SONJA MILLAR

Dermal Science Therapist & Phlebotomist

Sonja has over 20 years experience in the beauty industry, her she answers some of your questions:

What inspired you to become a Dermal Therapist?

My interest in skin started when my best friend’s mother became a beauty therapist, and we had a week of work experience with her at a beauty academy in Manly, Northern Beaches. I was a teenager who developed cystic acne at 16. I was very self-conscious about my skin, which affected my confidence at the tender age of 16. Until then, I had beautiful clear skin. I tried every product available, including

over-the-counter and prescription medicine from the doctor. I became obsessed with finding that miracle treatment or product to ‘fix’ my skin as my confidence was at its lowest. My highest points were when my skin was clear, so I knew skin would be my main focus in life as I knew how confident I felt when the acne would clear. This obsession led me to complete a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. I love being able to help other people with their skin and, in turn, improve their confidence. At the same time, I also completed my Diploma in Accounting.

What was the most challenging part of your training?

Definitely DMK, there is so much to learn—chemistry and paramedical. Although challenging, I love learning about the way light and laser interact with our skin and all the amazing ingredients that go into our advanced skincare. I’m always learning new things. I absolutely loved going back to basics and the intricate details of the cells that make up our skin.

Did you have any skin problems growing up?

Yes, cystic acne when I was 16 years old. With neither of my parents nor brother suffering from this condition, it came as a bit of a shock! I believe it was a result of environmental changes—late nights, smoky nightclubs, a bad diet, and stress… generally burning the candle at both ends, as most of us do when we turn 18.

What do you love most about being a Dermal Therapist?

Educating and helping others achieve their skin goals so they can be confident in their own skin too! I love writing treatment plans and skincare regimes for clients to suit whatever skin journey they might be on. It may be their very first skincare plan to maintain their already healthy skin, it could be a plan to get on top of their acne, or we might be doing a plan leading up to their wedding. I believe skincare should be fun as well as beneficial, and I believe what you do every day makes the biggest difference to your skin.

What is your favourite skin concern to treat and why?

I love educating people on skin, treatments, and skincare products. I don’t necessarily have a favourite skin concern to treat, as my goal is to help all clients with their overall skin health, regardless of their particular concern. More often than not, I will first start with a client’s skin regime at home and make sure they have the basics down before we move on to more advanced skincare and treatments.

What products are you using at the moment?

I was very excited when I could sample products, but I don’t like products with perfume. I’m now using a combination of the below brands, and my skin is loving them! My new favourite nighttime moisturiser is the DMK Super Serum and Betagen, Mesoestetic Vitamin C and SPF, and Dr. Spiller Cucumber & Aloe Vera Cleanser. I love Magic Balm and getting under the Healite. I love multitasking (cocktail my products) as I’m time-conscious, and this one ticks all the boxes for my 50-year-old skin! It is a super luxurious, rich moisturiser that has active ingredients to help fight dullness, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness! But wait, I’ve just tried PRP full face, and the hydration is next level at my clinic with Registered Nurse Jackie. I must give her a plug as she convinced me to buy the best PRP machine, and I’m the living proof. Book yourself in, girls—it’s a MUST.

I’m also a big fan of mini home treatments once a week. For this, I use Enzyme Mask (gentle exfoliation) followed by Corrective Mask to keep my skin refined, hydrated, and plumped!

What treatments have you done this year? How can we get skin just like yours?

I’ve had my Alex Herb2Peel Mask (B&C) earlier this year, plus monthly Clear and Brilliant Low-Level Fractional Laser & Crystal, Hydrafacials & Diamond Facials, plus my famous Algae Mask layered with a Vitamin C Thermal Mask or my Mummy Wrap for tightening and brightening. I’m all about pore reduction, clear, shiny, taut skin, tightening, and brightening. I hate bad skin. At my beautiful tender age of 50, my skin feels great, and I especially love my morning shower and ritual routine. I’m not a fan of foundation or cake mix on my face. If you feel you need to cover up, then you need to see a dermal clinician. And a word of advice: those girls and women using powder on their skin, bin it. It makes you look old. We want dewy.


What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

My hate for the last 8 years is bloody menopause, and I’ll talk to anyone about it who will listen, but such is life. It’s made me a better person as I now understand anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Especially since my daddy passed away in 2023 (Dad, I hope you are watching over me), I also love reformer pilates, catching up with my girlfriends, and checking out new restaurants with my husband and daughter.

I love travelling and learning. We are now planning on renovating our house as I want to take it back to a real cottage home on the beautiful Northern Beaches. We are very lucky to live where we do. Renovating a house of my dreams (hopefully sooner rather than later) so I also love flicking through house magazines and Pinterest for inspiration. Maybe a farm to get away and buy lots of friendly animals as they make me happy and give unconditional love. Maybe I’ll get into jam making or facial recipes.

What treatment do you see becoming popular in 2024?

Definitely, people are looking for a holistic approach to treating problematic skin, skin rejuvenation, and enhancement. Focusing on treatments like Low-Level Fractional Laser, Micro-needling, holistic herbal peels, and DMK. A focus on skin health and aging prevention. I see a big shift away from people choosing to listen to Instagram influencers or Dr. Google for their skincare advice, and more people actually seeking professional help from experts in the field who are educated. I think people are beginning to realise that investing in your skin is no different from investing in your hair, teeth, or general health! And once again, the things you do every day are going to make the biggest difference.

What is the one piece of skin advice you wish all your clients would follow?

Wear sunscreen, rain, hail, or shine, indoors or outdoors. Find a sunscreen that suits you, then use it like you would a daily moisturiser. I’m a firm believer that the things you do every day make the biggest difference to your overall skin health. Making small changes to someone’s skincare routine at home by educating them can make a huge difference to the health (and look) of their skin.

 

Qualifications:
- DMK Paramedical Certificated
- Dermal Clinician
- Advanced Beauty Therapist Diploma
- Phlebotomist - currently on hold until 2025
- Laser Certified in IPL, Fractional Laser & CO2
- Bio Sculpture & BIAB Certified
- Certificate IV in Training and Education
- Certificate in OH&S
- First Aid Certificate



CONTACT: 0412 121 548