There’s nothing like the turn of the seasons to remind us that the skin below our necks needs as much attention as our face. You know the feeling: that tight, itchy sensation that often follows exposure to cold weather or a particularly hot shower, indicating that your body is in desperate need of hydration.

Anyone that has experienced this form of discomfort knows that sometimes a body lotion just won’t cut it. Looking for a good moisturizer for dry skin as we enter the colder half of the year? Allow us to introduce you to body balms.

Halfway between a cream and an oil, a balm acts like a deep conditioner for your body. Packed with hydrating butters and oils, balms melt into the skin, locking in moisture and leaving behind a lovely sheen. Not only do they work wonders at keeping itchiness at bay, but due to the low water content, a tiny amount goes a long way.

Here, our favourite body balms to slather on this season.

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Barrier Support Body Balm, REN

Sensitive skin will drink up Ren’s latest balm-to-oil treatment, which instantly soothes irritation thanks to a combination of omega-rich oils, ceramides—the fatty molecules that make up the skin barrier—and probiotics. Use it on dry patches, chafed skin, or even as pregnancy or tattoo after-care.

Price: $61

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Repair Balm, Wildcraft

Indigenous-owned beauty brand Wildcraft’s multi-purpose skin salve is loaded with plant-based ingredients like mango butter and organic calendula to fend off dry skin. The bergamot, black spruce, frankincense and juniper essential oil blend infused in the product has natural soothing properties and smells divine, too.

Price: $18

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Almond Delightful Body Balm, L'Occitane

Who says dry skin can’t have a little treat now and then? L’Occitane’s almond-scented balm is a dream to apply and smells as scrumptious as it sounds. A mix of sweet almond oil, almond butter and organic shea butter drenches the skin in hydration without feeling overly sticky or greasy.

Price: $48

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Atoderm Intensive Balm, Bioderma

Safe for babies and adults alike, Bioderma’s barrier-protecting balm is especially great for eczema-prone skin. It features a fragrance-free, biolipid-packed formula to soothe discomfort and strengthen the skin’s resistance to potential irritation. Apply it straight out of the shower to maximize efficacy.

Price: $32

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Melting Body Balm, Keys Soulcare

Massage this gorgeous coconut oil and shea butter-loaded body balm into skin for a delightful moment of self-care. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, follow up with the brand’s Sacred Body Oil. You’ll smell divine, promise!

Price: $41

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Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Purpose Balm, Dior

For a serious ‘treat yourself’ moment, indulge in Dior’s Le Baume: an all-in-one lip, hand and body cream housed in a stylish little pebble. Stash it in your purse and use it to hydrate chapped lips and cracked cuticles in a pinch.

Price: $81

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Hydrating Rescue Balm, Province Apothecary

Canadian skincare brand Province Apothecary’s bestselling Hydrating Rescue Balm is back with an even more intensely moisturizing formula, thanks to the addition of mango butter and hyaluronic acid. Just remember to warm up the bottle between your hands before you squeeze the product out, as natural oils tend to separate.

Price: $32

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All Moi Multi-Purpose Body Balm, Sade Baron

Sade Baron’s fragrance-free body balm stick is so easy to apply thanks to its convenient stick format. Pro tip: apply a small amount of this cocoa butter-infused concoction on the legs and shoulders before a night out for a beautiful natural highlight.

Price: $16

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The Bar, Crowbar Apothecary

We’ve never met a travel-friendly beauty product we haven’t been intrigued by, and this melting body bar by Crowbar is no different. At first glance it may look like a soap bar, but rub it on skin after a warm shower and watch the product melts into a sumptuous, jasmine-scented body balm. Thank us later.

Price: $36

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