oh{FISH}iee: Review: Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water, Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion & Skin Recovery Cream

When I share my acne story with people, most of them do not believe it and they would say, "How would that be possible?! Your skin is so smooth now!". Well, I have the proof to show you! 11 years ago, my skin was in a terrible condition-- Breakouts happened on every part of the face, especially the T-zone area.

It took me about 2 years to fully recover, but the pores of the skin were still enlarged, and the overall skin condition became very sensitive. When I say very sensitive, it means that I really have to be very careful with my choice of skincare / makeup products on the face, to avoid breakouts.

But I reckon the term "Sensitive" is being loosely used by people, since it is a measure of relativity. To better cater for the consumer needs, Avène categorises different degrees of sensitivity into 3 main types:

First Degree: Sensitive

❤ Mild experiences of tingling, tightness, inflammation or burning

❤ More reactive towards aggressions (wind, cold, sun, overzealosu cleansing)

Second Degree: Intolerant/ Hypersensitive

❤ Frequent tingling, tightness, redness, scaling and burning

❤ More traumatised with the application of unsuitable products

Third Degree: Allergic Skin

❤ Eczema (redness, burning, blisters or even oozing)
❤ Urticaria (Swelling, burning)

After finding out from Eau Thermale Avène that my skin is merely of the first-degree sensitivity but a very dry skin type, I got myself this basic set of skincare-- Cleanser, toner and moisturizer, for hypersensitive skin.

Avène Village in Southern France, the place where Avène Thermal Spring Water is discovered since year 1736.

Despite of having over 50 different products under this brand, all of them have one thing in common: The Avène Thermal Spring Water, a natural key ingredient incorporated in Eau Thermale Avène products because of its naturally soothing and anti-irritating properties. It is not only used to treat sensitive, intolerant, atopic and psoriasis-prone skin, but also a great remedy for serious eczema.

Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion (200ml)

My first step of skincare is always the makeup remover, followed by cleanser. To prevent the skin from over-drying, I'd usually go for lotion type of cleanser. And the one I'm using now is suitable even for very sensitive skin because it is so mild and gentle on the skin.

Texture wise, it is very fluid and gives a fresh sensation on the skin, leaving the skin clean and comfortable without any tightness / discomfort.

Unlike any other cleanser, Eau Thermale Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion can be used without rinsing, because pipe water generally increases irritation due to its high mineral properties as it is heavily treated and processed.

So all you need is to apply on a cotton pad in light circular motions and pat dry without rubbing, then remove excess with Avène Thermal Spring Water.

But since my skin sensitivity is not that severe, I'd still prefer applying directly onto the face and rinsing thoroughly for a more refreshing feel. ❤

Avène Thermal Spring Water (150ml)

Regardless of your skin type, the next step (which is the most important step which I think you must not skip) is applying the Avène Thermal Spring Water in two ways:

(1) Before your toner
(2) As a replacement of your toner

The first time I tried this miraculous water was 3 years ago when I first attended Avène Skincare beauty workshop, and I fell in love with it since then! ❤ Its unique and constant composition will seal the skin with soothing softness and long-lasting protection against irritation, redness, sunburn, itching and more.

All I do is just to spray a fine mist over skin and dab to allow absorption. It feels very cooling on the surface, and more soothing as it penetrates into the skin. Apart from that, I also use it at the office as a face mist to freshen the skin, and bring it along for travelling too.

You can also use it as a facial mask for a quick boost of moisture-- Spray a clean mask sheet with the Avène Thermal Spring Water until completely soaked and leave on for 15 minutes.

Skin Recovery Cream (50ml)

The last step of Avène skincare regime I use is the moisturiser. Similarly, it is very rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, hence is specially formulated to rapidly calm irritations and restore the protective skin barrier of naturally sensitive or irritable skin.

Do you notice something different on the nozzle? The Skin Recovery Cream is the first skincare I have seen that uses Sterile Cosmetics technology, a unique safety for sensitive skin. The tube opening uses a perfectly hermetic patented sealing system – D.E.F.I (Device Exclusive Formula Integrity).

It guarantees a 100% air-tight packaging, hence the cream within the tube will have 0% contact to external environment. Complemented with sterile formula, production and packaging, the product contains 0% paraben, 0% fragrance, 0% preservative and 0% alcohol.

In other words, it is safe even for the most sensitive skin!

Texture wise, do expect the cream to be slightly thick. Nevertheless, I appreciate the ease of spreading over the skin despite of its rich texture. Suitable for both morning and evening use.

Verdict:

1. Overall, I find that Eau Thermale Avène products are extra mild, gentle and soothing for the skin.
2. I love the concept of using pure Avène Thermal Spring Water throughout all the skincare steps to effectively deliver moisture and calmness to my very dry, sensitive skin.

3. Truly appreciate the story and efforts behind Avène Thermal Spring Water to bring natural remedy to various skin diseases.