Cicafalte vs Cicaplast: Which one is the best?

Cicafalte vs Cicaplast, and Avène vs La Roche Posay, are two classics for sensitive skin. But which is the best and the most suitable for me?

Choosing a skincare product is not easy regardless of skin type. Oily skin is looking for the best sebum regulator that maintains a matte appearance throughout the day. Dry skin is looking for care that restores hydration and comfort. And sensitive and reactive skins, on the other hand, crave creams that don’t mean irritation, redness, and pimples. And let’s be honest… it’s definitely a challenge.

La Roche Posay and Avène put into context

Both Avène and La Roche Posay are brands that put sensitive skin at the center of their studies and actions. It is undeniable that they have many similarities, but it is also true that they have important differentiating aspects.
Both are market leaders in dermo-cosmetics and are of French origin. With millions of fans around the world, we believe that although they have the common goal of improving the living conditions of people with sensitive skin, their main differentiator is the main ingredients.
And this brings us to the first big question of this post: “Avène Thermal Spring Water vs La Roche Posay Sring water: what are the differences?“.

What is Thermal Spring water vs Spring water?

Very briefly, thermal spring water is an element naturally heated by the earth, very rich in minerals (namely magnesium, calcium, and potassium), and ideal for soothing and calming sensitive skin. It is proven to have anti-inflammatory benefits great for soothing redness, rashes, as well as problems such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. That is, it has a balanced neutral pH and is thus perfect for refreshing, moisturizing, and also protecting the complexion from external aggressors.
Spring water, on the other hand, is a type of natural water that runs on the surface. It also has numerous soothing and anti-irritant benefits but may be more prone to drying out the skin.

The main benefits of using a Spring water

• They can be used in all beauty routines.
• It is ideal for refreshing the skin at any time of the day.
• They prevent dehydration.
• They soothe burning sensations.
• Can be used when the skin is more vulnerable. For example, after shaving or waxing.
• They allow you to enhance the benefits of other skincare treatments.
• They help fix makeup.
• Perfect during workouts or on days of intense heat.

Also, read the article: Thermal Spring Water: 10 Different Beauty Benefits and Care!

Thermal Spring Water d’Avène or La Roche Posay Spring Water

La Roche Posay uses selenium-rich spring water and Avène uses thermal spring water that contains silica.

When it comes to skin benefits, selenium is a powerful antioxidant that increases the skin’s ability to protect against the effects of the sun’s rays, pollution, and irritants. It also contributes to the protection of our youthful skin as it improves skin firmness and elasticity.
Silica, in turn, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sensitive, irritated and intolerant skin. In addition (and similarly to the previous one), it boosts skin luminosity and elasticity while considerably increasing hydration levels. In other words, it boosts balanced functioning.

What is a repair cream?

This whole post serves to determine which is, after all, the best repair cream between two of the biggest skincare brands available in pharmacies/Parapharmacies. However, there is no point in determining which is the best repair cream if we do not understand its purpose.
So, what is a repair cream? A good repair cream is a protective care that not only attenuates red and brown marks but also helps repair and protect weakened skin exposed to UV rays on a daily basis. In addition, it accelerates wound healing, eliminates discomfort, and prevents the proliferation of bacteria.
In this sense, it should be made up of regenerating and purifying actives and should, day after day, repair the quality of the skin while restoring softness, comfort, and evenness of skin tone.

Cicafalte vs Cicaplast

Now that you know what a repair cream is and what its purposes are, let’s get to the point and take a detailed look at Avène‘s and La Roche Posay‘s repair creams and determine who they are intended for.

♦ Cicafalte

Avène’s Cicalfate range was developed to soothe and promote repair for sensitive skin. Therefore, it offers restoration for all sensitive and irritated skin. In other words, it promotes the healing of scratches, minor injuries, superficial burns, post-dermatological procedures, and rashes. As well as repairing those annoying marks that have been left by acne.

In this sense, cicalfate repairing protective cream is enriched in the innovative complex [C+-Restore]. This is extracted from a unique bacterium found in Avène Thermal Spring Water, Aqua Dolomiae, which not only supports but also accelerates the skin’s natural repair process.
In addition, its rich/thick cream texture – as well as its purifying and soothing properties – offers protection to the skin while it is being repaired.

The greatest benefits of this product are that it soothes marks caused by acne – so all you have to do is remember to apply the care after scratching or squeezing a pimple – scars, as well as wrinkles. Plus, it has the ability to deeply soothe the skin in just 48 hours.

It is suitable for the whole family, from birth on. However, since it has mineral oils in its formulation, we do not recommend its use on oily skin during the day, nor on people who are sensitive to mineral oils. As you may experience discomfort with its application.

♦ Cicaplast

Cicaplast is a complete line of care that will accelerate skin repair and healing by increasing skin barrier defenses. Thus, La Roche posay cicaplast b5 repairs the skin thanks to its insulating texture that, by creating a barrier over the skin, develops the ideal conditions for its recovery, repair, and healing.

If you are wondering “so how does it differ from the previous one?” the answer lies in its light texture, its anti-inflammatory capabilities, as well as to its mineral oil-free composition.

In more detail, it has a composition where the fusion of copper, zinc, and magnesium stands out to stimulate the production of new cells by rebuilding the skin layers. This reconstruction is mediated by Madecassoside, an ingredient that favors the proper organization of cells so that healing is uniform. Cicaplast B5‘s formula is further enriched with 5% Panthenol in combination with Thermal Water and Hyaluronic Acid. It also contains antibacterial ingredients to protect the skin and prevent infections during recovery.
The result is immediate skin relief.

Therefore, it is ideal for:
– Fragile skin;
– Irritated and dry skin;
– Combination to oily skin;
– Post-surgery and
– Post-peeling or post-laser.

If you like the description of La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast b5 gel, you should know that there is also the Cicaplast Baume (balm) b5 Spf50 version with that is ideal for daytime use, and also the Cicaplast Baume b5+. Recently reformulated, this care presents impressive results from the first day by acting on the causes of scarring thanks to the new patented active ingredient Tribioma. This ingredient is nothing more than a complex of prebiotics.

Cicalfate repair cream vs La Roche Posay cicaplast: the bottom line

We can say that both creams are highly effective and, for the sake of clarity, deliver exactly what they promise. That is immediate relief from uncomfortable sensations and redness, as well as high tolerance and a smooth surface.

But which one should I use? If you have a combination to oily skin, we recommend investing in La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast b5 gel. This is a product that you can use during the day to accelerate skin regeneration without having any unwanted shine associated with it. The same applies if you are sensitive to mineral oils.
In turn, if you have a very dry, dry, and normal complexion the best option will be Avène cicafalte.

Skin specialist pro-tip:

For those with severe skin conditions, you can use both. In times of crisis start using the cicalfate cream and, when the skin is calmer but in need of a dosage of hydration, apply cicaplast b5.

Curiosity…

Here is a curiosity for fans of the gorgeous Sara Sampaio (Portuguese model and a former Victoria’s Secret angel who has more than 8.3 million followers on Instagram). Or for anyone who dreams of runway-looking skin.
Did you know that the influencer is a user of the “miracle” product Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream? Sara claims that by using this care as a night cream, her skin has recovered significantly. She was able to increase luminosity, hydrate, and finally get rid of the acne marks that she suffered, especially during her teenage years.

Do you have any doubts? At Lyskin we have Beauty Experts who can help you define a skincare routine that suits your needs and desires. Or simply answer any questions you may have. Contact us

Shop the story

Watch our Youtube video here