APAN - Aesthetics Practitioners Advisory Network

29/08/2026

You recommend daily SPF. Your client agrees.
Then comes the familiar response:

“I hate the white cast.”
“It looks terrible under makeup.”
“It just doesn’t work with my skin.”

Now researchers at UCLA are investigating a different approach to mineral sunscreen — not by replacing zinc oxide, but by changing its physical shape.

Scientists engineered zinc oxide into microscopic four-armed structures called tetrapods. In early testing, the experimental formulation achieved around SPF 30, while producing significantly less of the pale white or grey cast associated with conventional zinc oxide formulations.

For clinics, the interesting part isn't simply the technology.

It's compliance.

We can recommend an excellent SPF, but if a client dislikes how it looks or feels enough that they won't wear it consistently, we're facing a very different challenge.

The technology still requires further testing before commercial use, but it raises an important question for our skin professionals:

What stops YOUR clients from wearing SPF every day?

White cast? Texture? Breakouts? Makeup compatibility? Or are you finding clients are much better with daily SPF than they used to be?

👇 Dermal clinicians and skin therapists — what are you hearing in clinic?

28/08/2026

Can we really tell when someone has had “work done”?

Anne Hathaway has recently responded to speculation that she'd undergone a facelift but her explanation was much simpler: two strategically placed braids.

The actress revealed that her hairstylist uses two small braids near the temples, pulled back and pinned to create the appearance of a subtle facial lift. Hathaway spoke out because speculation about her having surgery had become so widespread, pointing out that people were making assumptions about what would have been a significant medical decision.

For our aesthetics community, there's an interesting conversation here that goes beyond the celebrity headline.

We live in a time where a change in someone's appearance can quickly become “She's had a facelift," “She's had injectables” or “She's had something done.”

But lighting, makeup, styling, weight changes, skincare and apparently even two braids can NOW alter how a face appears online and in person.

For practitioners and clinics: do you think social media has made people too quick to assume cosmetic work has been done?

And does that influence the expectations clients bring into your clinic?

‘I wanted to show that I didn’t make a huge medical decision.’

26/08/2026

The Art of Aesthetics and Accredited Education

At this year’s , the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Sciences (AACDS) delivered a compelling presentation on The Art of Aesthetics and Accredited Education.

The presentation was moderated by Kylie Fahey, Chief Executive Officer of Demi Education Group, who introduced Sarah Sellers and Dr Thomas Webb to discuss the growing importance of recognised qualifications within an evolving industry shaped by increasing regulatory requirements, compliance obligations and professional expectations.

Both emphasised that formal, recognised qualifications are fundamental to strengthening professional credibility, protecting industry reputation and enhancing practitioners’ capacity to manage risk effectively.

What are your thoughts on the current qualifications?

Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science - RTO 51373

26/08/2026

In aesthetics, what makes someone truly stand out?

Our industry is naturally drawn to beauty, transformation, and what can be seen. But lasting professional success is built on what sits beneath the surface, and often, in our crazy world, things can become too competitive.

Knowledge. Skill. Integrity. Education. Authenticity. And the way we make people feel. That's what matters most.

Dolly Parton understood this beautifully. Her unmistakable glamour captured attention, but it was her talent, business intelligence, generosity and authenticity that created longevity, and Dolly was a writer with rare skills.

She thrived in an industry that often rewarded imitation and excess, choosing instead to remain authentically herself. The big hair and charm drew people to her; but that rare substance made them stay. This combination of showmanship and sincerity is what set her apart, and people saw this and loved her more for it!

There’s a lesson here for aesthetics.

Beautiful branding might get you noticed. The latest treatment might bring someone through the door. But substance is what builds trust.

The practitioners and clinics that endure are those that continue learning, uphold strong standards and remain authentic to the people they serve.

Because in aesthetics, the sparkle may attract attention—but credibility is what makes people stay. RIP, Dolly. We will forever remember you as a rare diamond who saw beyond and was never scared of embracing "different.

26/08/2026

Are we showing the reality of cosmetic procedures?

An Australian influencer’s candid documentation of cosmetic surgery recovery raises a timely question for clinics:

Are consumers seeing enough of the recovery — not just the result?

This is particularly relevant in Australia’s tighter regulatory environment. Ahpra’s advertising requirements for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures emphasise realistic information about risks and recovery, avoiding content that trivialises procedures or creates unrealistic expectations.

The TGA has also recently updated its guidance around advertising health services involving cosmetic injectables, including social media. Importantly, clinics can be responsible for content on the social channels they control, including some user-generated content.

