This week, Peng, who is responsible for launching Guinot products in Pakistan, sheds light on the importance of skincare and facials. Read on…
interview
From a humble beginning in 1979 with a one-room salon, Peng Qureshi is an established name now in skincare and grooming industry with four branches and two franchises under the Peng Salon & Spa banner in Karachi. This week, Peng, who is responsible for launching Guinot products in Pakistan, sheds light on the importance of skincare and facials. Read on…
You! Tell us a bit about your early life?
Peng Qureshi: I started my career in this industry some 50 years ago. My journey began in 1974 when I went London to pursue my passion. I completed my beauty college in London at Christine Shaw, as well as my haircut and styling at Vidal Sassoon in the ’70s. I have had the honour of working under industry legends such as Vidal Sassoon, Robert Fielding, Christine Shaw, and Wella. After marrying, I moved to Pakistan and laid the foundation of Peng Salon from my house in 1979.
My journey had a very humble beginning as I opened my first salon in a small room in my house, driven by a passion to provide professional beauty services. The salon was later shifted to a nearby location in DHA Phase 1, Karachi. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially, expanding our brand through both company-owned and franchise outlets. Today, we proudly have 4 branches and 2 franchises under the Peng Salon & Spa banner in Karachi.
You! What made you decide to launch Guinot products in Pakistan?
PQ: My personal association with Guinot products spans over four decades and throughout this time, I have experienced its commitment to innovative, high-performance skincare. This passion and belief in Guinot’s transformative power were the driving forces behind my decision to introduce the brand to Pakistan. I wanted Pakistani women to experience this fine line of skin and beauty product. I have undergone continuous yearly trainings with Toni & Guy in London and Guinot in Paris to make sure we are always bringing the latest innovations and techniques to Pakistan.
You! What’s so special about Guinot facials?
PQ: Unlike harsh skincare treatments, Guinot focuses on enhancing your natural beauty while prioritising skin health. The facials are designed to grow with you, offering personalised solutions that adapt to your skin’s changing needs over time. It’s not just about looking good in the moment - it’s about maintaining lasting beauty and vitality for years to come.
You! Why should one get facials, and what is the safe age to start them?
PQ: Facials are a fantastic way to maintain and improve the health of your skin. Regular facials stimulate circulation and promote collagen production, which keeps the skin looking youthful and glowing. It’s not just about instant results; facials are an investment in long-term skin health.
I’d recommend starting facials from your 20s. That’s when you can start focusing on prevention and taking proactive steps to protect your skin from future damage. Of course, facials can be customised for all ages and the treatments evolve as your skin gets mature.
You! What are some popular Guinot facials?
PQ: One of the most popular is the ‘Hydraderm Cellular Energy Facial’ which is personalised to each skin, offering deep hydration and revitalisation, leaving a youthful glow. Another favourite is the ‘Age Summum facial’, designed specifically for mature skin. It helps to combat the signs of aging by stimulating cellular regeneration and boosting elasticity. As for my personal favourite, I love the new ‘JDM Age Reverse Treatment’. It’s a non-invasive treatment that contours the skin and gives an instant lift.
You! How regularly should one go for facials?
PQ: Generally, I recommend getting facials once a month at least as this provides a consistent routine for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. For women with mature skin, it’s especially important to focus on treatments that promote firming, hydration and collagen production.
You! What do you love most about your job?
PQ: Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of building a community of strong, confident women who not only look their best but also feel empowered in their own skin. Watching them grow, thrive and embrace their beauty with pride is the most fulfilling part of my work.
You! Do you emphasise on using foundation?
PQ: I believe in embracing natural beauty, so I don’t always emphasise the need for foundation. Clean, clear skin is something I’ve always encouraged my clients to nurture because it speaks volumes on its own. If your skin is healthy and glowing, you don’t necessarily need foundation or makeup to look beautiful. However, I do understand that for some, foundation can be a confidence booster or a way to enhance their features for special occasions.
You! Are women in Pakistan becoming more aware when it comes to skincare?
PQ: Over the years, I’ve seen a significant shift in how women view their skin health. There’s a growing understanding of the importance of using quality skincare products and adopting routines that are tailored to individual needs. Women are more informed than ever and they are increasingly seeking out professional advice on how to care for their skin. It’s heartening to see that women are not only prioritising skincare for cosmetic reasons, but also for their long-term health and well-being.
You! What is one skincare product no woman should leave home without?
PQ: Sunscreen. It’s absolutely essential, no matter the time of year or the weather. Sun protection is the most important step in preventing premature aging, pigmentation and skin damage. UV rays can cause long-term harm even on cloudy days, so applying sunscreen daily helps keep the skin protected and youthful.
You! What is the most challenging part of your job?
PQ: The most challenging part of my job, after more than four decades in this industry, is seeing how quickly trends change and how different each generation’s approach to beauty and skincare can be. While I’ve always embraced change and evolution, it can sometimes difficult to convince clients, especially younger ones, the long-term importance of consistent skincare over quick fixes or shortcuts.
You! What skin regimen would you suggest to women over 40?
PQ: For women over 40, focus on hydration, collagen-boosting and sun protection. Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a toner, a hydrating serum and a rich moisturiser. Sunscreen is non-negotiable to protect from aging UV rays. I also recommend regular facials to maintain firmness and radiance.
You! How important is sleep for healthy skin?
PQ: Sleep is incredibly important for healthy skin. It’s during sleep that your skin has the opportunity to repair and regenerate. When you’re well-rested, your skin can produce collagen and repair any damage from the day. Sleep is your skin’s natural healing time, so getting enough quality rest is key to maintaining a fresh, glowing complexion.
You! Are there any emerging skincare trends that excite you?
PQ: The rise in promoting simpler, more mindful skincare routine, is something I really appreciate. It’s refreshing to see more women embrace natural beauty and focus on nourishing their skin with mindful, effective and quality products rather than overwhelming it with too many steps.
You! What do you have to say about fairness creams, are they any good?
PQ: Fairness creams have always been a controversial topic, often promoting unrealistic beauty standards and only masking skin issues temporarily. They don’t address the root cause of healthy skin, like hydration or protection.
You! What are you currently working on or preoccupied with?
PQ: At this stage of my career, I’ve limited my client appointments. My next generation has beautifully taken over the legacy I’ve built. My son and daughter have truly stepped into the industry, continuing the work I started and serving with the same passion and dedication. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see them take these strides, blending innovation with tradition and I’m proud of the way they’re shaping the future of the beauty industry.
