Between the colder, nippier weather on the horizon, my questionable sleep schedule, work-related stress, and affinity for wine, my complexion is looking more dull and dehydrated than I'd like. In other words, it's time to bring out the thicker creams and balms. My combination skin might not be keen on them during the warmer months (gel moisturizers all the way!), but my barrier needs all of the love it can get starting—checks notes—now. If you ask anyone on the Allure team, they'll say La Roche-Posay is one of the best sensitive skin–friendly brands, so I knew exactly where to turn.

You've likely heard the hype surrounding the humble Cicaplast Balm B5, but I'm not one to believe everything I read online. In fact, my first impression was: a balm? That must be way too heavy. The plot twist? Cicaplast is more akin to a rich cream, and not greasy-feeling at all—especially after a few minutes have passed (a.k.a. when I snapped my “after” photo). It does take a bit longer to sink in and blend, but it dries down to a semi-matte, velvety finish I barely notice. This is definitely more of a nighttime cream for me—I sometimes even skip my toner/essence steps, so it's just double-cleanse, a retinol and/or hydrating serum, and Cicaplast. That's the simplest my p.m. routine has ever been, and honestly, I'm not mad at it. It's so moisturizing that I still feel the benefits—a.k.a. baby-soft skin—come morning. We'll get into why in just a moment.

You didn't think I'd just ramble on about this product myself, right? Let's hear what the derms have to say about why Cicaplast Balm B5 is that girl. “This balm is rich in panthenol and madecassoside, which help to soothe, repair, and protect the skin's barrier,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, told Allure. If you're not familiar, madecassoside (a compound derived from Centella asiatica, or cica for short) is a dream for redness-prone skin—in fact, experts have recommended Cicaplast to help alleviate rosacea symptoms. "Cica boosts circulation and blood flow to the skin, decreases moisture loss, and aids in cellular repair," Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, explained. "Skin, therefore, appears more hydrated and less inflamed." Cicapair is far from being my first cica or madecassoside rodeo, so I can 110% back these statements.

If all of the above wasn't enough backing, it's also recognized by the National Eczema Association. Cica isn't the only star ingredient, either: Shea butter (a well-known emollient) and vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol) do a first-rate job curbing inflammation and moisture loss. Translation: juicy skin ahead.

While I don't necessarily have sensitive skin, I do deal with redness, especially around the nose area—and sometimes on my nose, due to stress-picking. (Don't be like me in that sense!) I was curious whether or not the cica and host of other soothers would make a difference in the look of my red patch, so I concentrated more product there. I wasn't even expecting anything, but you can see the proof in the photos. (Again, I waited a few minutes before taking my “after” photo.)