero product, simplifying your routine.product, simplifying your routine.
- Youthful Appearance: Achieve a younger, radiant, and plumper look with consistent use. Hydrates and smooths the skin, making you feel rejuvenated and confident.
- Enhanced Makeup Longevity: Enjoy flawless makeup that stays fresh all day. Use Water Balm as a hydrating primer to create the perfect makeup base.
- Comprehensive Care: One product that addresses various skincare needs. A must-have skincare solution, from intensive hydration to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Travel-Friendly: Pack lighter and smarter with Water Balm. Perfect for travel and on-the-go lifestyles, it reduces the need for multiple products. Keep your skin nourished and protected no matter where you go.
Water Balm is essential for all ages but extremely beneficial for mature skin, especially for women over 40. This ultra-lightweight moisturizer and hydrating primer address hydration, smoothness, and priming needs in one step.
Water Balm's unique formula ensures that your skin remains youthful and vibrant. Its unique formula combines multiple skincare benefits into one, making it a crucial addition to your skincare routine. Enjoy the ease of fewer steps without compromising results with the best moisturizer for mature skin.
What is TEWL?
TEWL stands for Transepidermal Water Loss
It's when water escapes from the deeper layers of your skin and evaporates into the air
It's a normal process that helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy
Why is TEWL important?
Too much TEWL can cause skin problems like:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Increased sensitivity
As you age, your skin's natural barrier gets weaker, which can lead to more TEWL and dry, irritated skin
Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can also increase TEWL and make symptoms worse
How is TEWL measured?
Dermatologists and researchers use a device called a Tewameter to measure TEWL
It helps them understand how well your skin barrier is working and overall skin health
They use this information to test how well skincare products and treatments work
How can you reduce TEWL and keep your skin healthy?
- Follow a good skincare routine:
- Gently clean your skin
- Moisturize regularly
- Protect your skin from the sun
Ingredients for Preventing TEWL and Strengthening the Skin Barrier
- Ceramides: Essential for maintaining the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
- Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves skin barrier function and reduces water loss.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Attracts moisture and has barrier-enhancing properties.
- Cholesterol: Crucial for maintaining the skin barrier and hydration.
- Fatty Acids (e.g., linoleic acid, oleic acid): Support the integrity and function of the skin barrier.
- Squalane: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing hydration and barrier protection.
- Shea Butter: Moisturizes and forms a protective barrier on the skin.
- Jojoba Oil: Provides moisture and protection, mimicking natural skin oils.
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Rich in linoleic acid, helps to maintain the skin barrier.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes and restores the skin barrier.
- Allantoin: Soothes and promotes cell regeneration, supporting the skin barrier.
- Petrolatum: An occlusive agent that prevents water loss by forming a barrier on the skin.
- Dimethicone: Forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing water loss.
- Sodium PCA: A humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Hydrates and has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Snail Mucin: Contains hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins that hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
- Beta-Glucan: Soothes, moisturizes, and supports the skin barrier.
- Fatty Alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol): Soften and hydrate the skin, enhancing texture and barrier function.
Additional tips for improving TEWL and maintaining a healthy skin barrier for aging skin:
Use lukewarm water: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and increase TEWL. Use lukewarm water when cleansing your face and body.
Avoid over-cleansing: Cleansing too frequently or using harsh cleansers can disrupt your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Stick to gentle cleansers and cleanse no more than twice a day.
Apply moisturizer on damp skin: Applying moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp can help lock in hydration and reduce TEWL.
Use a humidifier: Low humidity levels can increase TEWL. Using a humidifier in your home or office can help keep your skin hydrated.
Protect your skin from extreme temperatures: Both hot and cold temperatures can damage your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Protect your skin by wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Manage stress: Stress can weaken your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to maintain a strong barrier.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin and increase TEWL.
Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your skin. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.
Limit exfoliation frequency: Depending on your skin type and the products you use, you should generally exfoliate no more than 1-3 times per week. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to exfoliate even less frequently.
Choose gentle exfoliants: Opt for mild, non-abrasive exfoliants like lactic acid, mandelic acid, or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) instead of harsh physical scrubs or high-concentration alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Start slowly: When introducing a new exfoliant into your routine, start with the lowest concentration and frequency, gradually increasing as your skin tolerates it.
Listen to your skin: If your skin feels tight, dry, itchy, or looks red and irritated after exfoliating, you may be over-exfoliating. Reduce the frequency or switch to a gentler product.
Moisturize after exfoliating: Always follow up exfoliation with a nourishing moisturizer to help replenish your skin's hydration and support its barrier function.
