March 11, 2025 • 52 mins
Hey friend! Ever wondered if that expensive 12-step skincare routine is actually worth it? Or why you’re still dealing with hyperpigmentation despite trying everything? Dr. Nicole James joins me on today’s episode to spill the real tea on aesthetic medicine, busting myths, and sharing practical wisdom specifically for melanated skin.
This conversation gets real especially when I share my doctor's recommendation to try Botox for chronic migraines (yes, Botox isn’t just for wrinkles!). Dr. Nicole breaks down how aesthetic treatments are often misunderstood as just “vanity,” when they actually have legit health benefits too. But the biggest revelation? Why Black women NEED sunscreen—no matter how much we love the phrase Black don’t crack. Spoiler: UVA rays don’t care about melanin!
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
- Aesthetic medicine vs. dermatology—what’s the difference?
- The truth about Botox—it’s more than just a cosmetic fix!
- Sunscreen for Black women—why daily SPF is a must, not an option.
- The best ingredient for hyperpigmentation (especially for inner thighs )
- Skincare during perimenopause—why hydration is your new best friend.
- Why “less is more” in skincare—you don’t need a million steps to glow!
This episode is packed with science-backed skincare tips that will change how you care for your skin, no matter your age or stage in life!
Meet Our Guest: Dr. Nicole James
Nicole James is a UK-based aesthetic doctor and skincare expert with years of experience helping clients achieve healthy, glowing skin. As the founder of Lume Beauty, a skin and wellness center, Nicole specializes in non-surgical and skincare treatments, with a focus on natural, confidence-boosting results. She is also a well-known skincare educator on social media, where she debunks myths, shares expert insights, and empowers women to make informed beauty choices. Nicole blends science and aesthetics to help people look and feel their best.
Thank you so much for tuning in to Tea with Tanya! If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and leave a review — it helps the show grow and reach more listeners. Join the conversation on Instagram using #teawithtanya #Teawithtanyapodcast, and don’t forget to tag us!
Visit my website at tanyakambrose.com for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @teawithtanyapodcast and @tanyakambrose, and sign up for my Tea Talk newsletter to stay updated with all things wellness and self-care!
Ready to dive deeper into whole woman wellness? Download your FREE guide today and start your health journey!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Tea with Tanya.
I'm your host, tanya Ambrose,an average millennial navigating
life as a maternal healthprofessional, non-profit founder
and grad student.
Join me in the tea tasting roomwhere we spill the tea on
finding balance and promotingpositive living while doing it
all.
(00:20):
Hey friend, welcome back toanother episode of Tea with
Tanya, your go-to space for real, honest and transformative
conversations about health,wellness and promoting positive
living.
I'm your host, tanya, and todaywe're diving into a topic that I
know many of you have questionsabout, and that's aesthetic
(00:42):
medicine.
We're going to be talking aboutskincare myths and what you need
to know before considering anyaesthetic treatments, and let me
just say this we're all aboutwhole woman wellness over here,
and that means understandingthat skincare isn't just about
vanity.
It's about self-care,self-confidence and your overall
wellbeing, because when we takecare of our skin, our body and
our mind, we show up in theworld feeling our best, and
(01:05):
that's what this conversation isall about today.
I'm super excited about thisguest because, let me tell you,
we connected over an Instagramthread and the podcast recording
is a reality by way of us justcommunicating over the last
several weeks.
So, definitely, I'm lookingforward to this conversation,
because we can't talk aboutwhole woman wellness and not
talk about everything thatencompasses that, which is also
(01:28):
skincare.
So, to help us break it alldown, I'm joined by Dr Nicole,
who specializes in skincare, andshe's here to share the real
tea on aesthetic medicine, whatworks, what's a waste of money,
because we know how that is andhow we, as black women, can
prioritize skincare in whattruly serve us.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
So hey.
Dr Nicole how are you, Hi?
Thank you so much for having me.
I'm very well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Guys, can you hear her accent?
Do you hear that?
Nevertheless, we are very nosypeople here, as we call it in
the tea tasting room.
So give us all the tea.
Tell us about you and what gotyou into this career field.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Thank you for that fabulous introduction and what
got you into this career for you.
Thank you for that fabulousintroduction.
Like I said, I am a doctor andI do specialize in well medicine
as well as aesthetic medicineas well.
I've been a doctor for oh mygoodness I don't even want to
like count, but probably aboutfive, maybe six years now and
started just in the generalmedical field in internal
(02:22):
medicine, and have always beeninto skincare and beauty and how
amazing it is to help othersfeel beautiful.
So I sort of ventured intoaesthetic medicine, started
learning a bit more about it,took some courses and that
really launched me into startingmy own business and helping
women feel their best and socialmedia and all that crazy stuff.
(02:46):
So, yeah, really loving it.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
So let's start with the basics.
What exactly is aesthetic orcosmetic medicine?
Because when I'm thinking aboutit, I've been doing my skincare
and everything.
You know, you see things onsocial media.
We don't necessarily payattention to what it is because
you know we have a lot of fluffout here in the social media and
when we have actual,evidence-based information, we
tend to not necessarily pay anyattention.
So to those of us who arelistening, who are novice in
(03:10):
this aspect of things, whatexactly is cosmetic and
aesthetic medicine and how doesit differ from dermatology?
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, so I always think that cosmetic and
aesthetic medicine is a littlebit nuanced depending on your
location.
So in the UK specifically, wedon't really have dermatologists
that cater to the privatemarket.
If you go and see adermatologist in the UK, you're
seeing it on the National HealthService, which is you know,
(03:35):
we'll not get into that, butyou're only going to be seen for
specific dermatologicalconditions such as psoriasis or
eczema.
If you want your skincarehelped, you're not going to get
any help with the NHSdermatologist.
So there's obviously a group ofus doctors who have carved out a
(03:56):
niche of aesthetic medicinewhere you have the world of
injectables, you have the worldof skincare and we sort of fill
that gap and that need.
That is really lacking,especially in the UK and I do
think there are some othercountries that have a similar
thing as well, if that makessense yeah, it doesn't.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
that's that's.
That's interesting, because Ithink about when we're hearing
about cosmetic treatments.
We're thinking about Botox.
You know how?
How can we essentially like?
There's a lot of curiosity, Iwould say, around cosmetic
treatments Because for me andI'll speak about my personal
journey I suffer from chronicmigraines.
That's just my life, it's partof who I am in this life at this
point, and I've now failed tworounds of medication,
(04:37):
essentially, and I'm being toldmy next step would be Botox in
order for me to you know, reduceor even stop the migraine.
So what is one thing?
me, being me, I'm thinking whenI was first told this and don't
judge me, doc that I say I don'twant to I say you know, black,
don't crack.
I don't need Botox or thesedifferent things to make my face
look.
However, because, again, youknow I got the juice, you know
(04:57):
from the Caribbean andeverything.
But after you know that's whatI was.
That was my honest thought, tobe honest, because I never knew
that you can get Botox for me tostop a migraine.
So what is one thing you wishpeople like myself would
understand, as it relates tobefore we're even considering
any sort of cosmetic procedure?
Because I asked that questionbecause I'm thinking, when I
hear Botox, you know you don'twant to have any wrinkles, you
(05:21):
want to look young for the restof your life.
That's what.
That's my interpretation ofthat.
But then, on my end, hearingthat the Botox will essentially
slow down or stop your migraineand you got to get that
injection I think she wastelling me every three months.
So what is one thing that youthink we should consider before
we should think about beforeconsidering any cosmetic
treatment?
Because I'm thinking Botox andmigraine don't go together, but
(05:50):
there are people out here whoare doing it essentially for one
reason, whereas I have to.
So what I'm trying to ask, youknow, is there a negative effect
of doing Botox just for acosmetic reason versus a medical
reason?
So talk to us about that.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, that's an interesting point actually.
So first on the Botox formigraines first up is fantastic,
I do that all the time for alot of my patients yeah, it's
really effective.
Um, and I had one girl who cameto me young girl been suffering
with migraines uh, her wholelike childhood and her young
(06:16):
adult life and debilitating Imean migraines are debilitating,
you know this right.
And she was getting a she'sgetting a migraine, something
crazy, like twice a week.
Um, and I just thought you knowpoor thing.
So she came to me and sheliterally texted me two weeks
later and was like you'veactually changed my life and I
was essentially like tearing upa little bit because it's really
(06:36):
sweet um of her to message that, but she now is just like never
, ever misses an appointment.
She's always there.
It can be life-changing.
And there's other applicationswe have, with botox specifically
, that you can use medically um,you know different things,
weird and wonderful that canreally help, um, that people
have been doing.
But obviously there is thecosmetic side.
But the way I think of botox isit is a drug, it is.
(06:58):
I personally think, whetherit's cosmetic or not, it is a
medical procedure and I thinkthat with a lot of the cosmetic
procedures that we have, eithereither way there are risks
involved.
Okay, there are benefits, butthere are risks and you need to
take that into account becauseit is, it is a medical procedure
.
So, whatever the reason youknow, whatever the outcome, it
(07:20):
must be handled with care andwith thought and you must find a
practitioner who's going torespect this medication and the
risks essentially.
So I think the most importantthing, stepping into any
cosmetic procedure, whatever thereason, is just making sure
you're aware of the risks andthe benefits and you find
someone who's qualified tocomplete the procedure.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
That makes sense, because when I heard that, I was
like girl, I don't need Botox,you know.
I mean I may need it at somepoint in time.
Like you know, I can kill twobirds with one stone, who knows,
you know.
But that's good to hear fromyou that it actually is
effective, Because I did someresearch.
Yes, but I was still on thefence because I'm like I've
never just heard migraines andvortices in the same sentence.
So I'm glad you cleared that upfor me.
(08:06):
So now I have to ask what isthe biggest mistake you see
people making with theirskincare or treatments in your
work?
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Like just generally with skincare biggest mistake,
or maybe like a trend thatpeople do yes, so yeah, we'll do
both, because I'm seeing Koreanskincare now and I've seen, you
know, putting period blood onyour face.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I've seen it all on social media.
You know I'm the period girlyyou know, by the way, my
non-profit but I'm like I'venever really seen that.
Then I'm seeing someone say, oh, you got blood from somewhere
else.
We see that, with thekadashians even doing that yeah,
again, so that they canmaintain that level.
Yeah, the vampire yeah, so talkto us about that.
You know, is that even a thing?
The trends that we're goingthrough on tiktok, because you
know everything we talk about,is it?
Oh, I started on tiktok, it'snever.
(08:52):
Oh, I went to google or redditit's tiktok now.
So we're in that world.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
So talk to us about that yeah, we need to be really
careful with, um, social mediaand skincare and beauty because,
uh, we can be quite misledsometimes, which is, um, you
know, really a shame.
I think the thing that, like,gives me the ick maybe the most
that I see on socials is likepeople using food and using that
as skin care, especiallybecause food goes bad, right,
(09:20):
and people are making thesemasks and then they're not
storing it properly.
They're storing it in there forweeks and they're using it and
I'm just like, the same way thatyou wouldn't eat, that we can't
be putting that on our face now, and I just think we have very
effective skincare out there onthe market that has been
researched.
We don't really need to beputting food on our face with
(09:40):
all sorts of bacteria and thingslike that.
So that probably gives me thebiggest ick.
I'll say, um, but in terms andin terms of trends, I don't
generally like trends because alot of the time there's no
scientific basis for them andthey're just here today, gone
tomorrow, um, so you just haveto be very careful.
Always enter social media withskepticism, whether it's
(10:00):
skincare or otherwise, butespecially when it comes to
something like your skin andyour health, there's a lot of
people just trying to get viewsand clickbait out here, so yeah,
no, that is true, and I want toshift a little bit for skincare
for Black women, because youheard me say earlier oh, Black,
don't crack.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
And you know we do age beautifully, which we do,
Don't get me wrong.
But I feel like sometimes thatstatement makes a lot of people,
a lot of black women, thinkthat they don't need to take
care of their skin at all.
And I've seen people on socialmedia say, oh, I just use soap
and water, which, again, I'msure is fine, no-transcript,
(10:52):
good up skin.
All of a sudden, you knowyou're seeing different spots on
your face and I went to mydermatologist and I will tell
you all she did was sat next tome, looked at my face and
essentially basically told me no, we're going to change your
skincare routine essentially, soI have to.
And she prescribed me tretinoin.
I hope I'm saying the rightword, yeah, without basically
telling me.
She just said, no, you havesome little hyperpigmentation
(11:14):
here or you have some spots here.
This is what's going to use forit.
And I was like, okay, but at thetime my face was so bad that
that I didn't even care.
