This $17 skin cream is my new favourite for healing burns, acne scars and more

As much as I hate to admit it, I've never been someone who was gifted at doing hair. In fact, after a recent mishap with a curling iron, I was left with an embarrassing burn on my neck.

Following the burn, I ended up on a deep dive for creams and ointments that could help heal my skin faster. During my search, I kept coming across a product recommendation from La Roche-Posay: The brand's Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Recovery Accelerator.

Not only was this gel cream formulated to help speed up skin recovery following injury or skin treatments, it was also a top-rated product among Amazon shoppers. Plus, it's on sale right now.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Recovery Accelerator

$17 $21 at Amazon$20 at La Roche-Posay

How does it work?

This gel cream is designed to soothe, protect and repair fragile skin, such as after dermatological procedures or injury. It's formulated with a blend of healing ingredients, including Vitamin B5, which is known for its reparative properties, hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin, and minerals like copper, zinc and manganese for anti-bacterial benefits.

The Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Recovery Accelerator is suitable for use on all skin types, although it's best to wait to use it until open wounds have closed — the brand recommends applying it twice daily after cleansing for best results.

My impressions

After waiting until all scabs had healed, I began applying this gel cream twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening. I appreciate that it has a very light consistency, as well as an unscented formula to minimize irritation. The gel also absorbs quickly into the skin, so there's no sticky mess left behind like with some other ointments.

As with many skincare products, consistency is key to this scar-healing ointment. I've been using it for about three weeks now, and have noticed some definite improvements in the overall look and texture of the burn scar that I had on my neck.

While it isn't yet fully healed, even my mom was impressed with how quickly the scar is fading. Considering she suffered severe burns from a barbecue accident years ago, she knows what she's talking about too.

What others are saying

One of the main reasons I opted for this La Roche-Posay cream was the glowing reviews from customers who had called it "perfect for any scars." It's received a 4.5-star average rating from thousands of reviews, plus a coveted "Amazon's Choice" label.

From cuts and scrapes to acne scars and tattoos, shoppers say this gel "helps heal and fade scars fast." It's suitable for use on adults and children alike, and according to reviewers, it "works wonders."

One reviewer reported seeing "a noticeable difference in scar appearance and texture" after using this product "daily" over the course of "several weeks."

"Really impressed and grateful to have found [this]," they wrote.

"I am beyond impressed by this product," added another.

As with most skincare products, some trial and error is often involved, and not everyone will achieve the same results. Some shoppers were unimpressed when this cream didn't make a huge difference on their scars, though others caution that it works best when used consistently over time.

"Results take time but it works," recommended one person.

Final thoughts

As much as I'd love to report instant results after using La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Recovery Accelerator, unfortunately that's not how life works. However, the cream has made a huge improvement in the speed with which my burn has been healing since I started using it twice daily a few weeks ago.

Since I've been using such a small amount, the 40mL bottle will also last quite a while. And though I can't speak to how well this cream works on old scars, it's definitely helping to erase my latest minor injury.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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