Beauty pick: The benefits of Avène sunscreen

There are many reasons why I love my job – creative people, wonderful beauty treatments, face creams galore – but my most recent “loving this” moment happened in a small village in France called Avène.

I had been flown into France for a week to learn more about a French pharmaceutical company, and specifically to visit the Avène Hydrotherapy Center. After a three hour drive from Albi, twisting through what is called the “Land of Mountains and Springs,” I stepped out of the van into a lush and beautiful paradise.

The Hydrotherapy Centre has been designed to treat people with extremely sensitive skin, those who suffer from disorders like Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Eczema. Due to the unique geological environment of the region, the thermal spring water has been recognized for it’s healing and soothing properties. While on site, I was lucky enough to bath in the water, and to learn more about the facility. I was also lucky enough to take home a few products with me.

My favorite: High Protection Mineral Cream SPF50. If you have sensitive skin this sunscreen is absolutely amazing because it is formulated with 50% Avène thermal spring water. It is also lightly tinted, so it blends seamlessly into uneven or irritated skin, and is enriched with antioxidants.

Avène High Protection mineral Cream SPF50, $26, Shoppers Drug Mart.