Murad Clinic Feature September 2025: Meet Ellie Dix. Owner, Registered Nurse and Dermal Therapist - Model Skin, QLD

@modelskinau

 

This month we’re shining a spotlight on Ellie Dix - owner, registered nurse, and dermal therapist of Model Skin in Burleigh Heads, QLD. Her clinic is fast becoming a go-to destination for results-driven treatments, a warm boutique experience, and a team that blends clinical expertise with genuine care.

 

We sat down with Ellie to talk about her journey, her partnership with Murad, and what she’s seeing in the industry right now.

 

You’ve chosen Murad as a clinical partner at Model Skin - what drew you to the brand and how does it complement your clinic’s philosophy?

 

I love using Murad both personally and professionally! What drew me to partner with Murad is Dr Murad's 4 pillars of wellness for skin health. I really believe in Dr Murad's principals and love that this is one of the very few skin care brands that's formulated by a Dermatologist, is backed by science, and is a brand that believes in treating the skin holistically. That is my vibe!

You’re a registered nurse, you’ve also completed dermal studies, and you’re constantly investing in education - how does that ongoing learning shape the way you treat skin? 

Nursing taught me to practice using evidence-based techniques and critical thinking. Our industry is constantly evolving, and lately it feels like there is something new and exciting every week! By keeping up with the latest science and techniques, and investing in education, I can make sure the treatments I offer are not only safe and backed by science, but also tailored to what my clients skin really needs, and not just what’s trending. 

 

You’re always the first to jump into our virtual sessions and can be seen at industry conferences. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve taken away from these events recently?

 

I recently attended the Beauty Expo in Sydney for the first time and loved it! I felt like I was in skin care heaven! Murad skincare had the best stand (not biased or anything ha!). The most valuable piece of advice was to shift my thinking when it comes to recommending and selling products. So instead of feeling awkward and assuming my client won't want to spend any more money or feeling too 'salesy', I have come to (finally) realise that my clients are coming to see me because they want help, and they want my advice and they want amazing skin, so they are happy to invest in it. It's almost a disservice to the client if you don't offer home care.

 

What trends or shifts are you noticing in the aesthetics and skin industry right now?

 

Lots of Korean beauty brands are flooding the market, and of course, Rejuran and PDRN, that can be skin needled in, is a really popular treatment at the moment. I'm seeing lots of skin rejuvenators, like bio-stimulators and bio-remodellers enter the market. There is a noticeable decline in the use of dermal filler, and there is more of a focus on skin health, which I love. Client's are wanting natural ways to increase collagen and want to achieve that glow, without a needle.

 

You’ve built a strong team of skin experts at Model Skin. What makes your team dynamic special?

 

We have not even been open a year and have hired a part-timer and a casual employee, which is pretty exciting! Both ladies are extremely experienced with skin and laser (one was actually my skin and laser trainer when I studied Dermal Science!). I feel like our team is special because we have so much experience between us, and we all have our own niches - so we are pretty much a one stop shop at Model Skin because of this.

 

Burleigh Heads is such an iconic location. How does the lifestyle and community there influence your clinic?

 

I love working in Burleigh, there are seriously so many awesome coffee shops!! A lot of the businesses around us have been there for years, so we all know each other and it's a nice little community. We like to think we have a relaxed vibe in clinic, and most of our clients arrive in active wear, and once, a bikini!

 

Now, we can’t not mention it… MAFS.. you had a unique experience being on Married at First Sight! Did being in front of the cameras teach you anything about skin confidence or how people view themselves?

 

MAFS was definitely a unique experience, and it really has helped me grow my following quickly. I often woke up to cameras in my face with no warning, so I quickly had to accept that this was my new normal and got comfortable being make-up free. I maintained a really solid skincare routine while I filmed MAFS, no matter how late the dinner parties or commitment ceremonies went for (sometimes 4am, I'm not joking), I would always do my skin care routine. 

 

 

When you’re not studying or treating clients, what’s your favourite way to switch off and recharge?

 

I always make time to move my body every day, and my partner and I love to travel, so we try and book a trip or weekend away every few months so it's something to look forward to. Also, I really recommend turning your phone onto Do Not Disturb mode sometimes, it's actually so therapeutic. 

 

If Model Skin had a motto or three words to live by, what would they be?

 

Always wear SPF! But also, I believe: science in practice, beauty in results.

 

 

Follow Ellie and her team at Model Skin @modelskinau 

https://www.modelskin.au/

Ellie’s story shows how the right partnership can help your clinic grow. If you’d like to learn more, reach out to your Murad Business Consultant - we’d love to support you, too.