This weekend sees Advanced Skin Technology reach the 20 year mark in Australia. Established in 1994, founder Trish Winchester was frustrated with the lack of choices in the cosmeceutical industry. She believed skin management was being overlooked and not taken seriously within the medical fraternity.
After picking up on this massive gap in the industry, Winchester decided to take the plunge - leaving her corporate position to travel abroad and source the best and most technologically-advanced clinical brands to introduce to the Australian medical market. Two decades on, AST continues to deliver superior, results-driven cosmeceutical products.
Here, Winchester chats to bd about how she got her start in the clinical skincare industry, the brand’s highlights, and the changing cosmeceutical industry.
How did you first get started in the industry?
Looking back, I honestly believe clinical skincare is the field I was destined to be in. The skin’s physiology has always fascinated me; it’s the largest organ on the body and its ability to adapt, heal and function is nothing short of remarkable. When I worked as a rep for a cosmetic skincare company, I often attended workshops and conferences regarding varying aspects of beauty. The more I learned, the more I became entrenched. It wasn’t long before I was dubbed the skin guru” and many people working in the industry would often ask for my opinion on products and brands. Nothing ever quenched my appetite for superior skincare in the cosmetics industry, so I started looking for a middle ground that wasn’t cosmetic and wasn’t prescription… this is when I discovered clinical skincare.
You’re responsible for distributing Australia’s first medical-grade glycolic acid range. What did this mean for the Australian beauty industry?
At the time, the use of glycolic acid in skincare was revolutionary! When I introduced the clinical range to my clientele, I knew education was fundamental to its success. Thankfully, the range was so well-received; practitioners really saw the benefit and patients really noticed amazing results with little or no downtime. It wasn’t long before word of mouth quickly spread and glycolic acid soon became the wonder ingredient in skincare. During this time, I noticed a massive shift in the clinical skincare industry. Practitioners started to pay attention and wanted to know more. I honestly believe that glycolic acid paved the way for clinical skincare in the market.
Has AST changed the beauty industry in Australia? How?
Without being too modest, I would hope that in some way or form, we have changed the face” of the beauty industry. One area I am overwhelmingly proud of is education. We are the first company to have a dedicated team of highly trained educators working full-time in the medical beauty arena. To me, education is vital. If you don’t understand the physiology of the skin, basic causes of common skin conditions and how key ingredients can help support these concerns, you will never ever resolve or improve your skin health. We also are the first company to bring out international keynote speakers, scientists, formulators and principals across the multiple brands we distribute in Australia.
What has been AST’s career highlight?
Other than turning 20, there are a few highlights that really make me proud. One of them is becoming Australia’s and New Zealand’s largest distributor of clinical skincare that is free of common nasties and harsh chemicals. Launching our own clinical skincare brands, and Aspect Dr, into the market is another, and taking AST on a global platform and launching internationally is truly amazing.
What is the brand’s biggest success?
The success behind Advanced Skin Technology is evident by our simple philosophy – Proven longevity and innovation in an ever-changing industry”. We only partner with brands that we believe in and carry the same philosophy as ours. I am proud to say we avoid products that contain harsh chemical derivatives, pesticides, parabens, perfumes and dyes. Education is also a key factor to our success, and I am proud to say we are involved with some of Australia’s leading beauty training facilities.
On a personal note, my biggest success is developing Aspect and Aspect Dr. I was involved in every step of the way with the development of these brands, from key ingredients to packaging. The success of Aspect and Aspect Dr has gone beyond my wildest dreams and to see these homegrown brands become one of Australia’s best-selling cosmeceutical ranges is very humbling.
Has the company undergone many changes since launching 20 years ago?
Advanced Skin Technology has exploded over the past 20 years. We started with one person and now have a team of over 65 experts across Australia and New Zealand. In 2011, we partnered with the country’s largest independent distributor of medical technology, Device Technologies, and we are evolving. We have now gone global and launched throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and the US.
Has the Australian clinical skincare industry changed much in the past 20 years?
Absolutely! When I first started, there were minimal brands available in the clinical arena. Today, there are a plethora of international brands breaking into the Australian market, all offering brilliant new ingredients and cutting-edge technology in the treatment of anti-ageing and common skin concerns. Consumers are also more educated on skin health and not easily persuaded by marketing hype. They are learning very quickly that there is not a one size fits all” approach to healthy-looking skin.
What’s next for the brand?
Where do I start? We are continually growing from strength to strength. Our international expansion is very exciting… Watch this space!