Skin and body therapists from across Sydney joined together with college lecturers at Dermalogica HQ to celebrate 30 years of The International Dermal Institute. Reports Ashleigh Sharman.
A pillar to its success, The International Dermal Institute understands the importance of continued education — creating day-long event Tomorrow’s Future Today to inspire and inform attendees of the latest technological breakthroughs and keys in communication, all while celebrating 30 years of postgraduate education in skin therapy around the world.
Keynote speakers at Tomorrow’s Future Today: Dr Mariusz Gajewski and Claire Crouch
“Our industry changes at such a rapid rate; it continually expands and encompasses new areas of skin and body wellness and business practices. It is therefore essential today’s professional keeps abreast of all these nuances, has the expert, up-to-date knowledge to share with their customers and additionally, we endeavour to make each educational event a motivational tool to keep everyone excited about our incredible profession and have some fun at the same time,” said Emma Hobson, Education Manager for The International Dermal Institute, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.
A stellar group of industry talent was gathered by Hobson, and led by the enigmatic Barbara Warren whose focus on clear speech and communication ensured an energised experience.
“We pride ourselves on being in the forefront of change and have some incredible industry experts that work within our organisation. In addition, we have our ‘antenna up’ for exceptional and interesting guest speakers to bring extra value to each event. This allows us to deliver a varied day of learning, having something that should benefit and interest all industry professionals,” Hobson added.
Dr Mariusz Gajewski, owner of Star Cosmetic Medicine, then led a talk on emerging trends in cosmetic medicine with discussion of fillers proving most popular with attendees — this growth area drawing concerns, commercial interest and debate. Dr Maz, as he is affectionately known, highlighted that as with all treatments, filler work should be performed in moderation.
Following a podcast with Dr Diana Howard Vice President of Education & Research and Development for The International Dermal Institute, where the power of peptides was put forth as the ‘work horse’ of the anti-ageing formula, attendees were introduced to concepts of oncology and the skin by Claire Crouch, Corporate Training Specialist for The International Dermal Institute Australia.
Sadly touching many client’s lives, Crouch discussed ways therapists could support cancer treatment through understanding the importance of consultation, knowing what drugs react with certain skincare ingredients, how the skin changes, safety considerations, homecare and further training.
“This is an important and growing area of the industry,” said Crouch: “Previously a contraindication, there is so much we can now do to safely care for our client’s skin during this challenging time but always remember to do too little than too much.”
The day concluded with service based seminars on dealing with difficult people and how to sell – focusing the group on rapid and exciting changes ahead.
“I believe customer demands and expectations as to how they communicate and receive service from us is about to get very interesting. The mobile phone including video content and omni-channel business practices will be the way of the future, all completely integrated in what we deliver through our treatment centres. The customer experience within the centre has to be exceptional. It’s time to invest in some technology!” concluded Hobson at the end of a day no therapist could forget.
For more information, contact The International Dermal Institute on (02) 8437 9600 or visit www.dermalinstitute.com/au/