Confidence comes from within, but taking care of yourself on the outside can enhance how you feel inside. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating how self-care—especially through taking care of your skin—can empower women at any age.

In this special feature, we share inspiring self-care stories of women at different stages of life—from the women of Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic to a client who has experienced incredible results under the care of our aesthetics expert, Dr. Raj. These women show that confidence flourishes when we take the time to care for ourselves—both inside and out.

Sarah Mason: Redefining Ageing at 60

As a certified therapist and personal development coach, and a client of Dr. Raj, Sarah Mason understands firsthand the link between self-care and confidence. Nearing her 60s, she’s a firm believer that looking after yourself—inside and out—has a transformative effect on how you feel.

“Thank you for opening up this discussion—it’s such an important one to have, especially for International Women’s Day.”

With a background in Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) and coaching, Sarah runs her own therapy & coaching practice, and she has created a new online wellbeing platform called Altered Tides. Her unique position allows her to see daily how self-care practices can impact mental health. 

“Mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and setting boundaries all play a role in reducing stress and boosting self-esteem,” she explains.

“But self-care isn’t just about lifestyle choices. It’s also about those small, intentional ways we treat ourselves—including skin care.

“For me, non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments are the icing on the cake when it comes to improving wellbeing.”

Starting Her Skin Journey in Menopause

Sarah’s journey with skin rejuvenation began in her 50s, during menopause—a time when many women notice changes in their skin.

“I wasn’t looking for drastic improvements—I don’t like the overdone look. That’s why I chose Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic. The results I saw from clients were subtle, but everyone looked refreshed and glowing.”

Since then, Sarah has undergone a variety of treatments, including Botox and Morpheus8. The results? 

“My skin looks younger, tighter, and less tired. There’s a natural glow that makes me feel rejuvenated and confident.”

Advice for Women in Their 60s

Sarah encourages other women in their 60s to embrace non-surgical treatments if they’re considering them.

“Age should never be a barrier to feeling confident in your skin. Non-surgical aesthetic treatments are safe, effective, and can enhance your natural beauty without looking overdone. They’re about feeling empowered at any age.”

She credits her self-confidence to a combination of inner and outer work.

“I first considered Morpheus8 as I entered my 50s, a significant time marked by the challenges of menopause. At the same time, I was working on improving my self-esteem and overcoming limiting beliefs through mindfulness and personal development. As my skin began to show signs of tiredness and sagging, I saw the opportunity to complement my inner growth and development with enhancing my appearance. By the time I reached the end of my 50s, I felt more confident and empowered than I ever had in my 20s, 30s, or 40s.”

Daily Skincare Routine

“I keep my skincare routine simple yet effective. I start with a double cleanse, followed by a factor 30 day cream for sun protection. In the evening, I use a nourishing serum and night cream to keep my skin hydrated and healthy. I especially love the AnteAGE products available at Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic—they’ve made a real difference in my skin!”

A Personalised Approach at Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic

For anyone thinking about starting their own aesthetic journey, Sarah says finding the right practitioner is key.

She explains, “For me, Dr. Raj really took the time to assess my skin and create a personalised plan. The care and expertise at Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic always exceed my expectations. After each treatment, it leaves me feeling fresh and awake—and gives me that extra little skip in my nearly 60-year-old step!”

More About Altered Tides

“Altered Tides is the culmination of decades of self-discovery and a deep commitment to helping others who, like me, have felt stuck or blocked in life,” Sarah says.

Her journey into this profession began when she discovered Marisa Peer’s Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®). 

“It was like a light had switched on inside me, guiding me towards becoming a Therapist, Hypnotherapist, and Coach.”

Now, Sarah reflects with gratitude on a lifetime of diverse experiences and powerful lessons that have shaped her path.

“Altered Tides isn’t just my personal journey—it’s a space of hope and empowerment for anyone ready to rewrite their story, at any stage of life. The most rewarding part of this work is helping people unlock their potential, create new opportunities, and embrace meaningful change.”

International Women’s Day: Navigating Confidence and Well-Being Through Life’s Changes

This International Women’s Day, we recognise that many women face challenges with their mental health and confidence as they age.

Sarah shares advice for navigating this journey with strength and grace:

“This is a journey that can be filled with growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. Small steps—like setting healthy boundaries, practicing mindfulness, or making time for activities that bring you joy—can have a profound impact on your well-being.

“It’s important to be kind to yourself. Embrace where you are in your journey without judgement, and don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or professionals—because we all need support through life’s various transitions.”

The Beauty of Feeling Your Best

As a woman approaching her 60th birthday, she has personally experienced the power of embracing change and has never felt more comfortable in her own skin.

“Treating myself to occasional non-invasive skin treatments at Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic is the icing on the cake, leaving me feeling lighter, fresher, and more vibrant. We all deserve to invest in our well-being and feel like our best selves. She ends with a poignant statement: “The transformation that happens inside is incredibly powerful, but feeling and looking good on the outside is a wonderful bonus that complements the journey.”