I didn't even researchliterally what tretinoin does or
what it is.
I mean, I had an idea, don'tget me wrong.
So, no, my skincare routine issimply a cellophane face wash,
sunscreen I will talk about thatlater on as well, but sunscreen
(11:36):
and then my facial moisturizer,which I use the CeraVe
moisturizing cream in themornings and then at night.
Just those two steps.
Two steps, I mean, along withthe tretinoin.
Yeah, I found my faceessentially getting.
I mean I'm seeing improvements,don't get me wrong, but it was
much more drier.
So I'm starting to add in thehand acid because I was used to,
you know, to doing that.
But saying all that, to say,like, what are some unique
(11:56):
concerns that black women orpeople with melanin rich skin
should be more mindful of?
Because, bear in mind, some ofthese products are not
necessarily made with us asblack people in mind, so you
have to be mindful, essentially,as to what we're using.
But what are some um concernsthat you think we should be more
mindful of when?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
it's related to our skincare.
Yeah, I think one of the thingsyou know the whole statement
black don't crack, like you say,we do age amazingly well, um,
and you know, that's just one ofthe amazing black girl magic
things that we have, which Ilove, but it means that
sometimes we do neglect our skinbecause black don't crack.
But it will eventually age,unfortunately, or fortunately.
(12:37):
Okay, aging is definitely ablessing, but you are going to
make yourself look worse in thelong run if you're not investing
right now and putting the timeto wear your sunscreen every
single day.
This is the thing I come acrossthe most probably is that black
women, we don't think we haveto wear sunscreen and that is
like the biggest mistake thatyou can make, because the sun
(12:58):
equals damage to your skin anddamage to your skin equals
wrinkles in the long run Notnecessarily now, but in 20 years
, when your friend who's beenusing sunscreen every single day
looks amazing and you're likewhy does my skin not look that
great.
That's going to be why.
The other reason is we reallysuffer with hyperpigmentation so
much.
(13:19):
It's the thing I hear about themost in my clinic.
It's the thing I hear about themost on my social media.
Dms Hyperpigmentation is thebiggest struggle, and the sun's
rays is going to make yourhyperpigmentation so much worse,
so you need to wear yoursunscreen every single day.
Okay, that is just like thenumber one thing that I just
keep talking about.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
And I want to chime in here because I had that same
naive thought you know, I'mblack, you know we don't need to
put on sunscreen.
Oh, we'll only put it on whenwe go into the beach.
Essentially, no, I don't A daydoesn't go by where I'm not
wearing it in the day.
But I've had someone I wastrying to tell them.
You know, essentially, you knowyou should be wearing your
sunscreen every day, especiallywhen you're going to work in the
day, from the car to the houseor vice versa, or it's cold
(14:04):
wherever I am.
So why should I put on sunscreen?
The sun is barely out, or evenif the sun is out, it's not
really hot.
So tell us a little bit thescience behind.
Essentially, why is itimportant?
It doesn't matter if you'rerunning from the house to the
car, just to the trash, whateverit is that we should really
invest in essentially wearingsunscreen Because, again, a lot
of us have the mindset of black,don't crack.
(14:24):
Addressing essentially wearingsunscreen because, again, a lot
of us have the mindset of black,don't crack, I'm fine, all I
gotta do is just put on.
Do my other skincare.
You know products, but justleave out the sunscreen.
So let us know exactly why it'svery important, especially as
black women, for us to wearsunscreen daily yeah, so the
sun's rays um made up of twobasically different wavelengths.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
You have UVA and you have UVB.
Okay, and UVA is going to getthrough the clouds, she's going
to get through the window, she'sgoing to get through everything
.
This is the point, and I thinkthe stat is about 80 or 90% of
UVA rays gets through the clouds.
So even if it's a cloudy day,you still need to be wearing
sunscreen.
Sometimes you can look at theUV index and if the you still
(15:03):
need to be wearing sunscreensometimes you can look at the uv
index and if the uv index indexis super low, then maybe you
can skip it.
But generally to me, my adviceis don't faff about without all
that.
Just wear the sunscreen everysingle day.
Find one that you get alongwith and just wear it because
more often than not you're goingto need it.
And you know if any of that,like I said this, the clouds
(15:23):
will block that UVB, but any ofthat UVA gets in to your skin,
it's going to cause the damage.
So it's really important and,you know, not just for cosmetic
reasons but for health reasonsas well.
Skin cancer is rife.
It's like the third most commoncancer out there at all.
So it's really important thatwe all, whatever color we are,
(15:44):
just protect our skin.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
yeah, important, yeah but does it matter?
Because you know, sometimes onthe sunscreen you'll see spf 15
or 30 and all these othernumbers.
Does it matter?
Does the number really matteror it's just like if it's 15
it's less potent?
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
I'm just help me out here so I generally say you know
, try and go for spf 50.
The difference between likeactually difference between spf
30 and spf 50 isn't that greatof a jump, but I just think
giving yourself the maximumprotection that you can is best.
I think I would always saypeople to skip spf 15, but going
(16:21):
for 30 or 50 is going to giveyourself the maximum amount of
protection basically.
So that's what I always advise.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
All right.
So then I want to talk about theidea that there's a lot of one
size fit all when it comes toskincare routines.
Because for me you know I'm onmy TikTok girlies, my YouTube
girlies you know I'm seeing themillion and one step that they
have face looking like glass,the million and one step that
they have face looking likeglass.
But for me, there was a pointin time, honestly, if I can be
honest, that I was a bitinsecure about my little
three-part you know skin routine.
(16:50):
What is it set of?
First, face wash, sunscreen andmoisturizer, and not, like I
said, I had an acid to it.
But for those of us who thinkthat you know what, we see our
favorite influencer.
She has 20 steps of productsthat she's using before she goes
to bed or in the morning.
I was telling myself the otherday I was like you know what my
skin is really looking good?
Essentially.
(17:11):
One I'm more hydrated, so Iwant to talk about the
importance of water as well.
That's one, but two, myskincare routine is very simple,
although sometimes I've had theurge to go and follow.
Oh, I see this girl, her skinis looking really nice.
We can have similar skin.
Let me go and follow that.
So what recommendations do youhave when it comes to
individuals who are followingtheir favorite influencer,
(17:32):
buying all these products thataren't necessarily cheap.
But how can we essentiallyunderstand or learn what works
for our body?
Of course, again, trial anderror.
I get that.
But should we really be using15 products for a night time
routine or morning routine?
Speaker 2 (17:46):
yeah, I'm really not a big advocate personally of
these 12-step skincare routines.
I think a lot of it is quiteperformative for social media.
Being completely honest, mostpeople and I think the vast
majority even if you have umconditions like acne, you don't
need a 12-step routine.
In fact, the 12-step routine isprobably going to be more
(18:07):
counterproductive for you ratherthan helpful and there's a lot
of over consumption, a lot ofconsumerism going on.
for me, I always think, if youstruggle with your skin, keeping
it simple is always going to bethe best and just making sure
you're consistently usingproducts that work for you but
(18:28):
things that we know work, likeretinols, and using them
consistently, making sure you'rehydrated, not overcomplicating
it, because when youovercomplicate it, that's when
you start to break out, that'swhen you start to have issues,
that's when you start to damageyour skin barrier and we have a
whole other host of issues.
So, really, less is more.
Find a few products that youget along with and you're happy
(18:49):
with and, if you want to boostit every now and again, treat
yourself to a lovely facial ifyou have the means.
But don't be purchasing.
You know people are going todebt purchasing every product.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
right, it's just not necessary, you know no, I love
that you said that, because I'veseen so many different people
and again, you know, sometimesyou become insecure not just
myself, but people in generalBecause they can go one.
I can't afford these products,but I like when you say less is
more, because I think we need tounderstand that less is more
when it comes to our skin.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Now we do focus on our face a lot, when, when you
hear someone talk about skincare, it's never necessarily the
entire body, it's more so.
Oh, my face, is this?
My face?
Is that right?
We know, or if we don't know,the skin is our largest organ
when it comes to our body andmany of us, including myself at
one point in my life you know wedon't necessarily treat it in
(19:43):
the way that we should to anextent.
So how would you say, takingcare of our skin can impact our
overall health, because I'm allabout the whole woman, wellness
and ensuring that you know whatwe put inside essentially will
show on the outside.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
So how does?
Speaker 1 (19:56):
taking care of our skin in general impact our
overall health, because mosttimes we're just talking about
our skin, you know, face andneck, but then the other parts
it's like you know, okay, I'mjust moisturizing, that's it.
There's no like actual caretowards that.
So how is that working towardsour overall health and
well-being as women?
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Yeah, yeah.
So yeah, it's interestingbecause body carers are very,
very neglected generally and ourskin's health is super, super
important.
You know I touched on itbriefly before about you know,
if you don't take care of yourskin, you don't look at your
skin, it can be very detrimental.
Like I said, skin cancer isrife and it is a big problem.
(20:35):
So if we're not looking afterour skin, those are the
implications that we can have.
If you're getting a lot of sundamage, you're not wearing your
sunscreen all the time.
Other things you know ourhealth is in strictly linked to
our skin.
There are so many disordersthat we have where if you're
unhealthy inside, it shows up onyour skin.
(20:56):
For example, if you have celiacdisease, there are certain you
can get a certain rash thatshows up on your skin.
And also we've linked poor guthealth to skincare and acne and
things like that.
So what's going on inside a lotof the times is going to show
up on the rest of your body andyour skin.
So taking care of your body andyour skin, it's just, it's one
(21:18):
in the same, to be honest, and Ithink that's something we
should all really try and takeout the time ourselves to take
care of.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
So, are there any particular product you would
recommend?
And the reason why I'm askingthis?
Because, again, I'm at 12TikTok and social media girlies.
Now, you know you have certainbrands that I won't necessarily
call their name, but you knowyou got to use this particular
brand and you put it withsomething else to make it
another thing again.
Again, like you know, taking ashower is not going to be an
hour job because at this pointyou gotta you're, you're mixing
(21:48):
or you're using different bodycare products, you know.
So what are some productrecommendations, or I don't?
I shouldn't say productrecommendations.
I don't want to put you on thespot either.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Yeah, individuals yes , we got it, we got it.
Let me relay back in there.
But for individuals, who youknow, your knees, whatever the
case may be, because for me,again, teaming up with myself,
I've gained a few pounds.
You know, I'm not looking rightnow as you can see me, but I've
(22:16):
gained a few pounds.
One of the things that I'venoticed is my thighs are rubbing
more than ever, like the thighgap is non-existent at this
point.
But what I'm realizing isthere's something you know, it's
getting a little bit darkerbetween there.
I don't I, you know, I know,essentially, probably because of
the friction to an extent, butfor individuals who you know a
little problem areas that we mayhave, you know, darker elbows
(22:37):
or you know, you know behindyour knees or you know between
your legs, like what, whatcauses that, and is that
something that can be treated oris that?
Is there a particular thing onecan do essentially to help
lighten that area, or should wejust let it, you know, run its
course or be whatever it is?
Speaker 2 (22:52):
yeah, that's another big issue that I get asked about
.
A lot is hyperpigmentation onthe body.
Um, we can treat it slightlydifferently to on the face as
well, so it's definitely um agood point that you bring up.
I love, love, love to recommendglycolic acid for um high
(23:13):
pigmentation on the body.
Specifically, you can buy it inthe form of body washes, in
body sticks, and body sticks areparticularly good for the inner
thigh hyperpigmentation and um,when you get those little bumps
that are a little bit dark aswell, often that is called
keratosis pilaris.
Glycolic acid is 10 out of 10for that, so that's always a big
(23:34):
recommendation of mine.
And also, you know, utilizingphysical exfoliation, which
often we don't really recommendin something like
hyperpigmentation.
Yeah, and keratosis pilaris.
It can actually be really,really helpful.
So, using it, don't go crazynow.
Okay, but using it and makingsure that you're moisturising as
(23:55):
well in combination can beamazing.
That can be really good.
So those are the main thingsthat I sort of will recommend
for hyperpigmentationspecifically.
Often on your bodyhyperpigmentation like, say,
friction, is a really big causeof that.
But any place you have ascratch or a bite or a spot,
(24:16):
unfortunately in melanated skin,it's probably going to cause
some hyperpigmentation.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
No, I like that because, again, we don't often
think about that.
We just say you know what?
Let me just try something tolighten the area, essentially,
but, like you said, the glycolicacid.
That is 10 out of 10 indeed.
Well, how often should one useit in a week, because sometimes
they'll tell you every other dayor every day what's the
frequency that we should beessentially using glycolic acid,
especially when it comes tothose darker areas?
