Dr.althea Relief
Dr.Althea's relief range covers the calming side of Korean skincare - barrier repair creams, soothing mists, amino acid cleansers, and restorative masks that bring reactive or irritated skin back to baseline. The 345 Relief Cream is the anchor product, pairing centella and ceramides in a format that works across skin types.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
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Buying guide
Dr.Althea Relief Collection: How to Use for Calmer, Stronger Skin
Dr.Althea's Relief lineup is built for skin that needs calming, not stimulation. It uses centella asiatica, amino acids, and barrier-supporting actives to reduce redness, repair the skin barrier, and sustain moisture without overwhelming sensitized skin. Here is how to get the most out of each product format in the range.
What 'Relief' Means in Skincare
Relief, in the context of Dr.Althea's range, refers specifically to calming the skin's inflammatory response and restoring its protective barrier. This is distinct from simple hydration: relief targets the underlying reasons skin becomes red, tight, or reactive - barrier breakdown, moisture loss, and inflammatory signals - rather than just adding water to the surface.
The 345 Relief Cream: Core Formula
The 345 Relief Cream is the centerpiece of the range. The name refers to a formulation ratio of barrier-supporting ingredients. It is a medium-weight cream suitable for dehydrated, sensitive, or post-procedure skin. Apply it as the last step in an evening routine or as the first moisturizer layer in the morning before sunscreen. For very dry skin, layer it on top of a serum.
345 Relief Cream Mist: On-the-Go Barrier Support
The mist version delivers the same calming actives in a spray format. It comes in 60ml (travel-friendly) and 100ml sizes. Spritz it onto bare skin after cleansing as a refreshing toner-step, or mist over makeup mid-day to calm any dryness or tightness. Hold the bottle 20-30cm from your face and pat lightly - do not rub.
Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser: Washing Without Stripping
Amino acid cleansers work at a pH close to skin's own (around 5-6), which means they remove makeup and sebum without disrupting the skin's acid mantle. The Green Relief cleanser is particularly suited for sensitive or eczema-prone skin that reacts to sulphate-based foaming cleansers. Use as a second cleanse in the evening or a sole cleanse in the morning.
Cica Relief Sun Essence: SPF with Calming Benefit
The Cica Relief Sun Essence doubles as daily sunscreen (check label for SPF rating) and a soothing step. Cica (centella asiatica) is included to prevent the UV-triggered inflammation that worsens redness. Apply it as the final step of your morning routine. It is lightweight and absorbs without a heavy white cast, making it suitable under makeup.
Last Minute Skin Rescue Mask: Intensive 30-Sheet Set
The 30-sheet Anastatica mask set is the high-volume option for regular mask use. Anastatica hierochuntica (rose of Jericho) is an ingredient that activates with moisture to deliver a burst of humectants. Use it 2-3 times per week for dehydrated or stressed skin, or every night for the first week after a peel, laser, or other skin procedure.
Single-Use Masks: Jelly Seal and Cushion Veil
The Jelly Seal Repair Mask and Cushion Veil Calming Mask come in 4-sheet packs. Jelly seal formats create an occlusive layer that drives active ingredients deeper into the skin. Cushion veil sheets are thinner and more comfortable for longer wear. Use these for targeted repair sessions - after sun exposure, during high-stress periods, or as a pre-event skin prep.
Building a Relief Routine
A minimal calming routine: amino cleanser → mist (as toner) → relief cream → cica sun essence (morning only). Add the skin rescue mask 2-3 nights per week. For a recovery phase after a skin procedure: cleanse gently, apply the Pro Lab Skin Relief Essence, layer the relief cream, finish with the jelly seal mask to seal everything in.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dr.Althea Relief collection focused on?
The Relief collection is Dr.Althea's calming and barrier-repair line. It targets sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin with centella asiatica, amino acids, and barrier-supporting ingredients designed to reduce redness and restore the skin's protective layer.
What does the '345' mean in the 345 Relief Cream name?
The 345 refers to Dr.Althea's internal formulation ratio for its core calming complex - a specific proportion of ceramides, centella, and peptides. It is a branding shorthand for the formula's signature barrier-repair blend rather than a percentage or count of ingredients.
What is the difference between the 345 Relief Cream and the 345 Relief Cream Mist?
Same calming complex, different textures and uses. The cream is applied as a moisturizer in your main routine. The mist is a spray format you can use as a toning step after cleansing or over makeup during the day to refresh and calm the skin. The mist comes in 60ml and 100ml.
Is the Relief range suitable for very sensitive or reactive skin?
Yes. The Relief range is specifically formulated for sensitive and reactive skin. The amino gel cleanser uses a gentle pH-balanced system; the cream and mist focus on calming actives over stimulating ones. If your skin has active eczema or contact dermatitis, patch test first and consult a dermatologist.
Can I use Dr.Althea Relief products after a laser or chemical peel?
The range is designed partly for post-procedure recovery. The amino gel cleanser is gentle enough for freshly treated skin. The Pro Lab Skin Relief Essence and the Jelly Seal Repair Mask are particularly useful in the days after a peel or laser, when the barrier is compromised and needs intensive support. Always follow your provider's specific post-care instructions first.
What is Anastatica hierochuntica and why is it in the mask?
Anastatica hierochuntica is a desert plant (also called rose of Jericho or resurrection plant) that revives completely when exposed to moisture. In skincare, its extract delivers a concentrated burst of humectants. In the Last Minute Skin Rescue Mask, it provides deep hydration and helps damaged skin recover faster.
How often should I use the Dr.Althea sheet masks?
The 30-sheet Last Minute Skin Rescue Mask can be used 2-4 times per week as a regular hydration step. The 4-sheet Jelly Seal and Cushion Veil masks are better suited to occasional intensive sessions - once or twice a week or before a special event. Nightly masking is fine during active recovery phases.
Does the Cica Relief Sun Essence provide full sun protection?
Yes - it is a dedicated sunscreen formulated with cica extract added for its calming benefit. Check the product label for the exact SPF and PA rating. Apply it as the final step of your morning routine before makeup, and reapply every two hours if you are spending extended time outdoors.
Does the amino gel cleanser remove makeup?
The Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser removes light makeup and daily sebum effectively. For heavy or waterproof makeup, use an oil cleanser or micellar water as a first cleanse before using the amino gel cleanser as a second step. This double-cleanse approach is standard in Korean skincare routines.
Can I layer the mist over the cream if my skin is very dry?
Yes. Mist → cream is a valid layering order: the mist delivers a thin layer of actives and the cream seals them in. You can also mist lightly on top of the cream if it has not fully set - the added moisture helps the cream absorb better into dry patches.
What is the Pro Lab Skin Relief Essence for?
The Pro Lab Skin Relief Essence is a concentrated serum-step formula designed for skin that needs intensive calming support. Apply it after toner and before moisturizer. It works well as a pre-cream step when the skin barrier is significantly compromised, layering under the 345 Relief Cream for a double barrier dose.
How do I know the Dr.Althea Relief products on Skinsli are genuine?
All Dr.Althea products sold on Skinsli come from verified Korean supplier stock and ship in original sealed packaging. Batch codes are intact and readable. Dr.Althea is a Korean derma brand - not all international sites carry authentic stock, so purchasing through an authorized source like Skinsli matters.