Don't combine too many active ingredients: Avoid using multiple exfoliating products or combining exfoliants with other potentially irritating active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C in the same routine.
Remember, the goal of exfoliation is to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, not to strip your skin of its natural defenses.
By exfoliating mindfully and taking steps to support your skin's barrier function, you can improve your skin's health and appearance while minimizing the risk of increased TEWL.
Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
UV Radiation: This is a well-documented stressor that contributes to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased risk of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage DNA in skin cells and degrade collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. The impact on the skin barrier and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is also supported by dermatological studies.
Air Pollution: Pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide have been shown to produce free radicals that damage skin cells, accelerate aging, and contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. Pollution can clog pores and exacerbate acne, as well as dull the skin's appearance due to oxidative stress.
Harsh Weather: Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can dehydrate the skin, increasing TEWL and causing dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Cold weather often leads to dry skin due to reduced sebum production and low humidity levels, while hot weather can increase sweating and sebum production, potentially clogging pores.
Blue Light: Recent studies indicate that prolonged exposure to blue light from digital devices can generate free radicals, leading to skin aging and possibly hyperpigmentation. However, the extent of these effects is less understood compared to UV radiation, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact.
Protective Measures:
- Wearing Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: This is the most effective way to protect against UVA and UVB rays. A minimum SPF of 30 is recommended by dermatologists to shield the skin from sun damage.
- Using Antioxidant-Rich Skincare Products: Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, and green tea extract help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors.
- Thorough Cleansing: Removing pollutants and impurities is crucial to prevent clogged pores and maintain skin health. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is recommended to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.
- Protecting Skin from Harsh Weather: Using a humidifier in dry environments, wearing protective clothing in cold or windy weather, and avoiding prolonged exposure to hot temperatures help maintain skin hydration and barrier function.
- Limiting Blue Light Exposure: While the research is emerging, reducing screen time and using blue light filters can potentially minimize the impact of blue light on the skin.
- Supporting the Skin Barrier: Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are essential for reinforcing the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and preventing TEWL.
By taking these proactive steps, you can effectively minimize the harmful effects of environmental stressors and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.
Dispense: Place a nickel-sized amount in the palm of your fingers.
Apply: Tap your fingers together and lightly tap the product all over your face, then rub in evenly.
Tool: For best results, pair with our Skin Prep Brush for a perfect application.
Absorption: Have some coffee or tea and let your skin drink in Water Balm for 5-10 minutes before applying makeup.
Follow-up: Apply your sunscreen, then apply foundation as usual. Or go makeup-free if that's your vibe.
- For external use only.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes.
- Patch test recommended for extremely reactive, sensitive skin.
Allergy Alerts:
Soy: Contains Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Lactobacillus/Soy Milk Ferment Filtrate.
At Sonia Roselli Beauty, we prioritize product quality and safety.
However, individual sensitivities and allergies vary, so we encourage customers to review the ingredient lists on our product pages here: Sonia Roselli Beauty Ingredients.
While we strive to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee our products are completely free from all allergens, as our facility processes various ingredients. Customers are responsible for assessing their own sensitivities and allergies when using our products. Your purchase acknowledges the risks associated with individual allergies.
Store: Keep in a cool, dry place.
Combine: Use with complementary products like the entire Sonia Roselli skincare line for best results.
Softening Fine Lines: Tap a little Water Balm on top of your eye cream to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Let sit for 5 minutes, then apply concealer, or go concealer free.
Event-Ready Mask: Use a thick layer of Water Balm as a mask for 20 minutes before massaging it in for special occasions.
Smooth Neck and Chest: Apply Water Balm to your neck and chest for a smooth, camera-ready look.
Sun Relief: Soothe your skin after a day in the sun by applying Water Balm.
Post-Treatment Cool: Use Water Balm 24 hours after IPL treatments for a calming, cooling effect.
Winter Protection: Apply Water Oil and Water Balm over Intense Barrier Cream before going outside in the winter to protect your skin.
Eyeshadow Base: Use Water Balm on your eyelids before applying eyeshadow for a smoother application.
Tinted Moisturizer: Mix Water Balm with your foundation to create a custom tinted moisturizer.
Enhanced Concealer: Blend Water Balm with your concealer for better coverage and performance.
Lip Area Care: Apply Water Balm around your lips to soften wrinkles and fine lines.
Crow's Feet Care: Apply Water Balm around your crow's feet to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Wrinkle Filler: Dab Water Balm on wrinkles and fine lines to act as a "filler" for deeper crevices.
AM Routine
- Sexapeel (1-3x a Week): Use this for gentle exfoliation as needed. Follow with a rinse or use micellar water.