Speaker 2 (24:42):
I usually say two to three times a week.
Sometimes on the body, itdepends on the area.
So, for example, if we'relooking at something like your
legs, they might be a little bitmore stubborn and able to take
the harsh chemical of glycolicacid a little bit more so you
can step it up, whereassometimes people want to try and
fade their bikini area, thenI'd say definitely, step it down
(25:05):
a little bit.
Then we're looking at the sortof the two times a week area.
So it's a little bit nuanced,but don't use it every day and
I'd say try at first two tothree times a week.
See how you get on.
That's usually a safe bet.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
All right, so now I want to find out why is it?
important for us to see askincare doctor.
How does one know when?
They should Put it that way?
Because for me, I just went togo see my dermatologist here
because I'm like you know what,these two spots here, they're
just not going anywhere.
What can I do?
You know where did they comefrom?
But for someone who may nothave the means or even the
(25:40):
understanding, because I know alot of the times we go through
this world, this life, becauseyou know, life is life, but we
go through this life notnecessarily paying keen
attention to our body.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
And that's just in general.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
Some people just don't have the luxury of having
to think, oh you know what,between my legs are darker or
this has happened to my body.
They don't have the time toessentially do that.
So how can one, like what aresome essentially signs and
symptoms that something could bewrong with someone's skin?
Like what are some questionsthey could potentially ask their
provider?
Or how would they know that?
(26:12):
You know what?
This is somewhat serious.
I should go to the doctor tosee what treatment I can get
done, you know, to help clearsomething up, especially
individuals also who maystruggle with, you know, severe
eczema as well.
I know individuals who have totake, you know, medication to
essentially clear some things up.
So, you know, and that can alsolead, lead to body insecurity.
(26:32):
So what are some signs orsymptoms that we as women can
look at to say, you know what, Ishould see this particular
doctor versus my, my ob-gyn ormy general practitioner?
Whatever the case may be, howdo I know this is a skin related
issue?
Speaker 2 (26:45):
yeah.
So I mean, first and foremost,when we're talking about
cosmetics purely.
You know you can seek help whenit's bothering you.
If you have hyperpigmentation,dark inner thighs, and it
doesn't bother you, then there'sno need, there's no need to do
anything about it.
You know we're not going to.
There's no point rushing tosolve a problem which is not a
problem to you personally Interms of other conditions, that
(27:09):
it's important to you knowwhen's maybe like a red flag
symptom, we call it.
If you notice you know new moles.
For example, even on you knowblack people, especially things
like the palms and the soles.
You notice new moles.
They're large.
They're getting bigger quickly.
(27:29):
They're irregularly shaped.
You know they're dark.
They just look weird.
It's really important for thatspecifically to go and seek help
and you know who you go andseek help from necessarily isn't
a crazy thing that we need toconsider.
As long as you're seeking help,you might go to your primary
(27:50):
care provider and they're goingto say you know what?
No, this is a dermatologicalproblem.
They'll refer you.
Even if you go use your primarycare provider and they're going
to say you know what?
No, this is a dermatologicalproblem.
They'll refer you even if yougo use your ob-gyn.
She knows, uh, she knows derm,she's going to point you in the
right place.
So, as long as you're seekingsome sort of help, that's all
that matters.
Things like eczema, um, you know, it's really nursing, it's
really dry, getting out ofcontrol.
(28:11):
Maybe you're getting somecracks and vicious we call it
and you, maybe you're noticing,maybe you're getting some
infections, some gold crusting.
Those are the times, basically,when it's not normal for you,
in these conditions that youhave, that's when it's important
to seek advice.
Maybe that it's nothing toworry about it, maybe something
(28:31):
can be done about it.
So that is a really good timeto sort of seek some help.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
And, with that as well, what are some red flags we
should be aware of when itcomes to, you know, choosing our
aesthetic or cosmetic doctors.
Because, you know, for me, Ithink, one of the biggest things
one who's going to listen, andI think that's where that's kind
of how I determine who's goingto be my practitioner or not.
Because if you're going tolisten to me and show me that
(28:57):
you're making some changesessentially, then you know, I
know we can essentially foster arelationship.
But for someone who may beseeing their doctor or the
gynecologist and they're tellingthem you know what this is, a
dermatology issue I'm going torefer you.
Okay, now we're going to trustthat their referral is going to
be amazing, but sometimes it'snot always the case with some
people, for whatever reason.
So what are some red flagsessentially one can look out for
(29:19):
, especially when it comes tochoosing someone as it relates
to dermatology?
Speaker 2 (29:23):
Yeah, I think it's well.
It's interesting because in theUK, for anyone who's just
interested, I guess it's quitenuanced when it comes to
aesthetic and cosmeticprocedures and skincare that
pretty much there are laws andregulations around.
This is really really poor.
Anyone can can administer Botox, fillers, things like that.
(29:46):
So looking for the red flags isso important, especially in the
UK, because literally any likeyou don't have to be a doctor to
be doing these things.
So that's crazy, wow, it's,it's a problem.
So I always talk about redflags because, uh, you know
people will go and they'll paythe lowest price, um, but you
(30:06):
know this person is veryunqualified, doesn't really know
what they're doing, and thenyou end up in a really bad
situation.
So, wherever you are, red flagsare important to look for.
I think in somewhere like thestates, where you don't have
these dodgy laws and regulationsand you're going to a medical
professional, you're going to bebetter covered.
(30:26):
But one thing I would say tolook out for is if someone is
pushing onto you a large amountof cosmetic procedures where
you're like hold on, hang on.
This may be a bit too much,especially if this is a private
clinic.
Okay that you've gone to getsomething purely cosmetic and
you feel like, wow, they'rereally pushing a lot of things
(30:50):
on me.
Take pause and don'tnecessarily get something on the
first consult.
Go home, think about it, maybespeak to some other people,
because you know people are.
Some people are trying to makea buck.
Uh, that is true.
You know you're always gonnahave to be wary of those people.
Whether they're medicallyqualified or not they're,
(31:11):
they're trying to run a business.
So finding someone whose voiceyou can trust and you know is
not just going to be floggingyou for money, that is like the
most important thing.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
No, I agree, because I know of an individual.
Don't know them, but know ofthe individual.
Like back in Antigua, there's abunch of certificates on the
wall.
So to me that's a red flag,because if you have a hundred,
if you have a hundred like atleast 50 certificates on the
wall, then we have a parliament.
We have a parliament rightthere.
Because you know how manyclasses of courses are you like?
To me, that's a red flag, forme, you know.
(31:43):
And then when I look at the inthis particular situation, I
look at the, how sterile theplace is as well, because that's
to me that's, that's, that'salso key and it it was not.
And I think I wonder to myselfyou made a good point.
Sometimes people pay the lowestmoney to get a particular
outcome.
But talk to me a little bitabout self-confidence as it
relates to wanting cosmeticprocedures, because, again,
(32:06):
sometimes you can do a littlenip and tuck, as they say out
here, for whatever reason thatcould be, that could fuel your
self-confidence.
And then I'm here on the otherend seeing somebody, oh why that
person's flawless cheekbone isthis everything?
And so just talk about howself-confidence, or even, you
know, taking care of yourself inthe most, in the most basic way
that you possibly can as itrelates to your skin, because,
(32:27):
again, you may not have themeans to buy all the expensive
products.
You know the cheaper ones,essence, you could probably do,
you know, if not as much as the12-step routine that you have.
But a lot of us, we have thelack of self-confidence,
especially in our appearance,essentially because, again,
we're in an era whereeverybody's perfect, like that
social media is portraying thateverybody is perfect.
(32:49):
We don't know what goes onbehind the scenes, even leading
up to a procedure.
But I just want to know, or ifyou have any advice for us, who
one?
We want to start taking care ofour skin better, because again,
we know that the environmentessentially affects even our
skin.
Speaker 2 (33:03):
That's a whole different conversation.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
But I often wonder when I see people who would go
to this particular person.
The area is not sterile, sothat should have been, minus the
mini certification.
You know, fine, if that's whatthat's going to make you feel
okay and safe with them, that'syour prerogative.
But when the area is notsterile, then when you see
people you know I've seen ontiktok people are going to
people who are not even dentaldentists but they get in um oh,
(33:29):
yeah, what is it?
Called.
Speaker 2 (33:30):
Those like implants, veneers or something.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (33:36):
And you say what does that say?
And this is not even knockinganyone, to be honest but what
does that say about ourself-confidence?
How can we as women,particularly Black women, just
find that confidence in who weare, as people in general, but
just just embracing you know we,we have different skin tones we
have different type of.
You know what is texture of ourskin.
(33:57):
You know what is oily,combination, dry but how can we
find confidence in that and justunderstand?
You know what I can nurturemyself.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
I can moisturize my body, like you mentioned, in a
way that's going to befulfilling to me and the others
so just talk to us about that,you know, give us something to
push towards thatself-confidence yeah, I think,
like I say, it's reallydifficult in the age of social
media because, like I say,everyone looks a certain way and
we're all striving to be acertain way and look a certain
(34:27):
way, and it's really, reallydifficult.
And body dysmorphia is a wholething in itself that we learn
about when you train inaesthetics that there are
certain people that are going tokeep coming to you and you're
saying, no, I, you know, thisprocedure is not going to take
you here, it's not going to makeyou look like this.
And you have to recognize whensomeone is chasing something
(34:49):
that they're trying tocompletely change themselves,
and it it really is a red flagto a lot of practitioners and we
do see it from time to time andit's quite, you know, scary and
sad.
You have to sort of bringpeople back to reality,
essentially, and show them thatwhat you're chasing is not um,
it's not necessarily going tobring you, you know, happiness.
(35:09):
So I think when you're on socialmedia and you're scrolling,
it's really important just totake the time to, you know,
happiness.
So I think when you're onsocial media and you're
scrolling, it's really importantjust to take the time to.
You know, we talk aboutself-care all the time, but
really take the time to nurtureyour mental health, nurture your
mental wellbeing and really putin the work.
And the work goes away fromtraditional cosmetic procedures.
(35:32):
It goes away from medicine.
It really is, um, thepsychological, you know, work
that you can do the therapy,just to try and kind of love
yourself, um, and get to thatplace.
And I think that looks differentfor everyone.
I think it's really difficultto define and say how you can
get there.
Uh, but doing that work isgonna, in the long run, be
(35:52):
invaluable.
And you really want to get tothat spot where you're like I
don't need any cosmeticprocedures, it's not going to
make me feel better about myself.
I want to look natural.
I just want to enhance mynatural beauty.
I want to glow as me.
That's the goal that I want usto get to, rather than I'm going
to try and look like this boxthat social media says I should
(36:13):
look like I'm going to try andlook like this box that social
media says I should look like.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
Yeah, and the theme of wanting to get prestigious is
going to enhance the glow.
What can you tell us withinyour scope, you know, like what
type of prestigious can we do toessentially maintain some level
of still looking natural?
Because, for me, one of mythings is I often say, if I can
get my eyebrows, what is itcalled?
Microbladed, whatever?
Because if I can get myeyebrows done, the world is
(36:36):
going to be sick of me becauseI'm going to be that.
You're going to see meeverywhere once I can master
Right, because I'm stilllearning, you know, by the
makeup, but I'm not there yet,but I have considered, you know,
getting the eyebrow aspect ofit.
So what are some things that wecan still do that are still
natural looking, looking thatcan just enhance our appearance
without, you know, drasticallychanging us?
Yeah, the way I've seen ithappen.
So, just a little bit, give usa little bit tea about that,
(36:56):
yeah, so I actually like reallyspecialize in doing natural
treatments.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
I personally don't like doing treatments that's
going to make you look reallydifferent.
I really enjoy like naturaltweakments um, it's really
definitely on my vibe, uh, thethings I love.
So, in terms of your skin,doing things like microneedling
can give you like the mostbeautiful glow and it also
promotes collagen as well.
So if you're doingmicroneedling, you know if you
(37:25):
want it specifically to try andfade hyperpigmentation or things
like that, then you can do itonce a month.
But say, getting a littlemicroneedling procedure once a
quarter is such a small thingthat you can do to give yourself
a bit of a collagen boost andbe able to allow your skin to
really glow.
And that's for my girlies whowant to stick on the skincare
(37:46):
route and they don't want to gointo the world of injectables.
Something a bit more simple andnot super pricey, that's a
great one.
And when I look at my skin,from when I was like really
getting microneedling, I waslike you know, just life gets
life and you just get so busy.
Even though I have these thingsat my disposal, I just don't do
it.
Yeah, but when I like look likea picture, I'm like, damn, like
(38:08):
I was really glowing.
Um, you know, I mean the otherthing that you can do.
