1989

The drug Difur marked our first steps in the field of dermatology.

1995

We discovered and patented oral photoprotection in collaboration with Harvard University.

1996

We created Isolagen Europe thus becoming a pioneer in cell therapy in the field of dermatology.The company produces high-tech autologous cell cultures.

2006

We divested a number of drug businesses. We acquired new rights and patents specifically related to the field of dermatology such as RetinSphere® and RTF1.

2008

One of the star ingredients in the American market is introduced: Fernblock® (PLE).

2015

ZO Skin Health arrived in Spain through Cantabria Labs.
The concept of medical cosmetics took root in the Spanish market. We obtained new scientific endorsement for IFC®-CAF through a study led and published by Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos.

2016

We launched our new patented Edafence® technology, based on the Deschampsia antarctic plant.
We signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through which we will sponsor and promote MIT’s biomedical innovation programs and activities.

Fernblock ® is the base active ingredient of our sun protection cosmetic line, Heliocare ®.

It contains Polypodium leucotomos fern extract, the efficacy of which has been proven in numerous scientific journals. Fernblock Technology ® is the only technology in the world that ensures complete photoprotection. Developed by Cantabria Labs in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, it boasts a unique protection mechanism against the sun both short and long-term. Beyond mere protection against sunburn, Fernblock offers us four levels of protection that helps prevent photoaging and skin cancer.

Natural protection

The power of Fernblock ® comes from Polypodium leucotomos, a tropical fern originating from Central America that during its transition from aquatic to terrestrial life developed self-defence and repair mechanisms against the sun. The Chorotegas tribe of Honduras was the first to discover its excellent skincare properties.

Short and long-term production

There are different types of sun radiation that affect our skin causing significant damage. Most creams protect us from UVB rays but not UVA rays which are responsible for the long-term negatives effects deep in the skin’s epidermis.

Fernblock ®, together with an advanced combination of physical and chemical filters, protects the skin from both types of radiation (UVA /UVB) and prevent immediate damage (burns) and that which occurs over the passage of time: aging, liver spots, loss of defences, allergies and even skin cancer.

Four levels of protection

Against erythema: Fernblock ® boosts the resistance of skin and mucous membranes against the sun and reinforces its protection capacity against sunburn caused by UVB rays.

Antioxidant and antiaging: The advanced combination of Fernblock filters combats free radicals so that they do not alter the architecture of the skin, thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles, dryness and pigmentation.

Protection and DNA repair: Sun radiation can alter our genetic material and cause the appearance of serious diseases such as skin cancer. Fernblock ® reduces that damage and helps our body repair the effects caused by UVB.

Immunological protection: The sun weakens our skin’s defence system. Fernblock ®, taken orally, protects and regulates the skin’s defences so that they remain intact to combat against external aggressions.

Furthermore, our state-of-the-art Fernblock ®, Fernblock + ®, contained in Heliocare 360º ®, has shown higher activity and photo immunoprotective efficacy against UVB, UVA, Visible and infrared, protecting us from the entire solar spectrum.

Research Publication

Origin and development

Cryptomphalus aspersa reacts against external aggressions by producing a complex glycoprotein secretion, called SCA®, which gives it the capacity to regenerate the damaged structures of your skin in less than 48h and protect it from bacterial infections and tumours. It was this extraordinary capacity that was discovered during early research carried out by Dr. Rafael Abad (radiologist) in the treatment of skin lesions of patients undergoing radiotherapy, where it was possible to observe clinically the potent regenerating and antioxidant activity of SCA®.

Subsequently, he extended his study and subsequent clinical findings in the treatment of damaged skin in all situations in which the skin is subject to aggressions that can reduce its natural regeneration capacity:

• Cutaneous photoaging caused by sun exposure, climatic aggressions, pollution, etc.
• Dermocosmetic techniques (laser, peeling, dermoabrasion, infiltrations, etc.)
• Aggressive dermatological treatment such as topical and oral retinoids, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy and antibiotics.

How does SCA® Biorepair Technology work?

Photoaging and dermocosmetic techniques cause alterations in the structural elements of the skin. SCA® Biorepair technology in various scientific studies has shown to favour cutaneous restoration through various mechanisms:

• It boasts antioxidant activity to trap and inhibit the generation of radicals, thus preventing cutaneous damage.
• It induces fibroblast proliferation and gives a greater capacity to respond and activate the cell metabolism that translates into evident rejuvenation.
• It boasts collagenase activity that allows the exchange of deteriorated collagen, which together with favouring collagen synthesis, enables it to exchange the extracellular matrix.
• It improves skin elasticity and hydration.

The regenerating and antioxidant power of SCA® effectively prevents, protects and repairs skin damage, as well as giving the skin powerful hydrating and firming action. In this way, SCA® significantly improves the signs of photoaging, reducing both the number and depth of wrinkles, giving firm and smooth skin and boosting hydration and flexibility.

Endocare ® is the only line with SCA® Biorepair Technology. It is designed specifically for the treatment of photoaging and recovery of skin damaged by dermocosmetic techniques.

Our Product