Dr. Marko Lens

No-nonsense approach to skincare

As a global authority on skin ageing and skin cancer, London-based Dr. Marko Lens is renowned for his no-nonsense approach to great skin and the flawless complexions he creates. He is a sought-after plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and founder of acclaimed skincare brand, Zelens.

Life-long passion for botanicals

Dr. Lens’ fascination with skin began at young age and under the instruction of his grandmother who would create her own bespoke skincare remedies with oils and plant extracts. Interest piqued, a young Dr. Lens would frequently join his grandmother as she collected her herbs and schooled him on their names and various properties. “I was absolutely fascinated with the world of plants,” he says. His interest in botanicals deepened when he was given a two-volume encyclopaedia of herbs which he committed to memory. This treasured possession inspired a childhood of alchemical experiment and sparked lifelong passion for nature’s botanicals. To explore the many botanical ingredients in Zelens formulas and their skincare benefits.

The science of skin ageing

Dr. Lens holds a Master of Science degree from Harvard University and a PhD degree from Oxford University in the field of skin cancer. While his passion for skincare and product formulation was ignited as a child, it was while studying for his PhD in Oxford that Dr. Lens cemented his professional interest. It was here that he came to understand how skin cancer and skin ageing share a common pathway. “You don’t see skin cancer in children,” he explains. “Why? Because the common factor in both skin cancer and skin ageing is the skin damage caused by the UV light.” While researching the role of topical antioxidants in skin cancer, Dr. Lens found himself wondering whether topically applied antioxidants could slow down premature skin ageing. This realisation served to become the first step in a career of research, product formulation and in-clinic treatments that straddle the distance between pharmaceutical and cosmetic.