If you want to go advanced andyou want to go into the world of
injectables, a great place tostart is something like skin
boosters, especially for thepeople in the like 30s category
me, I can't sit myself, okay, soskin boosters are it's almost
(38:33):
like injectable moisturizer wecall it, even though it's not
really um, but it's a solutionwith some hyaluronic acid.
Some of them have a differenttype of hyaluronic acid to
fillers the way it's made andamino acids and things like that
, and we inject it kind of justunder the skin.
Help boost your collagen, givesyou a gorgeous glow, like my
(38:57):
favorite, like just my favoritething to do for myself
personally, because you know, ifyou're not wanting to do Botox
and fillers and things like that, this is like such a nice way
to give yourself a glow, a bitof a boost, every now and again.
Honestly, never do it more thansix months, like, don't do it
too close.
You're wasting your money.
But you know it's a littletreat every now and again.
(39:19):
You actually can't go wrongyeah, no, I love that.
Speaker 1 (39:23):
I am gonna look because I have thought about the
microneedling, but is itpainful, I don't know.
Should I get it?
You know it's my but I'm I amgonna look into that because
again I need to have that.
Look, you know, I'm approachingthe mid-30s sadly.
It's such a tough time.
You know what's one thing I wassaying yesterday.
I said nobody, because I waslooking at my skin.
I was like, girl, they don'tprepare you for how your skin
(39:45):
also can change, especially inyour 30s, you know.
So I think it's probably wisethat some of the things that you
mentioned, you think that weshould be doing that in our 20s
so we can prepare, because youknow, our body goes through
different changes.
And I was like, well, theydidn't tell me my skin was going
to look this way.
So of course, you know you gotto be more mindful now.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So I can appreciate that.
The other thing that happens isthe post-menopause, the
perimenopause phase.
Speaker 1 (40:09):
Yes, a lot of women talking about.
Speaker 2 (40:11):
no one said my skin was going to be now messed up in
the post perimenopause phaseReally dry skin, a lot of people
with hormonal fluctuations getnew onset acne and just having
the knowledge and knowing thatthese changes may be coming lets
us just be more prepared andmore armed to deal with it.
So yeah, like I said, I saidalways, always seeking help when
(40:34):
you need it.
But yeah, it's, it's it's toughtimes for us women.
It's tough times no, it is.
Speaker 1 (40:40):
But since you touched that really briefly, because
you're speaking to my heart, forpeople who are, you know, going
to the post-perimenopausalphase, like what can they do
essentially to maintain thatlevel of, you know, moisture,
you know the, the skin, you know, can become more loose, like
what can they do?
Because, again, sometimes wetend to forget that aspect and,
you know, we try to focus on thewhole woman.
So what, what?
What are some tips?
You can just provide some brieftips to them about how to take
(41:02):
care of their skin going throughthat process, because that's a
whole different world.
Speaker 2 (41:05):
Yeah, it's difficult, I think, with when you get a
little bit older.
It's very nuanced, depends fromperson to person, because if
you're quite far down that trackand your skin is really
suffering with sagginess andloss of elasticity, sometimes
more intensive treatments aregonna be more helpful.
So that's when I'm gonna needyou to come into the office.
(41:27):
Maybe you need to look atthings um, like that.
Go go a little bit beyondfacials, you know, lasers,
things like that, you know,without getting too complicated,
but that's when we're going toneed to see you in the office.
Ok, so my skincare can't takeus there.
Equally, sometimes some womenhave to then start even looking
at surgical options, which youknow is beyond my scope.
Speaker 1 (41:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (41:50):
I sort of refer people on.
I'm like, right, I think thatwe've reached the limit of what
we can do here.
Um, but for the women where youstart to notice, okay, my skin
is just doing, it's doing toomuch, I don't know what's going
on.
You may notice some dryness asyou hit the perimenopause, um,
postmenopause phase and you needto really focus on hydration.
(42:10):
Then you're not going to beable to use the 20 year olds who
are putting glycolic acid 10%on their faces and seeing no
problems.
That's not gonna work anymore.
Okay, focusing on hydration,finding a really thick
moisturizer with ceramides, withpeptides, is so, so important.
And if you're experiencing any?
(42:32):
Um acne, then you know, usingthings like retinol, but not too
strong a retinol that's goingto dry you out.
It's a delicate balance, butyeah I'd say moisture is like
the big key, big key takeawaywell.
Speaker 1 (42:44):
Thank you for sharing that, because I'm really glad
you did, because, again, we tendto forget about that aspect,
isn't it?
We are we every, every stage isgoing to be different every
stage.
I say, if they told me this 10years ago, I probably would have
been doing something elsedifferent in preparation, in
preparation for my 30s.
But you know, we here, we liveand we learn, and we have
practitioners like you who arehere to educate us as well.
Before you go, because I knowyou have a long day, are there
(43:09):
any trends or fads that youthink about that people should
stay away from or maybe runtowards?
you know, there's alwayssomething out here in these
streets yeah, generally I'm nota fan of the trends.
Speaker 2 (43:21):
Um, the one thing that I'd say is up and coming in
aesthetic medicine and justskincare generally is the use of
regenerative aesthetics andskincare.
Really exciting.
We are combining, finally, like, science with beauty and the
things like people using growthfactors in their serums and us
(43:43):
being able to use something likeexosomes in the office.
It's without getting toocomplicated and going too in
depth, basically using thingslike growth factors which are
going to help promote collagen,promote elastin and really give
you a plumper look, and usingcertain delivery systems that
(44:03):
are going to be really, reallyeffective in the same way that
we use like prp, like thevampire facial and just
basically that concept, but in amore effective, uh, inefficient
way.
Really cool.
I'm using it in skincare, whichis like really cool as well,
but generally fads like puttingfood on your face.
(44:24):
Crazy, crazy work, crazy work.
I've been seeing the morningshed routine on social media
where people are like peelingoff like 20 layers like I've
seen that too and I was likethat's too much work for me as
it is okay, it's not doinganything as well.
So just stay away from trends.
Always keep a very keen eye.
(44:45):
Take everything with a pinch ofsalt.
Always be skeptical wheneveryou see anything on social media
.
Speaker 1 (44:51):
That is the main thing and for people again, who
are, you know, again, theinfluencers are showing us one
thing, you know the algorithmkeeps bringing up certain things
how can people stay informedwithout feeling overwhelmed?
because I know you, you knowyou're on social media.
You're providing the educationfor free, might I add?
The knowledge, the knowledgethat you're giving us, you know,
honestly.
(45:11):
So how can we stay informedwithout feeling overwhelmed?
Because it can be a lot to tryto decipher.
Okay, what.
What should I run to, whatshould I not?
Who's telling the truth?
Who's not telling the truth?
So how can we stay informed,but also try to not be as
overwhelmed as it canpotentially become yeah, I think
that's a really tricky one.
Speaker 2 (45:28):
I think, making sure that the people you're listening
to I'm not opposed to the skininfluencers as a concept, but
still making sure you're takingadvice from people who are
qualified and have thequalifications and the
estheticians, the dermatologists, the cosmetic doctors, making
sure that what you're consumingis actually from someone who has
(45:51):
the credentials.
Yes, you know, if you want arecommendation, take it from
your favorite skin influencer,but don't necessarily consume
every everything you see andtake it on, because you'll just
end up being so overwhelmed.
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed andI'm like Nicole, you know, you
know what's right.
I'm watching something.
I'm like, oh, wow, what, and Ihave to slap myself and be like,
(46:15):
no, you know, you know theinformation, what are you, what
are you doing?
But it's a lot, it can be a lot,it really can, yeah, try not to
get overwhelmed and just makesure you're listening to the
right people.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
All right, dr Nicole, it was a pleasure having you
here hearing that accent.
I'm going to talk about itbecause I get it all the time
about myself, but before you go,tell us two things.
What is a non-negotiable foryou when it comes to skincare?
Speaker 2 (46:40):
Oh okay For you.
Skincare.
Oh okay for you.
Me personally, or just for thepeople?
Speaker 1 (46:44):
both because you know , we know what you're doing and
what people can do for thepeople.
Speaker 2 (46:49):
The non-negotiable is spf.
I don't want to hear it yeahthe people that come into my
clinic and they're not wearingspf.
I'm like please, guys, please.
So my non-negotiable foreveryone else and the
consistency is also thenon-negotiable because you can't
come in and then you're notusing it consistently.
And I told you last monthnon-negotiable for everyone else
.
And the consistency is also thenon-negotiable because you can't
come in and then you're notusing it consistently and I told
you last month to please use itconsistently, and then you're
(47:10):
not here we are like why am Iwasting my time, you know yeah
exactly, and I'm like it's somany of my, uh, of my patients
uh, they get in the like naughtybooks, bad books, because I'm
like guys, we, you need tolisten please talk to me
dragging you, dragging me in myown podcast, because I'm like,
okay, whatever you say, let meplease come on, I promise you.
Speaker 1 (47:35):
I am just so lazy sometimes like to just I'm like,
you know what I'm not, I'm justfunny, I I.
I did that last week.
I was like girl, I say you knowwhat, you're just going from
the car to your um and I didn'twear sunscreen and I felt guilty
for the entire day.
I said you know what?
No, this is not it, this is noteven you.
But I was running late and Iwas like you know what.
It's just one little thing, I'llbe OK, but again, wear that
sunscreen Because we have toconsider.
(48:00):
Well, thank you for being herein the tea tasting room Fun fact
to my people listening when Ireached out to Dr Nicole on
threads, you know my big thingis always social media.
While it can be a bit toxic, ithonestly can be used for good
as well.
And I reached out to her youknow I'm always having my
fingers crossed and she did sayyes.
So we've been waiting to recordthis episode.
(48:21):
But, however, I discoveredsomething back in December.
She was going to Antigua, turnsout my good sis here has family
in Antigua.
So I said no, it was just meantto be because I'm from Antigua,
it was just honestly it washonestly meant to be.
But I also, before I let youtell the people where to find
(48:42):
you, I really want to commendyou Honestly.
Thank you for the work thatyou're doing, you know, in your
community in England, but alsojust on social media, because
it's very hard to decipher whatis good and you can.
You know your threads are justsent with some sort of peace and
comfort, at least for me.
So I want people to come anddiscover you on no on social
media.
I no on social media.
(49:11):
I'm being for real, becauseagain I have this.
I tell myself I could be lying.
I have this talent fordiscovering when some people are
just posting things for thesake of going viral or, you know
, wanting to be seen, but it'snot genuinely.
Oh you know let me actuallyeducate, or let me actually tell
somebody you know if I'm doing,if I'm living by this.
This is how it works.
No, you just want to go viral.
You want to get.
You want to get you know,whatever paid, you know, do you?
That's, that's what you got todo, you got to do.
But it's just always really nicewhen you, when I come across
someone who I can just theenergy, and people say, tanya,
how can you feel energy over atext, I say, girl, I don't know,
(49:31):
but it's just, it happened, ithappened.
If you feel it so definitely youknow it means a lot for you to
even take time out of your busy,busy schedule, to even respond
to my email, to to even tell meyou know what.
I'm going on vacation but whenI come back, let's do this date
and these different things, sothat you know that's just really
heartwarming for me and I hopeyou'll come back on the podcast
in the Tea Tasting Room in adifferent capacity talking.
(49:53):
You know more about otherthings, but definitely want to
thank you for being here in theTea Tasting Room and let the
beautiful people know where theycan find your beautiful face,
because, guys, you cannot seeher face but the skin is over
here.
Skinning the teeth is justgiving perfect.
You know, she really isbeautiful, but let the people
know where they can find you onsocial media, how they can
(50:14):
connect with you, sure sure?
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
I really appreciate it.
And sometimes, you know, whenyou're trying to educate via
social media, it gets verydifficult and overwhelming, and
we also are human, so we getbogged down with the numbers too
, right?
So yeah um, that's reallyreally lovely to hear that, like
, you enjoy the content and thethreads as well.
So, yeah, thank you for that.
That keeps me going, becausesometimes I'm like I can't do
(50:38):
this anymore.
Speaker 1 (50:39):
No, I know, but you know you're doing a good thing
honestly, for free.
Let me add that part, yeah forfree, for free but you know the
people, we're trying to educatethe people, yeah free, and so my
instagram is at drnicolej.
Speaker 2 (50:54):
Spell out all the way deos.
Oh my god.
Oh my god as well.
D-o-c-t-o-r, dot, n-i-c-o-l-e-j.
Yeah, that's the Instagram andit'll be in the show notes.
Yeah, dr NicoleJ, in Instagramand TikTok and YouTube as well.
