According to beauty columnist Sali Hughes, cica creams are more than just beauty products—they are essential for every household's first-aid kit. These rich, multipurpose emollients are designed to soothe and comfort sore skin, from scalds and grazes to rashes and irritation.
Cica, also known as Centella asiatica or tiger grass, is a wild plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is prized for its skin-calming properties and ability to support a compromised skin barrier. Hughes notes that while cica creams are not medicine, they are harmless and widely endorsed by medical professionals to complement conventional treatments.
Hughes recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume as her go-to product, describing it as thick, unctuous, and instantly comforting. She also highlights Avène's Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, which is suitable for all ages from birth and contains naturally antibacterial ingredients. For daytime use, Bioderma Cicabio Ultra-Repairing Soothing Cream offers added SPF50 protection, which is beneficial for injured or post-operative skin prone to scarring from UV exposure.
