Between cold and nasty weather on the horizon, my suspicious sleep schedule, work-related stress, and my affinity for wine, my complexion looks dull and dehydrated than I want. In other words, it’s time to bring out the thick cream and balm. My combination skins may not be keen on them during the warm months (gel moisturizers are always!), but my barriers need all the love you can start now. If you ask anyone on the Allure team, you’ll say that La Roche Posai is one of the best sensitive skin brands.
You’ve probably heard of the hype surrounding the humble cicaplast balm B5, but I’m not a believer in everything I’ve read online. In fact, my first impression was: a persimmon? That must be too heavy. Twist plot? Cicaplast resembles a rich cream, and is not a greasy and emotional at all, especially after a few minutes (when taking a photo “after”). It takes a little time to sink and blend, but it dries to a semi-matte velvety finish that I barely notice. This is definitely a nighttime cream for me. You may even skip the toner/essence step, so it’s double clean, retinol and/or hydrating serum, and cicaplast. It’s the easiest my PM routine ever, and honestly, I’m not mad at it. It’s so moisturizing I still feel the benefits, namely the baby’s soft skin – morning. I’ll try to tackle the reason for this a little bit.
You didn’t think I had interrogated about this product yourself, did you? Let’s ask what Derms has to say about why the Cicaplast Balm B5 is that girl. “The balm is rich in panthenol and madecasoside and helps to relieve, repair and protect skin barriers,” Pooja Ranveer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure. If you’re not familiar with this, madecasoside (a compound derived from Centella asiatica, or for short, CICA) is a dream of skin that is prone to redness. In fact, experts recommend CICAPLAST to relieve symptoms of rosacea. “CICA increases circulation and blood flow to the skin, reduces fluid loss and reduces aid in cell repair,” explained Shari Multivine, MD, NYC-based Board-certified dermatologist. “Therefore, the skin appears to be more hydrated and less inflamed.” Cicapair is far from my first CICA or Madecasside Rodeo, so I can back these statements up to 110%.
If all of the above are not adequately supported, it is also recognized by the National Eczema Association. CICA is not the only star component. Seater butter (a well-known emollient) and vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol) do a first-rate job of suppressing inflammation and moisture loss. Translation: Juicy skin first.
I don’t necessarily have sensitive skin, but I especially deal with redness around my nose. (Don’t be like me in that sense!) I was curious if other SOOTHERS CICA and hosts would make a difference in the appearance of my red patches. I had no expectations, but I can see the evidence from the photographs. (Again, I waited a few minutes before taking a “later” photo.
