Ever since Cleopatra took milk baths to preserve her beauty, it has been the quest of women to improve their skin and delay the effects of ageing. Men took a while longer to catch on but now more than ever the male market is realising the importance of protecting and caring for their skins.
Environ’s vision has always been to make the best skin care products in the world. This philosophy is based on extensive research and inclusion of scientifically proven skin care ingredients. Their products are always resultsdriven, proven, cost-effective and inspired through teamwork.
As a brand they value first and foremost real, proven results that truly benefit the skin long term. The Company strives to maintain the highest standard of integrity and keeping the meaningful promises they make to their consumers by offering the most effective skin care range that science permits.
Dr. Fernandes’ concern for skin cancer in the early 1980s was the reason why he started the research that eventually led to the conception of the Environ Original range of skin care products. He knew from his medical experience and from statistics, that skin cancer was on the increase and it seemed a logical idea to attribute this to the then newly discovered “ozone hole”. He predicted that attempts to stop the damage to the ozone layer would not start to take effect until well into the 21st Century. Therefore, he knew it was important to do something to preserve our skins.
It was Dr. Des’ misfortune between 1979 and 1980 to attempt to treat the melanoma of two charismatic young patients who both died before they were 23 years of age. He understood then that he would diagnose more and more young people like them with a disease that would potentially shorten their lives. This was one of the reasons that led him to study the physiology of the skin and his discovery of the valuable effects and properties of Vitamin A in keeping skin healthy.
He believed that everybody should use vitamin A topically to keep their skin safe and eventually, every skin care range in the world should include vitamin A and antioxidants. By 1986 Dr Des had researched many of the positive properties of vitamin A and antioxidants and started to actively promote the use of vitamin A to protect, normalise and maintain a healthy skin. This same year, he developed the formula for his first Environ cream equivalent now to Original Classic Day & Night.
By 1990, interest in Dr Des’ skin care products saw the birth of Tretintech cc, now known as Environ Skin Care (Pty) Ltd. Initially the company operated from small premises comprising of a few rooms, one chemist and a handful of staff , manufacturing only two creams known at the time as ‘Proactive Creams’.
In 1991 the distribution channels to direct sales consultants, beauty therapists and doctors commenced under the leadership of Val Metcalfe (now Carstens). Both Dr. Des and Val Carstens have been instrumental in developing the worldwide distribution network of over 65 Distributors worldwide that the Company enjoys today. Val’s sheer unwavering determination, perseverance, business expertise and belief in Dr Des’ and his products have ensured that the company, Environ Skin Care (Pty) Ltd. has developed into the Company it is today.
A vitamin A retinoid reaction, in 1991 experienced by a consumer, led to the development of two milder creams and the step-up system was born, providing a range of light, non-greasy moisturisers containing vitamin A and a sophisticated free-radical scavenging system of powerful antioxidants to normalise and protect skin from the everincreasing incidence of sun damage.
The scientific milestones of Environ and “world firsts” are too numerous to mention but significant ones included the launch of the DF Machine – the first machine to enable doctors and therapists to incorporate Iontophoresis and Sonophoresis in one treatment. Dr.Des also developed the Cosmetic and Medical Roll- CIT’s (Collagen Induction Therapy) to enhance penetration of the active vitamins contained in the Environ products for quicker and more effective results.
Over the years Environ has received numerous accolades for their achievements of the Company itself showing that it is conscious of maintaining the highest standard of every aspect. Environ is one of the few Companies in the world where research and development, manufacture, distribution and marketing are all done in house.
The Company awards and achievements have included The Safmarine Trophy for the Small Exporter of the Year.(1998) and the SME Exporter of the Year category of the Proudly South African Homegrown Awards. (2004). In 2009 they were given the ISO901 accreditation showing that their manufacturing and Company operations are of the highest standards. In the same year they were presented with an award for “Best Training” at the Professional Beauty Awards.
The Environ products themselves have also been honored throughout the 20 years including the Marie Claire Prix D’Excellence Award for South Africa for C-Quence (1998) and then in 2002 for the Cosmetic Roll-CIT. They were also awarded a year’s honorary membership of the Proudly South Africa Organisation at this event. In the same year Environ was presented the FHM Grooming Award for RAD (their ever popular Sun Protection Cream). Citations for excellence were given to Environ in 2008 and 2009 respectively for Body Profile and their Colour Range. One of their most recently developed products the Ionzyme Focus Frown Serum was announced the overall winner of Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review’s new product Competition.as well as one of the winners of the Fair Lady Best of Beauty Awards in the Skin , Eye and Lip Category From humble beginnings Environ has become one of the most revered and wellknown skin care brands in the world. Now in 2010, Environ celebrates its 20th anniversary. After 20 wonderful and exciting years in the cosmetic industry, Environ looks forward to remaining at the forefront of cosmetic science.