Rana Good is the founder of Naïra NYC. A writer for publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Coveteur, Mens Journal and others, she created her own platform celebrating women of color.
Biafine is a French pharmacy favorite which can be used to soothe and treat skin in a multitude of ways. The cream was first formulated by chemist M. Wenmaekers in 1971 to treat his daughter’s burns. After seeing how effective the cream was at healing skin, Wenmaekers developed and sold Biafine commercially. It quickly became popular among dermatologists and in hospitals where it was used to treat radiation dermatitis and burns. In the 2000s, Biafine expanded internationally and acquired a new legion of fans who liked the product as a high-quality moisturizer beyond its medical uses.
Affordable and compatible with all skin types, Biafine is a must for skincare lovers. Here’s everything you need to know about this versatile product:
Biafine is a water-based topical emulsion for skin and wound care. Its star ingredient is avocado oil which is renowned for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Another main ingredient is squalene, which is a natural moisturizer that mimics the skin’s natural oils.
What does it look and feel like?
Biafine has a light silky texture but it packs a punch when it comes to efficacy. It absorbs into skin easily and nourishes the skin leaving it less flaky, moisturized, healed, and restored. The scent is subtle and pleasant — it’s not an overly fragrant product.
A topical emulsion, Biafine is known for its moisturizing and healing properties. These are some popular Biafine uses:
1. Burns
Biafine helps treat minor burns, including sunburns, which makes it the perfect vacation-ready product. When applied to skin it helps reduce pain and soothes, promoting skin healing. If you burn yourself while cooking, for example, apply the lotion to your skin to help your skin heal.
On days when you’ve gotten too much sun, apply this before bed to help lessen redness and heat, and to prevent peeling further down the line.
2. Mosquito Bites
As someone who is ever so popular with mosquitos, I first discovered Biafine as a way to lessen the itch of mosquito bites. Once my skin gets itchy this lotion helps soothe the irritation and makes it easier to not scratch your skin.
3. Radiation Dermatitis
As mentioned before, Biafine has its origin in the medical field where it was used to alleviate radiation-induced skin reactions caused by radiation therapy for cancer patients. Buy a big tube if you know that you’re going to have ongoing radiation treatments to help with subsequent skin issues. Apply the cream in a thick 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer until the skin no longer absorbs the product; there may be a waxy residue.
4. Wound Healing
Hurt yourself? Biafine can help with abrasions, minor cuts, and surgical wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Apply to skin to help prevent scarring and help with recovery.
5. Post Dermatological Procedure
If you just got a chemical peel or laser treatment, you can enlist the soothing qualities of Biafine to help manage any discomfort. During your downtime which can last several days, you’ll want to apply regularly to help your skin recover.
6. Post-Tattoo Care
Freshly inked? Use the cream to help your skin heal and to ease discomfort.
7. Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Biafine also makes a great moisturizer, especially if you suffer from dry skin on your body. It should not be used on your face unless you have a skin condition like eczema as it can be comedogenic. On top of its ointment tube, Biafine also has a body lotion for this specific purpose.
@glowwithava Replying to @401dalmatiens my mosquito bite went from size of a peach to this 😳 wow #biafine #frenchskincaremusthaves #frenchpharmacy #frenchpharmacyskincare #skincaretips #mosquitobites #healingcream #avainparis #skincaremusthaves ♬ original sound – Statistics
A mini tube of Biafine comes in handy in so many ways on vacation. If you get a little too much sun it provides relief and healing, lessening the burn. Got a bunch of mosquito bites during your outdoor dinner? Just apply some of your favorite trusty emulsion to keep you from scratching your skin and to help lessen the itch. Scratched your leg on some coral scuba diving? Just apply some cream and your scratch will go from inflamed to soothed in no time.
Biafine should be in your travel bag at all time, you’re guaranteed to use it.
Biafine is available on Amazon.