At Fontainebleau hospital, discover the “Mary Poppins of beauty” who takes care of patients

See my news
Follow The Republic of Seine et Marne

In the corridors of Fontainebleau hospital (Seine-et-Marne), Flora Marteau never goes unnoticed. With his makeup case and her kind smile, she became, in three years, a real figure of comfort and well-being for many patients.

Flora Marteau, socio-esthetician at Fontainebleau hospital

At 45, this socio-beautician stands out for her commitment to sick people. His goal? Restore well-being to those who fight against illness every day. Flora Marteau has not always worked in the hospital environment. A former real estate agent, it was after accompanying a loved one to the hospital that she realized how essential the need for humanity is in these places of care.

“Nursing staff don't often have time to talk with patients, and some are quite shy with their families,” she explains. I offer different support, through beauty enhancement, but also attentive listening.”

The importance of well-being

This experience shocked her and pushed her to retrain. After a skills assessment, she decided to follow a CAP in aesthetics, then obtained a University Diploma in Socioesthetics at the Sorbonne, a rare and demanding training.

“It’s a vocation that came naturally,” she confides. I wanted to give my time and expertise to help patients feel better, even in the midst of illness. »

Today, Flora Marteau works in three different departments: palliative care, the day hospital and oncology. Its role goes well beyond simple beauty. Its treatments, based on dermo-cosmetics and products specially formulated for fragile skin, have a real psychological impact.

A breath of air

“I hope to bring them well-being,” she proclaims. Sometimes I am the only visitor of the day for certain patients, it is important for me to offer them this moment of sweetness. » Through makeup, application of silicon-based varnish or facial treatments, she helps patients reclaim their body. A treatment that seems light, but has a profound effect on their self-esteem.

“It’s a real breath of fresh air,” confirms one of his patients. Here, we call her the Mary Poppins of beauty. » Socioesthetics, a profession that is still little known, is nevertheless a valuable aid for hospitalized people. “There is often a lack of budget for this type of service, which is why our presence is still rare in hospitals,” explains Flora.

Socio-beauticians are in fact paid by hospital structures and not by the patients themselves. In Fontainebleau, Flora initially worked only four hours a week. Today, she is doing eight, and the need is growing. “I love the hospital and I love the collective dimension of this work. Nurses, caregivers, doctors all play a role in the overall care of the patient. It’s real teamwork,” she emphasizes.

The socio-esthetician does not just beautify, she listens, she comforts, she restores confidence. “My treatments allow us to create a bond and make people forget, even for a moment, the illness,” she concludes. It’s a job of the heart. Every smile snatched from a patient is a victory against the disease. »

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.