Confessions of a Skin Therapist: 40+ Years of Laughter, Lines, and Loo Breaks

Enjoying a warm cup of Tea!

Confessions of a Skin Therapist: 40+ Years of Laughter, Lines, and Loo Breaks

After hitting another birthday and very fast approaching 60, I found myself reflecting on the last 40 years of doing a job I truly love. The changes I’ve seen in this industry are enormous—from the days of steaming and squeezing to today’s high-tech lasers, peels, and potions. But one thing that hasn’t changed? People still act surprised when I tell them I’m off on a training course.

Let me say this loud and clear: this is not a job you train in once and know it all. The industry is constantly evolving—so I have to as well. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely love learning. Every day’s a school day. You lot know that better than anyone because, let’s be honest, you don’t just come in for glowing skin—you come in for a full-blown science lesson or mini lecture. I’ve probably got a whiteboard and a pointer somewhere in a cupboard.

But truthfully, I am getting a little tired now. The passion hasn’t gone, but the pace has changed. So I’m gently reducing my working week. Don’t panic—you haven’t seen the last of me. But I’m carving out a little more time for myself, maybe even for that hot cup of tea I always talk about but never get to drink.

Now, back to business...

If you’ve ever stepped foot into my little clinic, you’ll know it’s more than just a place to sort out your pigmentation or pesky chin hairs. It’s a safe space, a sanctuary, a confession booth, and sometimes a full-blown comedy club. I’m not just your skin therapist. I’m your friend, your listening ear, your tissue hander-outer, and your partner-in-crime when it comes to rolling our eyes about life, love, or how many skincare steps are too many. (Spoiler: never too many, just follow the bloody routine I gave you.)

Honestly, some of you should come with a warning label. You’ve had me doubled over with your one-liners. You’ve said things in treatment rooms that would make a stand-up comic retire early, knowing they’ve been outclassed.

I often say I should write a book. A proper one. With all the hilarious, outrageous, inappropriate, and oddly inspiring things that come out of your mouths. If only I could remember them all… but alas, menopause has turned my short-term memory into something resembling a foggy car windscreen in February. So if you ever hear me laughing in treatment, jot it down for me, would you?

And oh my god—some of you lovely lot make me laugh so hard that tears run down my legs. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Another one of the many unexpected joys of menopause. Honestly, if there were awards for one-liners, this clinic would need a red carpet and a BAFTA table.

I have to share one of the funniest recent moments from one of my oldest clients—not in age, but in loyalty. She’s been coming to see me for over 25 years (bless her for still putting up with me). I was giving her my usual post-treatment spiel: “Stay hydrated and wear your SPF.” She looked me dead in the eye, proudly held up her water bottle and said, “I do listen to you. Look—I’m carrying a water bottle, and it hasn’t even got wine in it!” I nearly fell over.

Then, to top it off, when I reminded her to apply her AlumierMD SPF to her neck and chest too, she looked genuinely shocked and said, “You can use it on your body too?!” Honestly… you couldn’t make it up. ND, you know who you are—keep them coming. You’re comedy gold.

Now, let’s talk about my blogs and emails. I know—I KNOW—some of you don’t read them. You don’t listen to my advice either. (No, I can’t even blame that one on my menopause. Maybe yours, but not mine. 😂) I’ve repeated the same skin tips so many times I could chant them in my sleep. "Wear SPF. Reapply it. Stop scrubbing your face like it’s a kitchen floor. No, Vaseline is not a moisturiser." You get the idea.

But some of you do read them. Some of you even take notes. And then you walk in with a warm cup of tea and a cinnamon bun, referencing that blog I wrote a few months ago—my rant blog—where I moaned about being so busy replying to endless emails and text messages asking “just one question,” that I never get to drink a hot drink, let alone eat something. Honestly, by the time I get to my tea, it’s cold enough to refrigerate the clinic.

So to those of you who’ve taken that rant to heart—thank you. You know who you are. You’ve set the bar HIGH. Now every time I see your name in the diary, I get all giddy—not just because it’s you, and I know you’ll make me laugh until I nearly need a lie down—but also because I know there’s food involved. And maybe even a hot brew. Or wine. Or a sausage roll. Honestly, I’m not fussy.

To the rest of you—those who are thinking “Wait, what cinnamon bun? What rant? What hot sausage roll?”—first of all, I forgive you. Second of all… go read my past blogs. Or don’t. But if you do feel like turning up with a tipple, a nibble, a crisp, or even just a hug and a good story, know that it will be very well received. Not expected, no pressure… but deeply appreciated. Just saying. 😉

At the heart of it all, though, is this: I love what I do. I love the results I get to create for your skin, yes—but more than that, I love the relationships we’ve built. The shared tears, the belly laughs, the little victories and big milestones. You’ve trusted me with your skin, your secrets, your stress, and your sandwich (on more than one occasion), and for that, I am beyond grateful.

Here’s to the next chapter. Let’s keep laughing, keep sharing, keep feeding me—oops, I mean supporting each other. You’re the best bunch I could ever ask for.

And who knows… maybe one day that book will get written. If the menopause brain fog lets me remember enough of the material. Until then, I’ll just keep collecting the stories, sipping the tea, and applying the SPF (to you, because I know you’re not doing it properly).

Love always,Your skin therapist, snack enthusiast, and unofficial stand-up partner xx