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Clinique Global President Lynne Greene: “Cutting-edge joint research” |
US. Clinique, one of the world’s leading prestige cosmetics brands, has forged a pioneering partnership with a top US medical college to fund skin research. The alliance is believed to be a first in the cosmetics industry.
Clinique’s top executives and representatives of the world’s beauty media gathered in New York on Thursday to witness the opening of the new Clinique Skin Wellness Center, which aims to undertake joint research projects and educate the wider public about skincare issues.
The Manhattan-based Center is a unit of Weill Cornell Medical College’s dermatology department and comprises several examination rooms and a workstation. Doctors will conduct skin examinations and educate patients on how to prevent skin cancer and maintain skin health.
Patients may make follow-up appointments with Clinique representatives to receive advice on areas such as skin camouflage for post-operative scars and to obtain information on skin wellness. Patients can research skin concerns via a kiosk, while Clinique pamphlets explaining skincare issues will be available in the waiting room.
At Thursday’s opening reception, Clinique Global President Lynne Greene told the audience that the partnership aimed to build on Clinique’s heritage as a dermatological-driven brand.
Clinique has worked with the Orentreich family of dermatologists since the creation of the brand in 1968. Dr Norman Orentreich was the brand’s Founding Dermatologist, his son Dr David Orentreich is now its Guiding Dermatologist, and his sister Dr Catherine Orentreich works as a consultant.
Clinique Skin Wellness Center: All about prevention
“This [affiliation with Weill Cornell Medical College] is an incredibly unique opportunity,” said Greene. “In the last few years, there has been a movement in the medical world towards wellness and how to prevent disease, and Clinique is all about prevention.
“It is appropriate that we partner with one of the world’s leading medical colleges in the fields of skincare, treatment and the science of the skin. We’re talking about Clinique making the connection from the bench to bedside to consumer.”
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Dermatological dynasty: Clinique has worked with the Orentreich family since the cosmetics brand was founded in 1968. Left to right: Consultant Dr Catherine Orentreich, Founding Dermatologist Dr Norman Orentreich and Guiding Dermatologist Dr David Orentreich |
A key component of the relationship will be in “cutting-edge joint research”, said Greene. The first two projects undertaken with Weill Cornell scientists will focus on the effects of stress on the skin and allergies. Greene described the latter as “a modern worldwide epidemic”.
The Clinique Skin Wellness Center will also function as “a centre without walls”, she said, explaining that annual Clinique-sponsored lectures will take place to educate the public about how to care for the skin and prevent disease.
Explaining the overall aim of the Center, Greene emphasised the non-commercial aspect. “We’re not going to talk about [Clinique] products. It’s all about helping people.”
As part of the Weill Cornell relationship, Clinique is funding a Clinique Clinical Scholarship, whose first incumbent is Dr John Carucci.
Education initiative for Clinique consultants
In a second ground-breaking initiative, Greene unveiled details of a programme to further develop the knowledge of the Clinique brand’s 20,000 in-store consultants.
“We want to have the best educated consultants in the industry,” commented Greene.
Under the new certification programme, which expands on Clinique’s already comprehensive training scheme, each Clinique consultant will be able to attain three levels of qualifications on skin issues. The programme is available to both consultants directly employed by the brand and generic shop-floor staff in travel retail locations.
Level One comprises a written test on the skin, Level Two will enable the consultant to assist dermatological patients in areas such as chronic acne and sun damage, and Level Three will see consultants eligible for sessions with the Clinique Skin Wellness Center and the Manhattan-based Orentreich dermatological practice.
Clinique sees the certification programme as a way to boost its customer service at the counter, while helping to retain staff.
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