My Journey Into Aesthetics: From Nurse to Skin Health Advocate

I first ventured into aesthetics as a way to earn some extra income. But, in truth, the desire to

help others has always been at the heart of everything I do. From a young age, I was drawn to

caring roles, and this led me to a career in nursing.

As a newly qualified nurse, my first ward was a vascular surgical ward, many of these

patients suffered from diabetes—many of whom were having amputations. I couldn’t help but

think of my father, who also had diabetes and, like many at the time, smoked. Seeing those

patients made me deeply aware of how lifestyle choices impact our health. Of course this was

years ago and now diabetes is much better managed.

Throughout my 30+ years in the NHS, I find myself conscious of patient’s dealing with

mental health challenges. Even when their presentations seems purely medical, mental

wellbeing was often a key piece of the puzzle. I’ve always been fascinated by the body—how

it works, how it reacts to stress, how disease develops. That curiosity never left me.

Over the years, I worked in renal dialysis for 8 years, then A&E, as a Nurse Practitioner, and

then moved to an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in primary care. I’ve taken every opportunity

to continue developing my knowledge with courses and hands-on experience. During this

time I have been building up my business in aesthetics. I believe my NHS experience fits in

with naturally with aesthetics—a field I’ve become deeply passionate about.

Last month, I attended the ACE Conference in London, and I left feeling genuinely excited.

The culture around aesthetics is evolving. People are becoming more health-conscious in

general. There’s a growing trend toward reducing alcohol intake, preserving brain health, and

prioritising self-care—not just for how we look, but how we feel.

Highlights from the Conference

Supplements and collagen drinks have always been part of the aesthetic world—brands like

Skin Aid and Zenii have been around for a while. But what caught my attention this year was

the presence of multiple Japanese exhibitors. I’d spoken to a Japanese rep last year, but this

time there were at least three different stands showcasing Japanese supplements.

It got me thinking: do Japanese women talk about menopause the same way we do? Do they

complain of bloating, achy joints, and fatigue? In the aesthetics clinic and in primary care,

I’ve had countless conversations about perimenopause and menopause. But I rarely hear from

media Japanese women speaking about it in the same way. Could it be linked to diet? We

already know how important gut health is for skin health.

One product that stood out was a fermented green papaya enzyme, clinically proven to reduce

oxidative stress. It’s a reminder that there’s always more to learn—and that internal health is

just as crucial as what we do externally.

The Ever-Evolving World of Skin Health

Aesthetics is expanding rapidly. New training academies are opening all the time, which is

great—competition encourages innovation and better care. There are continuous

advancements in technology, including so many machines with laser , ultrasound ,

radiofrequency , plasma , all designed to improve the skins quality.

One of the most effective (and surprisingly simple) treatments I offer in clinic is

microneedling. My clients love it, and I do too! I even had a session myself at the conference

and my skin felt amazing afterward.

Another exciting area is the use of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), found in Radiesse.

It’s been around for over 20 years, and the science is fascinating. CaHA is a naturally

occurring mineral in teeth and bone, and when used as a dermal filler, it stimulates collagen

production. With over 200 peer-reviewed papers supporting it, Radiesse is now used both as a

filler and a biostimulator.

Similarly, polynucleotides and Profhilo are doing great work in skin regeneration. For sun

damage and pigmentation, I’ve found Merz Revive to be particularly effective. The

combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerol helps reduce the appearance of sun spots over

time—backed by clinical studies.

A Balanced, Minimal Approach

Dermal fillers are still widely used I’ve noticed that many people were going to their

practitioner year after year for more fillers to other areas,, sometimes going beyond what was

necessary in my opinion . In my clinic, I prefer a more minimal, tailored approach—strategic

use of fillers combined with ongoing skin treatments and lifestyle support.

Because ultimately, it’s not just about the procedures. Diet, exercise, and rest all play their

part.

But if there’s one thing I’d love you to take from this blog, it’s this: be kind to yourself.

Whether you’re navigating menopause, dealing with stress, or simply wanting to feel better in

your skin—love yourself through it. Self-care isn’t vanity. It’s vital.