Eau Thermale Avène

Dedicated to a Sensitive Skin

Legend has it that the discovery of the medical quality of the waters in the Saint Odile spring in Avène, a lovely old picturesque village in the South of France, started in 1736 when a horse belonging to a Marquis was turned loose to roam due to a severe skin disease. The horse found the thermal spring and after drinking from the spring and rolling in its waters, the horse’s coat became shiny again and the skin disease was completely cured. So amazed was the Marquis, that in 1743 he built a thermal spring facility, the Avène Hydrotherapy Center, to help treat people suffering from a variety of chronic skin diseases such as atopic eczema and psoriasis. The therapeutic properties of the thermal spring waters caught the attention of medical doctors throughout Europe, confirming its efficacy and contributing to its reputation. In 1975 Pierre Fabre Laboratories purchased the Avène Hydrotherapy Center.

Pierre Fabre Laboratories was created in the early 60s by Mr Pierre Fabre, a French pharmacist. Today it is one of the largest independent pharmaceutical groups in France with international sales spanning many continents. Their activities cover all aspects of healthcare, from prescription drugs, family health products, to dermo-cosmetics.

A precious resource

The Avène impluvium is located at the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. This is a unique and preserved portion of nature where every raindrop travels on, an over 50-year journey, becoming enriched with precious elements, before finally transforming into Avène Thermal Spring Water. Years of research revealed a unique discovery – in addition to its constant mineral composition, Avène Thermal Spring Water contains an original, previously undiscovered microflora called Aqua Dolomiae which is responsible for calming itching sensations and irritation of the skin. This unique biological property, together with the mineral properties, created a double signature in the Avène Thermal Spring Water that does not exist anywhere in the world.

A powerful but gentle wonder of nature

Since the spring was first discovered, the Avène Thermal Spring Water’s fame, as a powerful but gentle natural active ingredient, has been built on its dermatological benefits. Since then, over 150 fundamental and clinical studies have been conducted and close to 50 publications attest to these beneficial properties for sensitive, intolerant or allergic skin. With its low mineral content, the water is soft and hydrating and does not cause drying of the skin – this can be a problem when thermal spring water has high mineral content.

The synergy between the Thermal Spring Water and Innovative Active Ingredients

Avène Thermal Spring Water is the key ingredient in all the products. Blending this exceptional water with specific active ingredients, many of them patented to Avène is the key to their efficacy and this is a reflection of the scientific research, hard work and pharmaceutical culture of researchers at this institute. Pierre Fabre Laboratories invests a certain percentage of its pharmaceutical turnover in R&D focusing on key research areas with dermatology being one of them.

Cutting edge technology & innovation of sterile cosmetics

All Eau Thermale Avène products are formulated for sensitive skin and have minimalist formulations to minimize the risks of skin irritation and allergic reactions and they contain no preservatives. They offer genuine moments of well-being thanks to the physically soothing effects of their soft, rich ‘new generation’ textures. The whole range has been formulated with comfort and safety in mind, with a stringent selection process of innovative key ingredients. These are rigorously tested for efficiency and tolerance under strict dermatological controls and are endorsed by medical professionals.

Avène Thermal Spring Water is drawn directly from the Spring and packaged in a sterile atmosphere. The very first time it makes contact with the outside world is when you spray it onto your skin! The highly technical, patented D.E.F.I. (Device for Exclusive Formula Integrity) delivery system allows the formula to be completely sterile and safe for the entire use of the product with no risk of retro-contamination.

Improving the Lives of those with sensitive skins

The Pierre Fabre Foundation shows how their commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and their families by working in close collaboration with major public health initiatives in France and abroad in countries in South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. They also contribute to on-going healthcare professionals’ academic training.

A company with an environmental conscience

By reducing the number and concentration of UV filters and by improving the biodegradability of its Sun Care formulas, Avène Dermatological Laboratories are meeting a dual challenge: offering the very best sun protection while minimizing environmental impact. In partnership with PUR PROJECT, they also contribute to restoring coral reefs and to protecting the marine ecosystem. They are also extending this eco-friendly approach to other products in their portfolio by using biodegradable formulas, a voluntary energy-saving program, a responsible purchasing policy as well as eco-design integrated into its packaging development.

Dedicated to Dermatology

The new Avène Hydrotherapy Center, not far from the original spring, was opened in 1990 and is completely dedicated to dermatology. Various skin conditions are treated in this centre: atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scars, burn scars, post-cancer, ichthyosis etc. Today it offers the most modern medical equipment combined with the world-renowned quality and efficiency of its thermal water. People with a variety of chronic skin diseases, from around the world, are sponsored to spend time in this specialised treatment centre and this has included many South Africans.

A trusted brand that has withstood the passage of time

From 1736 until today, one cannot but help reflect on the rich history of the Avène thermal spring waters and their journey into the modern world today. The products that contain these special waters, come with a heart and soul that is the backbone of this special company and it is, therefore, more than fitting that we launch this special brand on Dermastore, on Valentine’s Day.