First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?
I am really well. The year has started off very busy. Adonia Medical Clinic moved online to virtual consultations last year, and it enables me to see people not just in London but around the country.
It’s amazing how much you can do with skin virtually, be it acne management, hyperpigmentation or just getting a good routine. It has been lovely to be able to help so many people.
The pace of life is different in lockdown which has given me time to create fun skin videos on Instagram which I have really enjoy.
Can you tell us about your career as a Doctor and how it has evolved?
I studied medicine at Bristol Medical school and returned to London for postgraduate training. In London, I loved the anatomy of the nose and started surgical training which took me to Columbia University in New York to do a head and neck fellowship. There I discovered my passion for aesthetics and so completed an internal medicine residency and came back to the UK to study a master’s in Aesthetic medicine. I am now a Senior Lecturer in Aesthetic medicine at Queen Mary’s University, a medical consultant at a teaching hospital in London and the Founder of Adonia Medical Clinic. I am passionate about skin and really love the mix of things I do.
When did you start the Adonia Medical Clinic and what kind of procedures do you offer?
I started Adonia Medical Clinic in February 2017. I wanted to create a space which was had evidence-based treatments, so you know they actually work but I wanted it in a luxurious and inviting environment. I wanted technologies to be able to effectively treat every skin shade and Adonia Medical Clinic was born.
We do all things skin from facials, chemical peels, laser, body contouring, hair loss treatments and injectables and even helping people get into a good skincare routine. Our aim is to create healthy skin and helping our patient feel most comfortable in their own skin. We were thrilled to win best aesthetic skin clinic in London at the aesthetic awards last year. I started the clinic when my eldest daughter was 1 so I think of the clinic as my 4th child.
What inspired you to start your social media journey?
Honestly, I remember I was at a conference in 2016, a friend of mine asked if I was on Instagram, we took a photo and posted it. After that I initially used it as a photo journal of my plan to start a clinic, discussing the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and later engaging with my own patient. I used it as a way to educate and shed light on areas of skincare and fell in love with the process.
We love that you provide information for skin of all ages, what are your top tips for keeping skin looking as youthful as possible?
The biggest tip I can give you is sunscreen. It is the most important step in your routine and will do more to preserve your skin than anything else. Go with factor 50 every day; that is what I do. To boost the protection you get from your sunscreen add in vitamin C or Vitamin E under your sunscreen.
After this it’s about getting a routine you can be consistent with:
Cleanse: Twice a day with a non-stripping cleanser
Moisturise with a hard-working moisturiser with antioxidants
And protect with Sunscreen.
Outside this focus any additional steps to tackles any core issues you have with the skin. For example, if you have redness you may want to add in azaelic acid, if you have dry skin ceramides and hyaluronic acid (Try the new CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum – a lightweight serum that provides all-day hydration and moisture to the skin plus is formulated with 3 Essential Ceramides to protect the natural skin barrier, and the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture on the skin), if you have dark spots arbutin may be helpful and if fine lines concern you then retinoids at night.
What would your advice be for someone looking to start skincare treatment?
Skin treatments are overall split into those that solve a key concern such as chemical peels for hyperpigmentation or to maintain a result such as a facial. So first decide what your main goals are.
Always pick the least invasive treatment to get to your goal.
Finally ensure you go to a reputable provider, review their credentials and before and afters. Never be afraid to ask questions till you feel confident and if you are ever unsure don’t do the treatment.
What procedures do you recommend people to have if they’re looking to get a refreshed post-lockdown glow?
One of my favourite glow up treatment is the Adonia Cleopatra Facial with dermaplaning. This blends a facial, with dermaplaning to remove peach fuzz, followed by a mini peel and LED light. It’s one of those facials if you need to look great that day you get the immediate glow which lasts for weeks. Other great treatments for glowing skin are superficial chemical peels and microneedling.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new website and e-commerce platform for Adonia Medical clinic which will enable people to access the best products and skin devices on the market hand-selected by me and my team. I am currently filming and reviewing pages which has been an amazing process.
I am working with some incredible brands such as CeraVe being a medical expert voice. I use the product myself and recommend it to my patients so it’s lovely to work with them to educate people about skin.
I am also creating a lot of content for my audience on Instagram, I love making educational videos and am embarking on TikTok for the first time where I will be creating a skincare library helping to demystify ingredients you know and some you don’t.
What skincare steps should you never skip?
Cleansing and Sunscreen. These two are crucial. Cleansing removes dirt and debris and ensures you get the greatest benefit from the rest of your routine. Sunscreen is the protective step that will keep you looking lovely for decades.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
Great question; Sitting in the garden, sun shining, music playing, the girls running around, hubby cooking a BBQ, sipping on something bubbly….bliss!
What do you always carry with you?
Wet wipes and some red lipstick. I’m lost without these. As a mum wet wipes are used for everything and I am not fully dressed without my red lipstick. I could be dressed in scrubs but still love a little red lipstick.
What would your last ever meal be?
Jollof rice, it’s a spicy rice from West Africa. Rice will never be the same again once you try Jollof rice.
What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?
There is only one you in the entire universe. The things that make you different are your assets it is all a matter of perspective. Celebrate it and others will celebrate it with you.
