In the world of skincare, few names shine as brightly as Dr. Des Fernandes FRCS. His journey from a South African medical student to a pioneer in the field is a testament to amazing dedication and groundbreaking innovation – and he’s without a doubt one of our favourite doctors in skincare, as he is the founder of Environ Skincare – which as you may by now know, is our only choice for skincare products and treatments when it comes to our client’s skin.
Dr. Fernandes’ story began with a medical education in South Africa, followed by surgical qualifications earned in Edinburgh, with him then beginning a notable career in cardiology. However, it was a poignant encounter with two melanoma-stricken teenagers that sparked a huge shift in Dr. Fernandes’ focus. The tragic loss of these young lives ignited a deep determination within him to find effective ways of nurturing and protecting skin health from an early age. This resolve became the catalyst for his dedicated research into combating sun-damaged and problematic skin, and how skin health could truly be transformed using science.
The year 1988 marked a significant turning point when Dr. Fernandes unveiled his groundbreaking achievement – two creams formulated with ingredients proven to enhance skin health and appearance. A unique blend of vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and alpha hydroxy acids set his creations apart from conventional skincare.
This innovative approach didn’t stop with formulation. Dr. Fernandes ventured into uncharted territory by combining iontophoresis (utilising galvanic currents) and sonophoresis (employing sound waves) to develop a treatment machine that promised exceptional results without the damage associated with traditional anti-ageing techniques. This achievement reflected his commitment to effective results, without compromise.
As well as these inventions, Dr. Fernandes introduced the Roll-CIT, a revolutionary tool for skin rejuvenation. Initially designed for medical practitioners and later adapted for home use, this device harnessed micro-needling techniques to create channels in the skin’s protective layer. By enabling deeper penetration of anti-aging ingredients, the Roll-CIT brought skincare to new dimensions. We use each of his innovative creations in our clinic to this day, with the incredible results being instantly visible to both our therapists and clients!
Dr. Fernandes’ influence extended far beyond product development. His involvement in the 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgery underscored the credibility of his contributions. He became a sought-after lecturer on advanced skin penetration techniques at international medical conferences, making him a notable expert in not just the skincare world but the medical world.
As Dr. Fernandes returned to his roots in plastic surgery, specialising in cleft lip and palate repair, as well as cosmetic procedures for the face and neck, he witnessed the challenges posed by sun-damaged and aged skin firsthand. This realisation drove him to further his quest for effective solutions in the realm of skincare, as well as creating formulas that were usable on incredibly inflamed, sore and damaged skin.
In the tapestry of skincare history, Dr. Des Fernandes stands as a visionary whose journey has reshaped the way we approach skin health. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. As he once said, “Environ products will remain a world leader in this industry” and we couldn’t agree more. Environ Skincare are the only skincare products that we will use on our clients, as the results speak for themselves, and we see the change that using these products can bring to clients who have felt that their dream skin was not possible. Contact us today if you’d like to find out more about Dr Des’s brilliant innovations.
