Alexa Roetger on Skin, Self-Worth and Starting Over

This week, I’m joined by Alexa Roetger, better known to many as Nurse Lex — founder of Aestheticá Byron Bay, registered nurse, skin expert, and one of those rare women whose work is deeply grounded in both science and soul. Publicly, she’s built a respected Byron Bay clinic known for its holistic, less-is-more approach to skin. Privately, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, grief, motherhood, and learning to trust her own philosophy in an industry obsessed with trends. (Aestheticá, Byron Bay)In this conversation, Lex shares how she went from working in high-pressure clinical nursing to creating a business that helps women feel more at home in themselves — not more “perfect”, just more aligned. We talk about the emotional side of aesthetics, the moment your reflection no longer feels like you, and why so many women aren’t really chasing youth at all, but recognition.We also go deeper into the realities of building a business while becoming a mother, the quiet power of word of mouth, and the grief that can reshape how you see women’s health, hormones, ageing and care. It’s a conversation about skin, yes — but also identity, intuition, and what it means to support women honestly.In this episode, we explore:Lex’s path from nursing into aesthetic medicineThe surprise motherhood story that unfolded while she was building her clinicWhy she believes skin health should come before trendsHer thoughts on barrier repair, regenerative treatments and respecting the skinThe emotional impact of perimenopause, menopause and not recognising yourself in the mirrorWhy the best practitioners aren’t always the loudest onlineWhat it takes to grow a trusted business through integrity and reputationYou’ll come away with a deeper understanding of skin, but also a deeper compassion for yourself — especially if you’ve ever felt like your outer self stopped matching the person you know you still are inside.If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps us reach more women who need these conversations.A special thank you to @pulsetto.tech, our season sponsor. Use BEAUTICATE for 15% off at pulsetto.tech