Few French pharmacy products are as beloved as the iconic Avène Cicalfate+ Cream, a deeply repairing moisturizer for sensitive and irritated skin. Infused with Avène Thermal Spring Water, a Copper-Zinc Complex, and C+-Restore™, a post-biotic, this is the kind of product you can reach for at any time, whether you’re struggling with ongoing sensitivity or the occasional cut, scrape, or patch of irritation. Keep reading to learn how to use Avène Cicalfate+ Cream to keep sensitive skin healthy and comfortable.
On this post:
- What does Avène Cicalfate+ do?
- The Avène Cicalfate+ range
- 5 ways to use the classic Avène Cicalfate+ Cream
What does Avène Cicalfate+ do?
Avène Cicalfate+ is a classic range of repairing products that care for the sensitive and irritated skin of the whole family. The most iconic product in the range, Avène Cicalfate+ Cream, was created in 2001 and quickly became a favorite of doctors and dermatologists, who often prescribe it for skin repair.
It’s hardly surprising: whether it’s everyday scratches and scrapes, bug bites, superficial burns, or after cosmetic or surgical procedures, Avène Cicalfate+ can be used in dozens of different scenarios that call for skin repair.
What are the ingredients in Cicalfate+?
There are multiple products in the Cicalfate+ range–and although they all have different formulas, they share a few key ingredients. Avène Thermal Spring Water, of course, is at the heart of every formula, providing the skin with soothing and calming properties. The formulas also contain a Copper-Zinc Complex, which purifies the skin and helps reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation.
And then there’s C+-Restore™, star ingredient number three.
The Cicalfate+ range was updated in 2020 to incorporate the latest advancements in microbiome skincare science, which show that “good bacteria” play a crucial role in skin health. With that in mind, Avène scientists developed C+-Restore™, a post-biotic ingredient derived from Aquaphilus dolomiae bacteria, which are naturally present in Avène Thermal Spring Water. Composed of proteins that stimulate skin renewal, C+-Restore™ accelerates the skin’s natural healing process, for better and faster skin recovery.
The Avène Cicalfate+ range
The Avène Cicalfate+ line includes a variety of products, ranging from the classic Avène Cicalfate+ Cream (a multi-purpose cream for sensitive and irritated skin) to the drying spray (for irritation in damp areas and skin folds) and the healing gel (for scars that are still in the process of healing).
Here’s how to make the most of each formula, starting with the moisturizers:
- Avène Cicalfate+ Repairing Protective Cream: For sensitive skin and everyday scratches and scrapes;
- Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion: For tattoos and post-surgical skin irritation;
Then moving on to specific care:
- Avène Cicalfate+ Absorbing Repair Spray: For irritation in damp areas and skin folds (e.g. a baby’s diaper area);
- Avène Cicalfate+ Scar Gel: For scars in the process of healing;
The Cicalfate+ range also features a lip balm and hand cream:
- Avène Cicalfate+ Lip Repair Balm: For dry and chapped lips;
- Avène Cicalfate Hand Repairing Barrier Cream: For dry, chapped, and cracked hands;
For those who love Cicalfate+ and want to use it for facial care, the range also includes a daily serum and sunscreen:
- Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum: For a compromised skin barrier;
- Avène Cicalfate+ Multi-Protective Skin Repair Cream SPF50+: For sensitive and irritated skin that is prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation;
Avène Cicalfate+ Purifying Cleansing Gel
Last, but not least, you can also reach for the Avène Cicalfate+ Purifying Cleansing Gel, a versatile cleanser that provides a gentle, non-drying cleansing action on both the face and body.
5 ways to use the classic Avène Cicalfate+ Cream
Variety aside, there’s no denying that the Avène Cicalfate+ Cream is the most popular product in the Cicalfate+ range. Here are five ways you can use it to manage skin sensitivity and irritation:
Use it on minor cuts and scrapes
Next time you have to deal with a papercut or a scraped knee, reach for your Avène Cicalfate+ Cream. Thanks to the Copper-Zinc Complex in the formula, this cream helps purify the area and support the skin through the recovery process, for faster and more effective healing. At the same time, it helps reduce the risk of long-term marks and scars.
Apply to sunburns
In a perfect world, you’d never have to deal with sunburn–and yet, accidents happen even to the most diligent sunscreen users. If you do get sunburned, you can apply Cicalfate+ Cream to the affected area: the soothing formula will bring comfort to the skin, reduce redness, and promote faster recovery.
Keep it around your baby’s changing table
A baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, especially in the diaper area, which is constantly exposed to friction and moisture. This combination often leads to diaper rash, a localized irritation that affects the baby’s bottom and surrounding areas. It can be red, itchy, and uncomfortable–but Avène Cicalfate+ Cream can help!
Take it from the moms in our office: all it takes is one application to start reducing symptoms, which are usually gone after 24 hours. This is a true lifesaver–but keep in mind it’s not a replacement for seeking medical advice if you find that your baby’s skin is taking too long to recover.
Use it on dry patches
Whether on the face or body, you may find yourself struggling with the occasional dry patch. Avène Cicalfate+ Cream can be a valuable ally in this scenario–not only will it soothe and moisturize the skin, it will also help promote skin barrier repair. Just make sure to see a dermatologist if the problem persists!
Soothe skin irritations
Is your skin acting up? Maybe you’ve gone too far with your exfoliating acids and retinoids, or maybe you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier. Either way, you can reach for your Avène Cicalfate+ Cream for much-needed relief.
The cream is suitable for the face and body and can be used as a daily moisturizer, making it ideal for skin recovery while minimizing the risk of reactivity.
Avène Cicalfate+ is a do-it-all product for sensitive, irritated, and compromised skin. Explore the full Cicalfate+ range in the shop, and find the best solution for your needs.
