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SKIN DIARY ENTRY — Day 0

I threw this in my cart at CVS after Googling “repair cream for face that won’t break me out.” I didn’t expect much. The packaging screamed ‘French pharmacy,’ but not in a cute way — more like in a sterile, I-do-my-job kinda way.

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Day 1

First impression: thick. It doesn’t glide on like a gel cream, but it melts if I press it gently into my skin. My cheeks were red from over-cleansing (and let’s be honest, impatience with my exfoliating pads), so I just slathered a thin layer on. No stinging. Just calm.

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Day 2

Started checking the ingredient list properly:

✦ Panthenol 5% – aka Vitamin B5, the king of skin barrier repair. It draws in moisture and strengthens the top layer of skin.

✦ Madecassoside – extracted from Centella Asiatica, helps fight inflammation and speeds up skin regeneration. Legit healing properties here.

✦ Zinc PCA – slightly antibacterial, helps reduce irritation and is surprisingly non-drying.

✦ Shea Butter & Glycerin – the emollient and humectant combo that keeps things soft and bouncy.

✦ Thermal Spring Water – just a nice mineral-packed water base, adds anti-inflammatory edge.

It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and free of alcohols or essential oils.

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Day 3

Used it as a night treatment over my prescription tretinoin. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t wake up flaking like croissant layers. No burning, no tightness. Just... stable skin. Is this peace?

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Day 5

Realized this thing is a multi-tool. I used it on a dry patch on my elbow and the raw area around my nose (thank you, allergy season). It worked the same everywhere — soothing and sealing without being greasy.

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Day 7

Tested it under sunscreen and makeup. It pilled slightly with my mineral SPF, but paired nicely under a fluid chemical one. Honestly, it’s not meant for glam days. But when my skin’s freaking out, glam isn’t the priority.

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Final Thoughts (aka Day 10 and beyond)

It’s not cute. It’s not viral. But if your skin barrier is compromised, if you’ve been too aggressive with actives, or if you just need a “reset button” cream — this is it.

No fake glow. Just quiet resilience.

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Will I repurchase? 100%.

Will I recommend it? Only to people who won’t gatekeep it from me.

Will I take a photo of it on my bathroom shelf? Probably not. But it’ll be there. Always.

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