When was the last time you did something just for you? After more than 20 years helping women feel comfortable in their own skin, one Durban businesswoman believes self-care isn’t about vanity – it’s about giving yourself permission to matter too.
Between careers, children, ageing parents and the endless demands of everyday life, women have a habit of putting themselves last. It’s something Marinda Steyn, owner of Durban Laser Clinic, sees almost every day. “Women are incredibly resilient, but we so often forget ourselves,” she says. “When a woman invests in herself, not out of vanity but out of self-care, everyone around her benefits. She feels stronger, more confident and shows up differently for her family, her career and her relationships.”
After more than two decades in the skincare industry, Marinda has learnt that confidence has very little to do with perfection. “Every woman has something she’s self-conscious about. The most beautiful women I meet aren’t necessarily the ones with flawless skin. They’re the women who are comfortable being themselves.”
In an age of filters, edited images and social media comparisons, she believes women have become far too critical of themselves. “We’re constantly comparing ourselves to a version of beauty that isn’t even real. I’ve treated women in their twenties right through to their seventies, and so many focus on tiny imperfections that nobody else even notices.” For Marinda, the real reward isn’t transforming skin – it’s watching confidence quietly return.
“I see it in the little things. A client stops hiding behind heavy make-up, starts making eye contact again or smiles more freely. Those moments remind me that our work goes far beyond skincare.” One client, who had battled severe pigmentation for years, still stays with her. “When she finished her treatment, she became emotional and simply said, ‘I feel like myself again.’ That’s why I still love what I do. It’s about restoring hope and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Owning her own business has also taught Marinda an important lesson. “Success isn’t measured only by the growth of your business. It’s measured by the positive impact you have on your team, your clients and your community.”
And if she could leave every woman with one message?
“Know that you are enough, exactly as you are. Healthy, glowing skin is wonderful, but if a woman walks out standing a little taller, smiling a little wider and feeling more like herself again, then we’ve done our job.”
Marinda’s 5 tips to show your skin some love
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Keep your skincare routine simple and consistent
- Nourish your skin from within with healthy food and plenty of water
- Seek professional advice instead of following every social media trend
- Be patient and kind to your skin. Healthy skin is a journey, not an overnight transformation
Details: Tel: 031 564 9834, WA 066 427 7550, or visit durbanlaserclinic.co.za and follow on IG durban_laser_clinic or FB DurbanLaserClinic
