Cheryl Dawn Facialist

Can we normalise skin looking like… skin?

This is me and my skin.

I’ve actually got healthy skin - it behaves well most of the time, it feels strong, it’s hydrated, and it has a natural glow when things are going right.

But it’s not perfect.

I have genetically underlying rosacea, which I manage pretty well, and I’m also prone to melasma.

It first showed up after having my first son nearly 9 years ago, and then, as you might expect, it came back again after my second.

Most of the year I can keep things fairly steady with my skincare, regular treatments, SPF and consistency.

But summer is different.

Heat, UV and visible light are enough to trigger my pigmentation and rosacea, even when I’m doing everything “right”.

And that’s okay.

It doesn’t mean my skin isn’t healthy. It doesn’t mean my skincare isn’t working. It just means… I have skin.

Pores. Pigmentation. A little redness. Texture. The occasional breakout. All completely normal.

I think sometimes we’ve become so used to seeing filtered, smoothed and ‘glass’ skin online that we’ve forgotten what real skin actually looks like.

At 42, I’m much more interested in healthy, resilient skin that ages well than trying to make my skin look poreless or perfect.

And that’s exactly how I approach my clients’ skin too.

We work with your skin - your concerns, your lifestyle, your hormones, your stage of life - rather than chasing someone else’s version of perfect.

Because good skin isn’t about having no imperfections.

It’s about having skin that is healthy, supported and understood. 🤍

One of the biggest myths in skincare is that every skin concern has its own product or treatment.

The reality is often much more complex.

Two women can both experience dull skin for completely different reasons.

The same goes for breakouts, sensitivity, dehydration or loss of firmness.

That’s why I rarely start by asking, “What treatment would you like?”

Instead, I want to understand why your skin has changed.

We’ll talk about your skin history, lifestyle, hormones, stress levels, sleep, skincare routine and your goals.

I’ll assess your skin before and during your bespoke facial treatment, giving me a much clearer understanding of how it’s functioning and what it truly needs.

Only then do I make recommendations.

Because healthy skin isn’t about chasing symptoms.

It’s about understanding the cause.

If your skin has changed recently and you’re not sure why, your New Client Experience is the perfect place to start.

Cheryl 🤍

46 professionals. One shared vision for the future of wellness. ✨

I feel incredibly proud to be one of the 46 professionals featured here.

From doctors and dentists to nurses, physiotherapists, skin specialists, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and wellness practitioners, we’re all experts in our own fields, but we’re united by one belief…

That the future of health and wellness should be measurable, personalised and backed by science.

What excites me most isn’t just the technology itself, it’s the conversations it creates.

In just a 15-second, non-invasive scan, Prysm iO provides an objective insight into skin carotenoid levels, a scientifically validated biomarker associated with fruit and vegetable intake, antioxidant status and healthy ageing. It helps us educate, motivate and empower people to make positive, informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

As someone who’s always believed that healthy, glowing skin starts from within, Prysm iO feels like a natural extension of the way I already work with my clients. It allows me to have even more meaningful conversations around nutrition, lifestyle and long-term skin health, using measurable insights rather than guesswork.

I’m genuinely excited to be part of a community that’s helping shape the future of preventative wellness, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

💜 If you’re curious about Prysm iO, or you’d like to explore how it could complement your clinic, practice or business, send me a DM with the word “PRYSM” and I’d love to share more with you.


WellnessTechnology
Nutrition Antioxidants
SkinSpecialist
WellnessProfessional
ClinicOwner
Entrepreneur
LeedsBusiness
Longevity
FutureOfWellness

After 23 years working in the skincare industry, there’s one thing I know to be true.

Skin doesn’t usually change for no reason.

Throughout my career - as a beauty therapist, educator, account manager and now as a skin specialist, I’ve seen how often women blame themselves when their skin suddenly changes.

They think they’ve bought the wrong products.

That they’re doing something wrong.

Or that they simply need a stronger treatment.

But more often than not, your skin is responding to something deeper.

Hormonal changes.
Stress.
Sleep.
Lifestyle.
Diet.
Medication.
The natural ageing process.