So yeah, I'm just trying.
I don't really know how to makecontent, but I'm just trying
(51:18):
well, if you don't know how tomake content, then what?
Speaker 1 (51:19):
say me because you're killing it.
You know honestly, and I meanit too, because we need it.
We need more of you.
So, because you're out herekilling it, you know honestly,
and I mean it too, because weneed it.
We need more of you.
So, even if you're discouraged,just remember what Tanya says,
because you know the educationis important and people are
learning, people are askingquestions, so that's very
important.
Again, thank you for joining mehere in the Tea Tasting Room.
I look forward to seeing youagain here.
Speaker 2 (51:40):
Thank you so much for having me and, yeah, I would
love to be back.
It's been a lovely experience.
Speaker 1 (51:46):
Thank you for joining me for another episode of Tea
with Tanya.
If you liked this episode, besure to share it with a friend.
Don't forget to follow onInstagram at Tea with Tanya
podcast.
Be sure to subscribe to theweekly Tea Talk newsletter and,
of course, rate on Apple orSpotify and subscribe wherever
(52:06):
you listen.
See you next time.
I love you for listening.
Welcome to Tea with Tanya.
I'm your host, tanya Ambrose,an average millennial navigating
life as a maternal healthprofessional, non-profit founder
and grad student.
Join me in the tea tasting roomwhere we spill the tea on
finding balance and promotingpositive living while doing it
all.
(00:20):
Hey friend, welcome back toanother episode of Tea with
Tanya, your go-to space for real, honest and transformative
conversations about health,wellness and promoting positive
living.
I'm your host, tanya, and todaywe're diving into a topic that I
know many of you have questionsabout, and that's aesthetic
(00:42):
medicine.
We're going to be talking aboutskincare myths and what you need
to know before considering anyaesthetic treatments, and let me
just say this we're all aboutwhole woman wellness over here,
and that means understandingthat skincare isn't just about
vanity.
It's about self-care,self-confidence and your overall
wellbeing, because when we takecare of our skin, our body and
our mind, we show up in theworld feeling our best, and
(01:05):
that's what this conversation isall about today.
I'm super excited about thisguest because, let me tell you,
we connected over an Instagramthread and the podcast recording
is a reality by way of us justcommunicating over the last
several weeks.
So, definitely, I'm lookingforward to this conversation,
because we can't talk aboutwhole woman wellness and not
talk about everything thatencompasses that, which is also
(01:28):
skincare.
So, to help us break it alldown, I'm joined by Dr Nicole,
who specializes in skincare, andshe's here to share the real
tea on aesthetic medicine, whatworks, what's a waste of money,
because we know how that is andhow we, as black women, can
prioritize skincare in whattruly serve us.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
So hey.
Dr Nicole how are you, Hi?
Thank you so much for having me.
I'm very well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Guys, can you hear her accent?
Do you hear that?
Nevertheless, we are very nosypeople here, as we call it in
the tea tasting room.
So give us all the tea.
Tell us about you and what gotyou into this career field.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Thank you for that fabulous introduction and what
got you into this career for you.
Thank you for that fabulousintroduction.
Like I said, I am a doctor andI do specialize in well medicine
as well as aesthetic medicineas well.
I've been a doctor for oh mygoodness I don't even want to
like count, but probably aboutfive, maybe six years now and
started just in the generalmedical field in internal
(02:22):
medicine, and have always beeninto skincare and beauty and how
amazing it is to help othersfeel beautiful.
So I sort of ventured intoaesthetic medicine, started
learning a bit more about it,took some courses and that
really launched me into startingmy own business and helping
women feel their best and socialmedia and all that crazy stuff.
(02:46):
So, yeah, really loving it.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
So let's start with the basics.
What exactly is aesthetic orcosmetic medicine?
Because when I'm thinking aboutit, I've been doing my skincare
and everything.
You know, you see things onsocial media.
We don't necessarily payattention to what it is because
you know we have a lot of fluffout here in the social media and
when we have actual,evidence-based information, we
tend to not necessarily pay anyattention.
So to those of us who arelistening, who are novice in
(03:10):
this aspect of things, whatexactly is cosmetic and
aesthetic medicine and how doesit differ from dermatology?
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, so I always think that cosmetic and
aesthetic medicine is a littlebit nuanced depending on your
location.
So in the UK specifically, wedon't really have dermatologists
that cater to the privatemarket.
If you go and see adermatologist in the UK, you're
seeing it on the National HealthService, which is you know,
(03:35):
we'll not get into that, butyou're only going to be seen for
specific dermatologicalconditions such as psoriasis or
eczema.
If you want your skincarehelped, you're not going to get
any help with the NHSdermatologist.
So there's obviously a group ofus doctors who have carved out a
(03:56):
niche of aesthetic medicinewhere you have the world of
injectables, you have the worldof skincare and we sort of fill
that gap and that need.
That is really lacking,especially in the UK and I do
think there are some othercountries that have a similar
thing as well, if that makessense yeah, it doesn't.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
that's that's.
That's interesting, because Ithink about when we're hearing
about cosmetic treatments.
We're thinking about Botox.
You know how?
How can we essentially like?
There's a lot of curiosity, Iwould say, around cosmetic
treatments Because for me andI'll speak about my personal
journey I suffer from chronicmigraines.
That's just my life, it's partof who I am in this life at this
point, and I've now failed tworounds of medication,
(04:37):
essentially, and I'm being toldmy next step would be Botox in
order for me to you know, reduceor even stop the migraine.
So what is one thing?
me, being me, I'm thinking whenI was first told this and don't
judge me, doc that I say I don'twant to I say you know, black,
don't crack.
I don't need Botox or thesedifferent things to make my face
look.
However, because, again, youknow I got the juice, you know
(04:57):
from the Caribbean andeverything.
But after you know that's whatI was.
That was my honest thought, tobe honest, because I never knew
that you can get Botox for me tostop a migraine.
So what is one thing you wishpeople like myself would
understand, as it relates tobefore we're even considering
any sort of cosmetic procedure?
Because I asked that questionbecause I'm thinking, when I
hear Botox, you know you don'twant to have any wrinkles, you
(05:21):
want to look young for the restof your life.
That's what.
That's my interpretation ofthat.
But then, on my end, hearingthat the Botox will essentially
slow down or stop your migraineand you got to get that
injection I think she wastelling me every three months.
So what is one thing that youthink we should consider before
we should think about beforeconsidering any cosmetic
treatment?
Because I'm thinking Botox andmigraine don't go together, but
(05:50):
there are people out here whoare doing it essentially for one
reason, whereas I have to.
So what I'm trying to ask, youknow, is there a negative effect
of doing Botox just for acosmetic reason versus a medical
reason?
So talk to us about that.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, that's an interesting point actually.
So first on the Botox formigraines first up is fantastic,
I do that all the time for alot of my patients yeah, it's
really effective.
Um, and I had one girl who cameto me young girl been suffering
with migraines uh, her wholelike childhood and her young
(06:16):
adult life and debilitating Imean migraines are debilitating,
you know this right.
And she was getting a she'sgetting a migraine, something
crazy, like twice a week.
Um, and I just thought you knowpoor thing.
So she came to me and sheliterally texted me two weeks
later and was like you'veactually changed my life and I
was essentially like tearing upa little bit because it's really
(06:36):
sweet um of her to message that, but she now is just like never
, ever misses an appointment.
She's always there.
It can be life-changing.
And there's other applicationswe have, with botox specifically
, that you can use medically um,you know different things,
weird and wonderful that canreally help, um, that people
have been doing.
But obviously there is thecosmetic side.
But the way I think of botox isit is a drug, it is.
(06:58):
I personally think, whetherit's cosmetic or not, it is a
medical procedure and I thinkthat with a lot of the cosmetic
procedures that we have, eithereither way there are risks
involved.
Okay, there are benefits, butthere are risks and you need to
take that into account becauseit is, it is a medical procedure
.
So, whatever the reason youknow, whatever the outcome, it
(07:20):
must be handled with care andwith thought and you must find a
practitioner who's going torespect this medication and the
risks essentially.
So I think the most importantthing, stepping into any
cosmetic procedure, whatever thereason, is just making sure
you're aware of the risks andthe benefits and you find
someone who's qualified tocomplete the procedure.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
That makes sense, because when I heard that, I was
like girl, I don't need Botox,you know.
I mean I may need it at somepoint in time.
Like you know, I can kill twobirds with one stone, who knows,
you know.
But that's good to hear fromyou that it actually is
effective, Because I did someresearch.
Yes, but I was still on thefence because I'm like I've
never just heard migraines andvortices in the same sentence.
So I'm glad you cleared that upfor me.
(08:06):
So now I have to ask what isthe biggest mistake you see
people making with theirskincare or treatments in your
work?
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Like just generally with skincare biggest mistake,
or maybe like a trend thatpeople do yes, so yeah, we'll do
both, because I'm seeing Koreanskincare now and I've seen, you
know, putting period blood onyour face.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I've seen it all on social media.
You know I'm the period girlyyou know, by the way, my
non-profit but I'm like I'venever really seen that.
Then I'm seeing someone say, oh, you got blood from somewhere
else.
We see that, with thekadashians even doing that yeah,
again, so that they canmaintain that level.
Yeah, the vampire yeah, so talkto us about that.
You know, is that even a thing?
The trends that we're goingthrough on tiktok, because you
know everything we talk about,is it?
Oh, I started on tiktok, it'snever.
(08:52):
Oh, I went to google or redditit's tiktok now.
So we're in that world.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
So talk to us about that yeah, we need to be really
careful with, um, social mediaand skincare and beauty because,
uh, we can be quite misledsometimes, which is, um, you
know, really a shame.
I think the thing that, like,gives me the ick maybe the most
that I see on socials is likepeople using food and using that
as skin care, especiallybecause food goes bad, right,
(09:20):
and people are making thesemasks and then they're not
storing it properly.
They're storing it in there forweeks and they're using it and
I'm just like, the same way thatyou wouldn't eat, that we can't
be putting that on our face now, and I just think we have very
effective skincare out there onthe market that has been
researched.
We don't really need to beputting food on our face with
(09:40):
all sorts of bacteria and thingslike that.
So that probably gives me thebiggest ick.
I'll say, um, but in terms andin terms of trends, I don't
generally like trends because alot of the time there's no
scientific basis for them andthey're just here today, gone
tomorrow, um, so you just haveto be very careful.
Always enter social media withskepticism, whether it's
(10:00):
skincare or otherwise, butespecially when it comes to
something like your skin andyour health, there's a lot of
people just trying to get viewsand clickbait out here, so yeah,
no, that is true, and I want toshift a little bit for skincare
for Black women, because youheard me say earlier oh, Black,
don't crack.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
And you know we do age beautifully, which we do,
Don't get me wrong.
But I feel like sometimes thatstatement makes a lot of people,
a lot of black women, thinkthat they don't need to take
care of their skin at all.
And I've seen people on socialmedia say, oh, I just use soap
and water, which, again, I'msure is fine, no-transcript,
(10:52):
good up skin.
All of a sudden, you knowyou're seeing different spots on
your face and I went to mydermatologist and I will tell
you all she did was sat next tome, looked at my face and
essentially basically told me no, we're going to change your
skincare routine essentially, soI have to.
And she prescribed me tretinoin.
I hope I'm saying the rightword, yeah, without basically
telling me.
She just said, no, you havesome little hyperpigmentation
(11:14):
here or you have some spots here.
This is what's going to use forit.
And I was like, okay, but at thetime my face was so bad that
that I didn't even care.
I didn't even researchliterally what tretinoin does or
what it is.
I mean, I had an idea, don'tget me wrong.
So, no, my skincare routine issimply a cellophane face wash,
sunscreen I will talk about thatlater on as well, but sunscreen
(11:36):
and then my facial moisturizer,which I use the CeraVe
moisturizing cream in themornings and then at night.
Just those two steps.
Two steps, I mean, along withthe tretinoin.
Yeah, I found my faceessentially getting.
I mean I'm seeing improvements,don't get me wrong, but it was
much more drier.
So I'm starting to add in thehand acid because I was used to,
you know, to doing that.
But saying all that, to say,like, what are some unique
(11:56):
concerns that black women orpeople with melanin rich skin
should be more mindful of?
Because, bear in mind, some ofthese products are not
necessarily made with us asblack people in mind, so you
have to be mindful, essentially,as to what we're using.
But what are some um concernsthat you think we should be more
mindful of when?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
it's related to our skincare.
Yeah, I think one of the thingsyou know the whole statement
black don't crack, like you say,we do age amazingly well, um,
and you know, that's just one ofthe amazing black girl magic
things that we have, which Ilove, but it means that
sometimes we do neglect our skinbecause black don't crack.
