The 3 biggest lessons I’ve learnt from a decade in the skin clinic

Earlier this week my sister sent me a photo from my graduation and I couldn’t believe that it’s been almost a decade since I started looking after people’s skin. It has and continues to be one of the greatest privileges in my life and it got me thinking about all the lessons I’ve learnt over the past 10 years.

I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s been a truly life changing experience, so today, I thought I’d share the 3 biggest lessons I’ve learnt so far...

#1. We’re more alike than we are different

Now, you may or may not know that I’m also a qualified laser therapist, which means I’ve treated every inch of the female body…And it totally changed my life.

Women would come in for consultations and cry with me as they talked about removing unwanted facial hair, others would apologise profusely for their stretch marks and cellulite, or quietly whisper ‘please could you laser my nipple hairs too?’ in the middle of an appointment.

What none of them realised though, was just how normal and perfectly formed they were. I’d have lasered 10 faces by lunchtime every day, removed countless nipple hairs and it was more common to see stretch marks and cellulite, than not.

So, I made it my duty to tell everyone who ever felt unnecessarily ashamed, that none of these things made them different; In fact, it was what united us. We very rarely get the chance to see real women’s bodies and if everyone could spend just a day in a skin clinic, they’d realise that all the physical 'issues' they worry about, have never been issues at all. 

#2. It doesn't have to be complicated

When I first started doing skin consultations in clinic, I could categorise nearly all clients into 2 groups. One set of people had tried everything to correct their concerns and the other simply didn’t know where to start.

Having struggled with acne as a teenager, I completely understood why both were overwhelmed. There’s so much choice, noise and marketing tactics within the skincare industry, it’s almost impossible to know what you need.

What I quickly learned in the treatment room though, is that despite what we’re led to believe, skincare does not have to be complicated to work. In fact, just a few key steps each morning and night have the power to treat everything from hormonal breakouts and enlarged pores, to wrinkles and sagging.

So, I created this super simple 5 step system which I used to write on the back of a notecard for my clients, before sending them home with their products. When I saw them 4 weeks later, not only had their skin totally transformed, but their confidence had returned too. Little did I know that this routine would later become...The 5 Minute Kit. 

#3. You can learn something from everybody

Aside from all the lessons I’ve learnt about our physical bodies, what I perhaps treasure the most is all I’ve learnt about womanhood.

If you’re lucky enough to have an inspiring female in your life who has acted as a guiding light…Imagine that on steroids. 99% of my clients have been women and their life stories, words of wisdom and outstanding courage will forever impact my life.

Appointments can often turn into mutual therapy sessions where little is off-limits, but nothing leaves the 4 walls of the treatment room. There’s never an ounce of judgement and it’s like the most motivating, relatable and encouraging podcast you’ve ever heard, except we don’t broadcast it to the world.

What it’s taught me is you can truly learn something from everybody and the lessons I’ve learnt from almost 10 years of working with incredible women, have sculpted my life in ways I’ll forever be grateful for.

So, to say I love my job would be the understatement of the century and I can’t wait to report back on all I learn over the next decade. Thank you so much for coming on the adventure with me, you are truly what drives my passion each and every day 🥰