Biafine, otherwise known as Trolamine, is one of the most basic staples that can be found in any French, German or Israeli pharmacy. Yasmine Djerradine, skin care authority and Travel Beauty expert recommended it to me to help prevent scarring when I had surgery 16 years ago. It is a multi-tasking wonder ointment that soothes redness, irritation, inflammation and sunburns.

In Europe Biafine is mostly used to prevent and soothe diaper rash in infants, but this topical wonder offers so much more. Over the years I have incorporated Biafine into my daily regimen.

Cure for Chapped Lips

I have excruciatingly dry lips. My husband often scolds me for biting them. The truth is I don’t, my lips are just so chapped that it appears as though I do. The Fall is the worst, as the cold, dry air starts to creep in pulling a double shift. I layer Biafine under my lip gloss or lipstick for an extra boost of moisture. It coats, smoothes and soothes lips sealing in a barrier between the lips and the outside world. In my experience products like Eucerin, Vaseline and Blistex seem to suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Apply Biafine before bed too. Skin repairs itself overnight when we are sleeping; the same is true for the skin on our lips. Biafine gives your lips the extra lift they need.

Body Care

Body oil is my body care product of choice, especially in colder months. Right now I’m using Mio Skincare The Activist Firming Active Body Oil. It’s rich and smells divine (and I am not a fan of scents.) Even if you apply body oil to damp skin, mixing body oil with a creamy agent helps it to penetrate the skin more deeply and dilute the oily texture of many rich body oils. Biafine comes in handy as I am usually in a rush and don’t have time to wait for body oil to dry before pulling on a pair of trousers or jeans. Biafine cuts just enough of the oily texture without being too creamy and because it’s scent free, it won’t interfere with the scent of your favorite body oil.

Soothing Rosacea

I am not a dermatologist, doctor or skin care expert by way of formal education and there is currently no cure for rosacea. That said, in many cases, Biafine has been able to help lessen the symptoms of this skin condition. Though food intake and stress are some of the factors that contribute to rosacea, the bottom line is that it causes red, reactive and in some cases inflamed skin. While using gentle skin care for sensitive, reactive skin, like Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 or Sapelo Skin Care Rejuvenating Cream, that soothe and cool is essential, layering a thin layer of Biafine under these types of moisturizers adds an extra cool and calming layer of care that, much like in the case of chapped lips, provides a buffer between irritated skin and your moisturizer. On more severe days when skin is particularly reactive, Biafine can be used alone. Please note that everyone is different so before applying Biafine on your entire face, conduct a small patch test.

After Dermatological Peels and Treatments

Though I am not a proponent of chemical peels (many are purported to cause harmful chemicals to seep into the bloodstream and dehydrate skin, stripping it of many essential nutrients) many people swear them. Biafine aids in soothing the dry, seemingly sunburned shape that you will find your skin in immediately following these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Radio Dermatitis

Biafine is often prescribed to cancer patients or others receiving radiation treatment. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of Biafine help bring down the inflammation and treat burned and painful irritation that can be caused by these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Cuts and Sunburn

Biafine can also be used as a wound dressing to heal minor cuts. It provides moisture to aid the skin in the healing process while protecting it from bacterial contamination. Biafine can also be applied directly to sunburns to soothe and lessen inflammation. As opposed to aloe-based sunburn ointments and gels, Biafine seeps into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a wet gelatinous texture sitting on the surface of the skin.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Scatter my ashes at a French pharmacy. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. Team Travel Beauty has gushed about overseas pharmacy staples like Biafine (the dream cream)…we purchased Labello Lip Balm by the CASE before it became readily available stateside…and everyone who’s anyone has a bottle of Bioderma Crealine on her/his #shelfie.

