Longevity: Best In Beauty Awards Compilation

Welcome to Longevity’s Best in Beauty, an eight-year compilation of the products, treatments and services that leading specialists considered among the best available in South Africa for healthy aging. 

Beauty Over the Years

Over the years (from 2018 to 2025), Longevity’s beauty survey has featured the spontaneous and voluntary input of medical specialists and industry professionals, including experts in aesthetic procedures and dermatology, who nominated the products and therapies they use, trust, and believe our readers should know about. Each product has been professionally recommended and may not always be located in retail stores.

The following features the top 12 products and services across several categories over the past few years. The full survey results are available here: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025.

Beauty surveys over the years

The survey spanned a broad range of categories, including Skincare Products, Supplements, Dental Health, Non-Invasive Treatments, and Cosmetic Surgeries, and nominations and evaluations were informed by seven key criteria:

1. Proven, consistent delivery;
2. Customer satisfaction;
3. Value for investment;
4. Relevance and appropriateness;
5. Innovation;
6. Problem-solving abilities; and
7. Sustainability as an aging solution.

Over eight years, Longevity has received over 400 specialist reviews from more than 50 industry professionals. A notable finding is the consistency of specialist voting patterns, which featured relatively few shifts in product preference over time. As a result, this continuity became a useful indicator of which products and therapies have continued to earn specialists’ confidence. 

As such, this Best of Products and Services List represents specialist perceptions and preferences, and not necessarily sales performance or overall consumer popularity. 

This article spotlights the “hero products” that repeatedly stood out among specialist recommendations. Together, these findings offer a snapshot perspective of the products, procedures and services that continue to be relevant and effective in the rapidly evolving healthy-aging and aesthetics landscape.

It demonstrates how the industry has been shaped over the past years, and that consistency and effectiveness remain key features of product choice for specialists.

Where applicable, the Products section provides a local average price and online shopping information, and the Treatments and Procedures section provides a local industry average price and isn’t limited to one clinic.

Experts over the years

The following is a full list of the 82 medical professionals and experts who’ve participated in the survey over the years. 

Aesthetic doctors (30)

Alek Nikolic, Aniali Aucamp-Nel, Anjana Bhana, Anushka Reddy, Cara Duminy, Chris Giezing, Cobus van Niekerk, Coenie Venter, Debbie Norval, Deepa Parbhoo, Farheen Ghoor, Gerda Olmesdahl, Heather Blaylock, Herman van Rooyen, Janine Olivier, Marika van Lelyveld, Mark Opperman (in memoriam), Maureen Allem, Melanie Lambrechts, Michelle Westcott, Nadia Dannhauser, Nafeesah Wadvalla, Natasha Chapman, Nicole Kanaris, Portia Gumede, Ra’eesah Essop, Renske van der Walt, Riana van Gerve, Riekie Smit, Zama Tladi

Dermatologists (11)

Dilshaad Asmal, Ean Smit, Ian Webster, Imraan Jhetam, Izolda Heydenrych, Kesiree Naidoo, Nooren-Nisa Moti, Sian Hartshorne, Tarryn Jacobs, Temi Awotedu, Vanessa Lapiner

Plastic surgeons (8)

Isabel do Vale, Kamlen Pillay, Liza Jordan, Marshall Murdoch, Nerina Wilkinson, Nicolette Landman, Saajida Ghoor, Vernon Ching

Dental practitioners (10)

Aayesha Desai, Bryan Sher, Busi Mathibela, Deepti Naranbhai, Firdaus Ismail, Jan Nel, Melisha Moodley, Riaz Hoosen, Sam Thandar, Zak Schabort

Integrative doctors (7)

Craige Golding, Hema Kalan, Joanne Pautz, Leah Murray, Louise Lindenberg, Riaz Wadvalla, Roxanna Gunter

Obstetricians & gynecologists (2)

Colin Marais, Serasheni Moodley

Other specialists (14)

