Cathy Valencia clinics stand tall in world of medical tourism

MANILA, Philippines - They say it is what’s inside that counts, but there’s no denying the fact that glowing, radiant skin is what draws one person to another in the first place. It also reflects inner health, how you take care of and carry yourself through life. That is why over the past decade people from around the country and across the globe have come to trust one name. Anyone who values good skin and aesthetic health know what to look for at the Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre.

Many have sworn by the Cathy Valencia name and her clinics’ products and services for better skin health. With five branches in the country and one in Japan, the company — known widely for its skin whitening and peeling services — has come far from its humble beginning as a mere passion by its founder to the established beauty standard that many celebrities and personalities swear by.

In a world where “medical tourism” is commonplace, it is not unusual for someone to come to a Cathy Valencia clinic from afar, considering that all five branches are located in Metro Manila alone, with the single international branch found in Tokyo. Founder Cathy Valencia found it more practical to set up the Japan branch after many visits to the country on various service calls. Today, Valencia’s role as CEO is all about building the business, making sure that standards and protocols are up to par in each clinic, and formulating new products and services toward the future of her company.

It started innocently enough for the young Valencia, then a Communication Arts student at St. Paul College, who showed a passion for skin care by taking good care of her own — a trait that many of her former classmates took notice of. Soon after, it was a Japanese doctor who showed her the way. “He showed me some natural topical medicine for atopic dermititis, pimples,” she recalls. “That’s where I learned to manage acne. That’s my real forte: acne management, anti-aging, and whitening.”

Practicing what she preached, Valencia would experiment the skin treatments on herself and members of her family. By now a duly certified skin expert, with a degree in Atopic Dermatitis and Acne Management in Izumo Hospital in Shimane-Ken, Japan, she also went under extensive training in Beautiful Earth Skin Products with Dr. Tetsuo Santo of Beautiful Earth USA Inc.

Valencia’s first celebrity endorser when she started was actress Ana Capri. Soon, word of mouth spread and the Cathy Valencia name became known far and wide. She continues: “We never advertised. Up to now we are very conservative when it comes to ads.”

It’s the kind of advertising you don’t need to pay for which speaks volumes about the Cathy Valencia treatments. Celebrity endorsers such as Marian Rivera, Vina Morales, Dennis Trillo, James Yap, Erich Gonzales, Empress Schuck, and others have trusted the clinic with their skin for their careers.

“Most of our clients are in their late 20s to 30s and above. We are known for our whitening,” Valencia continues. “If you have pimples, whitening is a given because when we treat the pimples, we treat the scars. We only remove what was damaged by the sun, pollution and toxins. It’s total skin renewal.”

Before even introducing any product, Valencia tries them out first. Her skin regime includes using her own products. “I want everything natural, like you are born with it,” she enthuses. “That’s why the passion is there; how I take care of myself is what I teach my staff on how to take care of our clients. It’s personal, not just business. We don’t stop and we keep going until we achieve the best results.”

Making good skin happen is Valencia’s focus. And she says that “after two weeks you will see the difference. After a month people will notice your skin.” New products soon to be introduced are serums, gels and special Nannic skin care solutions such as Couperose which eliminates facial veins and dark circles under the eyes. Another Nannic product produces smooth and pouty lips. There’s also the Bellewave Stemcellogist Professional, the only facial treatment using organic stem cell technology which is claimed to be better than Botox.

In a few months the company will introduce Valencia Effects to the market. By August or September, these specially formulated consumer products will be available, carrying the same quality standards that Valencia holds herself to. Already, there is a tomato-papaya peeling bar soap formulated with almost the same efficacy as the one used in her clinics.

Valencia says that starting young is key. She advises: “People have to start young when it comes to taking care of their skin. When it comes to finding a reputable clinic, get one that you trust and a family member or friend can vouch for. Research. There are many advantages in going to the right clinic, so choose wisely.”

Valencia’s products and services are priced high but are guaranteed effective. Within a month, you and others will see a noticeable change. That alone makes it worth the investment in yourself.

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For more information on products and services, go to http://www.cathyvalencia.com/.