If you're a regular reader of the Online Pharmacy UK Blog, you'll know that we're big fans of French skincare brand, La Roche-Posay. We've already taken a look at what La Roche-Posay product is best for each skin type, but what is it that has given the La Roche-Posay brand such a cult status amongst celebrities and beauty bloggers alike? We're going to channel our inner history teacher and explore the impressive albeit unique brand history of La Roche-Posay.
What's the story behind the brand?
The history of La Roche-Posay dates back to the 14th century, when legend has it that a knight stopped at a French spring in La Roche to quench his thirst. His horse reportedly suffered from eczema, but as soon as he immersed himself in the spring water, he was cured. This is where the brand's dermatological story begins.
Admittedly, it's not known if this is exactly true, but in 1617, Pierre Millto, doctor to Henry IV, visited the spring to analyse the water and confirmed that that the water had healing properties. Napoleon later had a thermal hospital built on the site to treat his soldiers' skin diseases. In 1905, the town opened its first thermal hospital at the site. By 1913, La Roche-Posay thermal station was declared a hydrothermal station by the National Academy of Medicine.
What makes it different to other products?
The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, in the very water of the spring itself. The La Roche-Posay spring has a high level of selenium, which is what makes it so special. Selenium is an antioxidant and a trace element that boosts cellular metabolism.
It's all a little technical but there's a real science that lies behind the brand. The thermal spring water is actually the result of rainwater seeping through layers of chalky rock, which are natural selenium reserves. This rock is an antioxidant, and selenium is a trace element that's essential to boosting the cellular metabolism. La Roche-Posay is 100% hypoallergenic, oil-free and contains high concentrations of active ingredients.
When did they become a skincare brand?
La Roche-Posay has had 21 clinical trials of their products, and is recommended by 25,000 dermatologists in over 80 countries so it's fair to say that they're doing something right! They've been developing and selling skincare and cosmetics or over 30 years and have worked with dermatologists across the world to invent skincare and make-up products that meet their needs and requirements. La Roche-Posay also supports them in their training and their role of taking daily care of patients, through a number of actions including educational workshops for patients.
Furthermore, La Roche-Posay makes products specifically for dealing with the nasty side effects of various skin conditions such as skin lesions, ultra dry skin, and burns.
Shop our range of La Roche Posay products now.