Jenni Rivett (international fitness trainer), Jessica Vicente (spa consultant), Karen Parsons (aesthetic therapist), Kaylin Dymond (cosmetics professional), Liz Ferrett (Fragrance Queen), Lizande Rossouw (spa executive), Marguerite Doig-Gander (functional medicine certified health coach), Marisa Dimitriadis (spa designer, business developer and spa operator), Mazanne van Staden (skincare specialist), Sadhna Makka (cosmetics professional), Sam Divaris (skincare therapist), Shelene Shaer (salon owner), Tanya Lopes (spa and wellness expert, and senior management), Tzvia Hermann (beauty and aesthetic practitioner)

TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED 4+

1. CoolSculpting (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025)

For those struggling with stubborn fat pockets, CoolSculpting remains a non-surgical alternative. The treatment freezes and permanently eliminates stubborn belly-fat cells. From R7 000 per cycle, and patients may require 2-4 cycles. The treatment is performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

2. VelaShape (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)

As a cellulite treatment, VelaShape works to shrink fat cells, loosen the tight connective muscles that cause dimples, and increase the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother and tighter skin. From R7 000 per cycle, and patients may require 2-4 cycles. The treatment is performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

3. Restylane Kysse (2020, 2021, 2022, 2025)

A popular hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane Kysse enhances overall lip texture, smooths and provides soft volume, while maintaining a natural feel when you smile, talk, frown or laugh. From R4 800 per 1ml syringe. The treatment is performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED 3+

1. Ceccarelli Fat Lipolysis (2020, 2021, 2022)

A non-surgical alternative, Ceccarelli Fat Lipolysis is an injectable that targets and permanently reduces small, stubborn fat pockets that don’t respond to diet and exercise. From R2 000 per session, performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

2. Metagenics UltraFlora Balance (2018, 2021, 2022)

A digestive-health supplement, this gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, vegetarian and non-GMO probiotic contains a blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, helping to balance the gut microbiome, support regular digestion and even reinforce the body’s immune system.

3. Silhouette Soft Thread Lift (2018, 2019, 2021)

For patients struggling with facial sagging, the Silhouette Soft Thread Lift is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts dissolvable sutures with bidirectional cones into the face, to lift and tighten facial skin. The threads naturally dissolve over time and, during that period, stimulate sriiejuz production, improving firmness and volume.  From R10 000 per session, performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED 2+

1. Fractional Laser (2020, 2018)

Using focused beams of light, Fractional Laser triggers the body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen production to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. From R2 800 per session, performed at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

2. Invisalign (2018, 2019)

With the discreet use of clear, removable plastic trays instead of traditional metal wires and brackets, Invisalign helps to straighten teeth and correct certain dental issues. From R25 000, performed only at medical-grade dental clinics by certified, medical-grade dentists and orthodontists.

3. Candela GentleMax Pro Laser (2021, 2022)

By optimizing 755nm wavelength, the Candela GentleMax Pro precisely targets and destroys hair follicles, and it also features an advanced cooling system that protects the skin. Thanks to its dual-wavelength technology, it’s perfect for all skin tones and types. From R300 to R2 500+ per session, performed only at medical-grade clinics by certified, medical-grade doctors.

4. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex (2021, 2022)

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex works to cleanse, but also exfoliate the skin. Thanks to its bionutrients and antioxidants, the skin is left renewed, soft and smooth.

2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (2021, 2022)

An intensive serum, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is rich in antioxidants, visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and even provides additional sun protection when used alongside sunscreen.

3. Heliocare 360° Gel SPF 50 (2018, 2019)

Heliocare 360° Gel SPF 50 is a lightweight, oil-free gel SPF that offers protection against the four types of radiation, contains anti-aging properties, and prevents cell damage. It’s great in hot climates and for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Want to DESIGN YOUR LONGEVITY? Buy a copy of Longevity’s annual bookazine

Does your appetite for longevity advice demand satiety? Read our comprehensive feature on our beauty survey over the years and tips in our  “Design Your Longevity. For Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday” bookazine. You can access the complete scope on Zinio for the digital spread. Alternatively, readers living in South Africa can purchase the hard copy from shelves in select retail stores.