PRESS RELEASE
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA; 28 MAY 2021
Globally acclaimed and respected Plastic Surgeon, a maverick scientist and visionary, Dr Des Fernandes (Founder and Scientific Director of Environ Skin Care) has been honoured by The Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa with the first of its kind Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the techniques and technologies associated with skin rejuvenation as well as photoprotection. Dr Fernandes was also recognized for his contribution to the field of topical antioxidants and vitamins to which he has dedicated more than 30 years of his life.
“Dr Des Fernandes has truly adjusted our understanding and influenced the way we work, not just as South Africans but as physicians worldwide. In a testament to this, he received the DASIL (Dermatological Aesthetic Surgery International League) International Lifetime Achievement Award in Doha in 2019. As South Africans, we are very honoured to give this award to him in recognition of his monumental contribution in the fields of skin rejuvenation, photoprotection and the development of the eld of needling”,
Dr Marc Roscher,
CEO of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa
Post entering private practice in 1979, Dr Fernandes’ research into skin and skin cancer was motivated by the agonizing loss of two young melanoma patients in the 1980’s. It was at this defining point in his career that he made the pioneering discovery of the revolutionary effects of topical applications of vitamins on the skin, especially vitamin A. This led to the creation of Environ Skin Care and an unprecedented 30-year legacy in scientific innovation with many more world-first developments in the field of skin health such as the innovative Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM®, Environ Cool Peel® Technology, and Micro-Needling Technology. In 1998, he took Environ’s skincare knowledge into the technology field with the launch of the patented Ionzyme® DF Machine – the world’s first low-frequency sonophoresis and iontophoresis facial treatment.
“Dr Fernandes is truly deserving of this award. He has been giving freely of his knowledge to peers and non-medical healthcare practitioners. This is truly a unique part of who he is, and we thank him for that”,
Theresa De Beer,
COO of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa
Dr Des Fernandes has written a number of thought-leadership chapters for textbooks in plastic surgery, pharmaceutics and dermatology, as well as co-authored textbooks for skin needling, facial surgery and skincare. He is a member of the Association of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery of Southern Africa, the International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, International Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, DASIL (Dermatological Aesthetic Surgery International League), and an honorary member of the Onizuka Society. Dr Des Fernandes was also awarded the prestigious title of Professor from The University of Cape Town in recognition of his invaluable contribution to plastic and reconstructive surgery in the field of Cleft Lip and Palate reconstructive surgery as a researcher, clinician and teacher over decades.
About Environ Skin Care:
Environ Skin Care is a globally recognized and loved professional skincare brand that is built on science, beauty and care. Since 1990, Environ has used the science of beauty to change the way the world sees skincare. The introduction of vitamin A to skincare formulations was a ground-breaking development, first successfully included in cosmetic products by a top plastic surgeon, skincare pioneer and Environ founder Dr Des Fernandes. His sister,
Val Carstens, Environ’s Chairman, has built the brand from a dream to global success. Today the brand has over 140 products in more than 70 countries.
Environ has received over 100 international awards which have recognized the brand for its outstanding products, most recently being voted Top Medical Skincare Line of the Decade in the highly revered Aesthetic Everything® Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards. Environ is favoured by international skin care therapists, the medical fraternity, beauty editors, aestheticians and film stars.
