How to: Become a Skin Health Specialist

Fri, 14 September 2012 2:52PM

You may recognize her face as a former model and television presenter …

… but today Amy Erbacher is the one with the fans (Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek and Miranda Kerr, no less) thanks to her sublime skin health studio in Sydney.

ecb: “What got you interested in the beauty industry?”

Amy: “At 15 I was the Queensland state finalist for the Dolly Covergirl competition which then opened doors as a commercial model and television presenter. Flawless, luminous skin was key at castings, so I tried and tested many skincare brands to perfect my skin complexion. Whilst working in television I completed my post-grad in journalism, and during work experience at a news publication I got to work with an amazing beauty editor and saw behind-the-scenes of how it all works. This inspired me to complete a diploma in beauty therapy and here I am now.”

ecb: “How do you stay abreast of all the trends in skin?”

Amy: “I believe as a reputable and good therapist you always have to educate yourself. I often attend skin conferences, read up on the latest skincare ingredients, professional treatments and beauty trends.”

ecb: “How did you begin to build up a clientele?”

Amy: “There were a lot of letterbox drops with special opening discounts, word of mouth and putting 100% into what you do to get that invaluable referral from clients. I also contacted beauty editors to let them know about the new studio.”

ecb: “What would you describe as your big break into the celebrity world of clients?”

Amy: “Trust and results-driven treatments. I don’t mind working late nights and on weekends to create a greater attention to detail within my services.”

ecb: How would you describe the difference between a beauty therapist and a skin health specialist?

Amy: “I like to create a stress-free environment. My client will visit me not only to receive a result driven anti-aging treatment but also to relax and take time-out for them. Depending on clients mood when they walk through the door, I might spritz a particular aromatherapy blend like rose water or neroli to calm nerves or I’ll work on a breathing technique and then use this particular blend for my hot towel compress and pressure point facial and body massage.”

ecb: “Can you name some of your favorite celeb clients?”

Amy: “I’ve had the honour of working with some familiar faces including Jennifer Hawkins, Nicole Kidman, Delta Goodrem, Victoria Secrets model Kate Upton (pictured below), Miranda Kerr, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Salma Hayek.”

ecb: “What are three of the most important attributes in a beautician?”

Amy: “To listen to clients’ wants and needs, keep up to date with the latest literature and ingredients in skincare and what’s new in professional treatments, and also look into the most results-driven treatments.  I also follow up with clients after their treatments, to let them know I care and are passionate and that they are not just another number.”

ecb: “What do you wish you knew then that you know now about setting up your own business?”

Amy: “As crazy as it sounds the challenging times I’ve had in business have only made me the wiser in the journey that I’ve been through. The highs and lows have made me become stronger as a whole and closer to perfecting my business…”

ecb: “What is the best thing about running your own business?”

Amy: “Being your own boss, the close relationships and friendships you develop with clients, seeing a huge smile on their faces at the end of a treatment and watching your dream come into reality!”

ecb: “What is your motto for work and life?”

Amy: “Trust, honestly, loyalty and respect.”

ecb: “What is your advice to those hoping to get where you are?”

Amy: “Be persistent and never give up. But most importantly, believe in yourself.”

For more about Amy, visit Amy Erbacher Beauty

 

THE UNCUT VERSION. OR, THE BEAUTY INTERVIEW:

Because Amy is a wealth of beauty information, I couldn’t resist picking her pretty brain a little more …

ecb: “You’re passionate about skin health – what’s your top skin advice?”

Amy: “Cleanse – it’s especially important at night, after a day of exposure to free radical damage; Exfoliate for a smooth and radiant complexion, to stimulate cell turnover and to allow for serums to penetrate more deeply; and slather on sunscreen, seeing as the sun depletes collagen and can cause skin cancer, age spots, pigmentation and sensitivity.”

ecb: “What skincare products are you using?”

Amy: “Aspect vitamin serums, Fruit Enzyme Mask and Envirostat SPF30+, and Algologie Algae Maceration and Centella Asiataica – I love these, they’re food for the face.”

ecb: “What ingredient are you loving at the moment?”

Amy: “I’m love, love, loving topical application of particular products that not only benefit the skin externally but also get absorbed into the skin – like pure seaweed/’marine algae’ with high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Because of how it’s absorbed into the skin and the detoxifying effect it can have, I use algae maceration in every treatment on every skin no matter what the concern is! I love it. Seaweed has so many wonderful benefits externally and internally. “

ecb: “What’s the biggest skin mistake?”

Amy: “Self-prescribing skincare – this can lead to the use of products that aren’t right for your current skin condition. And you may be causing more sensitivity to the skin and long-term damage. Oh and another mistake is not changing pillowcases weekly, which congests the skin.”

ecb: “You’re also a pro at tanning. What are your top tanning tips?”

Amy: “Try a few options, and find out what works best for you – wipes, mousse, extending creams etc … Also, practice makes perfect! Oh and never prep for a tan by using a salt or sugar scrub – these contain oils that will stick to your skin and prevent tan from adhering. The best way to exfoliate is by applying a light granular scrub with loofah gloves.”

ecb: “What’s the best way to make a tan last?”

Amy: “First of all, all of the old tan should have been thoroughly removed to prevent patches. You want a clean canvas to work on. You should also try to wax or shave a couple of days beforehand, as this action exfoliates. Once tanned, have quick showers and don’t soak in pools, whether chlorinated or salt water, as this can wear away your tan. And moisturize every morning and night – just don’t use an oil-based moisturiser until towards the end of your tan’s life, as oil can also fade away a tan.”

ecb: “What are your favourite body buys?”

Amy: “I love detoxifying bath salts, a body brush to stimulate the lymphatic system and remove dead skin build-up, and body oils, as they’re so lush and so easy to apply, especially if you’re time-poor.”

ecb: “You started your career in modeling and television – what beauty lessons did you pick up back then?”

Amy: “Less is more when it comes to make-up. I also learned to love dewy foundations and lengthening mascaras.”

ecb: “What are your top makeup buys?”

Amy: “Concealer – I’m time-poor running my business, so always love to place concealer under my eyes or any areas where needed. Also bronzer. As I stay away from the harmful rays, this is what I use to add glow to my skin.”

ecb: “Any final words of beauty wisdom?”

Amy: “Create your own beauty ritual – at night, run a bubble bath, slather on a hydrating mask for the face, light some candles, and start reading that book you’ve be meaning to get around to for so long.”

Posted by: ecb

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Tags: algologie, amy erbacher, aspect, beauty industry, concealer, delta goodrem, dry body brushing, jennifer hawkins, kate upton, miranda kerr, salma hayek, seaweed, skincare, tanning