- Water Elixir: After exfoliating or on non-exfoliation days, apply to hydrate and prepare the skin.
- Eye Cream: Hydrate and minimize the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
- Serum: Select a serum suited to your skin concerns like hydration, brightening, or healthy aging.
- Water Oil: Adds extra hydration and helps lock in the serum benefits.
- Water Balm: Prepares the skin for makeup, ensuring smooth application.
- Lip Care: Nourish the lips to prevent and treat dryness.
- Sunscreen: Protect the skin from UV damage and prevent further aging signs.
- Foundation: Complete your routine with a foundation that suits your skin type and coverage needs.
PM Routine
- Cleansing: Use the Japanese Cleansing Oil to remove sunscreen, makeup, and daily impurities thoroughly.
- Water Elixir: Apply after cleansing to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Eye Serum: Target specific concerns like puffiness or dark circles.
- Eye Cream: Layer over the serum for added moisture and protection.
- Serums: Use night serums focused on repair and rejuvenation.
- Water Oil: Seal in the serums and provide additional hydration.
- Intense Barrier Cream: Use this rich cream at night for deep moisturization and skin barrier repair.
- Water Balm: Lock in moisture for comprehensive overnight nourishment. Apply extra as a mask, wear for 20 minutes, then massage in on days you're super dehydrated.
Onsen-sui (JTN), Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Betaine, Serine, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Silk, Behenyl Alcohol (Fatty Alcohol), Sorbitol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lees Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugarmaple) Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Lactobacillus/Soy Milk Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Ceramide 3, Glycine, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Glutamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Alanine, Arginine, Lysine, Natto Gum, Threonine, Lysolecithin, Proline, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Sodium Chloride, Water, Phenoxyethanol.
Onsen-sui (JTN): Infuses skin with mineral-rich Japanese hot spring water for deep hydration and softening.
Butylene Glycol: Helps retain moisture and enhances the penetration of other ingredients.
Dimethicone: Forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and gives skin a smooth texture.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate: Moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Rosa Damascena Flower Water: Soothes irritated skin and provides hydration due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin: Draws moisture into the skin for enduring hydration.
Cyclopentasiloxane: A type of emollient silicone that enhances skin's silkiness and helps deliver other ingredients into the skin. It also helps shield the skin barrier.
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer: Creates a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Betaine: An amino acid that moisturizes and shields skin from irritants.
Serine: Another amino acid that helps maintain skin's hydration, elasticity, and smoothness.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract: Contributes to skin tone improvement and conditioning.
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract: This natural extract aids in drawing moisture into the skin, and also rich in antioxidants which can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Sodium PCA: Enhances skin hydration by attracting and holding water.
Hydrolyzed Silk: Imparts a silky smooth texture to the skin.
Behenyl Alcohol (Fatty Alcohol): Acts as a moisturizer and thickener to soften skin.
Sorbitol: Prevents skin dryness by functioning as a moisturizer.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lees Extract: Offers antioxidant benefits and conditions the skin.
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate: Aids in ingredient blending and hydrates the skin.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract: Brightens the skin for a better complexion.
Glycosphingolipids: Aid in maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract: Infuses the skin with antioxidants and enhances moisture levels.
Acer Saccharum (Sugarmaple) Extract: A powerful antioxidant. Helps protect your skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress, which are factors that can lead to premature aging.
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract: A skin-conditioning agent that enhances hydration.
Lactobacillus/Soy Milk Ferment Filtrate: A probiotic that nourishes and balances the skin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A green tea extract loaded with antioxidants for skin protection.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate: Ensures product ingredients stay well-mixed.
Ceramide 3: Reinforces the skin's barrier and boosts hydration.
Glycine: Enhances skin elasticity and strength.
Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract: Soothes the skin and offers antioxidant benefits.
Glutamic Acid: Contributes to skin's hydration, texture, and overall health.
Hydrogenated Lecithin: Improves skin's moisture and provides a smooth feel.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract: Packed with antioxidants that keep skin youthful and vibrant.
Alanine: Helps the skin retain moisture.
Arginine: Assists in visible skin damage repair and strengthens the skin's barrier.
Lysine: Improves skin firmness and texture.
Natto Gum: Provides skin-smoothing and moisturizing benefits.
Threonine: An essential amino acid that promotes healthy skin.
Lysolecithin: Improves texture and assists other ingredients in penetrating the skin.
Proline: Enhances skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract: A Japanese plum extract that offers antioxidant protection.
Sodium Chloride: Thickens the product.
Water: The main solvent in skincare products.
Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in the product.
