Recently, we caught up with Carly Van Buren, Cosmetic Clinician and Registered Nurse at Samara Aesthetics.
How long have you been working as a nurse?
I’ve been a nurse since 2013, so 12 years this year. And I’ve been working at Samara Aesthetics for 2 years, since 2023.
How long have you been interested in medical aesthetics?
I’ve always been interested in aesthetics, and the opportunity arose to do my derma medical course in 2022. After finishing this course, I joined Samara Aesthetics and trained under Dr Sam in all things dermal and injectable. I’ve always had a creative mind, so being able to do facial assessments and perform treatments allowed me to create natural and maintainable results.
Which treatments do you find yourself performing the most?
I frequently do wrinkle relaxing treatments, along with dermal treatments like lasers, hydrafacials and skin needling on patients. Collagen stimulators are also a very popular treatment.
How do you manage and care for your skin?
My skin (and skin care) has been a journey, and like most women, it’s not perfect. I have breakouts around hormonal changes. However, having a healthy diet and regular, consistent skincare is a huge help. I try to have skin needling and LED light therapy every 6 weeks to help skin turnover/ recovery and skin quality.
What do you love most about your job?
I love talking to my clients and getting to know about their lifestyles. This always impacts the treatments I recommend and when to add new treatments. I love being able to deliver results my clients love and giving them a natural look so they are more confident.
Any favourite treatments?
Uh, there are so many… I love muscle relaxant products; they freshen your face so nicely. I also love the pico laser in winter; this helps eliminate that annoying pigmentation that gets darker over summer and, helps reduce fine lines/ promotes collagen stimulation. Skin needling is also a favourite of mine as it helps with skin texture, collagen stimulation, reduced pore size – and helps with acne scarring.
Do you have any faves when it comes to volumising and augmentation treatments?
I love lip and cheek augmenting products. I like enhancing the client’s natural lip shape and giving a hydrated and plump look without too much filler. My opinion is less is more.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have two skincare products, what would they be?
SPF+50, everyone should be using an SPF daily, even when not being out directly in the sun. I feel like there are so many SPF products on the market now that have tints/ are non-greasy, etc., that everyone can find one that suits their skin and needs. I also would be bringing a moisturiser – hydration is key!
Speaking of products, do you have any other favourites?
Everyone’s skin is so different, so finding what works for your skin is a journey we all need to take. My skin is quite sensitive, so using loads of strong products doesn’t agree with me. At the moment, I’m loving my Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum. It’s a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum that helps plump and restore moisture to the skin.
Have you had any treatments yourself this year?
I’ve had my usual 4-6 monthly muscle relaxant products applied. I have also had a few sessions of skin needling. After skin needling, I’ve noticed a dramatically decreased change in my pore size – and all-over skin quality.
What are your predictions for trending treatments in 2025?
I think trends for this year will include skin boosters and collagen stimulators. A lot of people are turning away from filler and trying more to enhance the skin they have. I also think more lasers and dermal treatments will be on the rise.
What do you love most about working at Samara Aesthetics?
I love our team. We’re all very close, and it’s one of the most supportive workplaces I’ve ever worked in. Dr Sam works closely with us all, and we’re constantly having training sessions to upskill and learn new treatments.
If you could give one piece of advice to your patients, what would it be?
Be patient. Results take time — unfortunately, they don’t come overnight. Consistency is key; maintaining results after achieving them is also very important. Try to be confident in your own skin and enhance your natural beauty.
It all starts with a consultation
with a medically trained doctor...
At Samara Aesthetics, every client starts with a one-on-one consultation with Dr Sam Avarinth, a medically trained cosmetic doctor. He’ll take the time to assess you, listen to questions, and share his knowledge before suggesting suitable, personalised treatment options. There’s no one-size-fits-all, no pushy sales talk — just caring, considered, evidence-based advice.
