Meet Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute, the much respected research centre for salon skincare brand Dermalogica. You probably recognise her name; Emma’s one of the most quoted beauty experts in the Australian press. That’s because her job - which sees her travelling around Australia, Asia and New Zealand, teaching beauty therapists about new treatments and thinking - places her front and centre of emerging skincare trends and technology.

What do you love most about your job?

“I’ve been in the skincare industry for 26 years, but in recent times we’ve seen an amazing amount of change in how we’re providing treatments and services. There’s been a revolution with ingredients and products and some of the incredible equipment you can use on the skin.”

What’s your advice for anyone thinking of a career in this industry?

“I don’t think people realise the wonderful career opportunities you can have. There are so many avenues to explore. You can travel internationally. You can have your own business. You can work in a big corporation… The best way to start is with a good foundation training course. It should take about a year and give you at least the level of a diploma of beauty therapy. You could also consider doing degrees in health science and management. Keep in mind that you’ll need to keep investing in training yourself. The industry is constantly changing and you need to keep up. What you know today may not be enough for what you need to know tomorrow. You need to be someone who loves learning and who is open to new things and thoughts.”

What are you most excited about in skincare now?

“Vitamins in skincare may not be new but technology is looking at more effective ways to stabilise and deliver them. C and E are great antioxidants. I also love tea. Green, white, red … They’re all wonderful for helping to protect the skin from the environment.”

What’s your top skincare tip?

“If you’re using high performance or treatment products on your skin - for example, serums and masks - and want them to work their best, do an exfoliation first. It really improves the efficacy of the following product you’re going to put on. Get professional advice on the exfoliant that is best suited to your skin. And make sure it’s also suited to your lifestyle. It must be something you can commit to using. There’s no point buying a daily exfoliant (ed’s note: such the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $75, call 1800 659 118 for stockist info) if you only get around to using it every few days.”

What about the other extreme - can you over-exfoliate?

“Definitely. There are exfoliation junkies out there. They use scrubs and peels and go for professional exfoliating treatments and think that if they keep rubbing and scrubbing the layers away, their skin will get better. They get addicted to how smooth the skin feels instantly after. But what they don’t realise is that over time, skin can become dehydrated and sensitised. And whenever you cause inflammation, you’re contributing to premature skin ageing. Over-exfoliation can also result in the outer layers of thickening, and in hyperpigmentation.”

Any other tips for preventing premature ageing?

“Sunscreen - of course! I recommend having a number of sunscreens that are suited to various activities and skin needs. If, for example, your skin is feeling particularly sensitive, this is the time to use a sunscreen containing zinc oxide. No matter what you’re using, make sure to apply copious amounts. And always look at the use-by dates.”

Any skincare myths you can dispel for us?

“That oils are bad for the skin. Essential oils are actually very effective skincare add-ons. Try adding a drop of an oil to your moisturiser to give skin some gorgeous pampering. Chamomile is great when skin is sensitive. Rose is lovely for more mature types. Tea tree or ylang ylang works well for young or oily skin. It’s also a nice time-out treat; spend a few minutes massaging your moisturiser in - skin laps it up.”

Any other pamper rituals you can recommend?

“Body brushing is a wonderful daily routine to get into. If you do it lightly, it’s great for detoxing the body and moving any fluid retention. And if you do it daily, it actually does have an improved effect on cellulite. It also superficially exfoliates so the skin is soft and smooth.”

You obviously use Dermalogica skincare - do you have a favourite?

“It’s a struggle to choose one - but I’ll have to say Power Rich ($275, call 1800 659 118 for info). It’s light but really high-performance and I love knowing it’s doing the most it can for the fortification of skin.”

Any other beauty favourites you have tucked away in the bathroom cabinet?

“My foundations are usually by Chanel. My mascaras and lip glosses are always Lancôme. I tend to go to M.A.C for eyeshadow. I switch between Aveda and KMS for haircare. And I always have a few fragrances on the go at once too. Right now, I’m flitting between Calvin Klein Euphoria, Stella by Stella McCartney, and Thierry Mugler Alien.”