It also helps prevent the worsening and recurrence of acne, bumps, and severe flakiness. However, since it helps strengthen the regenerative power of the dull and weakened skin, you need to be careful in situations where anti-inflammatory and drying measures are needed, as applying this oily cream could clog pores and worsen acne. So it's important to use it appropriately based on the skin's condition. As I experienced initially, I use this cream like an 'SOS' product, applying it irregularly when my skin is in an emergency state of severe dryness and cracking, to help calm and repair it. I also use it as a sleeping pack substitute when my regular sleeping pack isn't effective enough, applying it generously on dry areas before bed, and my skin feels so smooth and supple in the morning, with the flakiness and dullness resolved. But since I have oily skin, I do still get the occasional acne breakout. And I've been using it sporadically on dry, flaked areas of my body as needed, not just my face. It's so convenient to apply wherever the skin needs that kind of intensive repair and hydration. The 40ml size works well for me. As I mentioned, I don't use it daily, just when needed, so a larger 100ml size would likely go bad before I finish it, like what happened with a La Roche-Posay balm I bought. The cost per volume may not be the best, but it's better to use it fresh than have it go bad. The packaging is also really nice - a hygienic tube format that's compact, lightweight, and easy to use. The 40ml tube is so light and portable, perfect for carrying around and reapplying as needed when my skin is very dry. The design is also very clean and minimalist, with no strong fragrance, just a mild natural scent. It's really a cream that's comfortable for anyone to use. No wonder it's so popular.

You're right, this is a rich, heavy cream, so those with oily skin need to be careful, as the excess oil can potentially cause cystic acne breakouts. Even with the original Avène Cicalfate SOS cream that was very popular, there were quite a few reviews from oily-skinned people saying it worsened their acne and small blemishes (your friend included). I also couldn't use it when I was in my early 20s, as my skin was too oily. After seeing the reviews and testing it out (plus hearing about your friend's experience), I decided to skip it. As we get older, even though our skin is still oily, the oil production tends to decrease, and the flakiness and dryness become more problematic. So in those cases, this cream can be very effective. But for those with persistently oily skin, it's best to use it cautiously, applying it only to specific dry, flaky areas, not all over the face. You're absolutely right that the thick, whitish cream can be tricky to blend in completely. It's important to really massage it in well to minimize any visible residue. Overall, this is a great intensive repair cream, but oily-skinned individuals do need to assess their own skin's needs and use it judiciously, perhaps just on problem areas, rather than all over. The key is finding the right balance for your individual skin type and concerns.

That's a great tip! Using the Dermatory Azulene Cica Rescue gauze pads as a quick 5-minute pack on the severely dry, sensitive, and irritated areas, and then following up with the Avène Cicalfate Plus cream is an incredibly effective combination. The Dermatory gauze pads have a great soothing and hydrating effect when used as a pack, and then the Avène cream with its excellent moisturizing and regenerative properties really synergizes well to calm everything down. This is such a good method for when your skin is really acting up and needs that intensive care to bring it back to normal. In my case, since I have oily skin, using this cream all over my face is a bit too heavy and rich. So I've been applying it only to the specific areas that need it, and that's really helped reduce the chances of breakouts. My usual routine is to gently cleanse, then apply the Bring Green Mugwort Essence (which calms redness and provides hydration without oil), followed by a light layer of the Mamonde Rose Light Cream. And then I'll just add the Avène Cicalfate cream to the problem areas that need the extra repair and protection.