In this interview, Clémentine Bernard, a social aesthetician at Necker Hospital, whose role is funded by the Rallye du Cœur, shares insights into her daily work with children and medical staff.
What is Social Aesthetics?
Social aesthetics adapts aesthetic care to medical and social settings. It’s provided to populations facing physical, mental, or social difficulties that compromise their well-being. Within a multidisciplinary framework, aesthetic care serves as a form of bodily mediation, offering therapeutic support. This approach is grounded in respect, non-judgment, and empathy.
Why Did You Choose to Practice Social Aesthetics?
From the start of my career in wellness a decade ago, this was my goal. I wanted to deepen the care I offered my clients. I was often frustrated by the lack of time and, as a result, a lack of real attention. After gaining enough professional and personal experience, I decided to embark on this beautiful adventure in social aesthetics.
Becoming a social aesthetician is rarely coincidental. Our personal experiences often motivate us to choose this line of work. Today, with my experience, I can confidently say that I am exactly where I belong—passionate and convinced of the benefits of this work, which aims to bring peace to the body, heart, and mind when it’s needed most.
What Do You Do to Support the Well-Being of Sick Children?
When I arrive at the hospital service, the medical team shares the names of the patients who need it the most. The treatments are always tailored and personalized. This may include body massages, hand care, facials, nail polishing, self-makeup, or advice on applying suitable creams and products to help them become self-sufficient.
My wish is to offer them a moment of relaxation, comfort, and kindness; to give them a true moment of listening while building a relationship of trust; to help children rediscover the pleasant sensation of touch and self-esteem; to soothe, comfort, and encourage a letting go; to help them forget the illness, even briefly, and enjoy moments of relaxation and escape alongside therapeutic treatment, allowing their imagination to flourish while empowering them to be an active part of their well-being.
Through relaxation and work on self-image, the goal is to improve the quality of life for hospitalized children.
And for the Medical Staff?
Thanks to the Imagine for Margo association, we also set up well-being days for healthcare personnel. On these days, they can enjoy a moment just for themselves.
Each treatment is individualized, with particular care given to each person. My role is to guide them toward a sense of well-being through compassionate touch and attentive listening, offering them a timeless moment to relax, escape, and let go in the middle of their busy days.
Caring for the caregiver also positively impacts children, who appreciate seeing their “favorite” staff members feeling more relaxed and at ease.
How Does Social Aesthetic Care Support Children’s Treatment?
Many treatments have undesirable side effects; social aesthetic care and customized advice can ease these symptoms and help children manage them better. The treatments may also be coordinated with the team before, after, or during a painful procedure or when a child feels anxious about a “medical procedure,” such as a catheter placement.
Looking healthy, preserving one’s image, and maintaining self-esteem are powerful strategies for fighting illness, achieved through self-makeup sessions, massages, colorful and child-safe nail polish, or facial treatments.
Additionally, supporting children in their care journey through listening and touch, enhancing the perception of care, fostering a holistic approach by collaborating with the medical team, and helping them adapt to a new environment all contribute to easing the treatment experience.
Caring for the sick person helps them endure treatments and achieve a better quality of life in the hospital setting.
In Your Opinion, Can Well-Being Help Overcome Illness?
I believe social aesthetics allows people to reconnect with themselves by working on their body and image, thereby restoring self-esteem, which becomes an ally in the healing process.
Supporting caregivers and families also improves the comprehensive care of the child and helps them fight illness.
Do You Have Any Memorable Stories About Your Care for Children and Caregivers?
For caregivers, I have many memories: emotional moments of release, sincere and touching thanks, uncontrollable laughter, feedback from patients and parents who noticed a lighter, more peaceful atmosphere in the unit on these special days for staff.
As for the children, I have some truly memorable stories. For example, there was a boy who was terrified of the operating room, but after one session, he calmly went in with his father, who was moved by his change in attitude.
A younger boy who was about to go home after months in the hospital told me he didn’t want to leave because he would miss us. At home, there wouldn’t be massages, clowns, or the caregivers with whom he had formed close bonds. It showed we had succeeded in making him feel supported in his battle against illness.
And finally, I have shared so many unforgettable looks between parents and children.
Any Last Words?
Thank you to the Imagine for Margo association and its generous donors for allowing me to provide these precious social aesthetic treatments for children, parents, and caregivers to foster overall well-being and help fight illness. Thank you for your trust and constant support. It is a true pleasure to work with you over these past two years. I look forward to many more wonderful projects together.
Would you like to help? Feel free to click on the following links: donate or become a volunteer.
