How working in skin care changed my skin

As someone who works in social media and skincare marketing, I’ve tried my fair share of skincare products. But despite being surrounded by the industry, my own skin journey hasn’t always been straightforward.

In my teens, I was never overly concerned about my skin. I knew it leaned on the oilier side, with the occasional blemish that I’d tackle using a splodge of toothpaste or Sudocrem, but it rarely caused any real issues. That was until my final year at university. Between stress, multiple coffees a day and wearing covid masks for hours on end in the library, I developed a nasty case of adult acne across my cheeks.

I quickly found myself stuck in a cycle of covering it up with concealer and makeup, which only made things worse. It knocked my confidence for a while, ultimately becoming one of the main reasons I developed an interest in the aesthetics industry.

Although my breakouts eventually calmed, finding a routine that truly worked with my skin rather than against it proved difficult. I tried countless products, often influenced by TikTok trends, but nothing felt like it was working.

That changed when I started working at Wigmore two and a half years ago. Not only has my knowledge of skincare grown significantly, but I’ve also had the opportunity to speak directly with experts and understand my skin on a deeper level. With their help, we’ve built a routine focused on healing, balance, and long-term skin health.

Here’s my honest review:

The IMAGE Clear Cell Salicylic Acid Cleanser has become a staple. It leaves my skin feeling clean without being stripped and perfectly prepped for the rest of my routine. I follow with the Ormedic Balancing Gel Polisher and Clear Cell Salicylic Acid Pads, to gently exfoliate, tone and clear any lingering impurities.

One product I regret sleeping on for so long is eye cream. I’ve always struggled with my under-eyes due to genetics (thank you mum!), but HydroPeptide Eye Authority has made a noticeable difference, improving the overall quality of the delicate skin in that area.

To finish, I use HydroPeptide Aquaboost, a lightweight, water-based moisturiser that supports my skin barrier without adding excess oil. In the morning, I follow with a Colorescience mineral SPF 50, either Face Shield Classic or Flex if I want a little extra colour coverage.

The results have been genuinely impressive. Aside from the occasional blemish, my oiliness is under control, my skin feels calmer and more hydrated, meaning my makeup sits much more smoothly.

Now that my overall skin health has improved, I’m tackling skin texture left from previous breakouts. As I approach 28, I’ve noticed this becoming more visible, likely due to the natural collagen decline. I’ve started combining my at-home routine with clinic treatments such as IMAGE chemical peels, microneedling, and polynucleotides for a more comprehensive approach.

It’s taken some trial and error, but I’ve finally found a routine that works with my skin and given me the confidence to embrace makeup-free days.


Emily is the Social Media & Content Specialist at Wigmore Medical. With a background in skincare marketing, she has tried and tested a wide range of ingredients and formulations, giving her a well-rounded perspective on what truly works.