SKIN DEEP

SU-MAN HSU was hosted by THE RITZCARLTON, DOHA SPA where she enthusiastically talked to JAYNE GREEN about her legendary ‘five star’ signature facial and why she is one of the most well-known celebrity facialists.

Tell us how you first delved into the world of skincare?

To be honest I was so unhappy with the products I was using for my facials. They were too heavy and not effective. So I decided to create my own. I wanted products that replicated my professional treatment and would work with simple application techniques. The formulas started at home in my kitchen. I tested them on my countless clients and they were thrilled by the results. I then sent them to two labs in France and Taiwan to refine them. This is how Su-Man skincare was born. I like to think that what you get with my skincare is “the wisdom of ten thousand faces”. That’s at least how many people I’ve treated!

What are the most common skin issues that you see?

Pigmentation, dark circle under the eyes and dealing with spots are the most common issue I noticed.

You launched your products back in December 2013, have your ingredients and formulas remained the same?

Yes

Your products have won various awards, what’s the most memorable moment in your career?

Apart from launching my skincare range and be the first skincare brand that won the Five Star Diamond Award from America, the most memorable moment in my career was being the rehearsal director for Akram Khan for the London Olympics opening ceremony in 2012. I had to make sure the 50 dancers I worked with were perfect in this once in a lifetime moment. That evening when I could feel 80,000 people move to silence I’ve felt so proud and full of joy. It’s a tremendous gift to give to the world and I felt honoured to be part of it. You mix Eastern & Western techniques, what are the elements you take from each?

The concept of ‘prevention’ is a very eastern approach to skincare. Asian women are encouraged to care for their skin from a young age, in order to preserve its youth. Massage application is also widely used in Asian skincare, aiming to achieve a healthy, energised and beautiful skin. Massage also allows you to get the most out of your products, helps reducing pores and improves circulation. The ‘correction’ element of the skincare philosophy comes from the west. Western women love the ‘wow factor’ and are always looking for hero products to add to their regime. With this in mind I created my Velvet Skin Brightening Serum - it nourishes your skin from the first use, leaving it velvety soft whilst ensuring the long term improvement of your skin.

Both my massage technique and skincare range are inspired by the two cultures that I’ve belonged to for most of my life. It is a marriage of homegrown Asian beauty secrets and cutting edge science.

Do you ever feel under pressure being referenced as a Celebrity Facialist?

I don’t know if it’s the pressure from the name or just my insecurity because I constantly have the doubt of my abilities. Even if I have touched over ten thousand faces, each time I have that fear of not being able to deliver the result, not being able to perform my best or not being able to connect with that person. It’s a constant challenge for me.

What is your opinion on botox and fillers?

I am not a fan of those quick fixes but I am not against them either. If done properly you do get that instant younger looking result. The trouble is that people don’t know when to stop so you often see people gone past the tipping point of cosmetics work - either frozen or pillow like which make a person look artificial and robotic.

The good news is that my facial method actually compliments those procedure because it activates the muscles, releases tension on the face, improves blood flow and reduces over-stressed skin. In other words, it brings life back to your face. This is not a theory but a fact from having worked with over ten thousands faces.

How does the Middle East differ in regards to customer demand for products and treatments?

From my experience, Middle East women are more advanced and dare to try something new, weather a product or treatment. They certainly know what they want but still keep an open mind. The disadvantage is that they don’t necessarily become regulars, compared to customers from other cultures.

Have you got any skincare tips that we can incorporate into our daily beauty regime?

Yes, you can see full details of my step by step massage technique on my website www.su-man.com. There is a simple 2 minutes mini facial video which, if you do every day, will improve your skin texture considerably. The idea of massage is that by draining lymph fluid, increasing blood circulation and energising the face muscles, the “scaffolding” of your skin becomes stronger. It also reduces stagnation, suffocation and tension. End result - energised , healthy and beautiful skin that stays that way.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

Well, I was supposed to be given away to my childless neighbour when I was born but they rejected me and told my mother that I was too skinny and a little too dark as a Chinese. And look at me now - I’m doing things that make people look beautiful and young.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Doha has been re-imagined to offer city’s most contemporary and new luxury spa experience. The unique sensory experience is inspired by the secrets of the sea and the pearls of the Arabian Gulf, paying homage to Qatar’s traditional pearling heritage and Doha’s revered ‘Pearl’ development, providing a culturally immersive spa experience. The newly fully re-imagined Ritz-Carlton Spa provides 7 secluded treatment rooms and a new fitness center that boasts a state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment by Technogym® and a designated private ladies section, all with the stunning view of the opulent marina. The all-new Tuscany marble and mosaic tile wet areas offer guests a true moment of pampering and delight by exclusive ESPA products and treatments, curated specifically for The RitzCarlton Spa. The contemporary design dazzles with Mother of Pearl walls, swirled tile floors and the pallets of neutral shades enhances the new Ritz-Carlton Spa journey.

For more information or reservations, please visit ritzcarlton.com/ doha, call +974 4484 8000 or email rc.dohrz.spa@ritzcarlton.com