GUEST EDITOR’S LETTER

Well hello there, fellow skin lovers!

Let’s rewind to 2002. Backstreet Boys were still topping the charts, ghd’s were the height of innovation, and I was a bright-eyed marketing assistant by day, budding beauty therapist by night (and weekends!). Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, I’d duck off to Ella Baché, determined to make my mark in the world of beauty. I learnt all the classics... facials, massage, tinting, and yes, even electrolysis (the medieval art of removing hair one zap at a time).

Fast forward 20+ years, and let me tell you, the industry has evolved faster than your favourite peptide serum absorbs. And while we’re now spoiled for choice with tech that feels closer to Star Trek than skin prep, the heart of what we do hasn’t changed. It’s always been about confidence, care, and connection.

Just like me, Mocha Group has been part of this wild, wonderful world for two decades. Together, we’ve celebrated the shifts, the shine, and the sass of this ever-evolving aesthetic space. So, in honour of that journey, I thought, what better way to celebrate than with a little then-vs-now nostalgia and a peek into what’s hotter than a lunchtime LED treatment.

Twenty years ago, we were talking microdermabrasion and collagen masks. Today? We’re injecting salmon sperm DNA and resurfacing skin with lasers that look like they came straight out of NASA. Yep, you heard me. Salmon sperm. And it’s not just trending. It’s transforming skin.

In this issue, I’ve roped in three of my absolute favourites to give you the inside scoop on the trends taking over TikTok, Instagram, and treatment rooms everywhere. I had the pleasure of interviewing a leading Dermatologist, Cosmetic Physician and Registered Nurse.

First up, the one and only Miss Alex Pike RN — injectables royalty, skincare queen, and aesthetic icon. I am beyond excited to interview her for this special feature. With over a million monthly views across her platform, she’s sharing why Rejuran (AKA that viral salmon sperm treatment) is her go-to. Forget overfilled. Glass skin is in, and Alex is here to tell us why.

Now let’s talk lasers that leave a legacy.

I caught up with the legendary Dr. John Sullivan — Australia’s go-to dermatologist and co-owner of Kingsway Dermatology — to talk about Laser Coring and the UltraClear device that has derms and docs buzzing. If you thought CO2 was king, wait until you meet this resurfacing rockstar. (Warning: side effects may include falling head over heels for your skin again.)

And speaking of industry superstars, I’m thrilled to feature the ever-inspiring Dr. Cosima Karlburger — a leader in ethical aesthetics and skin health. With a brand-new purpose-built clinic in Bondi and a loyal patient base who adore her holistic, evidence-based approach, Dr. Cosima is redefining what it means to deliver results-driven care with integrity. Her feature on Aerolase and the future of non-invasive treatments is a must-read!

This issue is all about reflecting, celebrating, and most importantly, looking ahead. Because while the tech has changed (goodbye magnifying lamp, hello AI skin scans), the mission remains the same: help people feel fabulous in their own skin.

Mocha, you’ve been with us through the trends, the transformations, the triumphs, and a few questionable brow shapes along the way. So, here’s to Mocha Group, a true industry trailblazer. 20+ years of delivering insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. I’m honoured to be a part of the family for this issue.

Let’s raise our LED wands and toast to the future. The best is yet to come, and I’m so glad we’re in it together.

So, pour a bubbly (or a collagen shot), dive into the issue, and let’s toast to bold moves, bright skin, and a community that never stops growing.

With love, laughter, and a little laser lust,

Nicole x

Nicole Montgomery Guest Editor, Mocha Beauty @nicmonty_aestheticcoach