Jules and I have mentioned La Roche-Posay a few times before on All Dolled Up, but now that the brand is finally available in South Africa, I thought it was time for a more formal introduction. This French dermatology skin care brand was founded in 1975, and its main focus has always been to create an effective skin care line for sensitive skins. Every product contains thermal water from the natural springs of La Roche-Posay, which contains high levels of elenium – a mineral proven to protect cellular metabolism with its powerful antioxidant properties. All ingredients are strictly selected to be compliant with the needs of sensitive skins, and the air-tight packaging is specifically designed to minimise any possible contamination.
La Roche-Posay recently launched online at Dermastore, as well as in selected Dischem stores. Although we don’t have the entire range, there is still a very comprehensive set of products available on our shelves, and they’re competitively priced, too. I was sent a few items from the range to try, and (spoiler alert) I think they’re all brilliant.
La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Foaming Water
This is a really satisfying product to use! One pump dispenses a generous amount of thick foam (which I wasn’t expecting – I thought that it would be on the thinner side on account of it being a micellar water) and once the foam melts away, you’re left with a light cream texture which is brilliant for a gentle facial massage. It contains citric acid to gently cleanse and exfoliate, glycerin to soften the skin, and, naturally, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to reduce sensitivity. It contains no soap, alcohol, colourants or parabens.
I have been using it as my morning cleanser, and whilst I do like how it feels while it’s on the skin, I have noticed that if I don’t apply my serum and moisturiser as soon as I’ve rinsed my face, my skin can feel a little bit tight. Not the end of the world, but if your skin is on the drier side, then the next product might be more up your alley.
Retails for R170.00
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
This cleanser is designed for use on even the most intolerant of skins, so it contains no active ingredients whatsoever. It is enriched with moisturizing ingredients like glycerine and ethylhexyl palmitate (which help prevent over-drying), and of course, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, which reduces sensitivity with its soothing, antioxidant properties. These ingredients cleanse the skin without stripping/irritating it, thereby helping the skin to maintain its barrier function.
The texture of this cleanser is thick and creamy, and it feels really comforting on the skin. Unlike with the Physiological Micellar Foaming Water, this cleanser kept my skin nice a hydrated, so I didn’t have that tight feeling after I was finished washing my face. It’s also a really effective make-up remover, and it has no scent – so if you’re someone who is sensitive to fragrances in your skin care, this might be a good option for you.
Retails for R250.00
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra
The star of the show for me so far – it’s absolutely brilliant stuff. I developed a bizarre bout of eczema on my neck a few months ago, and I just couldn’t get rid of it, so I emailed Sandy Webster at Dermastore and asked for her advice. She recommended Toleriane Ultra, which contains neurosensine, a soothing and calming ingredient which has been clinically proven to inhibit the micro-inflammatory process in allergic skin. Dr Webster from Dermastore elaborates on why it’s such a good option for distressed skins:
“When the skin’s natural barrier function is altered it becomes more sensitive and reactive. It is vitally important to use a product that will not only help to restore this barrier function but that does not cause further irritation to the skin. This minimalist formula is the perfect product as it soothes, reduces sensitivity and restores skin comfort levels.”
Within a week, the condition of the skin of my neck had improved dramatically, and my eczema was almost completely gone – a bit of a miracle worker, really.
But what, that’s not all: it also makes a wonderful base for foundation! I like to apply it if I’m going out in the evenings because it creates a nice dewy canvas and everything you apply on top blends out beautifully. Score.
Retails for R300.00
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
This body balm has been formulated to relieve very dry, flaky, itching skin associated with atopic eczema or people suffering from chronically dry skin. It works by rebalancing the microbiome, a population of micro-organisms found on the skin’s surface. If the microbiome remains unbalanced, attacks of severe dryness, irritation and itching will continue, even if the barrier function is restored.
The key ingredients include:
- Aqua posae filiformis to re-establish and stabilise the microbiome’s balance and to restore and preserve the skin barrier;
- Niacinamide to soothe the skin and provide relief from itching;
- Shea butter to replenish the hydrolipid film;
- Glycerin to restore suppleness; and
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to reduce sensitivity.
I have almost finished my current tube and will definitely be purchasing another. The consistency is thick and nourishing, and it feels so comforting on the skin – like you’ve wrapped yourself up in a cashmere blanket. I wouldn’t say I have chronically dry skin, but I definitely benefit from using a product like this – I massage it onto damp skin after my evening shower, and in the morning my skin feels really soft and smooth. Big thumbs up from me.
Retails for R300.00
All of the products mentioned in this post are PR samples.