About Fernro Skin Science Institute

The Fernro Skin Science Institute brings the compilation of research on regenerative aesthetics from world-renowned plastic surgeons Prof. Des Fernandes and Prof. Dr. Matthias Aust to the aesthetics industry.

Complete rejuvenation begins by addressing the root causes of what ages our skin and skin concerns, such as pigmentation, acne, and rosacea. FSSI’s philosophy is an inside-out approach. Adhering to skin science, not market trends, FSSI offers advanced aesthetic consulting, professional training, and clinical services.

Fernro Skin Science Institute provides accredited continuing education credits for aesthetic professionals. We now own The Skin Science Authority, Fernro Publishing, and Fernro Skin Analysis System.

SKIN SCIENCE AUTHORITY

Shawna Akin

MLE, BFA, NCEA, CIDESCO

I am a master licensed aesthetician and master skin science educator, specializing in advanced aesthetic education, training, and aesthetic practice business development.

After retiring from a sixteen-year professional ballet career, I transitioned into a long and successful career as a master aesthetician in plastic surgery and dermatology practices in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout my aesthetic career, I served as an educator for international cosmeceutical companies and national aesthetic device manufacturers. I am a passionate, committed life-long student of aesthetics.

I’ve traveled the globe for my studies. In 2014, I was privileged to meet Prof. Des Fernandes in Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve completed preceptorships in laser and light and studied medical needling with Dr. Patrick Bitters and Prof. Dr. Matthias Aust. I hold advanced aesthetics certifications from Pastiche and UCLA Cosmetic Chemistry Extension Programs. I am NCEA and CIDESCO Skincare Certified. I am also a member of the Society for Cosmetic Chemists and have been featured in local and national magazines. I served as a consultant to Allergan’s Aesthetic Leadership Forum.

In 2023, The Skin Science Warrior was published by Fernro Publishing in London, England. This book represents the collaboration between world-renowned physicians and me to further the aesthetic industry’s quest for more transparency, honesty, and science.

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Prof. Desmond Fernandes

M.B.; B.Ch; F.R.C.S.E.

Professor Des Fernandes, acknowledged by Insignia as one of the top ten Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the world, was the first medical professional to introduce vitamin A in effective doses in his first cosmetic skin care range. This range established Environ® as a leader in skin care, a position for which Environ is still renowned. He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He initially planned to become a cardiac surgeon, but changed to becoming an Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. From 1979 to 2000 he was the consultant in charge of the Cleft Lip and Palate Division at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Professor Fernandes has written numerous papers and some chapters for medical publications on various plastic surgery procedures. More recently he extended his research on skin health and rejuvenation through the use of vitamin-enriched skin care preparations and methods of improved penetration – particularly through skin needling for collagen stimulation. He has lectured at many Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Congresses and Dermatology Congresses worldwide and constantly receives requests from organizers of these congresses to lecture on his methods.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Aust

M.D.

Professor Matthias Aust is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and an accredited expert in the fields of skin regeneration and the treatment of lines and scars. After his medical studies at the University of Regensburg, he practiced at many renowned clinics in Germany and outside it, including Cape Town, South Africa where he met his mentor Prof. Desmond Fernandes. This was followed by intensive research and a post-doctoral thesis at Hanover Medical School on the Percutaneous Collagen Induction method developed by Prof. Fernandes. Dr. Aust is an award-winning plastic surgeon and in 2014 was given Best of Europe for his research and authorship of ‘Percutaneous Needling.’

Dr. Gary Fudem

M.D.

Dr. Gary Fudem is a Professor of Plastic Surgery with 38 years of clinical practice, during which he trained and educated students and residents at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Washington.

Having recently retired from academic surgery to devote more time to longstanding research and clinical interests, he is focusing on skin normalization to transform scarring and abnormal pigmentation, increase skin immunity to cancer, and improve elasticity in aging skin.