The definition of beauty has continued to expand, making room for women of colour, obese, bald, grey, and wrinkles to look beautiful. Everyone wants to look beautiful. Everyone’s idealized version can be seen in the pages of magazines or on the runways of Paris. Beauty is the eyes of the of the beholderTechnology has put the power to define beauty in the hands of the people. Mobile phones allow people greater control of their image, and include apps that come with filters used for fun, appearance, and entertainment.

The word beautiful was a description that was reserved for special people. But now this conception has changed.

But improved plastic surgery, more personalized and effective nutrition, the flowering of the fitness industry, and the rise of selfie filters on smartphones, along with Botox, fillers, and the invention of Spanx, have all combined to help us look better—and get a little bit closer to looking exceptional. Therapists, bloggers, influencers, stylists, and well-meaning friends have raised their voices in a chorus of body-positivity mantras.

With globalization the idea of beauty is always shifting. Today, it’s more inclusive than ever.

Whom we deem ‘beautiful’ is a reflection of our values. Now, a more expansive world has arrived where ‘we are all beautiful.’

by Zanita Carrem

Thirty years go where women didn’t have much opportunities to contribute to the household income, Prof Ramani Arsecularathne started the academy in 1991,with more than 100 courses ranging from floral decor, jewellery designing, patch work, educational toy making to interior designing. She was able to harness the untapped skills of these women to be give them confidence to be self-employed and start small scale businesses to make a meaningful contribution to the household income.

With the rising demand for beauty therapy, the Ramani Arsecularatne International Academy evolved to provide qualifications in world-class beauty therapy and hairstyling. The professor developed bespoke trainings from her own expertise gained from universities and specialized institutes in the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, France and more.

With the demand in beauty therapy, the Ramani Arsecularatne International Academy which started in 1991, evolved to give world class beauty therapy and hair dressing courses. She developed her own methods of study through her trainings from universities and leading institutions in the UK, USA, Japan, France and more. This not only paved the way for tens of thousands to Sri Lankan women to start their own business but also attracted students from countries such as Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In collaboration with the Australian High Commission, the Academy became the only institution in Sri Lanka certified to transfer students to the Victoria University in Melbourne for advance training .

Dedicated to helping the society, especially those who had lost livelihoods because of Sri Lanka’s Civil War, the Academy granted scholarships to thousands of low-income and war heroes families.

Professor Ramani has represented Sri Lanka at numerous international events over the years, including the prestigious Commonwealth Study Conference in Canada. On the invitation of global embassies and Sri Lankan societies, she has also conducted many international workshops in cities in Sweden, Canada and the USA.

The word Cosmetology was bought and popularized to Sri Lanka by her and she was instrumental in developing the cosmetology degree in Sri Lankan universities.

Having fulfilled her dream of creating a catalyst that would transform our society to uplift women, Professor Ramani is now steering the next part of her journey. Partnering with her daughter, Dr Shanika Arsecularatne, they established Christell Skin Clinic in 2014.

Having achieved her dream of empowering thousands of women to create business in Sri Lanka and abroad, Professor Ramani is now steering the next part of her journey. Partnering with her daughter, Dr Shanika Arsecularatne, they established Christell Skin Clinic in 2014.

By introducing Sri Lanka to the world’s foremost cosmetic dermatology, revitalized local Ayurvedic practices and cutting-edge advancements in nutrition and lifestyle improvement – the Clinic is elevating Sri Lanka’s beauty and wellness profile, setting the benchmark to become a vibrant cosmetic tourist hub in the near future.

Q: Could you explain the philosophy behind the Christell Skin Clinic – how did it first come about?

It initially began with the identification of the high demand in skin care consultancy found in Sri Lanka and after careful consideration of the market, we were able to transform our existing ‘Christell Clinic’ to the new and improved Christell Luxury Wellness Offering non-surgical cosmetic treatment procedures combined with luxury wellness treatments under one roof for the first time in Sri Lanka.

As every individual’s needs are different – we prescribe treatments best suited to your required goals, priorities and tolerance to pain combining signature services and highly effective products with cutting edge non-surgical medical technology. In essence, we are now one of the most advanced cosmetic skin care centres in the nation which combine the perfect blend of aesthetics and medical science to offer clients a solution to all skin, hair and body care needs.

Christell Luxury wellness promises a holistic physical and psychological wellness experience combining the ancient traditions of Ayurveda with the science of modern integrative medicine.

Q: What contributes to Christell Skin Clinic’s edge in today’s health and wellness market?

With over 25 years of experience in non-invasive and non-surgical skin treatments, we have a rare insight into the needs of clients of all ethnicities. This has enabled us to select and create new treatment plans with the least downtime and virtually painless skin treatments.

Additionally, we have exclusive access to the latest US FDA approved technologies and treatments that Prof. Ramani and Dr. Shanika study during their travels across the world. This has enabled us to bring into our clinic best practices and skincare treatments from USA and Europe and Asia.

We believe in using the latest technology from global leaders in skincare to keep the clinic up to date with international training. Unrestricted access to break-through research and developments, information and technology, and the seamless flow of medical and aesthetic know-how is encouraged at Christell Skin Clinic.

Q: How does the clinic address the negative stereotypes that are affiliated with cosmetic treatments – especially those pertaining to safety?

All the medical treatments at Christell Skin Clinic are conducted using the highest skincare protocols. Our skincare plans are formulated by Dr. Shanika and Prof. Ramani, while all medical equipment is handled only by trained professionals.

We are also extremely proud to announce the recognition given to Dr. Shanika, who was recognised as an ‘LMD Millennial Torchbearer’ amongst the country’s hard working millennial generation.

Christell Skin Clinic is committed to achieve excellence by being able to provide a holistic service by fusing medical expertise with over two decades of experience. It is well-known for its outstanding patient care with the primary focus to consistently strive for the highest ratings of satisfaction from its clientele.

Q: You were recently awarded amongst the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards – tenth edition – for Sri Lanka and Maldives 2020 – how does that feel?

I’m very grateful to the WIM organization for recognizing my efforts of 3 decades in creating self-employment opportunities for thousands of women. I feel extremely humbled and proud of my achievements as well.

Q: In your opinion – what is driving the increased focus on health and wellness in Sri Lanka?

As an island which has practiced the age old Science of Ayurveda and complementary medical sciences to cure illness and improve wellbeing and as a country where health care standards are so high , Sri Lanka is a perfect destination where one can enjoy a island vacation and improve their health and wellbeing 360 degrees 

Q: How would you describe the market competition – and what strategies do you employ to stay ahead?

Christel Luxury wellness is currently the only clinic combining cosmetic and anti-aging medicine, Ayurveda and integrative medicine to offer a 360 holistic wellness solution. As a company we hope to collaborate with hospitality partners and others in the wellness industry to create a unique offering to the clients both local and foreign so we can offer something special than just an Ayurveda wellness retreat.

Q: What are the latest trends and innovations in health and wellness?

Health and wellness is one area where new practices, techniques and products are constantly being introduced. We have introduced the concept of vita drips – an integrative wellness method which involves in delivering the deficient nutrients and remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.

We have introduced a new treatment with Stem cells which can regenerate hair and skin faster. We also hope to introduce many new and innovative treatments in wellness in the near future.

Q: What is the organisation’s future plans?

We hope to create unique wellness plans to make Sri Lanka a much preferred choice for cosmetic and wellness tourism when compared to bigger countries like Thailand and India.