Your skin is constantly adapting to what’s happening inside your body.

That’s why I don’t just look at your skin.

I look at the bigger picture.

Because when we understand why your skin has changed, we can create a plan that truly supports it, not just temporarily, but for the long term.

If your skin doesn’t feel like itself anymore, I’d love to help you understand what it’s trying to tell you.

Cheryl 🤍

It’s easy to think that if your skin isn’t responding the way it used to, the answer is a stronger peel, a more intensive facial or the latest trending treatment.

But that’s often not where the real solution lies.

Your skin is constantly responding to what’s happening inside your body and around you.

Hormonal changes.
Stress.
Sleep.
Nutrition.
Medication.
Changes to your skin barrier.
The natural ageing process.

If we don’t understand what’s driving those changes, even the most advanced treatment may not give you the results you’re hoping for.

That’s why I always start with understanding your skin before recommending a treatment.

When we know why your skin has changed, we can choose the right approach, not simply the strongest one.
Healthy, resilient skin isn’t about doing more.

It’s about doing what’s right for your skin, at the right time.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a stronger treatment or whether your skin simply needs a different approach, send me a message. I’d love to help you understand what your skin is trying to tell you.

Cheryl 🤍

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that you need to know exactly which treatment to book before seeing a skin specialist.

The truth?

You don’t.

In fact, many of my clients come to me for a bespoke facial in Leeds feeling completely overwhelmed.

They’ve tried countless products, followed advice from social media, or spent hours researching treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or solutions for rosacea, pigmentation or ageing skin—yet they’re still unsure what their skin actually needs.

That’s exactly why I offer my “New Client Experience”.

Rather than guessing, we’ll take the time to understand your skin, what’s changed, what’s contributing to your concerns, and what will genuinely help you achieve your goals.

Whether you’re experiencing acne, sensitivity, rosacea, signs of ageing, or changes linked to perimenopause, every recommendation is tailored to you.

Sometimes the treatment you thought you needed isn’t the one that’s going to give you the best results.

A personalised skin plan will always get you further than following the latest trend.

If you’re looking for a skin therapist in Leeds who takes the time to understand your skin and create a truly personalised treatment plan, the New Client Experience is the perfect first step.

Send me a message if you’d like to find out more.

📍Bramley, Leeds | Helping clients across Pudsey, Horsforth, Farsley, Rodley, Kirkstall and the surrounding areas achieve healthier, stronger skin.

Today I turn 42 🤍
Forty-two years around the sun.
And if there’s one thing this birthday has made me realise, it’s how much my definition of success has changed over the years.

At 22, success looked like adventure.
I was travelling the world with Virgin, collecting passport stamps, meeting incredible people and making memories I’ll treasure forever. Those years taught me confidence, independence and that saying “yes” to opportunities can take you further than you ever imagined.
At 32, success looked different.
I was focused on building my career in the skincare industry, taking on new challenges and progressing professionally. I loved what I did and was incredibly proud of the career I was building.
Then life surprised me.
Being made redundant while on maternity leave with my youngest wasn’t part of the plan. At the time, it felt uncertain and overwhelming. Looking back now, I can see it was the catalyst for a completely new chapter. It gave me the courage to build something I’d always dreamed about but had never quite believed I could do.

Today, success isn’t about the next promotion or climbing another ladder.
It’s about doing work that genuinely fulfils me.
Helping women understand their skin and feel confident in it.

Being present for my children.
Creating a life that feels aligned with my values.
And having the freedom to build something that’s truly mine.

As a facialist, I spend my days encouraging women to embrace every stage of life with confidence.
This birthday has reminded me that I need to extend that same kindness to myself.
Ageing isn’t something I’m trying to fight.
It’s something I feel incredibly grateful to experience.

Starting a business in my 40s has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
It’s meant late nights, financial sacrifices, constant learning and plenty of moments where I’ve questioned myself.
But it’s also given me something I didn’t even realise I was looking for.
Purpose.

Thank you to every client who’s trusted me, every person who’s supported my little business and everyone who’s followed along on this journey.

You’re a huge part of why I love what I do.
Here’s to 42... and whatever comes next. 🥂🤍
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