“I always recommend it”: This dermatologist reveals the unexpected uses of Cicalfate+ cream all summer long
Every summer, the family first-aid kit quickly gets overwhelmed. Burns, insect bites, chafing, sun-irritated skin… so many minor skin issues that call for a reliable and quick solution. Avène’s Cicalfate+ cream stands out as the versatile treatment that dermatologists recommend for much more than just sunburn.
A treatment that’s routinely recommended at the clinic, not just at the beach
Dr. Marion Bourgaux, a consulting dermatologist at the Avène Dermatological Laboratory, makes no secret of her enthusiasm for this restorative cream. In her daily practice, she prescribes it following specific medical procedures. She consistently recommends it after cryotherapy and surgery, as its texture allows the skin to breathe while acting as a bandage.
Because beyond the doctor’s office, Cicalfate is effective in a wide range of everyday situations. She specifically mentions genital irritation, irritation around the mouth caused by pacifiers or licking habits, the aftereffects of a superficial wound, and chafing caused by clothing or sports.
“The goal is to give the skin every chance to heal quickly and effectively. After surgery, when used in place of bandages, it acts like a bandage while allowing the skin to breathe. After getting a tattoo, it helps repair and soothe the skin. This multipurpose cream is a true Swiss Army knife for everyday life!” — Dr. Marion Bourgaux, consulting dermatologist at Avène Dermatological Laboratory.
25 years in business and 48 approved indications
Avène’s Cicalfate+ Protective Repair Cream is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Over time, it has established itself as a multifunctional skincare product trusted by families and healthcare professionals alike. Its primary goal remains to optimize the skin’s natural repair capabilities.
Designed to promote healing in compromised skin, it now has 48 recognized indications. From razor burn to superficial burns, as well as the aftereffects of certain dermatological procedures, Cicalfate’s range of applications is much broader than one might imagine.
Why Summer Puts a Strain on Your Skin
Sun, heat, swimming, outdoor sports, mosquitoes… The summer season brings many opportunities for skin damage. Friction from hiking boots or lightweight clothing against skin already sensitized by the heat is one of the most common sources of discomfort. Similarly, a sunburned scalp or a minor burn from the grill can quickly call for soothing and restorative care.
Insect bites, especially after scratching, also cause micro-lesions. Irritation after waxing or shaving is also more severe in the summer, as the skin sweats more and becomes more fragile more quickly. In all these cases, Cicalfate can support the natural healing process.
- Sunburn and sun-induced irritation, once the skin has cooled down
- Scratched insect bites and minor superficial wounds
- Minor burns from barbecuing or outdoor cooking
- Irritation after shaving and hair removal
- Friction from shoes, clothing, or sports equipment
- Scalp sensitized by excessive sun exposure
A restorative cream that lets your skin breathe
What sets Cicalfate apart from a simple moisturizer is its ability to act as a protective barrier without clogging the skin. The dermatologist emphasizes this point: the cream protects while allowing the skin to breathe. This is precisely what makes it ideal for use as a follow-up to bandages, particularly after surgery.
After getting a tattoo, for example, the skin has an open wound that Cicalfate helps soothe and heal. Similarly, superficial sunburns benefit from its healing properties, provided, of course, that the affected area has been cooled first. As a result, this treatment is suitable for adults as well as infants and children.
Cicalfate’s real strength: it can be used year-round
While summer is still the time when people are most likely to pack this tube in their luggage, Dr. Marion Bourgaux points out that her recommendations aren’t limited to the warmer months. In her practice, the reasons for prescribing it come up repeatedly throughout the year. Minor everyday injuries, household burns, and genital irritations can occur at any time of year.
That’s precisely because families often need a reliable product that they’re familiar with and understand how it works. With Cicalfate, a single product covers a wide range of situations. According to the specialist, this is what makes it a must-have in every family’s medicine cabinet—far more than just a summer staple.
For 25 years, the formula for Avène’s repairing cream has stood the test of time, transcending trends and generations. Healthcare professionals continue to highly recommend it because it addresses a specific need: providing the skin with everything it needs to repair itself quickly and without complications. This consistent medical endorsement remains, to this day, its strongest selling point.
