Calayan: Trust only licensed beauty experts

CEBU, Philippines - With the influx of beauty clinics fueled by the fast growing market interest for beauty and personal care, a beauty doctor warns customers to be careful in choosing the right clinic especially for facial care.

Pie Calayan, who co-owns the Manny and Pie Calayan chain of beauty clinics in the country, said that while beauty and wellness is a growing industry, facial care specifically is also a segment in the industry that is not regulated by the Department of Health.

With too many options to choose from, there is also a need for the market to mature in terms of preference and shrewdness, as anyone, even those without enough knowledge or license, can make a living from the beauty market.

Unlike in other countries, wherein license is required when offering treatments and facial care services.

Calayan said it is still advisable to consult licensed medical professionals to avoid skin problems or dissatisfaction after.

Calayan also expressed high potential of the Philippines to climb further in its rank as one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world, but this position could be achieved further if proper regulations will be implemented by the concerned regulating bodies.

The Philippines ranked 8th among the top medical tourism destinations in the world, ahead of countries such as Japan and France, according to the 2015 list of the International Healthcare Research Center and the Medical Tourism Association.

Beauty treatments, cosmetic surgery, facial care, slimming, among others are few of the in-demand services availed of by the medical tourists and even local residents. Cebu is gaining ground on this segment.

Recently, Manny and Pie Calayan opened in SM Seaside City Cebu. Next month the company will open its Davao branch in SM Lanang.

"We have plenty of Cebuano clients who go to Manila to avail of our services so opening a branch here is a wise business decision," said Pie Calayan in an interview adding that Cebu's good performance in attracting the beauty and wellness segment in the medical tourism sector, also is a big factor why the couple decided to invest in Cebu.

Their clinic at SM Seaside Cebu occupies a 112-square meter space. It has one operating and four treatment rooms and a team composed of nurses.

Calayan noted that popular services availed of by most Cebuanos are more on facial care services like acne treatment and whitening.

Foreign clients, on the other hand, are availing procedures like facelift, tummy tuck and liposuction.

The Calayan couple come to Cebu every Monday to perform hands-on medical procedures or surgeries to their clients. (FREEMAN)