Summer's here, bringing with it increased attention to skin care safety and unwanted body hair. Both concerns can be addressed at Complexions Rx in Fashion Valley, a skin care center that combines a spa, doctor's office and department store counter all in one stop.

"Complexions Rx provides the only total skin care solution," says Dr. Daniel Piacquadio, founder and chairman of what he calls "an integrative approach to skin care" that provides the "entire dermatological solution" from moisturizers to collagen injections. "We did one year of market research before the store opened in order to create an environment that provides convenience, authority and products that work."

Based in La Jolla, Complexions Rx lays claim to being the first retailer to combine medical treatments, prescription products and skin care services in one location, readily accessible and affordable to almost everyone. "It is a unique blend of a consumer friendly retail environment, access to skin care, coupled with great staff," says Piacquadio.

The company designs its products and services for women between 35 and 50, but finds 25 percent of its clientele is women under 35. The products and services, varying from chemical peels and facials to collagen filler treatments and hair removal, attract men as well. On-site medical personnel can prescribe appropriate products for treatment of skin problems, and they can perform laser hair removal. Compared to traditional methods of hair removal, laser treatment is considered more convenient and effective. A powerful, focused beam of light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle, disabling its growth. Laser hair removal can be performed only by trained and certified medical professionals. Before commencing laser treatments, Complexions Rx provides a $25 consultation with a test patch and an opportunity for questions. The cost for laser hair removal ranges from $120 to $400 for a single service, depending on the area to be treated and the amount of hair present.

Each laser pulse treats a one-half-inch section, which can contain 10 or more hairs. As with electrolysis, two to three trips must be made to remove the hair because of its natural growth cycle. Laser hair removal may not be permanent in all people. For them maintenance treatments are available.

Complexions Rx opened in Fashion Valley in January 1999, followed by a second store in Mission Viejo. Plans call for several stores in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas by the end of the year and 100 locations nationwide by 2004.

The company began as a corporate start-up and is now privately funded by large institutional money and venture capital. The lead investors in the company are Mission Ventures Group and Pacific Venture Group. How they plan to manage such an expansion? Complexions Rx has a "self-sustaining management structure that meets the needs of the retail store," explains Piacquadio. A medical director is in charge of each site, while the manager, nurse practitioners, estheticians and retail people take care of the day-to-day activities of the store. Like any large company, they have executives and a board that runs the company from the top while others deal with the critical details of the store — the clients.

— Giao Nguyen