The hum of Colombo’s most glamorous shopping mall was momentarily interrupted by something unexpected; it was not a new boutique launch but a pop up dedicated entirely to one of the commonest, and most misunderstood skin concern- acne.
At one GalleFace Mall, Christell Luxury Wellness unveiled Sri Lanka’s first super speciality, Acne Lab in an immersive, interactive pop up experience inviting the public to explore acne prevention through scientific yet personal lens.
As part of its commitment to redefining acne care in Sri Lanka, the Christell Clinic labs offered skin analysis using Sri Lanka’s first face scanner, along with customised skincare guidance, expert consultation, product recommendation and interactive sessions aimed at demystifying acne. Each guest could experience a personalised five step pathway to healthier skin: nutritional guidance, detox advice, mental wellbeing support targeted skincare and advanced dermatological treatments. At the heart of the event was the expert panel.
The Acne Lab pop up was more than a brand activation. It was a call to reframe acne as a condition worth serious.
Christell 1 – Nutrition Consultant Dr. Raaida Wahab Daniel, Wellness Consultant Dr. Hiruni Poornima, Psychotherapist & Communication Specialist Dr. Shamindri Bandusena, Christell Acne Lab Head Dr. Pavitra De Seram, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine Specialist Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne and Acne Specialist Dr. Haran Robinson
As the pop up closed its doors, one thing was clear: for many who stepped inside, this was the beginning of a new chapter – one where breakouts meet breakthroughs and skin health is finally given the depth, care and dignity it deserves.
The panel opened with a powerful message from Christell’s nutrition consultant Dr Raaida Wahab Daniel, who spoke about the link between gut health and acne. “Your gut is the boss. It sends signals to the rest of your body, including your skin,” she explained, emphasizing that a diet rich in unprocessed, local ingredients can go a long way in supporting skin health. “We often hear about the Mediterranean diet, but our own food — red kekulu rice, gotukola, parippu, and fish ambul thiyal — can be just as beneficial when prepared in a balanced, wholesome way.” She also encouraged attendees to support collagen production by pairing collagen supplements with vitamin C-rich local foods such as guava and leafy greens.
Resident doctor Dr. Hiruni Poornima continued the discussion by unpacking the science behind the now popular concept of “detoxing.” She explained that our gut, liver, and kidneys work naturally to remove toxins from the body. This process can be supported through good hydration, sleep hygiene, and reduced alcohol consumption. “With today’s modern lifestyle, our bodies are under more stress than ever. Two to three litres of water daily, consistent sleep, and avoiding screens 60 to 90 minutes before bed can make a huge difference,” she said. She also noted that natural supplements like threepala and ashwagandha can be beneficial when used mindfully.
The panel also tackled the emotional and psychological dimensions of acne. Christell’s psychotherapist and wellness specialist Dr Shamindri Bandusena explained how acne and emotional wellbeing are closely intertwined. “Stress increases cortisol levels, which can worsen acne. In turn, acne can lower self-esteem, creating a vicious cycle. Supporting clients to see beyond their skin and rebuild self-worth is a critical part of long-term healing,” she noted.
Speaking on the future of skincare, the Founder of the Christell Acne Lab and specialist in Aesthetic and Regenerative medicine Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne highlighted the importance of combining evolving skincare innovations with time-tested holistic care. “Skincare is fast evolving, but the value of a holistic process that goes to the root cause of acne is timeless,” she said. “It is very rare that doctors from different disciplines come together to treat something that appears so simple, like acne, and that is what makes the Acne Lab unique. True, lasting results come only from an integrated, inside-out approach.”
This pop-up and panel are part of Christell Acne Lab’s ongoing effort to build awareness, foster education, and create supportive communities around skin health. By making skin care more approachable and science-driven, Christell continues to lead the conversation around treating acne not just as a cosmetic concern, but as a whole-body, whole-person issue.
by Zanita Careem ✍️