For over four decades, Dr. Gabriel Serrano has been at the forefront of dermatology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the esteemed owner of the renowned Dermatology Clinics in Valencia, Madrid, Dubai and Bayahibe, bearing his name, Dr. Serrano has built a legacy of exceptional patient care and groundbreaking innovation.
Driven by his deep understanding of patients’ skin needs, gained through direct contact in his daily practice, Dr. Serrano founded Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. With a commitment to personalized care and attentive listening, he embarked on a journey to develop specialized products that address a myriad of skin concerns.
Sesderma, a leading Spanish dermatological laboratory with a remarkable 34-year history, has emerged as a dominant force in over 85 global markets. The company is dedicated to intensive research, development, formulation, and manufacturing of advanced dermocosmetic products, nanonutraceuticals, and medical-aesthetic cosmetics.
At the heart of Sesderma’s success lies a relentless pursuit of research, development, and innovation (R+D+I), driving the creation of groundbreaking solutions. The Sesderma Group encompasses several notable brands, including Sesderma, Mediderma, Sophieskin, Dr. Serrano, and Dermopartners, specializing in third-party manufacturing.
In 2008, Sesderma made history with the introduction of complete product lines utilizing the power of nanotechnology. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized the industry, allowing ingredients to effectively penetrate the skin’s protective layer, ensuring their utmost efficacy. Unlike superficial offerings from other cosmetic lines, Sesderma’s liposomal products go beyond mere hydration and comfort, providing comprehensive repair and protection throughout all layers of the skin.
The ethos of “Listening to your skin” encapsulates the essence of Sesderma, a laboratory devoted to nurturing skin health and beauty. Through dermatological innovation and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the skin, Sesderma continues to redefine the boundaries of the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Embracing Family, Medicine, and the Joy of Life
Family holds a significant place in Dr. Serrano’s life, serving as one of the central pillars of his happiness. His love for his wife Claudia and adoration for his six children bring him immense joy. Being close to them, particularly his youngest daughter Sofia, who is just two years old, fills his heart with love and vitality. Dr. Serrano cherishes every moment spent with his family, recognizing the value of time and appreciating its significance. He often expresses his belief that time is precious, both in terms of its worth and its association with life.
Medicine stands as another pillar in Dr. Serrano’s life, stemming from an early calling that he felt at the age of 12 in his native Colombia. He would sneak into the family library to explore the medicine books belonging to his father and grandfather, fostering his passion for the field. Years later, he ventured to the United States and eventually settled in Spain, where he pursued his medical studies and specialized in dermatology at the University of Valencia. Following the completion of his degree, Dr. Serrano worked at the University General Hospital of Valencia, starting as a resident doctor and eventually becoming the Chief Consultant of the Dermatology department, a role he held for over a decade. Later, he established the Dr. Gabriel Serrano Dermatological Clinic in Valencia, where he has had the privilege of treating over 40,000 patients throughout his career as a dermatologist.
As a businessman, Dr. Serrano embraces a restless, tenacious, and enthusiastic nature. He approaches life with optimism and friendliness, finding joy in engaging in significant projects and new challenges. Driven by a desire to inspire others, he often encourages people to join him in embracing life with enthusiasm and celebration. He considers life as more than just a dream, but rather a unique opportunity to be cherished and enjoyed. Rather than shying away from challenges, Dr. Serrano actively seeks them out, consistently striving for growth and fulfillment.
Bridging Medicine and Business for Skin Health
Dr. Serrano’s unwavering belief is that he is primarily a doctor before being a businessman. Similarly, as someone who graduated from the University of Valencia with a medical degree, he continued to practice as a dermatologist on his own dermatology clinic in Valencia. Now, when he is not attending international congresses or visiting various subsidiaries of the group, he dedicates his time to provide medical care to his patients.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, he moved to Spain at the age of 16. Medicine was always a clear choice for him, influenced by his family background with both his father and grandfather being doctors. Following the completion of his studies in Dermatology and Veneorology at University of Valencia, he worked at the University General Hospital in Valencia as a resident doctor. He then became Chief Consultant of the Dermatology department, where he remained for more than 25 years. Dr. Serrano completed his training with post-graduate studies in Philadelphia, Charleston, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Innsbruck.
