Discovered at 17, Emily DiDonato entered the supermodel ranks early, but her career has unfolded with unusual deliberation. A model, wellness advocate and mother, she has built a professional life that extends well beyond the runway, earning certifications as a nutrition coach and yoga instructor and using her platform to examine the evolving relationship between beauty, health and longevity.
That perspective made her a natural fit for Vichy Laboratoires, the dermocosmetics brand trusted by more than 80,000 dermatologists worldwide, which named DiDonato as its brand ambassador this month. She recalls first encountering Vichy years ago in French pharmacies, drawn to its dermatological rigor and science-driven formulas. Today, its products are part of her daily routine—reliable enough for off-duty model minimalism and resilient enough for the pace of everything else.
You entered the modeling world at just 17. How did that early experience shape the way you think about self-care today?
“Starting modeling at such a young age definitely shaped the way I approach wellness and self-care. At 17, you’re still figuring out who you are, and suddenly you’re in a very adult industry with intense schedules and expectations. Over time, I came to realize that prioritizing my physical and mental health was critical for my long-term success. This realization ultimately taught me that wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation. It’s something I still carry with me today: If you want longevity in any career, you have to prioritize your health.”
What motivated you to deepen your education in wellness alongside such a demanding career?
“Wellness was always something I was genuinely curious about. I loved understanding how movement, nutrition and mindfulness made me feel; not just how they made me look. Modeling can be demanding and unpredictable and studying nutrition and yoga gave me tools that grounded me. It helped me feel more in control of my own well-being, no matter where I was in the world.”
Vichy is positioning itself within the integrative health space. What does “integrative health” mean to you, personally, and how does it show up in your daily life?
“Integrative health means looking at the whole picture. Skin, hair, body and mental health are all connected. For me, it shows up in simple, consistent habits: eating well, moving my body, prioritizing sleep, managing stress and using products, like those from Vichy, that are backed by real science.”
You’ve shared that you first discovered Vichy through French pharmacies early in your career. What stood out to you about the brand at the time, and why has it remained part of your routine since?
“French pharmacies always felt like the gold standard of skin care, especially in my early career, and Vichy always stood out to me because it was clearly rooted in dermatology and science. Over the years, as I learned more about skin health and started seeing dermatologists consistently recommend it, that trust continued to grow. It’s a brand that feels credible and timeless, not trend-driven, which is one of many reasons that I’m proud to be their new Global Brand Ambassador.”
As someone who’s worked closely with dermatologists and skin-care experts, what makes Vichy’s scientific authority resonate with you?
“I really value brands that don’t overcomplicate their products. Vichy’s formulas are developed alongside dermatologists, and you can feel that integrity in the formulas. They focus on results, education and long-term skin health, which aligns with how I approach beauty now. I want to know why something works, not just that it does.”
How has your beauty routine evolved from model-on-the-go to mom-on-the-go?
“Since becoming a mom, my beauty routine has become much simpler and more intentional. When I was traveling constantly, my routine was solely about efficiency and efficacy. Now, as a mom, it’s about consistency. Vichy’s products are both simple and effective, making them a joy to use and a seamless fit into my mom-on-the-go routine.”
Motherhood often changes priorities. How has becoming a mom influenced your approach to beauty, wellness and self-care?
“Motherhood completely shifted my focus from perfection to practicality. I care more about how I feel than how I look. Wellness became non-negotiable because I need energy, patience and balance, not just for myself, but for my family. I’ve learned that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; it just has to be effective.”
How do you balance authenticity and creativity on social media while maintaining boundaries for yourself and your family?
“I try to be honest without oversharing. I share what feels authentic and helpful while still protecting my kids and my private life. Setting boundaries within myself helps me to be more creative, and it’s always fun to evolve my content based on what my followers want to see from me. I’m also lucky to have such an engaged and supportive community, which makes sharing so much of myself feel organic.”
What misconceptions do people have about the modeling industry and wellness that you’d like to challenge?
“I think people assume models are naturally healthy or that wellness comes easily in that world, and that’s not always true. Modeling can be physically and mentally demanding, and without intentional self-care, it can take a real toll.”
What excites you most about becoming a Vichy ambassador at this moment in your life?
“There’s so much that excites me about becoming Vichy’s Global Brand Ambassador, but one of the biggest takeaways is that this partnership feels like a reflection of who I am now. Vichy values education, science and authenticity, and they want my voice, not just my image. Being able to talk about skin health, wellness and confidence in a way that feels honest and aligned is incredibly meaningful to me… not to mention, the products are truly transformative.”
If you could give your 17-year-old self one piece of advice about beauty and health, what would it be?
“I’d tell her to be kinder to herself and to focus on how she feels, not just how she looks. Beauty and health are long games. Consistency, rest and boundaries matter far more than perfection.”
