avene isn't great
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free skin care · Tue May 08, 2007 9:26 am

dear all,

i know many of you have had excellent experiences with avene products, but mine have been negative across the board, especially re: avene sunscreens. they have all consistently broken me out and have not provided sufficient sun protection. after hearing about the emulsion and the cleanance susncreens, i bought both and have been religiously using them for about two months. i even have had all of my friends buy these suncreams, and they have reported back to me both tans and freckles in spring san francisco sun... and my pores have been consistently congested since i've started using it, despite my use of osea apc and skb underneath Sad

, which i thought would help stave off any adverse reactions.

despite marketing claims that cleanance is formulated specifically for sensitive skin, it has the EXACT same literature and ingredients on both the emulsion and the cleanance. they both felt the same of my skin.

i am going to try some new european brands soon, such as ducray, and am hoping for the bioderma reformulation...

free skin care · Tue May 08, 2007 10:05 am

Hi avalange - I agree that Avene SS is far from perfect. I use the Emulsion SPF50+ and wish it weren't as oily as it is. But before I used it, my experience with other SS was hardly optimal either -- my freckles darkened a LOT more with them than they do with Avene, and some brands even stung my skin and eyes. I haven't experienced any more pore congestion with Avene than I have with other SS, but I'm not at all acne-prone, which may explain it. I never use botanicals on my face, and rarely/sparingly use oils as well.

My husband uses it too, and he's a risky phototype: blonde and blue-eyed. He's been treated for pre-cancerous lesions in the past. There's NO DOUBT that he no longer burns like he did before while using other SS.

No SS that's the least bit aesthetically pleasing can totally prevent UV damage, but I believe some are more effective than others. No one is willing to go about with thick, opaque whiteness all over their skin, and short of total sun avoidance, this would likely be the only way to be outdoors and not suffer much, if any, UV damage.

Everyone's different, so I think while Avene may not be the answer for you, it's acceptable and works for some of us. I hope you can find something that suits you, and if you do, be sure to let us know!

free skin care · Tue May 08, 2007 1:09 pm

I agree with you - I used its Diroseal - a treatment cream for localized redness. I didn't see any improvements after I used up one whole tube. I was disappointed since I had high hope from this cream.

free skin care · Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:23 pm

Yes, their sunscreens are really heavy and uncomfortable. I only like the mineral spray.

free skin care · Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:58 pm

I've been fortunate with the Avene products that I've used. The sunscreen is a bit heavy, but I think that's true of any sunscreen that has good UVA/UVB protection. I've used it in some pretty challenging contexts--Brisbane, Turkey, Arizona--and not had any tanning or darkening of hyperpigmentation. So, overall, I'm happy with it. And their retinoids have also been terrific for me--I'm so glad my dermatologist recommended them (after I tried Retin A and tazorac unsuccessfully). I haven't tried any other Avene products, but these have worked well for me. Of course, nothing works for everyone, but I'm pleased with what I've used.

For reference, I'm in my mid fifties, with dry skin, some melasma, and very fair skin.

free skin care · Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:48 am

All the Avene's products I've tried have been just ok for me with the sunscreens being the best products from the line. I find the sunscreens very heavy, but they don't clog my pores or anything. The Ystheal+ Creme and Ystheal+ Eye Contour Cream didn't do anything for me at all. I'd say my most favorite product from Avene is the mineral water.

free skin care · Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:42 am

sorry to hear the Avene products didnt work for you.

I've tried alot of their products (few cleansers, moisturisers, mask, sunscreen, toner, body lotion and Ystheal range) and have to say i absolutely disagree with their sunscreen. they felt oily, white cast and dehydrated my skin by mid-day but yet gave me an oily face.

In my opinion, their best products were the recovery cream, Ystheal emulsion, avene spray and the cold cream cleanser.

The cold cream cleanser i can use both on my face and body when im lazy. It did keep my winter itch to minimum and softens skin heaps.

free skin care · Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:26 pm

I haven't tried the S/S but I've had great success with: Ystheal gel, cream, eye-gel, Eluage, cleansing cream, hydrating mask and makeup remover.

free skin care · Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:25 pm

i think Avene is just average. Tried their gentle cleanser and retinol. Their cleanser had way too much fragrance and retinol did not do much.

free skin care · Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:58 pm

Funny, I love the new Avene..I have both the 20 & 50. They don't make me oilier & protect really well. I have melasma, so it's ultra important for me. Mind you, I also use the Triple Whitening serum from skincarecentral which apparently stops pigmentation before it happens. I actually enjoy the texture. I haven't been using it long, but hopefully, it'll add to my sun protection this summer.

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