In 1976, after establishing his dermatological clinic in Valencia, he recognized the necessity of developing products to address his patients’ specific skin conditions. This realization led him to found Sesderma Laboratories in 1989, as a mean to create innovative solutions and provide effective skincare products.
Nanotechnology and Advanced Dermocosmetics
Continuous innovation has been a key driver of success for Dr. Serrano and Sesderma Group. Dr. Serrano’s steadfast commitment to research and innovation is rooted in his belief that it is the pathway to develop effective products and treatments.
Current trends in the industry align with the demand for dermo-cosmetic products that are easy to use, safe, effective, and incorporate innovative active ingredients. Sesderma continues to invest in research within the realm of nanotechnology, which they have been utilizing since the early days of Sesderma. Nanotechnology has allowed them to study particles on a nanometric scale, resulting in greater benefits for the skin. These benefits include unprecedented levels of penetration and efficacy, excellent skin tolerance due to the composition being similar to skin cells, and controlled release of active ingredients, thereby enhancing the product’s long-term effectiveness.
Sesderma has recently developed new types of liposomes, such as chitosomas (chitosan-coated liposomes), which are applied in sunscreens for oral use. The Sunses line from Sesderma exemplifies this innovation. Additionally, the company has taken a keen interest in the application of exosomes in dermatology. Exosomes, tiny vesicles ranging from 30 to 150nm, are naturally produced inside cells and serve as vehicles for transporting biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They play a vital role in intercellular communication, and their utilization in dermatology holds great potential.
Dr. Serrano has also expanded the services at his clinic by launching a new Aesthetic Gynecology Center in Valencia and a range of intimate products. With these initiatives, he has become a pioneer in Spain in formulating products specifically designed for this field. The medical center offers innovative treatments for regenerating the female genital area as well as intimate surgeries, addressing the growing demand for these specialized services.
Empowering Skin Health and Enhancing Lives
Dr. Serrano’s greatest sense of responsibility lies with people, encompassing both individuals seeking skincare solutions to enhance their skin health and those who work within the company. This core belief was the driving force behind the establishment of Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. The company’s success is deeply rooted in its values of humanity, generosity, and expertise. While their dermatological innovation is fueled by a passion for knowledge and research, it is their embodiment of humanity and generosity that truly defines them.
Dr. Serrano’s commitment extends beyond merely selling products. He is dedicated to providing dermatology solutions that address various skin disorders, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, dermatitis, and many others. Even in the face of potential losses, he refuses to withdraw these solutions from the market because he recognizes that there are still people who rely on them and need their benefits.
Each day, the ability to help patients and individuals who use Sesderma’s products to overcome their skin problems brings immense happiness to Dr. Serrano. By contributing to the improvement of their quality of life, he finds fulfillment in his work and the positive impact it has on others.
Inspiring Success Through Human Values and Positive Attitude
Dr. Serrano consistently emphasizes that, above all else, he is a person who values human qualities. He takes pride in being a man of simple and generous values, and he genuinely cares about the society in which he lives. These are the core values that he seeks in the individuals he works with, placing them above mere aptitude or skill. As he often says, “It is easier to train aptitude than attitude.”
When individuals possess the right attitude, they exhibit motivation and adaptability, making them open to learning new skills. Dr. Serrano believes that with the right attitude and sufficient effort, most new skills can be mastered swiftly. He understands that a positive attitude is a crucial factor in personal and professional growth, and he values individuals who embrace this mindset.
Innovation and Technological Breakthroughs
When Dr. Gabriel Serrano began his medical practice over 40 years ago, the field of dermo-cosmetics was virtually non-existent. However, he was actively involved in the development of procedures for doctors to incorporate into their practices, including chemical peels and substances used in facial, hair, or body mesotherapy. In fact, our division of products for medical professionals, Mediderma, has become a leader in this category of treatments.
