A beauty center is not just a one-session emergency shop you go to when your zits break out. A good aesthetic center has a holistic yet personalized program for each client.
“Nowadays, as people learn about the latest technology and trends, they are becoming more and more discerning in their beauty and skincare needs. They are now looking for a personalized connection. People seek customized skincare help. It really should be that way. After all, what is effective for one person might not work on another because individuals have different skin types and lifestyles,” says Anne Sia, who manages Clara International Philippines, an affiliate of the Malaysian beauty brand Clara International.
The Malaysian beauty company was founded by Datin Dr. Clara Chee way back in 1977 when beauty was not considered a serious business. A pioneer in the beauty industry, Dr. Chee’s consummate passion for beauty led her to acquire more knowledge at the University of De Montfort in the United Kingdom and engage in research studies in medicinal and cosmetic products technology. Clara is the first Malaysian skin manufacturer accredited with the Good Manufacturing Practice status by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia. It has also achieved the MS ISO 9001:2000 certification. Together with her accountant husband Woo Ser Chai, she built the company from a mere beauty salon to
become one of the largest and most trusted beauty companies in Asia. Recognized as a trusted brand in skincare, Clara International takes pride in its all-natural products and customized aesthetic and wellness treatments that suit each client’s needs.
A beauty treatment in Clara International Philippines begins with skin analysis. Using a skin scanner, the registered professional therapist examines the skin’s condition. Basically, the skin analysis tells the client whether she has dry, oily, mature, aging, sagging, or acne-prone skin, among other conditions. The machine also uses UV light to indicate the spots that need treatments; different colors in the image reveal the different skin problems that a person has. Through a mirror that magnifies the image, the client can see what the skin consultant is examining.
“Aside from the skin analysis, we also inquire about the client’s lifestyle, and how skincare interacts with her work or life. Is she always exposed to direct sunlight? Does she work indoor or outdoor? What is her diet? All these affect the skin condition. Then, we find personalized solutions to her skin problems,” says Sia, who adds that the center puts emphasis on using all-natural herbal skincare products and services specially formulated for tropical Asian skin. Certified Halal by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia, the products are manufactured using the finest herbal ingredients, free from alcohol and animal by-products or derivatives.
Presently, Clara International offers various skin and body care services. Investing in high-quality and medically-supervised treatments that are used not only in Asia but also in Europe, the company has the usual facial treatments such as corrective facial treatment (average two-hour treatment), the US-FDA-approved Diamond Peel, and its Emerge non-invasive Fractional Laser which is considered one of the most effective treatments for severe acne
scars, keloids, and stretch marks.
Their latest treatment takes advantage of the beautifying and health properties of gold. The Premium 24K Gold Facial involves deep facial cleansing using ultrasound technology; this allows the 24K Gold to deeply penetrate the skin and to draw out toxins that damage skin cells. The treatment provides natural detoxification, heals and improves skin conditions, exfoliates dead skin cells, and accelerates skin cell renewal.
Also available are natural and non-invasive treatments such as Microlift, also popularly known as the CACI treatment, which is designed to correct sagging skin and slow down aging. It gently massages the facial muscles to tone them and for them to revert to their natural position. This treatment also reduces eye bags and improves lymphatic drainage. Combining specific facial techniques and toning application, it restores and redefines facial muscles and reduces lines and wrinkles while tightening and toning muscles. They also have the V-Firm treatment, which reshapes and contours the face without surgery.
Another treatment they have is the CACI Quantum. Combining specific facial techniques, slimming and toning applications, it restores and redefines facial muscles and reduces lines and wrinkles while tightening and toning sagging body muscles. A new addition to the family is the Soprano Laser Diode, also called the Super Hair Removal, because it removes hair without burns or downtime.
“At Clara International, while we offer one-time procedures, we prioritize long-term treatment. Skin problems don’t simply disappear after just one treatment. We look at holistic and long-term benefits. When we analyze their skin, we provide programs or packages that will address their skin needs, but we also take into consideration their budget,” shares Sia.
A person can also complement beauty treatments with an effective skin regimen such as removing make-up at night before sleeping, and cleansing it well to avoid accumulation of dirt and toxins. Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells and keep face clean and glowing. Exercise and a good night’s sleep do wonders for the skin. Inadequate sleep results in dark spots, blemishes, and dark circles under the eyes. A balanced, nutritious diet promotes good skin condition. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables leads to healthier skin; while over consumption of oily and fatty food contributes to the opposite.
She concludes: “Skin is our first line of defense. It acts as immunity barrier, protecting the body from various elements. It regulates body temperature. Suffice it to say, skin is an essential part of the body. That is why skincare is very important. Taking good care of the skin is a must. Sunblock should be your best friend during summer; while the moisturizer should be your buddy in winter.”