Ever felt overwhelmed while standing in the skincare aisle, with endless products claiming miracle results? I understand. It’s like searching for that one golden needle in a seemingly infinite haystack.
But what if I told you there’s one product that genuinely delivers?
Allow me to introduce you to Avene’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream — a game-changer from the heart of France’s thermal springs that offers not just marketing words but tangible results.
My Personal Journey With Avene’s Cicalfate+
I have always had a love-hate relationship with my skincare, often damaging my complexion by trying too many new products too frequently (after all, I review beauty products for a living!). Think high-potency retinol at bedtime, powerful vitamin C in the morning, LED masks in the evening, and exfoliator before bed.
That’s one week.
The following week might include a microdermabrasion facial and a cocktail of glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptides, a new sunscreen and facial oil.
You get the idea.
Add to this the time when I had to undergo radiation for cancer. Millions of watts of killer strength lights aimed at my face and neck. Picture the most severe sunburn and intensify that sensation by about 50 times! And it wasn’t just the visible burns but the pain beneath.
Then, my dermatologist sent me a care package of Avene Cicalfate+ and Tolerance Control. Many of these products were so nourishing and calming they were recommended for post-procedure skin. And if anything can soothe the immediate after-effects of things like laser therapy, chemical peels (and radiation!)) trust me, it occupies unicorn status in the skincare world.
Now, I will not attempt willing suspension of disbelief and tell you that my skin sprang back to life within days. But from the first time I slathered on the thick white Avene Cicalfate+Reparative Protective Cream, my skin hurt a little less.
And since the first rule of Distressed Skin Club is to use as few products as possible, this one became my go-to.
After two weeks, the sting of pre-existing burns was significantly lesser. And from the third week, I could sleep at night without crying every time my skin touched the sheets.
Fast forward a month post-radiation and my skin was on the mend — with a stronger barrier, better hydration, an even tone, and visible healing.
So, once I felt better, I delved into this cream’s ingredients. And since then, I haven’t stopped handing out tubes to friends and family — for sunburn, eczema, acne scars, dryness, sensitivity… the list goes on!
PS: The fact that celebrities like Hailey Bieber, who have their own skincare lines, are devoted fans is just an added talking point!
What Does the Avene Cicalfate+ Cream Do?
Avene’s goal is to care for delicate, sensitive skin, and the Cicalfate+ Cream does just that. Redness, irritation, sensitivity? Consider them history.
The Healing Pro
All creams can moisturize, but how many truly heal? Cicalfate+ is your skin’s reliable ally. Be it tiny nicks, post-treatment reactions, or those maddening dry spots, this cream has your back, supercharging your skin’s healing and renewal.
Your Skin’s Defense
The outermost layer of our skin, the epidermis, is akin to a fortress wall that creates a barrier between the internal and external worlds. A robust skin barrier is the first line of defense against factors like pollution and harmful bacteria, and it helps maintain moisture. The Cicalfate+ Cream strengthens this barrier, ensuring moisture retention and protection.
Hydration Dive
Beyond healing and protection, this cream is a hydration dynamo. It revitalizes skin, eradicating dryness and tightness for a glowing complexion.
Battle Environmental Stresses
Our skin faces daily environmental challenges — from pollution to weather extremes. The Cicalfate+ Cream offers a protective shield, ensuring that the skin remains resilient and radiant, come rain or shine.
Skincare’s Multi-Tool
Whatever your skin type or concern, Cicalfate+ is versatile and deserves a spot in your regimen:
For ‘Normal’ Skin: Cicalfate+ provides essential hydration and nutrients, ensuring balance and a youthful appearance.
For the Gracefully Aging: Turn back time (or at least slow it down!) with Cicalfate+’s power to plump up those fine lines and keep your skin looking timeless.
For Acne Warriors: Cicalfate+ is your gentle ally, soothing inflamed spots without the pore-clogging drama. And those scars? Watch them fade away.
Post-Treatment: If your skin’s been through the wars (think treatments or minor ops), let Cicalfate+ be the nurturing balm that speeds up healing and minimizes scars.
Postbiotic C+ Restore: The Star Ingredient
What distinguishes the Restorative Protective Cream from similar products? That would be the C+ Restore, a groundbreaking ingredient stemming from Avene’s signature Thermal Spring Water and the signature realm of postbiotics!
What Are Postbiotics?
After probiotics and prebiotics come postbiotics. In simple terms, postbiotics are beneficial byproducts from probiotic activity. They are rich in vitamins, peptides, and amino acids from probiotic activity.
When applied to the skin, postbiotics nourish and help restore its natural balance, reducing harmful bacteria and reinforcing the skin’s natural barriers. This results in less irritation, quicker healing, and a healthier skin environment.
Bonus: With postbiotics being naturally sourced, even the most sensitive skin types benefit without adverse reactions.
Why C+ Restore is Revolutionary
Derived from Avène Thermal Spring Water, C+ Restore is a patented postbiotic ingredient that enhances the skin’s natural healing processes. It not only strengthens the skin’s defenses but also accelerates cell renewal, improves texture, increases moisture retention, and reduces irritation.
What Else Is In the Tube?