One notable achievement from 15 years ago was the development of the first safe and non-sedative formula for a phenol chemical peel. Phenol is an anti-aging ingredient that yields effects similar to those of non-surgical facelifts but typically required hospitalization and patient sedation for monitoring. In response to this challenge, Dr. Serrano embarked on the search for new phenol formulas. This led to the creation of Nomelan Fenol, a line of peelings based on a “domesticated” phenol that offers high efficacy and safety. It can be used in clinics under the supervision of a medical professional, eliminating the need for hospitalization, monitoring, or sedation.
If we look back 30 years, there were very limited options when it came to skin products. However, we now have cosmetics formulated with pH balance, carefully selected active ingredients, and skin-friendly fragrances that do not cause harm while delivering effective results. Moreover, extensive research is being conducted in the field of nanotechnology, which represents the future of cosmetics. This involves exploring the potential of growth factors, stem cells, and other cutting-edge technologies.
In recent years, significant advancements have also been made in the field of phototherapy. This technique involves combining a photosensitizing agent with an appropriate lamp that emits specific light waves to address specific skin concerns. This contribution in the form of phototherapy has greatly influenced the evolution of dermatology and the beauty industry. Additionally, there has been a remarkable increase in the utilization of therapeutic techniques using equipment such as radiofrequency and ultrasound to achieve younger, firmer, and healthier-looking skin.
Vision for the Future
Dr. Gabriel Serrano has achieved significant milestones over the last 40 years, including pioneering nanotechnology in dermocosmetics, internationalizing the company, establishing a modern production site in Valencia, creating the Sesderma-Bali Foundation, launching the Dr. Serrano’s brand and Sesderma Skin Centers worldwide, and committing to gyneco-aesthetics. These accomplishments involved risks but were driven by passion, courage, and commitment. Sesderma’s future involves further international expansion and leadership in its markets.
Sesderma’s Global Expansion
Dr. Serrano remains fully committed to driving the international expansion of the Sesderma Group, which has already established a presence in more than 85 countries. Notably, international sales now constitute a significant 80% of the company’s total sales.
Building upon the success of opening a new dermatological clinic and Sesderma Skin Center in Madrid the previous year, the Dr. Serrano brand continues to transcend borders. This year, a new Sesderma Skin Center was inaugurated in Dubai and also a new Dermatology Clinic in Bayahibe. Furthermore, there are plans underway to open clinics and skin centers in other countries where the Sesderma brand has already established a solid presence, including Colombia, India, United Kingdom and the United States. The company aims to expand further in major markets like Brazil while strengthening its position in the United Arab Emirates.
The president of Sesderma Group envisions a future where products are accessible to individuals worldwide. This vision underlies the milestone he often emphasizes: the transformation of Sesderma from a large family-owned company into a multinational family enterprise, continuously expanding its global reach. Throughout this growth, the company’s unwavering focus remains on prioritizing consumers and patients, while also making bold investments in innovation.
Awards and Accolades
As a renowned dermatologist, Dr. Gabriel Serrano is the author of over 400 papers in national and international scientific magazines. He was featured at Tycoon Magazine as one of the Most Influential leaders in Beauty Industry 2023 and his first autobiographical book “The Story of My Life” was published in January of the same year.
Dr. Gabriel Serrano is member of the Illustrious Ramón y Cajal Academy of Health Sciences since 2018 (Complutense University of Madrid), the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the American Academy of Dermatology (41 years of continuous membership), the Ibero Latin American College of Dermatology, and the most important dermatological societies worldwide. He is also Honorary Professor at University of Bali (Indonesia).
Moreover, in 2018 he was awarded by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology for his over 10-year contribution to the Academy and his more than 25 years to the service of dermatology. This same year, he was named one of the “10 Colombians of the Year”, acknowledgement given by the Colombian Embassy to those Colombians resident in Spain who have contributed with their work and professional career to fostering the image of this country. In 2019, he received the “Dermatologist of the Year” Award from the international publication Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, as well as the “A Tu Salud” award from La Razón for his professional career. In 2021, the newspaper La Razón awarded him a new “A Tu Salud Award” for his research into the development of potential preventive treatments and care for patients affected by Covid-19.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