Victoria’s Skincare Journey: Embracing Self-Care in Your 30s

At 34, Victoria Ayre is the Social Media Manager at Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic. She believes that self-care and preventative measures in skincare play a key role in maintaining confidence as we age. She’s enjoyed incredible results with non-surgical aesthetic treatments, and her skincare routine places importance on investing in your skin early.

The Treatments That Have Transformed Victoria’s Skin

Victoria incorporates a mix of non-surgical treatments into her skincare routine, including anti-wrinkle treatments, microneedling, and Dermalux Triwave LED. These treatments have left her skin feeling rejuvenated and glowing, making her feel confident enough to go makeup-free. 

“My skin looks clear, refreshed, and even in tone,” she says, adding that makeup now applies smoothly and lasts longer.

Daily Skincare Essentials for Maintaining Healthy Skin

Along with her treatments, Victoria uses a carefully selected range of skincare products. Her daily routine includes:

• Obagi Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection
• AnteAge Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin
• Obagi Elastiderm to support skin elasticity and reduce fine lines
• Obagi Hydrate Light for lightweight, long-lasting hydration

These products work together to support her skin’s health and enhance the results of her treatments.

Preventative Care is Key

Victoria encourages women in their 30s to embrace preventative skincare. 

“This is the perfect time to take proactive steps in your skincare journey. Starting early can lead to long-term benefits, and investing in your skin now helps maintain its health and vitality for years to come.”

She also stresses the importance of seeking professional guidance to determine what treatments are right for you. 

“I encourage women to come in for a consultation to explore what might be best for their skin. Being proactive in your skincare now can make all the difference later.”

The Perfect Starting Point for Skincare Treatments

For those just beginning their skincare journey, Victoria recommends starting with microneedling. 

“It’s a great starting point because it helps with collagen production, skin texture, and overall rejuvenation. Microneedling, paired with high-quality skincare, such as AnteAge or Obagi, can enhance results and maintain skin health.”

Words of Empowerment for this International Women’s Day

With International Women’s Day being honoured around the world, Victoria offers words of encouragement to women experiencing diminishing confidence due to signs of ageing:

“Confidence comes from feeling good in your own skin. If certain treatments or skincare routines help with that, then do it! We deserve to feel good about ourselves, no matter our age.”

Victoria’s Advice: Invest in your skin early and enjoy the confidence that comes with It.

Sarah Richards: Embracing Confidence and Grace in Your 40s

At 43, Sarah Richards, Dr. Raj’s PA, has seen the benefits of non-surgical aesthetic treatments in enhancing her confidence and maintaining a youthful appearance. While Botox and lip filler treatments have helped her feel refreshed, Sarah emphasises that beauty comes from both inner wellness and self-care.

Sarah has seen noticeable improvements with skin rejuvenation treatments she uses, such as improvements in the tightness of her skin and a reduction in lines. 

“I feel fantastic, with diminished lines and tighter skin!” 

These treatments have given her a significant boost in confidence, allowing her to feel more comfortable in her own skin.

Daily Skincare Routine: Simplicity and Effectiveness

Sarah keeps her daily skincare routine simple yet effective. She uses Elemis skincare cleanser, toner, and eye cream, with a weekly exfoliate to keep her skin smooth and rejuvenated.

The Confidence Boost from Aesthetic Treatments

For Sarah, non-surgical aesthetic treatments have undoubtedly helped with confidence. “Without a doubt, it has helped with confidence,” she shares, highlighting how such treatments can bring a positive boost to both appearance and self-esteem.

Encouragement for Women Considering Aesthetic Treatments

For women in their 40s who may be hesitant about non-surgical aesthetic treatments, Sarah advises doing thorough research before taking the plunge. 

“Read the reviews of your provider and go for it,” she encourages. “Doing your research ensures you feel confident in your decision and the results you’ll achieve.”

Where to Start on the Treatment Journey

When asked about where to start for those new to non-surgical aesthetic treatments, Sarah advises taking a thoughtful approach. 

“I would really advise thinking about what bothers you the most about the ageing process and dealing with that issue first. Focusing on the area that concerns you the most will ensure a more satisfying and targeted treatment journey.”

International Women’s Day: Words of Encouragement for Women Ageing Gracefully

With International Women’s Day in mind, Sarah’s message for women who are starting to notice increasing signs of ageing is to “take a moment to explore options that can help. Reach out to the experts for guidance, and consider aesthetic treatments that can slow the process down gracefully. It’s all about taking control of the ageing process in a way that makes you feel good about yourself, without rushing or forcing anything.”

This International Women’s Day: Take Time for You—Because You Deserve It

This International Women’s Day, Cardiff Cosmetic Clinic celebrates all the incredible women around the world. We hope to encourage you to prioritise yourself and embrace the power of self-care—whatever that looks like for you. If you’re ready to feel your best in your skin, advanced non-surgical treatments can help you achieve that. Start your journey today with a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Raj. 

Confidence comes from many places, including feeling great in your skin, looking fantastic for your age, and embracing the beauty of who you are today. Remember that taking the time to care for yourself is a powerful act of self-love and strength!