Natural glow: Meet the founders of Dublin’s new, nurse-led skin clinic

When I stepped through the doors of Dublin’s new FILO Advanced Skin & Laser Clinic, its gorgeous interiors took me off guard. Rather than the typical ‘clinical’ white walls and fluorescent lighting, a warm, modern design awaited more akin to a luxury spa.

I was welcomed by FILO’s founders, husband and wife duo Ryan Jay Lumor and Christina Quingco. Both are qualified nurses from The Philippines and are proud to offer the latest beauty and wellness treatments.

In fact, one of their hi-tech BBL (BroadBand light) machines is the same model used by The Kardashians, Victoria Beckham and celebrity skin expert Nurse Jamie.

Championing diversity

Ryan and Christina have intentionally secured their impressive collection of treatment machines from around the world so that they can have more options for people of colour – an often overlooked area in the Irish beauty industry.

“When we were researching the market, a lot of clinics had machines made for fairer skin,” said Ryan. “We’ve heard experiences of our fellow people of colour, that they were either turned away or their options were very limited because of the colouration of their skin. That’s why for most of our investments, we ensure they’re applicable to all skin types.”

Before settling down in Ireland, Ryan and Christina worked in the Middle East – Christina as a dermatology nurse and Ryan as a rhinoplasty nurse. After opening a few businesses in Cork, they made their true dream a reality and opened their first skin clinic there in 2022 – it quickly gained popularity among locals and non-locals alike.

Now, opening their second location in Dublin’s Charlestown Shopping Centre, Ryan hopes to continue this championing of diversity and high-quality treatments. “We were able to branch out into a three times bigger clinic in just over a year,” gushed Ryan. “Our clients are looking for non-invasive options in skin rejuvenation, instead of the usual Botox and fillers. Our mantra is to rediscover your natural glow no matter your skin type.”

Nurse-led

Along with their high-tech machinery, FILO is able to achieve this goal with their knowledgeable staff of nurses and their bespoke process with each client. “Our staff are all nurses. it’s a big investment but it pays off because there’s an extra layer of accountability and responsibility in everything that we do. Our team is trained in facial and skin anatomy, they understand how treatments will affect your skin, and they understand post-treatment care.”

They also take pride in their tailored skincare approach and long-lasting results. “If you’re a first-time client, our typical process is to bring you in for a consultation and work together to find the best solution, based on all of the machines and services we have in the clinic.”

It’s important to note that anti-ageing skincare is not designed to make you look 30 years younger, explains Ryan. Rather than the short-term, often exaggerated effects of botox and fillers, FILO’s treatments are an investment in enduring, healthy-looking skin.

“With injectables, you see your lips or under eyes filled almost instantly. Whereas, with our energy and machine-based treatments, you get a better natural-looking and longer-lasting result.”

Treatments to try

FILO’S most popular treatments are all focused on restoring your natural glow.

1. BBL (BroadBand Light)

“Right now, our most popular treatment is BBL (not to be confused with a Brazilian Butt Lift). BroadBand Light is a very effective treatment designed to break down pigmentation, both red and brown. Red could be broken veins, broken capillaries and rosacea and brown could be age spots, sun spots and freckles.”

2. Sofwave & Thermage

“We have two top non-invasive anti-ageing treatments. Both are once a year and non-invasive. For older clients, the best in ultrasound is called Sofwave. It reaches just two millimetres from the surface, affecting the dermis, to wake up sleeping skin cells and produce more collagen.

“For people of colour, a lot of us don’t have lines and wrinkles, so we invested in another technology that uses radiofrequency called Thermage to tighten and lift.”

3. Glow Facial

“For our first-time clients or those in need of a deep cleanse, I recommend our Glow Facial. As the only facial we offer, we tailor it to meet your skin needs. It’s a 14-step process that will hydrate, exfoliate and deeply cleanse your skin. For a young healthy individual, we shed our skin every 28 to 42 days, so we recommend a facial every four to six weeks.”

To book a consultation or treatment at FILO’s Dublin or Cork locations, visit thefiloclinic.ie.