But it will eventually age,unfortunately, or fortunately.
(12:37):
Okay, aging is definitely ablessing, but you are going to
make yourself look worse in thelong run if you're not investing
right now and putting the timeto wear your sunscreen every
single day.
This is the thing I come acrossthe most probably is that black
women, we don't think we haveto wear sunscreen and that is
like the biggest mistake thatyou can make, because the sun
(12:58):
equals damage to your skin anddamage to your skin equals
wrinkles in the long run Notnecessarily now, but in 20 years
, when your friend who's beenusing sunscreen every single day
looks amazing and you're likewhy does my skin not look that
great.
That's going to be why.
The other reason is we reallysuffer with hyperpigmentation so
much.
(13:19):
It's the thing I hear about themost in my clinic.
It's the thing I hear about themost on my social media.
Dms Hyperpigmentation is thebiggest struggle, and the sun's
rays is going to make yourhyperpigmentation so much worse,
so you need to wear yoursunscreen every single day.
Okay, that is just like thenumber one thing that I just
keep talking about.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
And I want to chime in here because I had that same
naive thought you know, I'mblack, you know we don't need to
put on sunscreen.
Oh, we'll only put it on whenwe go into the beach.
Essentially, no, I don't A daydoesn't go by where I'm not
wearing it in the day.
But I've had someone I wastrying to tell them.
You know, essentially, you knowyou should be wearing your
sunscreen every day, especiallywhen you're going to work in the
day, from the car to the houseor vice versa, or it's cold
(14:04):
wherever I am.
So why should I put on sunscreen?
The sun is barely out, or evenif the sun is out, it's not
really hot.
So tell us a little bit thescience behind.
Essentially, why is itimportant?
It doesn't matter if you'rerunning from the house to the
car, just to the trash, whateverit is that we should really
invest in essentially wearingsunscreen Because, again, a lot
of us have the mindset of black,don't crack.
(14:24):
Addressing essentially wearingsunscreen because, again, a lot
of us have the mindset of black,don't crack, I'm fine, all I
gotta do is just put on.
Do my other skincare.
You know products, but justleave out the sunscreen.
So let us know exactly why it'svery important, especially as
black women, for us to wearsunscreen daily yeah, so the
sun's rays um made up of twobasically different wavelengths.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
You have UVA and you have UVB.
Okay, and UVA is going to getthrough the clouds, she's going
to get through the window, she'sgoing to get through everything
.
This is the point, and I thinkthe stat is about 80 or 90% of
UVA rays gets through the clouds.
So even if it's a cloudy day,you still need to be wearing
sunscreen.
Sometimes you can look at theUV index and if the you still
(15:03):
need to be wearing sunscreensometimes you can look at the uv
index and if the uv index indexis super low, then maybe you
can skip it.
But generally to me, my adviceis don't faff about without all
that.
Just wear the sunscreen everysingle day.
Find one that you get alongwith and just wear it because
more often than not you're goingto need it.
And you know if any of that,like I said this, the clouds
(15:23):
will block that UVB, but any ofthat UVA gets in to your skin,
it's going to cause the damage.
So it's really important and,you know, not just for cosmetic
reasons but for health reasonsas well.
Skin cancer is rife.
It's like the third most commoncancer out there at all.
So it's really important thatwe all, whatever color we are,
(15:44):
just protect our skin.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
yeah, important, yeah but does it matter?
Because you know, sometimes onthe sunscreen you'll see spf 15
or 30 and all these othernumbers.
Does it matter?
Does the number really matteror it's just like if it's 15
it's less potent?
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
I'm just help me out here so I generally say you know
, try and go for spf 50.
The difference between likeactually difference between spf
30 and spf 50 isn't that greatof a jump, but I just think
giving yourself the maximumprotection that you can is best.
I think I would always saypeople to skip spf 15, but going
(16:21):
for 30 or 50 is going to giveyourself the maximum amount of
protection basically.
So that's what I always advise.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
All right.
So then I want to talk about theidea that there's a lot of one
size fit all when it comes toskincare routines.
Because for me you know I'm onmy TikTok girlies, my YouTube
girlies you know I'm seeing themillion and one step that they
have face looking like glass,the million and one step that
they have face looking likeglass.
But for me, there was a pointin time, honestly, if I can be
honest, that I was a bitinsecure about my little
three-part you know skin routine.
(16:50):
What is it set of?
First, face wash, sunscreen andmoisturizer, and not, like I
said, I had an acid to it.
But for those of us who thinkthat you know what, we see our
favorite influencer.
She has 20 steps of productsthat she's using before she goes
to bed or in the morning.
I was telling myself the otherday I was like you know what my
skin is really looking good?
Essentially.
(17:11):
One I'm more hydrated, so Iwant to talk about the
importance of water as well.
That's one, but two, myskincare routine is very simple,
although sometimes I've had theurge to go and follow.
Oh, I see this girl, her skinis looking really nice.
We can have similar skin.
Let me go and follow that.
So what recommendations do youhave when it comes to
individuals who are followingtheir favorite influencer,
(17:32):
buying all these products thataren't necessarily cheap.
But how can we essentiallyunderstand or learn what works
for our body?
Of course, again, trial anderror.
I get that.
But should we really be using15 products for a night time
routine or morning routine?
Speaker 2 (17:46):
yeah, I'm really not a big advocate personally of
these 12-step skincare routines.
I think a lot of it is quiteperformative for social media.
Being completely honest, mostpeople and I think the vast
majority even if you have umconditions like acne, you don't
need a 12-step routine.
In fact, the 12-step routine isprobably going to be more
(18:07):
counterproductive for you ratherthan helpful and there's a lot
of over consumption, a lot ofconsumerism going on.
for me, I always think, if youstruggle with your skin, keeping
it simple is always going to bethe best and just making sure
you're consistently usingproducts that work for you but
(18:28):
things that we know work, likeretinols, and using them
consistently, making sure you'rehydrated, not overcomplicating
it, because when youovercomplicate it, that's when
you start to break out, that'swhen you start to have issues,
that's when you start to damageyour skin barrier and we have a
whole other host of issues.
So, really, less is more.
Find a few products that youget along with and you're happy
(18:49):
with and, if you want to boostit every now and again, treat
yourself to a lovely facial ifyou have the means.
But don't be purchasing.
You know people are going todebt purchasing every product.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
right, it's just not necessary, you know no, I love
that you said that, because I'veseen so many different people
and again, you know, sometimesyou become insecure not just
myself, but people in generalBecause they can go one.
I can't afford these products,but I like when you say less is
more, because I think we need tounderstand that less is more
when it comes to our skin.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Now we do focus on our face a lot, when, when you
hear someone talk about skincare, it's never necessarily the
entire body, it's more so.
Oh, my face, is this?
My face?
Is that right?
We know, or if we don't know,the skin is our largest organ
when it comes to our body andmany of us, including myself at
one point in my life you know wedon't necessarily treat it in
(19:43):
the way that we should to anextent.
So how would you say, takingcare of our skin can impact our
overall health, because I'm allabout the whole woman, wellness
and ensuring that you know whatwe put inside essentially will
show on the outside.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
So how does?
Speaker 1 (19:56):
taking care of our skin in general impact our
overall health, because mosttimes we're just talking about
our skin, you know, face andneck, but then the other parts
it's like you know, okay, I'mjust moisturizing, that's it.
There's no like actual caretowards that.
So how is that working towardsour overall health and
well-being as women?
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Yeah, yeah.
So yeah, it's interestingbecause body carers are very,
very neglected generally and ourskin's health is super, super
important.
You know I touched on itbriefly before about you know,
if you don't take care of yourskin, you don't look at your
skin, it can be very detrimental.
Like I said, skin cancer isrife and it is a big problem.
(20:35):
So if we're not looking afterour skin, those are the
implications that we can have.
If you're getting a lot of sundamage, you're not wearing your
sunscreen all the time.
Other things you know ourhealth is in strictly linked to
our skin.
There are so many disordersthat we have where if you're
unhealthy inside, it shows up onyour skin.
(20:56):
For example, if you have celiacdisease, there are certain you
can get a certain rash thatshows up on your skin.
And also we've linked poor guthealth to skincare and acne and
things like that.
So what's going on inside a lotof the times is going to show
up on the rest of your body andyour skin.
So taking care of your body andyour skin, it's just, it's one
(21:18):
in the same, to be honest, and Ithink that's something we
should all really try and takeout the time ourselves to take
care of.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
So, are there any particular product you would
recommend?
And the reason why I'm askingthis?
Because, again, I'm at 12TikTok and social media girlies.
Now, you know you have certainbrands that I won't necessarily
call their name, but you knowyou got to use this particular
brand and you put it withsomething else to make it
another thing again.
Again, like you know, taking ashower is not going to be an
hour job because at this pointyou gotta you're, you're mixing
(21:48):
or you're using different bodycare products, you know.
So what are some productrecommendations, or I don't?
I shouldn't say productrecommendations.
I don't want to put you on thespot either.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Yeah, individuals yes , we got it, we got it.
Let me relay back in there.
But for individuals, who youknow, your knees, whatever the
case may be, because for me,again, teaming up with myself,
I've gained a few pounds.
You know, I'm not looking rightnow as you can see me, but I've
(22:16):
gained a few pounds.
One of the things that I'venoticed is my thighs are rubbing
more than ever, like the thighgap is non-existent at this
point.
But what I'm realizing isthere's something you know, it's
getting a little bit darkerbetween there.
I don't I, you know, I know,essentially, probably because of
the friction to an extent, butfor individuals who you know a
little problem areas that we mayhave, you know, darker elbows
(22:37):
or you know, you know behindyour knees or you know between
your legs, like what, whatcauses that, and is that
something that can be treated oris that?
Is there a particular thing onecan do essentially to help
lighten that area, or should wejust let it, you know, run its
course or be whatever it is?
Speaker 2 (22:52):
yeah, that's another big issue that I get asked about
.
A lot is hyperpigmentation onthe body.
Um, we can treat it slightlydifferently to on the face as
well, so it's definitely um agood point that you bring up.
I love, love, love to recommendglycolic acid for um high
(23:13):
pigmentation on the body.
Specifically, you can buy it inthe form of body washes, in
body sticks, and body sticks areparticularly good for the inner
thigh hyperpigmentation and um,when you get those little bumps
that are a little bit dark aswell, often that is called
keratosis pilaris.
Glycolic acid is 10 out of 10for that, so that's always a big
(23:34):
recommendation of mine.
And also, you know, utilizingphysical exfoliation, which
often we don't really recommendin something like
hyperpigmentation.
Yeah, and keratosis pilaris.
It can actually be really,really helpful.
So, using it, don't go crazynow.
Okay, but using it and makingsure that you're moisturising as
(23:55):
well in combination can beamazing.
That can be really good.
So those are the main thingsthat I sort of will recommend
for hyperpigmentationspecifically.
Often on your bodyhyperpigmentation like, say,
friction, is a really big causeof that.
But any place you have ascratch or a bite or a spot,
(24:16):
unfortunately in melanated skin,it's probably going to cause
some hyperpigmentation.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
No, I like that because, again, we don't often
think about that.
We just say you know what?
Let me just try something tolighten the area, essentially,
but, like you said, the glycolicacid.
That is 10 out of 10 indeed.
Well, how often should one useit in a week, because sometimes
they'll tell you every other dayor every day what's the
frequency that we should beessentially using glycolic acid,
especially when it comes tothose darker areas?
Speaker 2 (24:42):
I usually say two to three times a week.
Sometimes on the body, itdepends on the area.
So, for example, if we'relooking at something like your
legs, they might be a little bitmore stubborn and able to take
the harsh chemical of glycolicacid a little bit more so you
can step it up, whereassometimes people want to try and
fade their bikini area, thenI'd say definitely, step it down
(25:05):
a little bit.
Then we're looking at the sortof the two times a week area.
So it's a little bit nuanced,but don't use it every day and
I'd say try at first two tothree times a week.
See how you get on.
That's usually a safe bet.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
All right, so now I want to find out why is it?
important for us to see askincare doctor.
How does one know when?
They should Put it that way?
Because for me, I just went togo see my dermatologist here
because I'm like you know what,these two spots here, they're
just not going anywhere.
What can I do?
You know where did they comefrom?
But for someone who may nothave the means or even the
(25:40):
understanding, because I know alot of the times we go through
this world, this life, becauseyou know, life is life, but we
go through this life notnecessarily paying keen
attention to our body.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
And that's just in general.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
Some people just don't have the luxury of having
to think, oh you know what,between my legs are darker or
this has happened to my body.
