Taneesa Williamson We sat down with Heather Harrison, founder and CEO of Advanced Skin Technology (AST), to learn about her experience within the industry and to reveal the latest addition to the Aspect portfolio, Aspect Platinum.
With almost 30 years of experience in the retail, beauty and skincare industry, Heather has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the skincare industry and has played a pivotal role in shaping it. We chat with Heather about her latest venture, the launch of the Aspect Platinum range, a new line of products in the Aspect line that promises to deliver transformative results while prioritising sustainability. In this interview, Heather shares her insights on what makes a great professional skincare brand, why she decided to offer the Aspect Platinum range through select partners only, and how it can elevate a skin clinic’s offering.
Can you briefly explain your background in the industry and what it was like starting out?
Working in the retail and beauty industry early on in life really opened doors to many experiences and opportunities. In 1996, my career shifted a gear when I decided to follow my instincts to join a friend’s new business venture – Advanced Skin Technology (AST). Our first ambition at AST was to distribute Australia’s first clinical-grade glycolic acid range to the medical fraternity. Armed with knowledge and determination, this venture was a huge success.
AST has been established for almost 30 years now, and to this day, I continue to be inspired by not only the people, but the new innovations and clinical advancements that emerge.
In your opinion, what makes a great professional skincare brand?
Success can only be achieved with the right team who share the same passion and vision as you. The success for any brand, whether it be professional or cosmetic, really comes down to core values. If you believe in what you are offering, you will do absolutely everything in your power to get it right. Not settling for anything other than the best is important to us at AST. We are in this industry because we want to create an impact, we want to enhance people’s lives.
To become a great professional skincare brand, it is important that you don’t cut corners. There are many layers to creating a great brand, and yes, it is complex. There are many factors to consider from the proven efficacy of a product, sourcing the best ingredients, the delivery systems, the packaging… the list is endless. I am a firm believer that if you have the drive, the passion, and a great team who share the same vision, the possibilities and opportunities are endless.
You are launching Aspect Platinum today, please tell me about the range and why you saw a need for it in the market.
There were a few reasons for the birth of Aspect Platinum; one was to create something for our loyal clinics that was truly bespoke and delivered incredible results. The second was to ensure that the range was only prescribed in clinic by the best in the business. We understand the value of seeing a clinician and using the correct product for your individual needs, so we want to ensure that users are getting the best out of their products – and money. So this range will never be available online.
Third and finally, Aspect Platinum is the first major step as AST and Aspect progressively move into a more sustainable future. This range has been created with a zero-waste mindset, with a closed-loop recycling program as well as packaging made from recycled materials.
Why did you decide to sell the range through selected partners only?
Aspect Platinum is a powerful anti-aging skincare range with a unique blend of ingredients to deliver transformative results, so we really want to control its launch through specialised bricks and mortar clinics. With their tailored approach to consumers’ needs, our Aspect Platinum stockists have committed to only prescribing the range after a thorough consultation, as well as online protection. These clinics have also committed to our recycling program, so we are really proud to partner with such an amazing group of people.
How can this range elevate a skin clinic’s offering?
The Aspect Platinum range is the next evolution of the Aspect Skincare Family. We now have a very well-rounded range of brands that cater to anyone, regardless of age or gender, wanting to see clear results from their skincare routine.
We always recommend that regardless of your choice of range you visit a clinic to have a consultation as the seasons change to ensure you are using the best products to enhance your skin journey. Our Aspect family clinics also have a range of professional products for in clinic treatments to boost results.
Aspect Platinum, however, is our most advanced and powerful skincare range. We have taken incredible technology and scientifically proven ingredients to deliver a range that can restore, refine, and protect the skin – both in the short term and long term. It also comes with the added benefit of a zero-waste mindset, and online protection.
After years in the making, I am really excited to finally see Aspect Platinum come to life. So much time, research and development has gone into the range, and we are proud to introduce it to our Aspect skincare portfolio.
Aspect Platinum Range
With sophisticated and pre-emptive cosmeceuticals, Aspect Platinum provides a multifaceted approach to skincare solutions by only using superior, high-performance ingredients that are sourced from some of the world’s most respected advanced pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies. Stripped back for maximum efficacy, the Aspect Platinum formulations have no additional fragrance or textual inclusions, ensuring that the active ingredients can deliver the optimum benefits to the user. This range will pack a punch, which is why it will only be available through a select group of trusted clinicians, to ensure a tailored approach to consumers’ needs.
Committed to delivering technologically advanced formulations to support superior clinical outcomes while mindful of sustainability and their environmental impact, Platinum has been developed with a zero-waste mindset.
Aspect Platinum is available from today and has launched with 7 core products that will be sold exclusively through select premium clinics in Australia.
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