Thais in the public eye share tips on how they stay attractive

For some people, real beauty is a matter of being in the know when it comes to carefully guarded "secrets", most of which are only available to the rich and pampered.

One of the world's top beauty products is the highly potent Creme de la Mer, produced by US-based skincare company La Mer and created years ago by Dr Max Huber, an aerospace physicist who had suffered severe chemical burns. After 12 years and 6,000 experiments, he perfected Creme de la Mer, which helped heal his skin.

But you don't have to be a burns victim to benefit from Creme de la Mer, which helps make normal skin feel dramatically smoother.

Elca (Thai-land), the sole distributor of Creme de La Mer in Thailand, recently celebrated its legacy with the party "20 Bangkok Beauty Influencers" at the Four Seasons Hotel, which featured an exhibition of photographs taken by Nat Prakobsantisuk.

Those 20 influencers are ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Patreeya Na Nakorn, Thipvipa Srivikorn, Rika Dila, Chayada Lewchalermwong, Tipnan Kraireuk, Mayura Svetsila, Pichitra Boonyarattaphan, Amat Nimitpak, Ornapa Krissadee, Apichart Norasethtaporn, Kamol Chatsen, Methinee Kingpayom, Chanchira Chucheng, Kathaleeya McIntosh, Ann Thongprasom, Karun Sosottikul, Korn Narong-dej, Yadthip Rajpal and Yupapak Vatcharapai.

As a photographer, Nat says he tries to bring out the subject's distinctive character and hidden beauty. "The challenge is to be aware of their attitudes and moods," he explains.

"Khunying Ton (ML Piyapas), for example, has a very strong character. Taking her picture requires a high level of concentration."

Kathaleeya says she has no special tricks to staying pretty. "Everyone knows these simple rules: sleep well, exercise, keep your face clean and nourish your skin," she says.

Socialite and columnist Rika Dila says she's taking better care of herself as she gets older. "In the past I used to eat a lot of red meat. These days I have it only a couple of times a week. And I don't eat after five in the evening. I work out a lot, too, particularly with Pilates and Power Plate."

Thipvipa suggests that all women find and stick with the cosmetics or skincare that best suits them. "And when we get older," she adds, "we might consider products that are richer and more concentrated."