What is the background to QMS?
QMS Medicosmetics came into being organically. My father, Dr med Erich Schulte, was a trauma surgeon in Germany and at that time surgery could reconstruct the shape of the face but skin remained scarred and damaged. He became involved in research into wound healing, and in particular the significance of re-introducing collagen back into the skin, as this valuable protein is responsible for the skin’s elasticity. He pioneered a technique that conditions natural soluble collagens so they can be re-absorbed into the epidermis and be applied topically to boost skin regeneration.
As he moved more into cosmetic surgery, he combined these highly concentrated collagen serums with fruit acids to create the Classic Set, a revolutionary system that prepared and restored the skin undergoing surgery. In 1986 QMS Medicosmetics was officially launched.
How would you sum up your brand?
One of Dr Schulte’s favourite sayings is ‘logic, not miracles, makes great skincare’, a credo applied to our product collection. He focuses much of his research on delivery techniques to enhance the metabolism of ingredients, a process that greatly improves the efficacy of skincare. Our products are designed to provide immediate benefits and transform the skin in the long term.
How important is the science behind your products?
Dr Schulte remains at the forefront of scientific research used in skincare, it is fundamental to QMS’ product evolution. He has pioneered some of the most groundbreaking advances in skincare techniques and ingredients. For this purpose, he founded the Derma-Research-Laboratories – Dr med Erich Schulte in 1993.
Why should spas work with you?
Our skincare and spa treatments are focused on delivering superior results – a key factor in our partnerships with over 600 spas around the world. Having the same high-grade formulations for both professional and retail products creates strong sales opportunities. With many of our recent hotel clients, we’ve devised a treatment collection to fit their destination, client profile and spa style – a strategy which is proving to be highly successful. QMS products are also very complementary to other brands and sit well alongside organic or body-focused brands.
Why did you choose London for your first standalone spa?
London was a natural location for our first spa as it’s possibly the most international city in the world. We found the ideal location just off the Kings Road, which we converted into a space that reflected our unique style. Being able to offer a pure QMS Medicosmetics experience is invaluable in so many ways.
We’d love to replicate the spa within the next five years or sooner if the right opportunity arose.
What are your most successful product lines?
The Classic Set, which combines 70 per cent natural soluble collagens and fruit acid enzymes, is still one of our bestsellers. It was designed as a skincare regeneration system that reverses the signs of ageing by addressing the underlying cause – loss of collagen. Others in our top five are Cellular Marine (Stem Cell Line Eraser) and Cellular Alpine Eye Care, both based on the latest plant stem cell research, and one of our newest innovations – the intensely moisturising Ion Skin Equaliser – sold out in its first month of launch. Another bestseller is Intravital, a nutricosmetics supplement that reconditions, regenerates and protects the skin.
Our body skincare range is very popular, last year we introduced the Body Performance Duo, a highly effective body conditioning set combining a new exfoliator with our much loved lifting cream.
Who are some of your clients?
We work closely with many international spas, salons and hotels, the majority of which are in Germany. Other key clients include the department stores of KaDaWe, Berlin and Liberty London as well as luxury hotels such as Six Senses Spa at The Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland; and The Saxon and Cape Grace hotels in South Africa.
What training do you offer your spa partners?
Education is key to QMS and we work closely with our partners to define the right method of training for them. There are three different options: for larger spa teams we offer on-site training with a customised programme of product, treatment and retail education; we additionally have a state-of-the art training centre at our German HQ or for smaller numbers our Flagship Skincare Spa in central London. We also recognise that sometimes staff change or there’s a need for refresher training – our partners know that we’re always available to help.
Our professional business model includes proactive sales and marketing initiatives. These services vary depending on the type of business.
What are your plans for expansion?
Our greatest growth potential will be in developing both existing markets and entering new ones. We’re currently in discussions for launches in the US and Asia this year, and we’re also keen to target South America. Another priority is growing the UK market as our London spa and counter at Liberty have seen very positive commercial results. Our UK online retail side has seen exceptional growth, so we’re looking to enhance our nationwide representation.
Can you highlight a recent successful collaboration?
Last year we launched at the award-winning Thalassa Spa at the Anassa hotel in Cyprus. Our treatments and products proved so popular that this year we expanded the QMS menu offered and created a signature facial for the spa. We also launched at the sister hotel, Almyra, with a capsule collection that reflects its boutique style.
QMS works well in the hotel environment, as our treatments are very results-driven and are great for men and women of every age. This in turn encourages retail; our hotel spa partners tell us that QMS treatments increase product sales by their clients.
What’s next for QMS Medicosmetics
This year we will be introducing a couple of new products to the collection. Dr Schulte is also in development stage with some ideas for launch in 2014. We are also reviewing the feasibility of creating a skincare amenity line as so many of our clients ask us for our Discover Collection (luxury travel sizes).
