You've Been Served: Aesthetician Megan Byrne

I am an aesthetician at the Institute of Dermatologists, Ballsbridge. As part of my Biologique Recherche trainer role, I travel within Ireland to train aestheticians on the skin care products and practical skills needed to work with the Biologique Recherche range.

Unfortunately, within the skincare industry, there can be a fear and a lack of knowledge in how to treat clientele who may be undergoing, or recovering from, cancer treatment. This can lead to clients being turned away at salons and spas. Biologique Recherche has teamed up with Wellness for Cancer to provide high-quality training to their aestheticians worldwide. This in-depth training allows me to adapt my products and treatment methodology, depending on the cancer type, surgery, and treatment involved.

It is important to me, as a therapist, to be able to provide wellness, beauty, and relaxation to each and every one of my clients. And, most importantly, it is crucial, as a client, that you feel confident, safe, and at ease when coming for your treatments.

For me, no two work days are ever the same. I find myself in quite a unique environment at the Institute of Dermatologists. Whether you are prepping for your wedding day, or recovering from acne, my job is to help you reach your goal. Each day, I work hands on with my clients. I use our Skin Instant Lab, a specialised skin analysis machine, to build a picture of your skin’s health. This then allows me to prescribe a highly individualised skin care regimen and to build a treatment plan for my client.

After a skin analysis, I provide customised facial treatments, which range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. My role, as a skincare therapist, is to teach, and guide, my clients how to care for their skin on a daily basis. Good skincare starts at home. For this reason, I encourage my clients to contact me, with any questions or concerns they may have, so that I may support them between clinic visits.

Working with people is such a unique experience. Not only do we provide treatment for skin conditions, but we also provide relaxation, and sometimes comfort. For some people, stress is a huge part of their lives. We never know what hardship a person may be dealing with.

The greatest satisfaction of my job is watching how the ‘power of touch’ can effect a person. For this reason, I am passionate about working with people affected by cancer.

- Megan Byrne is an aesthetician and Biologique Recherche trainer at the Institute of Dermatologists, Ballsbridge; instituteofdermatologists.ie