*Disclaimer: The products were gifted by ISDIN South Africa, though, the review therein is not paid-for and is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*

I have mentioned before that one of my most favourite sunscreens is Heliocare, from Cantabria Labs in Spain, so I was really intrigued when I heard that ISDIN had launched in South Africa, as it hails from Barcelona. When skincare products have clinical evidence backing them, I am on full alert, so I was really excited to receive a press drop containing some of their innovative products.

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The first product I tried is an anti-ageing sunscreen called ISDIN FotoUltra Age Repair Fusion Water (50ml) SPF 50+

R600.00

It’s lightweight and oil-free and protects against radiation, but it’s also got anti-ageing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Q10- all brilliant for your skin. You can put it around the eye area as it doesn’t sting or irritate. Tick that box.

10 ISDIN FotoUltra Age Repair FW 50ml

Another sunscreen I tried is the ISDIN Foto Ultra 100 Active Unify fusion fluid SPF 50+ (50ml)

R520.00

Also a highly protective sunscreen that prevents pigmentation, but this one contains Niacinamide – a superstar ingredient that prevents breakouts (often linked to sunscreen) and is a great anti-ageing ingredient that also fades brown spots. Ascorbic acid is present as well in a stable form, so this will also help fade any pigmentation.

The texture is quite runny but it goes on smoothly and feels lovely. I am also using it on the backs of my hands – an area that we somehow miss in our skincare routine. A note to fragrance haters – this might not be for you, but for those who love a smell, this one is heavenly.

11 ISDIN FotoUltra 100 Active Unify 50ml

The next product for mature skins is the ISDIN A.G.E.Reverse Day cream (50ml)

R1630.00

This comes in a jar – not my best – but a spatula is provided. This cream is gel-like, absorbs like a dream and works really well under makeup. The A.G.E. stands for Advanced Glycation End products which are proteins or fats that are harmful when combined with sugar in the bloodstream, so really bad for ageing or degeneration. Carnosine, contained in this cream, delays A.G.E. – which really makes me like it a lot.

12 ISDIN AGE Reverse Day Daily Facial Remodelling Cream

Another delightful product was the ISDIN Skin Drops (15ml)

R895.00

A fluid medical foundation that comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. They only come in two colours: Sand and Bronze – I opted for the bronze, as I did not want a pale face with a summer skin body.

This foundation is so deceptive as you would think that being so liquid, it would be sheer and give a very light coverage. But despite the fact that it is lightweight, a couple of drops are enough to give your entire face a lovely, even tone. It’s supposed to be a matte finish, but I used it over each of the sunscreens and that gave me a more radiant result. I believe this product can cover most imperfections, like vitiligo, pigmentation, fine red veins, bruises, scars and burns. You can build it up or blend it out, depending on your needs.

Now the colour – Bronze was in fact a bit too dark for me, so I sheered it out with my moisturiser. But this week I have been using it as a liquid bronzer on my cheekbones, forehead, jawline and chin – giving me a sun-kissed look. Now I might have to get the other shade.

13 ISDINCEUTICS Skin Drops 15ml Group

In short

This brand has medical-grade products with good, active ingredients at an affordable price point – starting from R230.

You can find ISDIN at selected pharmacies and doctors’ rooms. It is also available online from:

Paola Chellew

Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.

📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography