Capri Medical Spa at Jumeirah Capri Palace has always been the gold standard of European wellness. But under the direction of globe-trotting dermatologist Dr. Chantal Sciuto, this legendary spot is officially the destination for the world’s most in-the-know glow-seekers. With a legendary career that includes collaborating with the likes of L’Oréal and Estée Lauder, Dr. Sciuto brings a scientist’s precision and an artist’s eye to dermatology. Her magic? Regenerative medicine. Think of it as ‘training’ your skin to repair itself with next-level, non-invasive treatments that deliver serious results.
So, what’s the secret to unlocking your skin’s most potent potential? Speaking to Cosmo Middle East, Dr. Sciuto reveals the treatments that truly deserve your dirhams, the skincare myths she wishes would vanish, and what products she can’t live without. You – and your skin – can thank us later.
Cosmo ME: Why dermatology, and what’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned?
Dr Chantal: I’ve always been fascinated by the skin because it’s our biggest organ and our protection. It envelops our entire body, so it shields us from external aggressors – viruses, bacteria, pollution… And, at the same time, it regulates our temperature, our healing, and even our mood. It also reflects what is happening on the inside.
Cosmo ME: What’s the biggest misconception clients walk in with?
Dr Chantal: That if you’re sitting in the office all day, you don’t need SPF. We are exposed to so many different rays of light, including from our screens! Rays from screens affect the tiny vessels in our skin, which can cause things like rosacea. But people aren’t prepared or protected because they think that if they’re inside, they don’t need it.
Cosmo ME: Share a career ‘pinch me’ moment…
Dr Chantal: I have to tell you, I’ve never forgotten when a young woman came to me who was worried about dark spots on her face. She was embarrassed and it was really affecting her confidence. She needed care and encouragement, and also a way to take care of her own skin. So, we started a super gentle programme focusing on correction that also supported the regeneration of her skin. Today, she’s a respected CEO, happily married with children, and has fantastic skin. She’s really beautiful, inside and out, and – most importantly – she’s still my patient!
Cosmo ME: What’s your ultimate holy grail treatment?
Dr Chantal: My signature protocol is something I call beauty couture – I’m a super fashionista like most women [laughs]. It’s a highly customised, non-invasive approach that enhances the natural beauty of each individual, celebrating their harmony, balance, and elegance. So, it’s not one treatment, it’s a mix of different things from fillers and Botox to cutting-edge technology. It’s so important to have a protocol that’s tailored to you, just like a haute couture dress is tailored to you! It’s also all about measurements. I use a supercaliper to take them, like Leonardo da Vinci. What I do for you today might not be what’s right for you tomorrow, so your plan has to be a long-term programme.
Cosmo ME: What’s one trend you’d never spend your dirhams on?
Dr Chantal: AI-driven beauty apps. I’m an advocate for advanced technology and I work with it a lot, but there’s a huge, huge gap between what’s actually possible and what’s being presented online. On social media, lots of illusions are promoted, and they’re misleading – especially for younger generations. It’s really hard for us, as experts, to explain to someone that something they’ve seen on an AI app is not actually possible to achieve in real life. It’s impossible to compete with something that’s not real.
Cosmo ME: Name three non-negotiable products in your handbag right now.
Dr Chantal:
1) I love a thermal water mist because you can use it wherever you are and it hydrates and heals. It’s amazing for everyone, and you can use it over makeup.
2) SPF. Not just for my face, but for places like my hands – I hate the ageing of the hands.
3) A lip gloss. Even when I don’t wear any other makeup, a gloss makes such a difference and adds a glow to the most feminine part of the face.
Cosmo ME: If you could ban one beauty myth on social media, what would it be?
Dr Chantal: This goes back to what I mentioned before, as I’d ban the sharing of these unreachable and unrealistic beauty standards that create a really dangerous misconception. Finding your own beauty, both inside and outside, requires self-awareness, motivation, and the guidance of trusted, professional doctors who can help you to embrace your own path.
Cosmo ME: Spill: what’s your personal skincare splurge and save?
Dr Chantal:
Splurge: Serums. I use two to three different ones at at time. It’s all about what our skin needs, and we should have different skincare for summer and winter. It also depends on where you are in the world. Are you in Dubai or are you in Norway? The environment, or even where you spend your time – are you mostly in front of a laptop, do you fly a lot? – are important to consider. Serums are must-haves.
Save: I never go to bed without cleansing my face. And something I always do afterwards, especially when I’m abroad, is to wet a little towel with warm water and rub it over my skin. It’s like a mini mechanical scrub, and it has two effects. Firstly, it helps remove anything that your cleanser might not have removed, and secondly, you get rid of the dead cells. By slightly massaging your skin with it, you also enhance blood circulation, which is fantastic for restoring your skin.
Cosmo ME: Beyond the clinic, what’s your “unwind and recharge” ritual?
Dr Chantal: Capri has become my sanctuary. There’s breathtaking nature, amazing energy, green everywhere, timeless beauty, and – of course – Italian food! It’s become a big inspiration for me, and I’ve even changed some of my programmes and things I want to do in the spa since moving here. Being in its nature further drove my philosophy of living in a more authentic and elegant way.
Cosmo ME: Give us the scoop – what’s the next big thing on your radar?
Dr Chantal: I’m always exploring new frontiers and I’m super passionate about my beauty couture because everything is integrated, so it really allows me to explore new treatments, techniques, and products. Spas are much more advanced than ever before, and now regenerative medicine is becoming the core of the business and I’m trying to strengthen this position. It’s all about creating new spaces and experiences that help guests feel more fulfilled, that’s the greatest gift we can give them. When you’re here, you have good food, you can go on a beautiful boat trip. You can be the best version of yourself when it comes to your well-being. It’s about creating the complete picture.
Cosmo ME: If you weren’t a dermatologist, what would your dream job be?
Dr Chantal: Being totally honest, my first choice wasn’t to be a dermatologist – I wanted to be an architect. I’ve always been drawn to symmetry, balance, and beauty in every form. My dad is a big collector of art, so I always had beauty around me in the house. But he’s also a doctor [laughs]. When you’re young, you’re like a sponge, and I absorbed the things around me. But taking care of people, listening to them, and making everyone look healthier and feel better is my real purpose.