They don't have the time toessentially do that.
So how can one, like what aresome essentially signs and
symptoms that something could bewrong with someone's skin?
Like what are some questionsthey could potentially ask their
provider?
Or how would they know that?
(26:12):
You know what?
This is somewhat serious.
I should go to the doctor tosee what treatment I can get
done, you know, to help clearsomething up, especially
individuals also who maystruggle with, you know, severe
eczema as well.
I know individuals who have totake, you know, medication to
essentially clear some things up.
So, you know, and that can alsolead, lead to body insecurity.
(26:32):
So what are some signs orsymptoms that we as women can
look at to say, you know what, Ishould see this particular
doctor versus my, my ob-gyn ormy general practitioner?
Whatever the case may be, howdo I know this is a skin related
issue?
Speaker 2 (26:45):
yeah.
So I mean, first and foremost,when we're talking about
cosmetics purely.
You know you can seek help whenit's bothering you.
If you have hyperpigmentation,dark inner thighs, and it
doesn't bother you, then there'sno need, there's no need to do
anything about it.
You know we're not going to.
There's no point rushing tosolve a problem which is not a
problem to you personally Interms of other conditions, that
(27:09):
it's important to you knowwhen's maybe like a red flag
symptom, we call it.
If you notice you know new moles.
For example, even on you knowblack people, especially things
like the palms and the soles.
You notice new moles.
They're large.
They're getting bigger quickly.
(27:29):
They're irregularly shaped.
You know they're dark.
They just look weird.
It's really important for thatspecifically to go and seek help
and you know who you go andseek help from necessarily isn't
a crazy thing that we need toconsider.
As long as you're seeking help,you might go to your primary
(27:50):
care provider and they're goingto say you know what?
No, this is a dermatologicalproblem.
They'll refer you.
Even if you go use your primarycare provider and they're going
to say you know what?
No, this is a dermatologicalproblem.
They'll refer you even if yougo use your ob-gyn.
She knows, uh, she knows derm,she's going to point you in the
right place.
So, as long as you're seekingsome sort of help, that's all
that matters.
Things like eczema, um, you know, it's really nursing, it's
really dry, getting out ofcontrol.
(28:11):
Maybe you're getting somecracks and vicious we call it
and you, maybe you're noticing,maybe you're getting some
infections, some gold crusting.
Those are the times, basically,when it's not normal for you,
in these conditions that youhave, that's when it's important
to seek advice.
Maybe that it's nothing toworry about it, maybe something
(28:31):
can be done about it.
So that is a really good timeto sort of seek some help.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
And, with that as well, what are some red flags we
should be aware of when itcomes to, you know, choosing our
aesthetic or cosmetic doctors.
Because, you know, for me, Ithink, one of the biggest things
one who's going to listen, andI think that's where that's kind
of how I determine who's goingto be my practitioner or not.
Because if you're going tolisten to me and show me that
(28:57):
you're making some changesessentially, then you know, I
know we can essentially foster arelationship.
But for someone who may beseeing their doctor or the
gynecologist and they're tellingthem you know what this is, a
dermatology issue I'm going torefer you.
Okay, now we're going to trustthat their referral is going to
be amazing, but sometimes it'snot always the case with some
people, for whatever reason.
So what are some red flagsessentially one can look out for
(29:19):
, especially when it comes tochoosing someone as it relates
to dermatology?
Speaker 2 (29:23):
Yeah, I think it's well.
It's interesting because in theUK, for anyone who's just
interested, I guess it's quitenuanced when it comes to
aesthetic and cosmeticprocedures and skincare that
pretty much there are laws andregulations around.
This is really really poor.
Anyone can can administer Botox, fillers, things like that.
(29:46):
So looking for the red flags isso important, especially in the
UK, because literally any likeyou don't have to be a doctor to
be doing these things.
So that's crazy, wow, it's,it's a problem.
So I always talk about redflags because, uh, you know
people will go and they'll paythe lowest price, um, but you
(30:06):
know this person is veryunqualified, doesn't really know
what they're doing, and thenyou end up in a really bad
situation.
So, wherever you are, red flagsare important to look for.
I think in somewhere like thestates, where you don't have
these dodgy laws and regulationsand you're going to a medical
professional, you're going to bebetter covered.
(30:26):
But one thing I would say tolook out for is if someone is
pushing onto you a large amountof cosmetic procedures where
you're like hold on, hang on.
This may be a bit too much,especially if this is a private
clinic.
Okay that you've gone to getsomething purely cosmetic and
you feel like, wow, they'rereally pushing a lot of things
(30:50):
on me.
Take pause and don'tnecessarily get something on the
first consult.
Go home, think about it, maybespeak to some other people,
because you know people are.
Some people are trying to makea buck.
Uh, that is true.
You know you're always gonnahave to be wary of those people.
Whether they're medicallyqualified or not they're,
(31:11):
they're trying to run a business.
So finding someone whose voiceyou can trust and you know is
not just going to be floggingyou for money, that is like the
most important thing.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
No, I agree, because I know of an individual.
Don't know them, but know ofthe individual.
Like back in Antigua, there's abunch of certificates on the
wall.
So to me that's a red flag,because if you have a hundred,
if you have a hundred like atleast 50 certificates on the
wall, then we have a parliament.
We have a parliament rightthere.
Because you know how manyclasses of courses are you like?
To me, that's a red flag, forme, you know.
(31:43):
And then when I look at the inthis particular situation, I
look at the, how sterile theplace is as well, because that's
to me that's, that's, that'salso key and it it was not.
And I think I wonder to myselfyou made a good point.
Sometimes people pay the lowestmoney to get a particular
outcome.
But talk to me a little bitabout self-confidence as it
relates to wanting cosmeticprocedures, because, again,
(32:06):
sometimes you can do a littlenip and tuck, as they say out
here, for whatever reason thatcould be, that could fuel your
self-confidence.
And then I'm here on the otherend seeing somebody, oh why that
person's flawless cheekbone isthis everything?
And so just talk about howself-confidence, or even, you
know, taking care of yourself inthe most, in the most basic way
that you possibly can as itrelates to your skin, because,
(32:27):
again, you may not have themeans to buy all the expensive
products.
You know the cheaper ones,essence, you could probably do,
you know, if not as much as the12-step routine that you have.
But a lot of us, we have thelack of self-confidence,
especially in our appearance,essentially because, again,
we're in an era whereeverybody's perfect, like that
social media is portraying thateverybody is perfect.
(32:49):
We don't know what goes onbehind the scenes, even leading
up to a procedure.
But I just want to know, or ifyou have any advice for us, who
one?
We want to start taking care ofour skin better, because again,
we know that the environmentessentially affects even our
skin.
Speaker 2 (33:03):
That's a whole different conversation.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
But I often wonder when I see people who would go
to this particular person.
The area is not sterile, sothat should have been, minus the
mini certification.
You know, fine, if that's whatthat's going to make you feel
okay and safe with them, that'syour prerogative.
But when the area is notsterile, then when you see
people you know I've seen ontiktok people are going to
people who are not even dentaldentists but they get in um oh,
(33:29):
yeah, what is it?
Called.
Speaker 2 (33:30):
Those like implants, veneers or something.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (33:36):
And you say what does that say?
And this is not even knockinganyone, to be honest but what
does that say about ourself-confidence?
How can we as women,particularly Black women, just
find that confidence in who weare, as people in general, but
just just embracing you know we,we have different skin tones we
have different type of.
You know what is texture of ourskin.
(33:57):
You know what is oily,combination, dry but how can we
find confidence in that and justunderstand?
You know what I can nurturemyself.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
I can moisturize my body, like you mentioned, in a
way that's going to befulfilling to me and the others
so just talk to us about that,you know, give us something to
push towards thatself-confidence yeah, I think,
like I say, it's reallydifficult in the age of social
media because, like I say,everyone looks a certain way and
we're all striving to be acertain way and look a certain
(34:27):
way, and it's really, reallydifficult.
And body dysmorphia is a wholething in itself that we learn
about when you train inaesthetics that there are
certain people that are going tokeep coming to you and you're
saying, no, I, you know, thisprocedure is not going to take
you here, it's not going to makeyou look like this.
And you have to recognize whensomeone is chasing something
(34:49):
that they're trying tocompletely change themselves,
and it it really is a red flagto a lot of practitioners and we
do see it from time to time andit's quite, you know, scary and
sad.
You have to sort of bringpeople back to reality,
essentially, and show them thatwhat you're chasing is not um,
it's not necessarily going tobring you, you know, happiness.
(35:09):
So I think when you're on socialmedia and you're scrolling,
it's really important just totake the time to, you know,
happiness.
So I think when you're onsocial media and you're
scrolling, it's really importantjust to take the time to.
You know, we talk aboutself-care all the time, but
really take the time to nurtureyour mental health, nurture your
mental wellbeing and really putin the work.
And the work goes away fromtraditional cosmetic procedures.
(35:32):
It goes away from medicine.
It really is, um, thepsychological, you know, work
that you can do the therapy,just to try and kind of love
yourself, um, and get to thatplace.
And I think that looks differentfor everyone.
I think it's really difficultto define and say how you can
get there.
Uh, but doing that work isgonna, in the long run, be
(35:52):
invaluable.
And you really want to get tothat spot where you're like I
don't need any cosmeticprocedures, it's not going to
make me feel better about myself.
I want to look natural.
I just want to enhance mynatural beauty.
I want to glow as me.
That's the goal that I want usto get to, rather than I'm going
to try and look like this boxthat social media says I should
(36:13):
look like I'm going to try andlook like this box that social
media says I should look like.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
Yeah, and the theme of wanting to get prestigious is
going to enhance the glow.
What can you tell us withinyour scope, you know, like what
type of prestigious can we do toessentially maintain some level
of still looking natural?
Because, for me, one of mythings is I often say, if I can
get my eyebrows, what is itcalled?
Microbladed, whatever?
Because if I can get myeyebrows done, the world is
(36:36):
going to be sick of me becauseI'm going to be that.
You're going to see meeverywhere once I can master
Right, because I'm stilllearning, you know, by the
makeup, but I'm not there yet,but I have considered, you know,
getting the eyebrow aspect ofit.
So what are some things that wecan still do that are still
natural looking, looking thatcan just enhance our appearance
without, you know, drasticallychanging us?
Yeah, the way I've seen ithappen.
So, just a little bit, give usa little bit tea about that,
(36:56):
yeah, so I actually like reallyspecialize in doing natural
treatments.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
I personally don't like doing treatments that's
going to make you look reallydifferent.
I really enjoy like naturaltweakments um, it's really
definitely on my vibe, uh, thethings I love.
So, in terms of your skin,doing things like microneedling
can give you like the mostbeautiful glow and it also
promotes collagen as well.
So if you're doingmicroneedling, you know if you
(37:25):
want it specifically to try andfade hyperpigmentation or things
like that, then you can do itonce a month.
But say, getting a littlemicroneedling procedure once a
quarter is such a small thingthat you can do to give yourself
a bit of a collagen boost andbe able to allow your skin to
really glow.
And that's for my girlies whowant to stick on the skincare
(37:46):
route and they don't want to gointo the world of injectables.
Something a bit more simple andnot super pricey, that's a
great one.
And when I look at my skin,from when I was like really
getting microneedling, I waslike you know, just life gets
life and you just get so busy.
Even though I have these thingsat my disposal, I just don't do
it.
Yeah, but when I like look likea picture, I'm like, damn, like
(38:08):
I was really glowing.
Um, you know, I mean the otherthing that you can do.
If you want to go advanced andyou want to go into the world of
injectables, a great place tostart is something like skin
boosters, especially for thepeople in the like 30s category
me, I can't sit myself, okay, soskin boosters are it's almost
(38:33):
like injectable moisturizer wecall it, even though it's not
really um, but it's a solutionwith some hyaluronic acid.
Some of them have a differenttype of hyaluronic acid to
fillers the way it's made andamino acids and things like that
, and we inject it kind of justunder the skin.
Help boost your collagen, givesyou a gorgeous glow, like my
(38:57):
favorite, like just my favoritething to do for myself
personally, because you know, ifyou're not wanting to do Botox
and fillers and things like that, this is like such a nice way
to give yourself a glow, a bitof a boost, every now and again.
Honestly, never do it more thansix months, like, don't do it
too close.
You're wasting your money.
But you know it's a littletreat every now and again.
(39:19):
You actually can't go wrongyeah, no, I love that.
Speaker 1 (39:23):
I am gonna look because I have thought about the
microneedling, but is itpainful, I don't know.
Should I get it?
