Wigmore News speaks with Alison Procter Miller about HydroPeptide and the latest in skincare
What is your favourite aesthetic treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatment to perform varies from client to client, depending upon what will give them the best results. Saying that, I do really enjoy a delivering my signature facial—the Hydrolux; this is a 90 minute advanced facial which is entirely unique to the client, it includes a multi-modality approach for an instant, glowing and hydrated complexion. I create a customised sequence of technologies and ingredients from the HydroPeptide range which is spliced with therapeutic massage for an overall rejuvenating and results driven experience. It always finishes with LED Phototherapy from Dermalux to enhance the results and allow the client to fully drift off, not forgetting the scalp massage.
Equally, I cannot deny the instant gratification when assisting my highly skilled colleague, Dr James Willis, performing a lip enhancement—he is an artist with an abundance of knowledge and experience in Injectables.
What is your signature approach when treating clients?
I am really passionate about health and wellbeing in general and feeling our very best. This really comes across in my approach to treating skin, as we all now know that healthy skin is not only about great skincare and treatments; it’s about really taking care of ourselves on a daily basis—nutrition, exercise, relaxation. Our daily habits carve the skin we are in. I treat all clients in a holistic way, and I hope that my passion for health rubs off on my clients, which ultimately will maximise their skin care results.
Why do you use Hydropeptide products?
HydroPeptide embodies the core ethos of my clinic, combing both a luxury experience with sophisticated, clinical grade results. Every product is a pleasure to use and there is a skincare product and protocol for all skin types and conditions.
I also chose this range for my clinic due to the vegan and sustainable values it holds. Being based in Totnes, Devon, my clientele tend to value an earth-friendly and animalfriendly lifestyle.
Who does the range best suit and why?
The range is suited for my clients, whom are already focused on maintaining healthy, happy skin and take pleasure from using beautiful, natural scents and nurturing products.
Being 90 per cent pregnancy and breast feeding safe it also allows me to provide those mothers and mothers to be with the skincare they so deserve and for keeping those common skin concerns maintained during hormonal fluctuations. I experienced this myself during pregnancy and beyond, it was a real treat to still be able to use clinical grade products whilst pregnant and kept my skin glowing and healthy.
Which are your must have products and why?
My shelves will never be without a good stock of the Solar Defense Tinted SPF! This is my best-selling product by far, it is a sunscreen that feels and looks beautiful on the skin and is mineral based, it hydrates the skin and provides a glow that I have never found as good in a sunscreen. I advise all my clients to use a sunscreen daily and so enjoying using it is key. As soon
as clients try the samples, they are hooked!
The Vitamin C Physical Exfoliator is also a really beautiful product to use in treatments and for clients at home. The results are phenomenal—the crystals gently brighten and smooth away dead skin cells whilst the formulation also provides moisture to the skin. It is such a treat for clients.
Do you use Hydropeptide personally? Which products?
At the moment my skincare routine comprises of the Cleansing Gel, for its beautiful glowing results whilst still balancing the PH. I use the Vitamin C Serum in the mornings, and have seen it drastically improve my pigmentation. I have recently fallen in love with the Daily Drench hyaluronic hcid serum for its hydrating complex, and I will never leave the house without using my Solar Defense Tinted SPF, it is so hydrating, the tint provides a real glow to my skin and the scent is a refreshing watermelon scent!
How does Hydropeptide complement the aesthetics treatments you offer?
It’s a great range to combine with treatments and there is a product I can recommend for all of my aftercare. The Daily Drench Serum forms a part of the client aftercare pack for microneedling treatments; my clients always end up using it longer term after they experience the results.
The moisture infusion masks that are clinically formulated with Demalux make a great combination treatment, to give the wow factor when using LED.
"I have seen a recent shift towards a much more natural approach with more ‘tweakments’ in injectables and more emphasis on skin health rather than just the appearance"
What do you enjoy most about working in aesthetics?
I really love to see the confidence in my clients soar, to see the changes in their skin, and in turn their overall quality of life, is so rewarding. It’s also exciting when I get a complex skin condition to treat and we start seeing the results of client/practitioner working together. Having knowledge of the science behind skin is also really enjoyable when putting it to practice, no case is ever the same.
My role as a skincare therapist is a never-ending process of learning and improving, and I really enjoy taking a real sense of pride in my work.
What do you think are the industry trends to watch?
The industry is still booming, and it is such an exciting time. Being in the industry for over ten years, I have seen a recent shift towards a much more natural approach with more ‘tweakments’ in injectables and less major transformation, and more emphasis on skin health rather than just the appearance. I also expect that the upcoming and well overdue improvements to the regulation of aesthetics will put a greater value on skilled and experienced practitioners.
What are the future plans for your practice?
The industry is ever evolving, and we are currently looking at regenerative methods of skincare. Watch this space!
We recently won the ‘Best Clinic in Devon Award’ which has seen our diary bookings skyrocket, so are keeping busy!
How does working with Wigmore compliment your business?
Wigmore stock three of my favourite cosmeceutical brands—ZO Skin Health, Colorscience and HydroPeptide, they all have their unique treatment capabilities and a different approach to my clients’ skin requirements.
My regional sales manager, Hayley Salisbury, is an invaluable support to my business, we have worked together since 2013 and have a lovely working relationship, she understands my clinics needs and we hold regular meetings which I find really motivates my love for the products.
Alison Procter Miller is an advanced skincare therapist and Clinic Owner. Her award-winning clinic, Alison Miller Skincare & Aesthetics, is based in Totnes, South Devon. With over a decade of experience, Alison and her professional team are passionate about helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalised treatments, skincare and expert advice.
