Five Minutes with Dermatologist Dr Timm Golüeke

Words by
Dr Timm Golüeke

16th May 2023

Is the secret to skin health and glow hidden within ferns? SPHERE meets award-winning dermatologist Dr Timm Golüeke, founder of skincare brand Royal Fern to find out. 

My personal signature style is… Simple! Navy blue is my colour and I love to mix high and low fashion.

I grew up near Frankfurt, Germany, and became interested in dermatology whenwriting my thesis about an autoimmune disease at the university hospital in Munich, where I now live in the city center, near my clinic, museums and the opera house.

My work as a dermatologist at my private clinic in Munich is very much focused onanti-aging, aesthetic treatments, overall skin health and latest innovations - my clients want their skin to glow with health.

Dr. Timm  Golüeke
Dr. Timm Golüeke dermatologist and founder of Royal Fern skincare

My eureka moment for Royal Fern came… after reading about a study from Sloan Kettering, a New York cancer treatment and research institute, which described the apparent ability of fern supplements to protect cell DNA from UV rays. I thought that was fascinating. UV light is a big issue for ageing, and if we can protect skin at DNA level, it presents an amazing opportunity for skincare.

Ferns also have a lot of other properties... They’re highly anti-oxidative and brightening. They are one of the first plants to have evolved from the ocean to the land, and they’re very resistant to environmental damage.

The actives in Royal Fern Complex work byreplicating the protecting, nourishing and stimulating properties of the Royal Fern, an adaptive botanical that has existed for over 400 million years, resistant to UV radiation, pollution and environmental damage. We have distilled this essence into a complex that combines a synergy of complimentary ingredients for the ultimate in skincare repair, restoration and protection.

Royal Fern Phytoactive Anti-Aging Rich Cream
Royal Fern Phytoactive Anti-Aging Rich Cream, £210

It’s all in the synergy of… combining one of the strongest antioxidants – the fern- with other cell protecting plant substances to reverse aging and damage from free radicals in a lyposomal capsules that releases the ingredients time after time into your skin.

The Royal Fern product I recommend people start with is… The Phytoactive Cream. It absorbs quickly and makes the skin feel great because the complex is wrapped in liposomes and therefore releases slowly.

Royal Fern Phytoactive Skin Essence
Royal Fern Phytoactive Skin Perfecting Essence, £85

After that key products I suggest people try for summer is

Cleansing Balm, because cleansing is key during summer to remove sweat, dirt and SPF.

Anti-oxidative Ampoules, which protects against free radicals. I recommend users apply every morning before SPF

Essence, because exfoliation is key, even during summertime. The gentle essence will keep your pores clear.

Face Mist is my must-have during the day. It provides plenty of moisture and protects from blue light and urban pollution.

Mask is the perfect after sun treatment, especially fresh out of the fridge. It calms the skin, takes redness away and minimizes fine lines.

Royal Fern
Phytoactive Cream, £160 and Phytoactive Hydra-Firm Intense Mask, £110.00

People always ask me, “how do I get the glow?” and to that I say it’s simple if you use…  SPF everyday, get enough sleep, hydrate and use the right skincare products according to your skin type.

The best way to transition your skincare routine from spring to summer is… choose lighter textures and less is often more. Use a light serum and SPF during the day and do your full routine with more steps in the evening time. SPF and antioxidants are a must!

My most treasured possession is… I love to be surrounded by art in the clinic as well as in my home. My art pieces I am living with are my treasures.

Royal Fern Ampoules
Royal Fern Ampoules, from £49

The highlight of my career so far has to be… opening my own clinic. I love to be free and being an independent doctor is exactly what my free spirit needs.

To do my job... I need to be independent and not restricted by hierarchies. To be surrounded by a great team is essential as well and always looking out for new innovations to adapt to modern skin needs.

At the moment I am reading a book by Dr. Daniel Amen Change Your Brain Everyday.It’s about the importance of brain health for your overall health.

My guiltiest pleasure is… red wine

The next question on my mind is… about the newest development for my skin care line Royal Fern. A really innovative and great product coming later the year.

Royal Fern