If you were to peek inside the smallest cupboard in my kitchen, you would discover a collection of essential medical supplies. Alongside the Elastoplast, paper-wrapped wound dressings, sterile latex gloves, and surgical tape, there sits a tube of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume, priced at £11. I could easily name a good handful of consultant dermatologists who would probably admit to having the very same item in their own homes.
More Than Just Beauty Products
Some cosmetic creams transcend their categorisation as mere beauty products, proving themselves to be indispensable in practical, everyday scenarios. No household should be without a rich, no-frills, multipurpose emollient. This type of product forms an essential part of family kit, dedicated to supporting the soothing and healing processes for a variety of skin complaints.
These creams are perfect for addressing scalds, grazes, rashes, and any other signs of irritated or vexed skin. What the very best of these products generally have in common is the inclusion of a key ingredient: cica. This is also known as Centella asiatica or, as it is referred to in much of South Korean skincare, tiger grass.
The Power of Centella Asiatica
This wild plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. It has garnered a strong reputation for its skin-calming benefits and its notable ability to support a skin barrier that has been compromised. This compromise can occur due to illness, everyday injuries, or lifestyle factors.
It is important to clarify that cica creams are not classified as medicine. However, they are widely considered to be harmless, with side effects being exceptionally rare in the vast majority of cases. Based on professional experience, these products are frequently endorsed by medical personnel and other experts. They are seen as a safe way to complement conventional treatments for skin issues. Given their safety profile and utility, there is truly no compelling reason not to have one readily available in your home.
Top Cica Cream Recommendations
La Roche-Posay’s thick, unctuous, and instantly comforting balm remains my personal go-to choice. However, motivated by a recent bout of increased dryness, skin sensitivity, and stress—triggered by a clinical-strength prescription retinoid—I have thoroughly enjoyed testing several other notable cica products on the market.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Priced at £10, Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is specifically marketed for very sensitive skin and is suitable for the whole family, from birth onwards. It is rich, unctuous, and packed with glycerin, imparting a sensation of the skin being wrapped in a protective moisture blanket.
In addition to cica, it contains naturally antibacterial ingredients, making it effective for treating minor burns, knee grazes, and similar everyday injuries. This makes it an exceptionally useful treatment to keep in your handbag for those minor emergencies that can occur at any time.
Bioderma Cicabio Ultra-Repairing Soothing Cream
The Bioderma Cicabio Ultra-Repairing Soothing Cream, available for £12, offers all the recognised benefits of a standard cica cream but with a significant added advantage: SPF50 protection. This feature is particularly valuable, given that injured, broken, or postoperative skin is generally more susceptible to scarring if exposed to ultraviolet rays.
I have worn this product often during the daytime and found it effective at reducing redness. However, I did not find it to be as richly moisturising as some other options. This is not necessarily a criticism; it may be the perfect choice if your skin is oilier than mine and most balms consequently feel too greasy or heavy on the skin.
All three of these recommended creams are formulated to be suitable for use from head to toe, providing versatile and comprehensive care for the entire body.