But in all the articles and odes to the beauty stars of European pharmacies, the entire REST of the pharmacy have been all but forgotten…until now. Though I can easily melt my credit card before I even make it past the beauty section of most farmacias, to do so would mean missing out on some true health and wellness treasures. So if you think you’ll be able to practice moderate spending restraint next time you’re in a farmacia, go explore the wonderful world of personal care and wellness products they have. Seems overwhelming? Here are some of my favorite items.

From France: Osma Styptic Pencil

I love my five blade razor. As I’ve shared before, it has allowed me to skip a day (or two) of shaving. Usually, I am able to deftly wield this razor without sustaining injury, but when I’m rushing (always), the dreaded cut can sometimes happen. And if you know, then you know: A multi-blade razor cut ain’t nothin’ to mess with. That’s why I always have one of these on hand. This styptic pencil has astringent properties to curb any bleeding from nicks or cuts. I also use it it to reduce irritation from shaving…and even bad insect bites. This styptic pen is also tres chic: It comes in a travel-friendly crystal tube. Oh la la!

From Germany: Melisana Klosterfrau Melissengeist

Full disclosure: I initially only picked up this “health tonic” because the packaging was so beautiful and intriguing. A stunning cornflower blue box with a simple white drawing…of three nuns. Well, OK! Then, when I saw the Santa Maria Novella-esque bottle inside, I didn’t really care WHAT it did—I had to have it. Imagine my delight when the shop girl explained (everything was written in German) that Klosterfrau was started by a nun almost 200 years ago as a line of natural (I’d say organic, but in 1826 that’s all there was!) health remedies. This health tonic, a mixture of mallow, artichoke, hops, arnica, valerian root, mountain pine, plantain and MUCH more, can be mixed with water and drank or applied topically. What does it do? Well, EVERYTHING. It was designed to improve overall well-being: reduce stress, tension, nervousness, restlessness and anxiety and promote healthy sleep. It also eases discomfort  caused by seasonal changes improves the function of the digestive tract, especially indigestion, bloating and flatulence. It’s also a mild way to improve cold/flu symptoms. Applied externally, it supports circulation and is great for sore muscles and muscle tension. This blue box is an absolute must-have for winter cold season.

From India: Monkey Brand Tooth Powder

If “but first, coffee” is your daily battle cry, you need this monkey in your mouth. This organic, ayurvedic tooth powder & whitener, from India’s 100 year old Monkey Brand, is composed of essential oils and herbs mixed in finely-ground wood charcoal. This charcoal is not only a breath purifier, but also an organic bleach—a gentle and natural stain-remover. The natural herbs and oils in the powder also promote healthy gums (so important!). Now, one caveat: This stuff is blacker than a stick of Stila Kajal Eye Liner, so know that when you look in the mirror while the powder is on your teeth, it’ll look like, well, you’re brushing your teeth with charcoal. But once you rinse it out, it’s gleam*gleam*gleam.

From Italy: Borotalco Powder

Borotalco has been an Italian home staple for decades. As the proud product of a strict Italian grandma, I can tell you firsthand that Italians do not mess around when it comes to cleanliness. This talc looks beautiful in the bathroom, is genius for sprinkling on linens (great for guest room beds & towels) and sops up sweat like no other. The scent is very unisex and does not overpower. If you buy it in the humonga 500 ml size, it comes in a beautiful tin bottle. Be advised, though: I love this product because the super-fine talc is so easy to put on my body…but that also means my bathroom looks like it’s been hit by a blizzard if I don’t apply it carefully.

From Sweden: Dermatone Coffee Flavored Lip Balm

I love lip balm. I really love lip balm with SPF (sunburnt lips are the WORST, amirite?!). But a lip balm with SPF that’s COFFEE FLAVORED and enriched with ACTUAL CAFFEINE?!?! I’d marry it if I could. An early morning freezing first run ski essential.