Handmade Craftsmanship:
In the past, many Japanese skincare products were made by hand, especially in rural areas where people used local ingredients. Making these skincare balms took a lot of work, with careful mixing and blending. They were usually made in small batches to keep them fresh and high quality.
Barrier Protection:
Japanese skincare has always focused on protecting the skin from harsh weather and other environmental factors. Balms and creams that created a protective layer on the skin were highly valued. These products helped keep the skin moisturized and safe from the elements.
Makeup Preparation:
In Japan, it's a long-standing tradition to use skincare products to get the skin ready for makeup. Geishas, who wore elaborate makeup, used rich, hydrating balms to create a smooth base. Today, many Japanese women still use moisturizing primers and balms to make their makeup look better and last longer.
Sonia Roselli's Innovation:
Building on the rich traditions of Japanese skincare and blending them with her professional background, Sonia Roselli created the first modern water balm-type moisturizer. Drawing from her experience as a professional makeup artist and esthetician, Sonia understood the unique needs of sensitive, aging, and rosacea-prone skin. This inspired her to develop a product that combined the best of ancient Japanese practices with modern skincare science.
Sonia Roselli's Water Balm quickly became a groundbreaking product, celebrated for its ability to hydrate, protect, and prepare the skin for makeup. Its multi-use innovative formula works as both a moisturizer and a makeup primer, making it the most versatile moisturizer on the market.
Industry Influence:
Many larger brands have tried to copy her indie skincare brand, but none have matched its unique formula and effectiveness. Despite many imitations, Sonia Roselli's Water Balm remains the best on the market, trusted by skincare fans and professionals for its top-notch quality and results.
Modern Manufacturing:
Today, Sonia Roselli's Water Balm is still handmade in a special manufacturing facility. Each batch is crafted by hand in small quantities to ensure the highest quality. The product is sealed to keep it fresh, which is why it comes in a plastic jar, as a seal can't work on a glass jar. This attention to detail ensures your skin always feels its best.
Combining Expertise:
Sonia's professional background in makeup and esthetics, combined with her personal experience with sensitive, aging, and rosacea-prone skin, drives her commitment to creating products that are gentle, effective, and luxurious. Her Water Balm honors traditional skincare practices while meeting the high standards of modern skincare needs.
Hollywood Favorite: Sonia Roselli skincare and Water Balm has been a kit staple in many Hollywood movies and adored by actresses for its flawless finish.
Instant Hit: Water Balm was the second product launched by Sonia Roselli and it became an instant hit in 2017.
Creative Collaboration: Water Balm was the brainchild of Sonia Roselli and award-winning artist Vivian Baker.
Loved by Men: Water Balm is loved by men, who often "borrow" it from their partners until they are convinced to buy their own.
Post-Shave Hero: Water Balm is fantastic for soothing skin after men shave.
Multi-Tasker: Besides being a moisturizer and primer, Water Balm works wonders on top of makeup for a quick refresh.
Gym Buddy: Perfect for post-workout skin recovery, keeping the skin hydrated and fresh.
Red Carpet Ready: Many makeup artists use the full Sonia Roselli line and Water Balm to prep celebrities' skin for red carpet events.
Seasonal Savior: It's a go-to product for winter protection and summer hydration, making it versatile year-round.
Family Favorite: It's so gentle and effective that it's often used by the entire family, from teens to grandparents.
Size: 60 g (2.11 oz)
Supply: 90+ Day Supply
Packaging:
Water Balm comes in a durable plastic jar designed to keep the product fresh and effective. Each jar is sealed with an aluminum foil to lock in freshness, ensuring the balm maintains its high quality from the first use to the last. The compact size makes it easy to store and perfect for travel, while the secure seal guarantees the product's longevity and effectiveness.
FAQ
Water Balm Skin Prep FAQ
Yes, Water Balm is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. Its lightweight formula provides hydration without making your skin feel greasy.
Absolutely! Water Balm is gentle enough to be used around the delicate eye area to help hydrate and smooth fine lines.
Yes, you can apply a thicker layer of Water Balm before bed to use it as an overnight hydrating mask.
Once opened, Water Balm remains fresh and effective for up to 12 months, thanks to its airtight packaging.
Yes, Water Balm is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin and those who prefer products without added scents. However, there is a faint smell from the Rosa Damascena Flower Water, which is included for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Yes, you can apply Water Balm before your sunscreen to ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected throughout the day.
Water Balm is cruelty-free and is not tested on animals.
Yes, Water Balm can be layered with other skincare products. Apply it after serums.
Water Balm is formulated with safe, gentle ingredients, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider during pregnancy.
Yes, Water Balm's soothing and hydrating properties can help calm and balance acne-prone skin.