Dr Nobutaka Furuyama on JC Program’s Malaysian Launch, Safe Clinical Skincare and More

Here’s what you need to know about JC Program, the latest clinical skincare brand to land in Malaysia.

What happens when aesthetic medicine and skincare collide? In short, innovation. JC Program is a professional medical aesthetic skincare brand founded by Dr Nobutaka Furuyama, the Chairman of Japan’s prestigious Jiyugaoka Clinic. Founded in 2008, the brand aims to bring an accessible alternative to aesthetic treatments to the general public. Think comparable results, but without pain, cost, or downtime—that’s the philosophy that has driven JC Program through its last 14 years of operations.

The brand has finally made its way onto our shores, available exclusively at Watsons Malaysia, and we had the privilege of attending the intimate launch event. At the launch, we managed to sit down with founder Dr Furuyama to learn more about this game-changing skincare range. Watch our video snippet below and find our full exclusive ahead:

JC Program is committed to providing safe and effective medical aesthetic care to people worldwide—what defines “safe” in your opinion? 

“The JC Program product range is designed to be safe for those with skin conditions and sensitive skin. We use natural ingredients as much as possible and keep the amount of preservatives to a minimum.”

What inspired the creation of the JC Program skincare range?

“JC Program skincare products are developed with the concept of beauty rooted in medical science. Every day, we treat patients in examination rooms and treatment rooms, collaborating with various skin specialists who have in-depth knowledge of skincare. We created the skincare line in response to what our patients were asking for and their needs.” 

What is so special about ergothioneine, the ingredient that powers each of JC Program’s formulations? 

“The primary cause of skin ageing is free radicals. EGT is a substance that possesses antioxidant properties within cells. This ingredient acts on DNA and mitochondria, demonstrating excellent antioxidant and reparative abilities.”

The product range was created in conjunction with other doctors—why was this important to you?

“The more seriously we approach beauty and cosmetics, the closer they become to medicine. Medical fields are also subdivided in various ways. To create better products, it’s essential to exchange information and engage in discussion with various experts.”

The product range is targeted to those looking for alternatives to medical aesthetics. That said, is it possible for the products to be used in conjunction with aesthetic treatments?

“The principles of aesthetic medicine are largely based on destruction and regeneration. We treat problematic skin and regenerate healthy skin on top of it. Repair products are effective in shortening recovery time and promoting the rapid restoration of healthy skin. Additionally, combining high-performance products is important for prolonging treatment effects.”

Despite the rise of procedures like fillers and skin treatments, many remain unaware of the risks associated with getting procedures done. What are some things you want to warn potential patients about?

“In aesthetic medicine, even the simplest treatments come with risks. Patients should gather accurate information to minimise these risks. It is important to consider the doctor’s background, whether they hold relevant certifications and what their reputation is. It is essential not to be swayed by advertisements.”

What are some major trends that you foresee in aesthetics and skincare?

“Currently, in Japan, regenerative medicine is gaining a lot of attention and popularity in aesthetic medicine, alongside non-surgical treatments. I believe that in the future, aesthetic medicine and cosmetics will trend toward cell-level treatments, including regenerative medicine. I believe that the use of stem cells and fibroblasts will become particularly important.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Follow JC Program on Instagram. For more skincare reads, click here.