INSTITUT Esthederm Paris is the French skin-care brand which takes an educational approach to anti-ageing beauty and problem skin. Started by French Biologist and Pharmacist Jean-Noël Thorel (who also owns Bioderma), the company was founded on the principle of only using ingredients scientifically proven to benefit skin-health, which quickly won it a cult-brand status across Europe. Aimed primarily at ageing skin, Esthederm’s best selling anti-wrinkle products include its hyaluronic range and its Cream Excellence, however it also creates products that work against several skin problems, including acne and oily skin types.
Now in the season of post-Christmas and New Year parties induced breakouts, it seemed there was no better time to put the acne-fighting Esthederm Intensive Propolis Serum and Cream range to the test.
For those unfamiliar with propolis in skincare, it’s a compound bees produce from the sap of needle-leaved or evergreen trees, which they use to build their hives. For thousands of years, propolis has been renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, with the Ancient Greeks using it to treat abscesses, Middle Eastern civilisations to prevent infections, and the Egyptians to embalm mummies. These days propolis is known less for its medicinal purposes, but as an active ingredient in skincare used to treat acne-prone skin. It’s anti-inflammatory properties are legendary, praised for its ability to soothe and reduce imperfections in the skin. Esthederm even describes it as a “natural antibiotic”.
Institut Esthederm, Intensive Propolis Serum
I included the Esthederm Intensive Propolis serum and and cream as part of my daily skin routine for a month, applying a few drops of the serum to cleansed skin twice a day, followed by the cream. The first night I tried the serum, I noticed some light shedding from my skin, which I wasn’t concerned about, as I’ve experienced similar shedding with products including hyaluronic acid. I’m not too sure if this was caused by the propolis extract, or another ingredient in the products. It may have something to do with what Esthederm describes as the regeneration process, detailing the synthesis of collagen, which accelerates the skin’s capacity to repair itself. This was the only day I noticed shedding, but saw continuous brightness in my skin after applying the serum and cream throughout the month.
Institut Esthederm, Intensive Propolis Cream
While also working to moisturising and hydrate my skin, without feeling greasy, the propolis serum and cream together worked to significantly decrease my breakouts, both in numbers and severity. I also noticed, amazingly, that blemishes seemed to heal and disappear faster while using the duo. And forgetting to use the skincare for a couple of days, I noticed significant difference in my skin too, appearing more dull and tired. This is most likely because the cream creates a soothing action in the skin, activating its natural protection mechanisms and anti-inflammatory properties. The duo also delivered on what it calls its unclogging action, which stimulates the cell metabolism and blood circulation to naturally reduce irritation.
Overall, the combination of the Intensive Propolis Serum and Cream quickly became a firm favourite in my skincare routine. Unlike other skincare brands I’ve tried, the products worked quickly and effectively, ultimately improving the appearance and health of my skin. Although I still experience occasional breakouts, Esthederm has worked greatly to soothe my inflammation, and is not leaving my bathroom anytime soon.
by Emma Hart
The Institut Esthederm Paris Intensive Propolis Serum and Intensive Propolis Cream can be purchased at Feel Unique