Issue No.21 - Polo De’Marco Magazine Issue No.21 - International Edition | Page 65

Q: What does your brand stand for? Raphael: We listen to their beauty needs, issues and only then will work with them to implement the best beauty program possible that is tailored to their needs. Then, at the heart of L.RAPHAEL, is the “Science of Beauty,” our commitment to scientific research and advanced technology using oxygen, ultrasound, anti-gravity therapies and proprietary ingredient formulations of the highest quality. L.RAPHAEL believes in a holistic approach to beauty based on the brand’s “Seven Foundations of Beauty,” which is based on an integrated wellness lifestyle that incorporates medicine, nutrition, physical activity, age- management, aesthetics, stress management and play/leisure time. Q: Who is your customer? Raphael: Our guests are from around the world and are of all age groups -- from teens to 80+. Many of our guests begin coming when they’re teenagers to find a solution to their acne problem or because they have body image issues. We also have guests who come to us to repair their skin as a result of damage done beyond the usual aging process. Damaged skin can’t be fixed overnight, but with time and dedication, the results are impressive in delivering lifted, tighten and glowing skin. To achieve such results, we need to work on three different layers of the skin using dedicated technology to focus on pigmentation, “exercise” the face muscles, rebuild collagen and provide deep hydration. Q: What is the most important thing you should do in taking care of your skin? Raphael: Ensure that your skin is perfectly cleaned and hydrated and use only creams and serums that are scientifically proven to be safe and results driven. We often hear about protecting the skin against UV rays — and it’s essential — but we also need to help the skin protect itself from the pollution and other aggressors. When this is not done correctly, our skin can develop too much sebum which causes acne and dilated pores. Also, when the skin is not hydrated enough, cells cannot regenerate as efficiently which leads to premature aging of the skin. Q: What are things people can do to avoid skin damage? Raphael: Consistently follow a healthy routine, drink plenty of water, avoid too much sun, smoking, alcohol, and get enough rest — it’s during sleep that skin cells regenerate. Q: What are some myths about skin care? Raphael: There are no miracles or quick fixes — you can’t stop the aging process - but you can help manage aging with a healthy lifestyle, using quality, scientifically proven products and getting safe, effective treatments that are tailored to your skin’s needs. Q. What is unique to your spa in the Four Seasons? Raphael: L.RAPHAEL Four Seasons is unique in that it combines the advanced technology typically found in skin clinic within a traditional spa space that also has a hair salon — it centralizes all your beauty needs with tailor made programs conveniently in one luxuriously relaxing place. Q: What are the differences in how Americans take care of their skin vs. your international clients? Raphael: I would say the lack of time. L.RAPHAEL beauty therapists have an unparalleled training to ensure that they optimize guests’ valuable time. Beauty needs are more or less the same worldwide, but the time commitment can vary much. It’s not exceptional for us to have three therapists working with one guest at the same time to ensure expectations are met within their limited timeframe.