Avène Thermal Spring Water: refreshing, but it didn't help my rosacea

Avène Thermal Spring Water is probably the best-known product for sensitive skin and rosacea. Almost every recommendation list mentions it, so I used it for a long time too. Unfortunately, my skin doesn't like it.

What the brand says

• A thermal water that soothes, softens and reduces skin sensitivity.
• Designed for sensitive and irritated skin, for daily use.
• It's on the list of products with the seal of the National Rosacea Society, the US rosacea association.

My experience

Although it suits many people with rosacea, long-term use caused redness for me. Instead of calming, after a while my skin was redder than before.

I have to give it this: it's nicely refreshing, especially in summer. But from a product for sensitive skin with rosacea I expect more than a refresh, so it ended up on my flop list.

It's a good example that “for sensitive skin” and “for rosacea” don't mean it will suit your skin. I've collected more examples like this in the article Popular products that ended up in the bin.

Who is it for

For people who want a quick facial refresh and don't react to thermal water. If you have rosacea, try it for a few weeks and keep an eye on your redness.