From skincare to self-care, our experts have you covered
Dr Anjali Mahto
Consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible
I had problems with my skin from a young age. I’m 42 now and I’ve been suffering with acne from the age of 11; it’s become a chronic issue. I think when you’ve had a skin condition, you empathise much more with people who also struggle with their skin.
Science is so important in dermatology. A lot of people can give skincare advice, but you have to train to a high level to properly understand skin. The lifestyle aspect is important, too. The advice I give in-clinic is stuff I would do myself, be that exercising or getting the right nutrition.
I do a lot to my own skin because I can. A perk of the job is having access not just to products, but to techniques I’m trained to do on my own skin. I’ll regularly do chemical peels at home, for example. I use a gentle cleanser morning and evening, which means I can handle a prescription retinoid or vitamin A cream, which are a little harsher on the skin.
Tai Ibitoye
Registered dietitian with postgraduate degrees in dietetics and nutrition and human nutrition
Before I became a dietitian, I worked in forensic science. During that time, my dad developed a heart condition and I decided to study my MSc in human nutrition to better understand the role that nutrition could play in his recovery.
The biggest challenge in nutrition right now is misinformation on social media. If someone has a big following, people tend to assume they’re credible. Most dietitians have tiny followings in comparison. It makes it difficult to call out misinformation when you see it.
Detox diets are nonsense. I wish more people knew that they don’t need to cut out food groups from their diet to detox their bodies.
I listen to what my body needs. I eat foods that I enjoy and I try not to be too hard on myself, focusing on getting the right balance each week, as opposed to each day. If I forget to get enough fruits and veg one day, I’ll be sure to eat more the next.
Renee McGregor
Registered sports and eating disorder dietitian
It was helping a friend with her nutrition during marathon training that gave me the idea of bringing my degrees in biochemistry, physiology and nutrition together. I did another postgraduate in applied nutrition and since then I’ve worked with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, ultrarunners and women’s football teams. Now, I’m lead nutritionist for both the English National Ballet
