Mandy Gray’s philosophy is simple. “I want to offer clients the very best of the best in the various categories of skincare,” she says, and her approach clearly resonates with Australian and New Zealand markets.
Beginning her career in sales and marketing more than three decades ago, today Gray is behind one of the most visionary beauty companies Down Under: True Solutions International, known for representing trendsetting superceutical and cosmeceutical brands with a focus on scientifically proven results in anti-ageing.
“Clinical proof and hard data on the results of a product excites me,” says Gray, explaining how she chooses brands to work with.
“Reviews and information on ingredients are not enough and can be misleading … I’m passionate about products that deliver results that I can see: an older skin looking younger; teenage problem skin looking clearer; dry skin looking softer and more hydrated; reddened, sensitive skin looking less angry.
“I love results and the confidence it gives people.
“The greatest success stories in skincare have been cosmeceuticals, or cosmetics from pharmaceutical backgrounds. These products transform skin from the inside, similar to the effects of pharmaceutical drugs.”
Having travelled the world researching products and industry trends, Gray says, “Australians are ahead of the skincare game with products and services. Our needs are greater due to more sun exposure – dermatologists agree that more than 80 per cent of skin ageing is triggered by sun damage.”
But how do you choose what to use? It comes back to education, says Gray. She points to staff in professional outlets as integral when it comes to offering a depth of unbiased advice, not to mention decoding and simplifying products in an industry that can offer vast choice.
“Consumers overwhelmed by the offerings will continue to be overwhelmed as more and more brands spend more and more on marketing,” says Gray. “My best advice is to get good advice by finding a beauty therapist or dermal clinician that you trust.
“Double check by trying your selected products in a facial or peel treatment, and wait a day or so to see the initial results. Then use a collection of three or four recommended skincare products for a minimum of three weeks. Now you are in a position to add to your skincare collection to amplify the results. Beware of therapists who don’t have sufficient advanced training in products – look for recent training certificates as product technology rapidly updates.”
