Beauty

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

REBECCA SEMKEN-CLARK OFFERS VEGAN AND ORGANIC TREATMENTS. HERE SHE EXPLAINS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A ‘CONSCIOUS BEAUTY THERAPIST’.

What is a conscious beauty therapist and what prompted you to become one? For me, being conscious means I’m aware of my industry’s impact on the environment and our health, and I’m trying to do my part to lessen that impact.

It’s shocking that there are still so many unethical practices in the beauty industry and so many chemicals that can disrupt hormones and play a part in other health problems. This knowledge prompted me to choose an ethical and holistic path when I started my beauty therapy business. I decided to choose products that are cruelty free, certified organic and chemical free, as well as practices that are more environmentally sustainable.

Which treatments do you offer? My signature treatment is the Crystal Healing Facial. I tailor the products I use to suit the individual skincare needs of my clients and I massage using hot and cold healing stones. I also offer traditional beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, brow and lash tinting, body treatments and certified organic spray tanning.

Why is it important to tailor beauty treatments to individual needs? Every person who comes to see me has different concerns about their skin and different expectations of their treatment, so it’s really important as a beauty therapist to listen and customise for the individual. For example, if a bride comes to me for a facial and wants to brighten and even out her skin tone for her big day, I’ll recommend adding a microdermabrasion or peel treatment.

How do you cater for brides and wedding parties? My focus for brides is to help get their skin looking fabulous for their wedding day. I recommend a course of facials starting six to 12 weeks prior to the date. This involves weekly facial treatments, including a combination of microdermabrasion, peels and high-frequency and LED light therapy. I also offer bridal-party packages that include gel manicures and pedicures, plus spray tanning.

What are some of the products you use and their benefits? Most recently I have partnered with local Blue Mountains skincare label Dermatonics, which is a professional clinic brand that combines natural and strong active ingredients for real results on acne, scar treatment and anti-aging. I also use Juniper Organic, Eco Tan, Happy Skincare and Eco Minerals Makeup. These products are all 100% natural, chemical free, cruelty free and suit a broad range of concerns, especially sensitive skin.

theconsciousbeautytherapist.com Interview: Jacqueline Forster. Photo: Courtesy of The Conscious Beauty Therapist.