Doctor Amalia Anghel has opened SkinMed Clinic, a center specialized in dermatology and aesthetics in Pipera, the heart of the corporate area, in which she has invested 2 million euros. What are the most common health problems in the north of the capital? How does what we eat between Zoom meetings influence our skin? Can our health be read on our faces? These are some of the questions the entrepreneur answers in an interview with BUSINESS Magazin.
One North Lofts, an imposing building on Pipera Boulevard, hosts on the ground floor, starting this month, SkinMed Clinic, a dermatology and aesthetics center, founded by Dr. Amalia Anghel, opened after an investment of 2 million euro.
The entrepreneur has expanded from the center of Bucharest to the north, "home" to corporates looking for skincare and relaxation after long hours in traffic or work from home.
"The need for expansion arose from the growing demand for dermatology and aesthetic services, especially from patients in the northern part of Bucharest, where Pipera is located. This neighborhood is known for its concentration of business and residential centers, attracting a category of clients who focus on prevention and skin care," says Dr. Amalia Anghel, founder of SkinMed Clinic.
The clinic in Pipera offers an integrated approach, combining traditional dermatologic treatments with the latest technologies in regenerative and aesthetic medicine. Thus, it offers a diversified range of medical services: dermatology, medical aesthetics, oncology, gynecology, phlebology, regenerative medicine, diabetes, nutrition and metabolic diseases, endocrinology, infectious diseases, clinical psychology and urology. The investment in opening the clinic in Pipera amounted to approximately 2 million euro, including both the cost of equipping it with high-performance medical equipment and the cost of fitting out the space to high standards.
"We expect a payback on this investment within 3-5 years, depending on market dynamics and patient response to the new services. This projection is based on the constant growth of interest in our preventive and aesthetic medical services, as well as on the positioning of the clinic in a booming area, with easy access for the inhabitants of the north of Bucharest", emphasized Dr. Amalia Anghel.
In the first clinic, on Decebal Boulevard, the investment amounted to around €1.5 million, with bank backing, as medical equipment played an important part. Beyond the financial investment in expansion, as an entrepreneur, Dr. Amalia Anghel said that finding qualified staff is a challenge, especially in a specialized field such as dermatology and medical aesthetics.
She has recruited both experienced and young doctors and trained them at the clinic in the center of Bucharest.
"In addition to the classic dermatology and medical aesthetics services that we offer at our first clinic in the center of the capital, in Pipera we have introduced new diagnostic and treatment solutions. Among the cutting-edge technologies available are Fotofinder, a state-of-the-art device for the early diagnosis of melanoma, the Alma Hybrid laser, recognized for its effectiveness in treating scars and skin imperfections, as well as innovative treatments such as photobiomodulation and Geneo X therapy, which are available exclusively in Pipera", explained the doctor.
In 2023, SkinMed Clinic had a turnover of 7 million lei, up by 2 million lei from last year, and a profit of 1.3 million lei, according to public data.
Photobiomodulation is a pioneering skincare technology that utilizes LED light to stimulate cell regeneration and improve overall skin health, while Geneo X combines the skin's natural oxygenation with the infusion of essential nutrients, delivering immediately visible results in a treatment that redefines facial rejuvenation. Currently, some of the most requested services at SkinMed include dermatoscopies, consultations for teens with acne, facial rejuvenation treatments, and scar treatments such as laser therapy.
"The season influences demand quite a lot - before the summer we see an increase in interest in aesthetic procedures that offer quick results, such as injections or laser treatments for hair removal. There is also an increase in demand for more complex dermatological treatments, such as chemical peels or laser treatments for blemishes and scars in the fall and winter. In terms of international trends, we are seeing an increasing alignment with the demands of foreign markets - our patients are becoming more informed and often come with specific requirements inspired by the latest innovations in the field," said Dr. Amalia Anghel.
She added that in an area like Pipera, where many of the residents and employees have an extremely dynamic lifestyle, with busy schedules and many hours spent in the office or working from home, she anticipates a high demand for relaxation and stress-reducing services such as therapeutic massages or revitalizing facials. At the same time, she noted that heavy traffic in Bucharest and hours spent in front of screens, especially in the work from home context, have led to an increased interest in services that improve overall well-being.
"Thus, we have also integrated in our clinic the partnership with THAIco SPA, specialists in wellness and relaxation services, designed to complement dermatological and aesthetic treatments," she said.
Another trend is the growing interest in using SPF products and preventive skin cancer consultations.
"The extremely high temperatures this summer have heightened awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure, and patients are more concerned about prevention than in the past. Sun protection education has also evolved, and many of our patients come to our consultations already informed about the importance of using SPF on a daily basis, not just during the summer. In addition, screenings for early detection of cancerous lesions have become a priority for a larger group of patients, and we are focused on raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings," said the doctor.
Dr. Amalia Anghel said there is a strong link between diet and skin health. Frequent consumption of processed foods, high in sugar and unhealthy fats, disrupts hormonal balance and contributes to dermatological conditions such as acne, premature ageing and inflammation. Skin is an indicator of general health, and internal problems caused by an unbalanced diet are often reflected in the skin.
Then, with the ever-increasing variety of cosmetics available on the market, the doctor believes it is essential to read labels carefully and understand the ingredients in the products we apply to our skin.
"Some ingredients, such as parabens, sulphates or mineral oils, can be irritating or harmful in the long term," she reinforced.
From a medical point of view, it is recommended to opt for products that are dermatologist-tested and formulated with natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
"The Korean skincare trend, promoted heavily on platforms such as TikTok, has created a wave of excitement, but it's important not to be swayed solely by marketing campaigns. While some Korean products are effective and innovative, they should be chosen carefully according to the specific needs of each individual's skin. Complex routines, such as ten-step routines, are not appropriate and can even be harmful in some cases," said Dr. Amalia Anghel.
She believes it's important to ask for expert recommendations from dermatologists or skin care specialists and to understand that skin needs are individual and that each product should be tested before being included in a daily routine.
"With the expansion in Pipera, we expect a substantial increase in turnover. We estimate an increase of around 20-30% compared to the previous year, due to the attraction of a new customer segment and increased demand for our dermatology and medical aesthetics services. At the same time, the new clinic offers an expanded range of services, which will help diversify our revenues," said Dr. Amalia Anghel.
In 2023, SkinMed Clinic had a turnover of 7 million lei, up by 2 million lei from the previous year, and a profit of 1.3 million lei, according to public data.
Article published on: businessmagazin.ro