The Best La Roche-Posay Products for the Body
Premium French brand La Roche-Posay is renowned for its use of nourishing Thermal Spring Water in its high quality and effective skincare products. Although the brand is perhaps best known for creating sensitive skin-friendly products for the face, it also has a huge range of products for the body that are particularly useful for people with very reactive, dry, irritated or intolerant skin.
In this article, we'll highlight some of the brand's best products for the body to help you determine which ones are right for your skin. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
La Roche-Posay hand care
The alcohol-based Purifying Hand Gel contains 65% ethanol to effectively remove dust, dirt and pollution with no need to rinse. It has been carefully formulated to minimise the drying effect of many cleansing gels and contains glycerin to boost hydration. The handy tube is perfect for keeping your hands clean while travelling, when access to soap and water may be limited. Simply squeeze a small amount onto the hands and rub it into the skin.
It is important to note that since the gel contains ethanol, it is not suitable for people with eczema. It is still a relatively gentle choice for those without a have pre-existing skin condition and looking for a convenient, non-irritating gel cleanser.
Cicaplast Baume Hands is a reparative barrier cream which provides instant relief and nourishment for sore, damaged hands. It works to gradually restore the skin's natural barrier and is ideal for those with overworked hands who are susceptible to rough, red and dry skin. Niacinamide helps to repair the skin while glycerin creates an invisible, friction-resistant barrier over the skin to protect it.
This is resistant to washing and can be applied every two hours or as often needed. The texture is lightweight and absorbed quickly by the skin without leaving a sticky or oily finish. When tested for efficacy in professional use, 96% felt that their skin was immediately softer after using Cicaplast Baume.
La Roche-Posay body wash
Lipikar Syndet AP+ Body Wash has been formulated with the most gentle ingredients to cleanse skin that is irritated and dehydrated. Free from soap, fragrance and parabens, it is ideal for those with very dry skin which is susceptible to redness, soreness and rashes. It contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin and protect it from further irritation.
This body wash is so gentle that it is suitable for infants, children and adults alike, and can also be used on eczema-prone skin. It is designed to be massaged gently into moist skin before being rinsed away, making it a comfortable, simple way to cleanse with no need for rubbing or scrubbing which can cause irritation.
Cicaplast Lavant B5 is a gentle foam gel wash suitable for use all over the body, including the face, scalp and intimate areas. It contains 5% panthenol to soothe skin, antibacterial metallic salts to preserve the skin's natural bacterial balance and support skin barrier repair, and glycerin to hydrate. It is suitable for the entire family from babies to seniors, and is a great cleanser for skin that is damaged, chapped, or irritated.
The wash can be used once or twice a day by simply lathering it over moist skin before gently rinsing away. For babies, it can be used to cleanse areas affected by nappy rash or dribble rash.
La Roche-Posay body lotion
The Lipikar Body Milk (Lotion) is suitable for use on the body, feet and hands and is ideal for very dry and uncomfortable skin. The light, milky texture allows it to be absorbed quickly to soothe tightness and leave the skin feeling hydrated, supple and comfortable. Shea butter and omega-rich canola oil help the milk to replenish lipids and reinforce the natural barrier of the skin.
This Lipikar body lotion should be gently massaged into the skin either all over the body or in areas that are particularly dry and sore. It is hypoallergenic and mild enough that it can even be used on babies over three months old.
La Roche-Posay hair care
Kerium Anti-Dandruff Shampoos have been formulated with micro-exfoliating LHA to purify the scalp, regulate peeling and flaking, and eliminate dandruff. Like all La Roche-Posay products, the shampoos have been designed with sensitive skin in mind. They balance efficacy with gentleness to help the hair and scalp look and feel as healthy as possible.
There are two varieties of Kerium shampoo available, one for oily scalps and one for dry scalps. Kerium Anti-Dandruff Gel Shampoo for Oily Scalp contains zinc which works to control sebum production and rebalance the scalp to reduce oiliness. Kerium Anti-Dandruff Cream Shampoo is formulated with glycerin which helps to retain moisture in the scalp and reduce dryness and itching. Both varieties are suitable for daily use or as often as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do for severely dry hands?
Very dry hands should be moisturised several times each day, preferably with a hand cream that leaves a protective barrier on the skin to minimise exposure to further irritants. Wearing gloves may also be helpful for reducing the skin's exposure to harsh weather, water, chemicals or pollutants that worsen dryness and irritation.
How do you choose skincare products?
You should look for skincare products that have been formulated with your skin type in mind or for any specific skin concerns you're trying to address. Check ingredient lists and avoid products that contain ingredients you have a known sensitivity to.
How can you take care of your skin as you age?
The skin often becomes thinner, dryer and more sensitive as we age, so it's important to look for skincare products that help to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin. Choose products that have been formulated specifically for mature skin.