Bioderma and Institut Esthederm product review

Last Updated on April 30, 2021

Taking care of your skin the French way

The combination of a long winter and the unpleasant process of getting older has taken its toll on my complexion this winter. My skin tends to get a little dry and recently it’s been quite sensitive and reactive and there’s been no chance of having a facial during the lockdown. Living in London I am exposed to pollution and poor water quality, so combined with the stress of lockdown it is no wonder that my skin is feeling the effects and in need of some loving care and a bit of a boost, so I was pleased to be given the opportunity of trying out a selection of skincare products from the Bioderma and Institut Esthederm range all of which were tailored to my specific skin type.

Bioderma Laboratory is a French pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1977, in Aix en Provence. It makes a wide range of skincare products and over the years has acquired unique expertise in skincare by using biology to create solutions for the skins most common concerns, as well as a way to preserve its beauty in a lasting way.

Photoderm Spot – high protection (SPF 50+):

The Photoderm Suncare Range produces a fantastic array of products that are tailored to an individual’s concerns and their exposure to the sun, they offer a great UVA/UVB balance as well as the exclusive Cellular Bioprotection® patent that protects deep into the skin and its DNA. After sitting in the sun far too much over the years I sadly have got several age spots, so I have been using the Photoderm Spot – high protection (SPF 50+) gel-cream which helps limit the appearance of dark spots, protects scars and prevents hyperpigmentation whilst also providing high protection from the sun. It is light and creamy and dissolves beautifully into the skin and it’s the perfect product for me to use in the coming summer months to give me full protection from the sun.

Bioderma produces a selection of high factor creams for other specific skin intolerances, including the following:

• Photoderm AR -a tinted cream which reduces redness, soothes and evens out the complexion,
• Photoderm M – another tinted cream that protects the skin against skin pigmentation, especially Melasma
• Photoderm AKN Mat – Mattifying action for those with acne-prone skin that reduces the appearance of blemishes and spots.  It’s also tinted.

Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel

The Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour gel combines caffeine, a decongestive ingredient that helps to reduce puffiness, with hyaluronic acid and light-reflecting powders, which smooth out and reduce crow’s feet lines. The eye gel has a regular place in my beauty routine and this product is ideal for brightening up the sensitive skin area around the eyes, its light gel-cream is remarkably soothing and moisturising.

Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O micellar water

Changes in the environment have a direct consequence on the skin, the pollutants are capable of penetrating the skin and damaging its barrier, therefore a good cleansing routine is very important for the skin’s hygiene. I have been using Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O micellar water which was invented in 1985 by Biodermas’s clinical research team in partnership with dermatological experts. This simple clear micellar cleansing water is now one of the most prescribed hygiene products by dermatologists in France, it is adapted for all skin types and suits sensitive or reactive skin. This cleanser is gentle and calmative and removes all traces of makeup along with pollutants, I’m very pleased with it and will definitely be using it again.

The Institut Esthederm Hyaluronic range

I have also been trying out two products from the Institut Esthederm hyaluronic range. Institut Esthederm was founded by French pharmacist and biologist Jean-Noel Thorel, who specialises in cellular technologies. He has patented some of the most sophisticated anti-ageing skin solutions and was a pioneer of cellular water in beauty products.

But what is a hyaluronic range? I didn’t know myself till I started using these products, but it turns out it simply means that they contain hyaluronic acid which according to experts is a beauty superstar. It is found naturally throughout the body and keeps the joints, eyeballs and other moving parts well lubricated. Because it holds water, it doesn’t irritate and helps your skin look plumper.

Hyaluronic Cream 50ml

I have been using the Intensive Hyaluronic Cream which is a highly concentrated cream that helps treat the acute dehydration stage of skin in crisis immediately and deeply by helping fix the water at the skin’s surface. It restores moisturisation in the skin all the way to the epidermis’ deepest layers without blocking your pores as well as softening fine lines and wrinkles.

This luxurious cream melts into your skin leaving it soft and supple. It is an absolute treat, however, it’s not cheap at nearly £50 a pot but I can really notice the difference in my complexion and think it’s worth the splurge, plus it’s elegantly packaged and will look good on anyone’s dressing table.

Hyaluronic Serum 30ml

This is another wonderful product that will complement your beauty routine, making this and the Hyaluronic Cream a perfect duo. It’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid which tackles dehydration problems head-on, helping the skin to regain its natural water level, toning the complexion and softening fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it won the Editor’s Choice in the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards. What’s not to love!

Both brands are manufactured in the Naos warehouse which owns both brands – they’re sisters – and you can order their products directly from the Naos Store.