So perhaps the conversation needs to shift from:

“Look at this incredible result.”

to:

“Here’s what the entire journey can actually involve.”

For clinic owners and practitioners: have the newer advertising requirements changed what you post about treatments, results, risks and recovery?

She had to “reboot my whole phone because there was no way it was recognising my face.”

24/08/2026

What if your client has already decided not to trust you before you’ve even explained the treatment?

One of the most interesting conversations emerging around the modern consultation is neuroception: the nervous system’s unconscious assessment of whether an environment feels safe or threatening.

No eye contact. A rushed consultation. Clinical detachment. A sales-focused approach.

These seemingly small signals may influence how comfortable a client feels communicating openly, asking questions and processing the information being presented.

It raises an important question for clinics:

Are we spending so much time perfecting what we SAY in consultations that we’ve forgotten how the consultation FEELS?

Vote below:

What builds trust fastest in your consultation?

💙Active listening
💙Eye contact and body language
💙Asking better questions
💙Clinical knowledge and education
💙 Taking more time

Tell us what works in your clinic.

21/08/2026

Meet Amanda Hancock, the creative force behind Cosmetic Code Clinic in West End, Queensland. Cosmetic Code Clinic

Join us 💙⬇
https://bit.ly/42qowgY

Amanda wears more than a few hats: clinic owner, cosmetic tattooist, beauty therapist and reformer Pilates instructor, but at the heart of her work is one simple philosophy: helping people feel confident in their own skin.

Originally founded as Feather Perfection in 2017, Amanda’s business has continued to grow and evolve alongside her passion for creating, learning and developing her craft.

From cosmetic tattooing and brows to advanced skin treatments, her approach is about enhancing rather than overpowering, helping clients feel like the best version of themselves.

An award-winning cosmetic tattoo artist, Amanda was also recognised nationally for Best Combination Brows at the 2022 ABACTA Awards.

We love celebrating practitioners who continue to evolve while staying true to why they started.

BIG congratulations Amanda 💙our APAN Member of the Week!

20/08/2026

A Legacy that Changed Skin – Dermalogica Celebrates 30 Years in Australia

On the occasion of their 30th Anniversary in Australia, Dermalogica kicked off their celebration at the beautifully appointed Sydney Museum of Contemporary Arts overlooking the Darling Harbour on Friday 14th August,2026

Over 250 business owners and their staff came together for an evening of celebration, networking and fun. The atmosphere was festive and relaxed as participants enjoyed drinks and delicious food throughout the evening.
As honoured guests APAN was thrilled to experience firsthand Dermalogica’s success story from its launch into the Australian market 30 years ago, to its current expansion throughout salons and clinics Australia-wide.

“We were absolutely delighted to be part of such a special occasion and be given the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, as well as catch up with APAN members and friends,” Tina Viney said.

“It was an amazing evening, and we particularly enjoyed the genuine enthusiasm and positivity from so many within the Dermalogica community. It was particularly heartening to hear how much they value the quality education, support and ongoing product innovation that Dermalogica continues to provide them with, allowing them to remain competitive and continue to grow even through economically challenging times” Tina confirmed.

The event also featured an Awards Presentation where business owners and their staff were acknowledged and celebrated for their achievements and hard work.
The evening was memorable.

Dermalogica reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high quality education and pioneering product innovation, strengthening its standing as a trusted leading skincare brand that continues to provide excellent partnership opportunities for the Australian professional skincare market.

We look forward to the next chapter and Dermalogica’s continued contributions to professional aesthetics

Congratulations to Dermalogica on an extraordinary 30-year milestone!
What’s your earliest Dermalogica memory?

19/08/2026

Beauty Expo Australia returned to ICC Sydney on 15–16 August, bringing together more than 180 exhibitors and 200 brands for two days of education, innovation and professional connection.

Clinic and salon owners travelled from across Australia to discover new technologies, product launches and treatment innovations, while connecting directly with suppliers and industry leaders.

One of the strongest messages from this year's Expo was just how quickly our industry is evolving. From longevity and advanced technologies to emerging science, wellness and artificial intelligence, practitioners are being presented with new opportunities to improve outcomes and strengthen their businesses.

The education program complemented the exhibition with expert presentations and industry discussions exploring what's changing now—and what practitioners need to prepare for next.

Congratulations to RX Global on delivering another highly successful Beauty Expo Australia, and thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with APAN over the weekend.

An exciting glimpse into what's next for professional beauty and aesthetics in Australia.

Beauty Expo Australia