From The UK: Bath House Spanish Fig & Nutmeg Deodorant

Powder Fresh. Shower Fresh. Spring Fresh…we get it, deodorant companies. You want us to know you’ll keep our pits “fresh”. What if I told you you could smell fresh while not also smelling like a newborn baby? Enter the sophisticated pit products from UK’s Bath House. These roll-on deodorants are 98% natural and paraben and aluminium free. Technically a “men’s” product, Bath House deodorants are 100% unisexy. If Spanish Fig & Nutmeg is not your thing, other delicious options include Bergamot Amber.

Tried any of these? What are your wellness favorites from overseas? Let us know in the comments!

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram

Biafine, otherwise known as Trolamine, is one of the most basic staples that can be found in any French, German or Israeli pharmacy. Yasmine Djerradine, skin care authority and Travel Beauty expert recommended it to me to help prevent scarring when I had surgery 15 years ago. It is a multi-tasking wonder ointment that soothes redness, irritation, inflammation and sunburns.

In Europe Biafine is mostly used to prevent and soothe diaper rash in infants, but this topical wonder offers so much more. Over the years I have incorporated Biafine into my daily regimen.

Cure for Chapped Lips

I have excruciatingly dry lips. My husband often scolds me for biting them. The truth is I don’t, my lips are just so chapped that it appears as though I do. The winter is the worst, as the cold dry air seems to be pulling a double shift. I layer Biafine under my lip gloss or lipstick for an extra boost of moisture. It coats, smoothes and soothes lips sealing in a barrier between the lips and the outside world. In my experience products like Eucerin, Vaseline and Blistex seem to suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Apply Biafine before bed too. Skin repairs itself overnight when we are sleeping; the same is true for the skin on our lips. Biafine gives your lips the extra lift they need.

Body Care

Body oil is my body care product of choice, especially in colder months. Right now I’m using Mio Skincare The Activist Firming Active Body Oil. It’s rich and smells divine (and I am not a fan of scents.) Even if you apply body oil to damp skin mixing body oil with a creamy agent helps it to penetrate the skin more deeply and dilute the oily texture of many rich body oils. In other words, many of us are in a rush and don’t have time to wait for body oil to dry (now we are not talking oil slick here, but even body oils that go on almost dry can leave an initial damp residue on the skin) before pulling on a pair of trousers or jeans. Biafine cuts just enough of the oily texture without being too creamy and because it’s scent free, it won’t interfere with the scent of your favorite body oil.

Soothing Rosacea

I am not a dermatologist, doctor or skin care expert by way of formal education and there is currently no cure for rosacea. That said, in many cases, Biafine has been able to help lessen the symptoms of this skin condition. Though food intake and stress are some of the factors that contribute to rosacea, the bottom line is that it causes red, reactive and in some cases inflamed skin. While using gentle skin care for sensitive, reactive skin, like Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 or B. Kamins Laboratories Nutrient Replacement Cream Kx, that soothe and cool is essential, layering a thin layer of Biafine under these types of moisturizers adds an extra cool and calming layer of care that, much like in the case of chapped lips, provides a buffer between irritated skin and your moisturizer. On more severe days when skin is particularly reactive, Biafine can be used alone. Please note that everyone is different so before applying Biafine on your entire face, conduct a small patch test.

After Dermatological Peels and Treatments

Though I am not a proponent of chemical peels (many are purported to cause harmful chemicals to seep into the bloodstream and dehydrate skin, stripping it of many essential nutrients) many people swear them. Biafine aids in soothing the dry, seemingly sunburned shape that you will find your skin in immediately following these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Radio Dermatitis

Biafine is often prescribed to cancer patients or others receiving radiation treatment. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of Biafine help bring down the inflammation and treat burned and painful irritation that can be caused by these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Cuts and Sunburn

Biafine can also be used as a wound dressing to heal minor cuts. It provides moisture to aid the skin in the healing process while protecting it from bacterial contamination. Biafine can also be applied directly to sunburns to soothe and lessen inflammation. As opposed to aloe-based sunburn ointments and gels, Biafine seeps into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a wet gelatinous texture sitting on the surface of the skin.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie