With decades of experience bridging nursing, beauty, and medical aesthetics, Aine Larkin has
established herself as a leader in patient-focused, safe, and innovative treatments. We spoke to her
about her career journey, memorable patient stories, and how she stays ahead of trends – all
while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Q1. What inspired you to start your career in aesthetics after years as a nurse?
I’ve always been very business-oriented – it runs in the family. My dad was in business, and I love the independence, creativity, and leadership that comes with running your own venture. Early on, I moved from nursing into the beauty industry, which felt like a natural extension of helping people feel confident and cared for. When the aesthetics industry started emerging in the early 2000s, I was drawn to it immediately. New anti-aging products and injectable treatments had the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives, enhancing natural features while boosting confidence. With my medical background, I felt I could offer safe, effective, and professional treatments that bridged the gap between beauty and medicine – and that’s exactly what I’ve been passionate about ever since.
Q2. You’ve treated thousands of patients over the years. Are there any stories that stand out to you?
Absolutely – some of the most moving cases are those where aesthetics has helped people regain confidence after trauma or chronic skin issues. For example, we’ve worked with acne patients whose lives have been transformed with specialist products targeting scarring. One memorable case involved a woman who had been attacked years ago and had severe facial asymmetry. Using carefully selected treatments – including Belotero & Radiesse for structural support and skin restoration – we were able to rebuild her cheek contours. She left looking balanced and confident, which had a huge impact on her
self-esteem and how she interacted with the world. Moments like that remind me why I love this work – it’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about restoring confidence and quality of life.
Q3. What trends do you see emerging in aesthetics for 2026, and how are you staying ahead?
Wellness is becoming a major focus in aesthetics. Patients are increasingly interested in holistic approaches that support both internal health and skin health. Treatments like NAD formulations, which support cellular regeneration and organ health, are starting to make their way into aesthetic practice.
Alongside that, aesthetic clinics are evolving to incorporate more medical procedures, creating a
bridge between wellness and clinical care. Of course, anti-aging and facial refreshment will remain central,
but we’re also seeing younger patients interested in proactive care – nutrition, supplements, and
early intervention to maintain skin health. Staying ahead means continuously training, researching,
and integrating trusted, clinically proven products which allow us to deliver safe, consistent, and natural
results.
Q4. Which treatments are particularly popular with your patients, and why?
Facial profiling and overall refreshment treatments are some of our most requested services. We assess facial proportions and subtly enhance areas like the cheeks, chin, or lips to create harmony and
natural balance. Patients respond so well because the results are understated and flattering – they leave looking refreshed and confident, not “overdone.” Using carefully selected products such as Belotero, we can achieve predictable outcomes that build trust and allow patients to feel completely comfortable with their transformation.
Q5. As a practitioner, what are your aspirations for the aesthetics industry moving forward?
My main goal is to see the industry become fully regulated and professionalised. There are still too many unlicensed products and vulnerable people accessing treatments that could be unsafe. Legislation,
strict protocols, and oversight are essential to ensure patient safety and maintain standards. For me, it’s about combining professionalism with innovation – using clinically proven products from the Merz portfolio, delivering high-quality results, and mentoring the next generation of practitioners to uphold
these values. I want aesthetics to be recognised as a credible, trusted field that enhances wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life for patients.
