With its no-nonsense, scientific approach, Clarins has a product for every skin care concern — from crow’s feet to flabby thighs. In America, its products are distributed mainly through department stores. Now, in reaction to the growth of the spa industry, the Paris-based brand is expanding its reach by opening new day spa locations here and abroad, as well as introducing a signature massage for the first time.

In shifting the emphasis to treatment, the brand is in fact returning to its origins. Founder Jacques Courtin, whose medical studies were cut short by World War II, opened a practice in Paris that offered massage and skin therapy as a bridge between medicine and esthetic problems, such as scars, burns, and edema. In 1954, he created products for his clients’ use at home, and a brand was born. Today, Europe is the company’s strongest retail market — accounting for 63% of net sales. The largest market for Clarins treatments is in the East : Of the 38 skin spas, more than half are located in Asia.

To try out its spa concept on the American audience, Clarins opened a day spa and boutique on the Upper East Side (1061 Madison Ave., between 80th and 81st streets, 212-734-6100) four years ago. It has since added treatment space to its West Side boutique (247 Columbus Ave. at 71st Street, 212-362-0190). With success in hand, Clarins then applied the growth to its home turf, expanding from its headquarters outside of Paris, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, to a skin spa and boutique on the Left Bank (30 rue de Babylone, 01 45 44 06 19) last month. The brand has entered into partnerships with 10 destination hotel spas, including the Hotel Guanahani in St. Barts and the Palazzo Arzaga in Italy. And for its first foray into the American hotel market, Clarins will be the spa provider at the Four Seasons in Houston, Texas.

Judging from what I’ve experienced in New York and Paris, the American spa consumer will be pleased at what she finds. In its skin treatments, Clarins adheres to a philosophy that places importance on the power of hands and the purity of plant-based products. A Clarins facial ($125) is given entirely by hand, without machines or implements. No extractions are performed. Instead, a series of masks, lotions, and exfoliants leave the skin smooth, renewed, and beautifully scented.

The Clarins massage technique emphasizes circulation and lymph node activation. The side of the hand and the lower arm are used extensively, and the use of two different massage oils, both made with 100% pure plant extracts, can aid relaxation or boost energy ($140 for 60 minutes, $210 for 90 minutes). This top-to-toe massage set me right after the flight from New York to Paris — during which I had caught a cold. I came away feeling that my congestion was reduced, and the fog of jet lag was lifted.

It won’t be a tough sell.