Ms Adaobi Nnoli Nwaju is the managing director of Dazzle Beauty and Skin Care Specialist Home, a skincare home for treatment of all kinds of skin and scalp related conditions. In this interview with Pharmanews recently, the Anambra State born professional skincare specialist, who graduated from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State as a biochemist, speaks on the mission of her four-year-old company and how best Nigerians should care for their skin. Excerpts:
Who is a skincare specialist?
Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some may provide other skincare treatments, such as peels, masks or scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin.
In addition to working with clients, skincare specialists also keep records of skincare regimens that their regular clients use. A growing number of specialists actively sell skincare products, such as cleansers, lotions, and creams. Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
The job may involve a great deal of standing. Because skincare specialists must evaluate the skin’s condition, good lighting and clean surroundings are important. Protective clothing and good ventilation also may be necessary because skincare specialists often use chemicals on the face and body.
At Dazzle, we refer clients to medical personnel for treatment of serious skin problems. We advise clients about colours and types of makeup and instruct them in makeup application techniques. We sell makeup and other skin care products to our clients, while we collaborate with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to provide patients with preoperative and postoperative skin care.
You graduated from the university as a biochemist. What informed your decision to go into skincare business?
I studied biochemistry in school as a course of study but along the line, I developed great passion for skincare and I started practising as an undergraduate. So, after my graduation, I quickly enrolled into a Beauty and Cosmetology School in Abuja, after which I also went to learn about cosmetics production.
When was Dazzle established and what were your objectives?
Dazzle Beauty and Skincare Specialist Home was established four years ago after I finished from beauty school. I initially started in Lagos before relocating to Abuja where we are presently; and to the glory of God we are doing tremendously well such that I have no regret dropping biochemistry to be a skincare expert.
At Dazzle Beauty and Skin Care Home, we treat all kinds of skin-related issues like acne, stretchmark, sunburn, skin rashes, ringworm, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, acne scars, dehydrated skin, blackheads, enlarged pores, skin discoloration, scarring, dark patches, wrinkles and fine lines. We are also into hair and scalp related issues like hair breakage, dandruff, oily and dry scalp treatment – and all our treatment are guaranteed.
How well are your products doing in the market and what are you doing to ensure they are not counterfeited?
Dazzle beauty products are doing very well in the market because a lot of people that have used them have testified to their effectiveness. We are working so hard to make sure they are not faked because most of our products are herbals and they regenerate very fast.
How relevant are skincare experts in the country and what does it cost to patronise them?
Skincare experts are very relevant in this country, especially in developed cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and many others. The reason is that so many people who live in these cities know the importance of skincare and beauty.
I have come to realise that so many people are dying in need of skincare experts for their skin-related issues but are afraid that it is only the rich and the celebrities that can afford skincare experts. Also, we have so many who ignorantly patronise quacks, who rather than help them end up worsening their conditions.
At Dazzle Beauty Home, we guarantee every of our customers maximum satisfaction as we do proper skin analysis on each customer before commencing treatment.
From your experience and observation, how well do Nigerians care about their skin?
As I said earlier, it all boils down to the need for proper orientation as majority of Nigerians who are properly enlightened care so much about their skin and therefore know what to do when they have issues with their skin. Our outward look is as important as what we take in; but most people care so much about what they eat and the drugs they take, in order to look healthy while they care less about their skin and their outward beauty. On the average, only about 30 per cent of Nigerians visit beauty homes to look after their beauty and care for their skins. The greater majority see it as needless extravagance.
What keeps you passionate about helping people look beautiful?
What keeps me passionate about my job is the fact that I am able to put smiles on people’s faces in the little way I can. In fact, seeing my clients happy and satisfied after being treated or attended to makes me happier. Those are the things that keep me going in this business and I must say I am fulfilled in what I am doing.
In your opinion, why do people bleach?
People bleach for so many reasons, one of which is lack of confidence and inferiority complex. Bleaching has become a major practice in our society, to the extent that people now use different kinds of cream and soaps to achieve this. Studies reveal that most young boys and girls prefer using skin whitening products so that they can get a good standing in their groups, families and communities. In fact, the commercials shown on television these days also portray the same thing. These commercials have a great impact on the minds of young men and women and they opt for whatever cream or pill they can afford.
However, regardless of being a man or woman, skin bleaching is a good option to get rid of the black spots or any other type of spots on skin; but the options have become very complicated these days as there are plenty of options available in the market, leaving the customers confused.
What are the side effects of bleaching?
Although skin bleaching or whitening could be a good option for getting rid of dark spots or skin discoloration, the process is not free from side effects. Some of the products are very harmful and can even cause skin cancer. Therefore, it is very important that people find out the side effects of skin bleaching before opting for it. Some other side effects are dark grey spots, acne, swelling of the skin, thinning of the skin, cataracts, settling down of fat on face, chest, upper back and stomach. There is also increase in appetite and weight gain; osteoporosis; neurological and kidney damage, due to high level of mercury used in the creams; psychiatric disorders; and severe birth defects. Some these side effects could be seen almost immediately while some are seen only after prolonged use of skin whitening creams.
What advice do you have for those who bleach and those who are careless about their skin?
Diet is the most important part that people should take care of if they want a flawless skin. Doing away with all refined food products and replacing them with healthy and nutritious ones is the secret. Also when it comes to knowing how to taking care of one’s skin, it’s a matter of selecting the right product and importantly, being completely aware of the ingredients used in any product being considered.
It is important to consult a skin expert when considering trying a new skin care product to improve skin tone, remove age spots, sun spots, and other blemishes. That is why Dazzle Beauty Home is here. $Our services are professionally offered and our products are the best in the market.
