A Perfect Duo: Avene Cleanance Mask & Skin Recovery Cream

French pharmacies provide the best skincare products at very reasonable prices. I haven’t tried very extensive array of products however those I personally used, never disappointed me. All the products performed exactly how they described them, which I reckon is very rare for skincare products to justify the big claims companies make. 


Another plus point for these brands is the products targeting different skin problems we all face time to time, like blemishes, dehydrated skin, or hypersensitive skin. Most of the time I don’t find skin products in high street brands for such problems, which gives an edge to French pharmacies brands. They also have simple packaging without unnecessary and bulky tubs and boxes.

Avene is one of the French pharmacies skincare brands which carries products for every skin type and problem. Avene is famous for their thermal spring water based products. I am a big fan of Cleanance range which is suitable for oily, blemish prone skin. The Cleanance crème gel is my favourite which is glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids based cream and is a perfect moisturiser underneath makeup.

For last couple of years’ winters wreak havoc on my skin. It gets dry and dehydrated. Some areas get oilier with very irritated dry patches on cheeks. And it is very difficult to bring some sanity and balance to my skin. So I cleared out the clutter and went for some simple but effective products to add in my winter skincare routine for oily and dehydrated skin. This led me back to Avene and I chose two products Cleanance mask and Skin Recovery Cream.

Avene Cleanance mask is glycolic acid and salicylic acid abased exfoliating mask. It is great for controlling access oil and clearing blocked pores. The mask comes out white with very tiny transparent granules. The application process is very simple. All you need is to apply a thin layer on entire face and leave it for 5 minutes. Then with damp fingers massage the mask into skin with light circular motions for about 30 seconds. Rinse and pat dry. The skin looks instantly smooth and clear. It also helps in exfoliating dead skin for clearer complexion. The mask works in very gentle manner and is not abrasive at all. The mask can tingle a bit which indicates that product is working. If you have very irritated or broken skin, then I will suggest a patch test or don’t use it at all. It is also recommended to use the mask once or twice a week depending on your need but not more than twice.

I also wanted a moisturiser thicker than my usual Clinique gel, which could calm my hypersensitive skin and I could use that after the mask. So I got Avene Skin Recovery Cream. It is specifically developed for irritated or hypersensitive skin. The cream feels very luxurious on my face. It instantly absorbs into the skin and soothes and calm down any redness and sensitivity. As I have oily skin so I don’t use it in the morning but only at nights when I use the Cleanance mask. 

Avene Cleanance Mask and Skin Recovery cream worked brilliantly together to combat my dehydrated skin this winter. I am really pleased with my purchase and will always come back to Avene for help.

I hope you find this post helpful. Do leave your comments below if you have any question or confusion about the product. I will try to answer with my best possible knowledge.

Disclaimer: The reviews here are reflecting my thoughts only based on my experience. I always try to give my best opinion on every product I use. However, every product reacts differently on different skin type. I cannot guarantee that the product will work the same for you.

In the memory of my brother