Besides C+ Restore, Avene’s Cicalfate+ Cream combines various other ingredients, each vital for skin restoration and protection. Here’s a look:
Avene Thermal Spring Water
Straight from the heart of France’s tranquil Orb Valley, this water isn’t your regular H2O. Bursting with minerals and unique elements, it’s like a comforting hug for your skin — especially when it’s feeling a little cranky.
Copper-Zinc Sulfate Complex
Think of this as the dynamic duo of the formula. Copper sulfate kicks skin healing into high gear while keeping pesky bacteria at bay. Zinc, our protective friend, shields from UV rays and calms any redness. Together? They’re the dream team of skin repair.
Dextran Sulfate
This might be the unsung hero you haven’t heard of, but trust me, it’s doing wonders. Picture it as a castle guard, warding off invaders and ensuring everything inside is peaceful and serene.
Silicates
These little helpers ensure the cream feels oh-so-smooth on your skin. Plus, they set up an extra barrier, sealing in all that goodness.
Lipids
Imagine tiny warriors forming a shield on your skin. Their mission? Keep all that precious moisture in and ensure your skin feels pampered and hydrated.
Glycerin
It’s like your skin’s personal water magnet, drawing hydration in and locking it down, ensuring your skin always feels soft and plush.
How Does It Stack Up: Comparison With Similar Products
As we explore the Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, it’s essential to consider how it stacks up against other similar products.
Firstly, let’s look at the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. Both Avene Cicalfate+ and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 creams are designed to soothe and protect irritated and sensitive skin.
However, Avene Cicalfate+ contains a patented postbiotic, which helps accelerate skin recovery. In contrast, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 focuses more on providing long-lasting hydration.
Another popular alternative is the CeraVe Healing Ointment. While both products provide a barrier to protect the skin and aid healing, the CeraVe Healing Ointment uses a blend of ceramides to restore the skin’s natural barrier. This is perfect for eczema and dry skin sufferers but may feel too heavy for those with oily or combination skin types.
One more option worth considering is the EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex. Like the Avene Cicalfate+ cream, EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex aims to repair damaged skin.
However, EltaMD focuses on providing intense hydration and is infused with ceramides and enzymes to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Texture and Feel: A Skin-ful Experience
When I explore skincare, it isn’t just about the results; it’s also the sensory experience that comes with it. Avene’s Cicalfate+ Cream stands out in every way, showcasing a perfect balance of luxury, comfort, and healing.
The moment I put a small amount on my hand, its rich, silky texture is welcoming, suggesting just the right consistency — neither too light nor too heavy.
Applying the cream feels like wrapping my skin in a smooth balm. The richness does take a moment to soak in, but after a few minutes, it melds seamlessly with my skin without leaving an oily film.
It’s that unique combination: A deeply moisturizing cream that feels airy while making the skin soft and resilient. With each use, the consistent hydration makes me anticipate the next. I apply it as the final step in my evening skincare routine, layering it over various essences and serums.
How about you? Tempted to pick up a tube?
FAQs: Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
These are the most frequently asked questions about Avene’s Cicalfate+. Have one of your own? Drop it in the comments below.
What are the uses of Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream?
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is designed to help restore the skin barrier and provide soothing relief for various applications, including climatic effects, superficial trauma, skin discomfort, and superficial dermatological procedures. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
How to apply the Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream?
To use the Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, apply it twice a day on clean, dry skin. Ensure you gently massage the cream into the affected areas until fully absorbed.
What are the key ingredients in the Avene Cicalfate+ cream?
The key ingredients in Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream include C+ Restore, a postbiotic restorative component rich in proteins that helps restore the skin barrier, and Copper-Zinc Sulfate Complex, which promotes a healthy skin environment.
How effective is Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for treating eczema?
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is designed to promote healing and protect sensitive skin. Although it does not explicitly target eczema, it helps naturally hydrate the skin and promote a healthy skin barrier, which may benefit those with eczema.
What is Avene Cicalfate+ used for?
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is formulated to protect and restore sensitive skin. It is commonly used to promote healing, soothe skin irritations, and moisturize. The cream’s primary uses include supporting skin recovery from minor wounds, burns, and post-procedure irritation or inflammation.
Can I use Avene Cicalfate on my face every day?
Yes, Avene Cicalfate+ can be used on the face daily. It is gentle and hydrating, making it suitable for everyday use, especially if your skin is dry or irritated.
Can I use Avene Cicalfate as a moisturizer?
Yes, Avene Cicalfate+ offers deep moisturizing properties. While it is primarily a restorative cream, it can also be used as a moisturizer, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Is Cicalfate good for scars?
While Avene Cicalfate+ is primarily designed to soothe and promote skin healing, its ingredients can aid in the appearance of scars by promoting skin restoration and hydration.
Do dermatologists recommend Avene?
Many dermatologists recommend Avene products, especially for patients with sensitive or irritated skin. The brand’s commitment to skin health and its extensive range of products designed for various skin concerns make it a favorite among skincare professionals.
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
a small world cup says
Avène has a long history and dedication to skin health, and their extensive product range caters to a variety of skin concerns. This makes it a popular choice among dermatologists and skincare professionals.