Skincare science, social media and staying credible - The Pro Beauty Pod with Fiona Brackenbury

In the latest episode of The Pro Beauty Pod, the focus turns to skincare science, professional credibility and career development, with industry expert Fiona Brackenbury.

Listen to the episode now on Spotify:

With decades of experience, Brackenbury offers a grounded, science-led perspective on skincare trends, education and the future of the profession.

Many know her from her long-standing role on QVC, where she broke down ingredients and demystified skincare routines, representing Decléor as its global education director. Her varied career has also taken her around the world in spa management, education and product development roles.

Now, as an independent skincare consultant and educator, she’s in high demand – developing treatments for leading spas, guiding beauty brands through global product launches or mentoring teams to increase sales.

You may also follow her sharp, educational social media content, where she regularly debunks myths and trends with science-backed clarity.

“I think the best thing about my job is that I don’t have a typical day,” Brackenbury says. “I can be in a treatment room designing protocols one day and training beauty professionals in ingredient science the next.”

Social media, integrity and professional authority

With a strong following across Instagram and YouTube, Brackenbury is passionate about maintaining integrity online. “People connect with people who have integrity,” she says. “The most important thing is to stay true to yourself.”

She encourages professionals to engage consistently rather than posting sporadically. “Don’t just post one day and then disappear – what they call ghosting,” she explains. “It’s so much more than just putting a post up.”

In an online landscape crowded with unqualified influencers, she stresses the importance of clearly communicating expertise. “Make sure you’re reminding your audience that you are qualified, that you are trained, and that you are the expert,” she says. “That’s what builds trust.”

Skincare trends, inflammaging and skin health

Looking ahead, Brackenbury identifies inflammaging as one of the biggest emerging concerns in skin health. “Inflammaging is going to be huge,” she says. “We often associate it with redness, but it can be bubbling away under the skin without being visible, causing a lot of damage.”

She believes professional tools such as skin scanners are becoming increasingly important. “They show what’s happening underneath the skin that the naked eye can’t see,” she explains. “Consumers want that proof – it helps them understand their investment in skincare.”

While sceptical of many viral skincare trends, she supports skin minimalism as a positive shift. “One trend I do really like is skin minimalism,” she says, warning that overuse of actives is damaging many skins. “I’m all about science-backed skincare.”

On AI-generated skincare routines, she remains cautiously optimistic. “AI is exciting, but it can’t replace the fact that you need to see and touch the skin,” she says. “We still need real-life consultations.”

Recognition for skin professionals

If Brackenbury could change one thing about the industry overnight, it would be how beauty therapists are perceived. “It really pains me when I hear the word ‘beautician’,” she says. “We need to give more credibility to therapists.”

With rapid advancements in epigenetics, exosomes and next-generation skincare ingredients, she believes the industry is entering a new and exciting phase. “We’re really at the beginning of this journey,” she says.

Why this episode matters

This episode of The Pro Beauty Pod offers deep insight into skincare science, education and professional growth. From navigating social media and retail with confidence to understanding emerging technologies and skin health trends, Fiona Brackenbury delivers expert guidance rooted in experience, integrity and science.

As she reminds professionals throughout the episode: “Trust your knowledge.”