Dr. Des Fernandes received the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Skin Cancer Foundation in recognition of his contribution to studies related to the prevention of cancer. Dr. Fernandes was also recognised for his contribution to the field of moisturising creams with antioxidant vitamins and vitamins, to which he has devoted more than 30 years of his life. He is an internationally acclaimed and respected plastic surgeon, genius scientist and visionary, and founder and scientific director of Environ Skin Care. He specialises in ageing care and photoaging.
“Dr. Fernandes – not only as a South African but also as a world-class doctor – has deepened our understanding and influenced our activities. He received the ‘International Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the International Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (DASIL) in 2015. He has made significant contributions in the fields of anti-aging, photoaging prevention and needling. It is a great honour to present this award,” said Dr. Mark Roscher, CEO of the South African Skin Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Des began his research into skin and skin cancer after the death of two young melanoma patients in the 1980s. This marked an important period in his career as he pioneered the revolutionary benefits of using vitamins, especially vitamin A, in skin care. As a result, he launched Environ Skin Care in 1979, and has since made many world-leading developments in the field of skin health, including the revolutionary Vitamin Step Up System®, Environ Cool Peel® Technology, and Micro Needling Technology. An unprecedented 30 years of achievement. In 1998, applying the knowledge of Environ skin care to the field of technology, he unveiled Environ’s unique low-frequency sonophoresis (ultrasound introduction) and iontophoresis (iontophoresis) combined facial treatment equipment, the patented Ionzyme®.
“Dr. Des truly deserves this award. He freely shares his knowledge with peers and beyond. We are grateful to him,” said Teresa de Beer, COO of the South African Skin Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Fernandes has authored numerous thought leadership chapters in textbooks on plastic surgery, pharmacology, and dermatology, and has co-authored textbooks on skin needling, facial surgery, and skin care. He is also a member of the South African Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the International Society of Orthopedic, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, and the International Society of Dermatological Sciences (DASIL). In addition, he has been recognised for his significant contributions to plastic and reconstructive surgery in the field of cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery over several decades as a researcher, clinician and teacher. He was awarded the title of Distinguished Adjunct Professor by the University of Cape Town.
Environ Skin Care is a globally recognised and loved professional skin care brand developed based on dermatology and cosmetology. Since 1990, Environ has used beauty science to transform the world’s skincare landscape. The introduction of vitamin A into skin care products was a breakthrough, and it was Dr. Des Fernandez, the founder of Environ and a leading plastic surgeon who pioneered skin care. His sister, Val Carstens, chairman of the Environ Group, has built the brand from her dream to global success. Today, Environ has over 140 products in over 70 countries.
Environ has received more than 100 international awards for its superior products. It was recently named “Best Medical Skin Care Line of the Decade” at the acclaimed Aesthetic Everything® Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards. Environ is endorsed by medical associations, doctors, international skin care therapists, estheticians, beauty editors and countless celebrities.