La Roche-Posay Skincare Haul

I had some skin issues last month. For some (still) unknown reason, I developed sporadic itching and rashes on my hands, scalp and even my face dried out even more than usual for a short period of time. I went to get it checked out, but other than suggest antihistamines, they didn't offer up much of a solution. I've considered many causes, including washing detergent (we changed this and then changed back to our original brand); stress; reaction to baking ingredients, cleaning and beauty products. 

It seems to have eased up, but one way I coped with it and restored my skin health was by turning to La Roche-Posay, a French pharmacie brand whose Cicaplast Soothing Skin Balm was my saviour when I had a terrible reaction (swelling and mild chemical burn) to some Murad products a few years ago. Yes, it was as horrible as it sounds! I decided that now was the time to try out more of the range, so I placed an order with escentual.com  Here's what I purchased:

Cicaplast Baume B5 - Soothing Repairing Balm

This rich, thick balm is incredible at taking away uncomfortable heating sensations from very dry, chapped skin and is often recommended for those who have had dermatitis or even invasive skin treatments, such as laser. It has anti-bacterial qualities, so I find it is also great to use a day or so after waxing or chemical exfoliation. It has taken me over a year to use up a 100ml tube because I don't use it every day, only when my skin feels irritated or in need of some therapy! Overall, I love this product and will never be without it in my arsenal of skincare products. 

Cicaplast Hands

My hands loved this gel-cream, especially when they were inflamed and upset. The anti-inflammatory formula has an antihistamine effect, which was ideal for me. It does not leave hands greasy and sinks in fairly quickly. The hand cream costs just over £5 for 50ml, which makes me very happy. This would well to heal inflamed and cracked cuticles too.

Cicaplast Lips

This has gone into my lip product jar next to my bed and I have been enjoying reaching for it as part of my night time routine. It is fairly similar to Dr Lipp's Nipple Balm (a thick multi-use lip balm), so it feels very nourishing and conditioning. I didn't really know what to expect with this, but I find it does the job without feeling greasy or sticky, so i'm happy. Interestingly, it is marketed as being suitable for Roaccutane patients, so that makes me feel like it must be quite heavy duty in terms of keeping lips moisturised.

Hydraphase Intense Eyes - Targeted Rehydration

Currently at the fantastic price of £12.75 for 15ml at escentual, this is a very welcome addition to my eye cream stash. If you're familiar with Hydraularon, you'll understand what I mean when I say that this is the eye cream version of that. It contains hylauronic acid in its gel formula, which is good for hydrating dry skin. It claims to reduce bags, puffy eyelids, dark circles and fine lines. It feels very refreshing and I am happy that it is adding some moisture back into my dehydrated under eyes, so much so that I don't feel desperate to see instant, miraculous results like I do with some brands that almost suggest you'll wake up with a ten year-old's under eye area. This is what I appreciate about La Roche-Posay: I feel I can trust the products to do some good, without having to see instantaneous transformations.

Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

This white, light lotion can be applied to dry skin and removed with cotton wool, rinsed with water, or removed with a muslin cloth. It is a basic cleanser for skin that won't tolerate many products. I used this when I had my aforementioned skin reaction, so I knew it was something I could rely on to calm my skin and avoid any chance that my cleansing products were reacting badly with my skin. This product contains no parabens, alcohol, perfumes, soap or colorants, so it feels very pure. It is not oily or rich, however it removes eye make-up well when paired with a muslin cloth and some warm water. For £12.50 rrp. you get 200ml.

Since discovering this brand, I haven't looked back. Although there are other products I use in my daily routine, these products are 'old faithfuls' that I know I can trust above most of the other brands I use.

Have you tried anything from La Roche-Posay?