You know it's my but I'm I amgonna look into that because
again I need to have that.
Look, you know, I'm approachingthe mid-30s sadly.
It's such a tough time.
You know what's one thing I wassaying yesterday.
I said nobody, because I waslooking at my skin.
I was like, girl, they don'tprepare you for how your skin
(39:45):
also can change, especially inyour 30s, you know.
So I think it's probably wisethat some of the things that you
mentioned, you think that weshould be doing that in our 20s
so we can prepare, because youknow, our body goes through
different changes.
And I was like, well, theydidn't tell me my skin was going
to look this way.
So of course, you know you gotto be more mindful now.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So I can appreciate that.
The other thing that happens isthe post-menopause, the
perimenopause phase.
Speaker 1 (40:09):
Yes, a lot of women talking about.
Speaker 2 (40:11):
no one said my skin was going to be now messed up in
the post perimenopause phaseReally dry skin, a lot of people
with hormonal fluctuations getnew onset acne and just having
the knowledge and knowing thatthese changes may be coming lets
us just be more prepared andmore armed to deal with it.
So yeah, like I said, I saidalways, always seeking help when
(40:34):
you need it.
But yeah, it's, it's it's toughtimes for us women.
It's tough times no, it is.
Speaker 1 (40:40):
But since you touched that really briefly, because
you're speaking to my heart, forpeople who are, you know, going
to the post-perimenopausalphase, like what can they do
essentially to maintain thatlevel of, you know, moisture,
you know the, the skin, you know, can become more loose, like
what can they do?
Because, again, sometimes wetend to forget that aspect and,
you know, we try to focus on thewhole woman.
So what, what?
What are some tips?
You can just provide some brieftips to them about how to take
(41:02):
care of their skin going throughthat process, because that's a
whole different world.
Speaker 2 (41:05):
Yeah, it's difficult, I think, with when you get a
little bit older.
It's very nuanced, depends fromperson to person, because if
you're quite far down that trackand your skin is really
suffering with sagginess andloss of elasticity, sometimes
more intensive treatments aregonna be more helpful.
So that's when I'm gonna needyou to come into the office.
(41:27):
Maybe you need to look atthings um, like that.
Go go a little bit beyondfacials, you know, lasers,
things like that, you know,without getting too complicated,
but that's when we're going toneed to see you in the office.
Ok, so my skincare can't takeus there.
Equally, sometimes some womenhave to then start even looking
at surgical options, which youknow is beyond my scope.
Speaker 1 (41:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (41:50):
I sort of refer people on.
I'm like, right, I think thatwe've reached the limit of what
we can do here.
Um, but for the women where youstart to notice, okay, my skin
is just doing, it's doing toomuch, I don't know what's going
on.
You may notice some dryness asyou hit the perimenopause, um,
postmenopause phase and you needto really focus on hydration.
(42:10):
Then you're not going to beable to use the 20 year olds who
are putting glycolic acid 10%on their faces and seeing no
problems.
That's not gonna work anymore.
Okay, focusing on hydration,finding a really thick
moisturizer with ceramides, withpeptides, is so, so important.
And if you're experiencing any?
(42:32):
Um acne, then you know, usingthings like retinol, but not too
strong a retinol that's goingto dry you out.
It's a delicate balance, butyeah I'd say moisture is like
the big key, big key takeawaywell.
Speaker 1 (42:44):
Thank you for sharing that, because I'm really glad
you did, because, again, we tendto forget about that aspect,
isn't it?
We are we every, every stage isgoing to be different every
stage.
I say, if they told me this 10years ago, I probably would have
been doing something elsedifferent in preparation, in
preparation for my 30s.
But you know, we here, we liveand we learn, and we have
practitioners like you who arehere to educate us as well.
Before you go, because I knowyou have a long day, are there
(43:09):
any trends or fads that youthink about that people should
stay away from or maybe runtowards?
you know, there's alwayssomething out here in these
streets yeah, generally I'm nota fan of the trends.
Speaker 2 (43:21):
Um, the one thing that I'd say is up and coming in
aesthetic medicine and justskincare generally is the use of
regenerative aesthetics andskincare.
Really exciting.
We are combining, finally, like, science with beauty and the
things like people using growthfactors in their serums and us
(43:43):
being able to use something likeexosomes in the office.
It's without getting toocomplicated and going too in
depth, basically using thingslike growth factors which are
going to help promote collagen,promote elastin and really give
you a plumper look, and usingcertain delivery systems that
(44:03):
are going to be really, reallyeffective in the same way that
we use like prp, like thevampire facial and just
basically that concept, but in amore effective, uh, inefficient
way.
Really cool.
I'm using it in skincare, whichis like really cool as well,
but generally fads like puttingfood on your face.
(44:24):
Crazy, crazy work, crazy work.
I've been seeing the morningshed routine on social media
where people are like peelingoff like 20 layers like I've
seen that too and I was likethat's too much work for me as
it is okay, it's not doinganything as well.
So just stay away from trends.
Always keep a very keen eye.
(44:45):
Take everything with a pinch ofsalt.
Always be skeptical wheneveryou see anything on social media
.
Speaker 1 (44:51):
That is the main thing and for people again, who
are, you know, again, theinfluencers are showing us one
thing, you know the algorithmkeeps bringing up certain things
how can people stay informedwithout feeling overwhelmed?
because I know you, you knowyou're on social media.
You're providing the educationfor free, might I add?
The knowledge, the knowledgethat you're giving us, you know,
honestly.
(45:11):
So how can we stay informedwithout feeling overwhelmed?
Because it can be a lot to tryto decipher.
Okay, what.
What should I run to, whatshould I not?
Who's telling the truth?
Who's not telling the truth?
So how can we stay informed,but also try to not be as
overwhelmed as it canpotentially become yeah, I think
that's a really tricky one.
Speaker 2 (45:28):
I think, making sure that the people you're listening
to I'm not opposed to the skininfluencers as a concept, but
still making sure you're takingadvice from people who are
qualified and have thequalifications and the
estheticians, the dermatologists, the cosmetic doctors, making
sure that what you're consumingis actually from someone who has
(45:51):
the credentials.
Yes, you know, if you want arecommendation, take it from
your favorite skin influencer,but don't necessarily consume
every everything you see andtake it on, because you'll just
end up being so overwhelmed.
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed andI'm like Nicole, you know, you
know what's right.
I'm watching something.
I'm like, oh, wow, what, and Ihave to slap myself and be like,
(46:15):
no, you know, you know theinformation, what are you, what
are you doing?
But it's a lot, it can be a lot,it really can, yeah, try not to
get overwhelmed and just makesure you're listening to the
right people.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
All right, dr Nicole, it was a pleasure having you
here hearing that accent.
I'm going to talk about itbecause I get it all the time
about myself, but before you go,tell us two things.
What is a non-negotiable foryou when it comes to skincare?
Speaker 2 (46:40):
Oh okay For you.
Skincare.
Oh okay for you.
Me personally, or just for thepeople?
Speaker 1 (46:44):
both because you know , we know what you're doing and
what people can do for thepeople.
Speaker 2 (46:49):
The non-negotiable is spf.
I don't want to hear it yeahthe people that come into my
clinic and they're not wearingspf.
I'm like please, guys, please.
So my non-negotiable foreveryone else and the
consistency is also thenon-negotiable because you can't
come in and then you're notusing it consistently.
And I told you last monthnon-negotiable for everyone else
.
And the consistency is also thenon-negotiable because you can't
come in and then you're notusing it consistently and I told
you last month to please use itconsistently, and then you're
(47:10):
not here we are like why am Iwasting my time, you know yeah
exactly, and I'm like it's somany of my, uh, of my patients
uh, they get in the like naughtybooks, bad books, because I'm
like guys, we, you need tolisten please talk to me
dragging you, dragging me in myown podcast, because I'm like,
okay, whatever you say, let meplease come on, I promise you.
Speaker 1 (47:35):
I am just so lazy sometimes like to just I'm like,
you know what I'm not, I'm justfunny, I I.
I did that last week.
I was like girl, I say you knowwhat, you're just going from
the car to your um and I didn'twear sunscreen and I felt guilty
for the entire day.
I said you know what?
No, this is not it, this is noteven you.
But I was running late and Iwas like you know what.
It's just one little thing, I'llbe OK, but again, wear that
sunscreen Because we have toconsider.
(48:00):
Well, thank you for being herein the tea tasting room Fun fact
to my people listening when Ireached out to Dr Nicole on
threads, you know my big thingis always social media.
While it can be a bit toxic, ithonestly can be used for good
as well.
And I reached out to her youknow I'm always having my
fingers crossed and she did sayyes.
So we've been waiting to recordthis episode.
(48:21):
But, however, I discoveredsomething back in December.
She was going to Antigua, turnsout my good sis here has family
in Antigua.
So I said no, it was just meantto be because I'm from Antigua,
it was just honestly it washonestly meant to be.
But I also, before I let youtell the people where to find
(48:42):
you, I really want to commendyou Honestly.
Thank you for the work thatyou're doing, you know, in your
community in England, but alsojust on social media, because
it's very hard to decipher whatis good and you can.
You know your threads are justsent with some sort of peace and
comfort, at least for me.
So I want people to come anddiscover you on no on social
media.
I no on social media.
(49:11):
I'm being for real, becauseagain I have this.
I tell myself I could be lying.
I have this talent fordiscovering when some people are
just posting things for thesake of going viral or, you know
, wanting to be seen, but it'snot genuinely.
Oh you know let me actuallyeducate, or let me actually tell
somebody you know if I'm doing,if I'm living by this.
This is how it works.
No, you just want to go viral.
You want to get.
You want to get you know,whatever paid, you know, do you?
That's, that's what you got todo, you got to do.
But it's just always really nicewhen you, when I come across
someone who I can just theenergy, and people say, tanya,
how can you feel energy over atext, I say, girl, I don't know,
(49:31):
but it's just, it happened, ithappened.
If you feel it so definitely youknow it means a lot for you to
even take time out of your busy,busy schedule, to even respond
to my email, to to even tell meyou know what.
I'm going on vacation but whenI come back, let's do this date
and these different things, sothat you know that's just really
heartwarming for me and I hopeyou'll come back on the podcast
in the Tea Tasting Room in adifferent capacity talking.
(49:53):
You know more about otherthings, but definitely want to
thank you for being here in theTea Tasting Room and let the
beautiful people know where theycan find your beautiful face,
because, guys, you cannot seeher face but the skin is over
here.
Skinning the teeth is justgiving perfect.
You know, she really isbeautiful, but let the people
know where they can find you onsocial media, how they can
(50:14):
connect with you, sure sure?
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
I really appreciate it.
And sometimes, you know, whenyou're trying to educate via
social media, it gets verydifficult and overwhelming, and
we also are human, so we getbogged down with the numbers too
, right?
So yeah um, that's reallyreally lovely to hear that, like
, you enjoy the content and thethreads as well.
So, yeah, thank you for that.
That keeps me going, becausesometimes I'm like I can't do
(50:38):
this anymore.
Speaker 1 (50:39):
No, I know, but you know you're doing a good thing
honestly, for free.
Let me add that part, yeah forfree, for free but you know the
people, we're trying to educatethe people, yeah free, and so my
instagram is at drnicolej.
Speaker 2 (50:54):
Spell out all the way deos.
Oh my god.
Oh my god as well.
D-o-c-t-o-r, dot, n-i-c-o-l-e-j.
Yeah, that's the Instagram andit'll be in the show notes.
Yeah, dr NicoleJ, in Instagramand TikTok and YouTube as well.
So yeah, I'm just trying.
I don't really know how to makecontent, but I'm just trying
(51:18):
well, if you don't know how tomake content, then what?
Speaker 1 (51:19):
say me because you're killing it.
You know honestly, and I meanit too, because we need it.
We need more of you.
So, because you're out herekilling it, you know honestly,
and I mean it too, because weneed it.
We need more of you.
So, even if you're discouraged,just remember what Tanya says,
because you know the educationis important and people are
learning, people are askingquestions, so that's very
important.
Again, thank you for joining mehere in the Tea Tasting Room.
I look forward to seeing youagain here.
Speaker 2 (51:40):
Thank you so much for having me and, yeah, I would
love to be back.
It's been a lovely experience.
Speaker 1 (51:46):
Thank you for joining me for another episode of Tea
with Tanya.
If you liked this episode, besure to share it with a friend.
Don't forget to follow onInstagram at Tea with Tanya
podcast.
Be sure to subscribe to theweekly Tea Talk newsletter and,
of course, rate on Apple orSpotify and subscribe wherever
(52:06):
you listen.
See you next time.
I love you for listening.
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