Briefly introduce yourself (The person and your academic qualifications so far)
My name is Dr. Anitah Achieng. I am a pharmacist, skincare enthusiast and sexual and reproductive health advocate. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the United States International University Africa (USIU). I am currently doing my masters in dermatology at the University of South Wales -UK (looking forward to specialising in cosmetic dermatology).
I am a digital medical content creator, and I use my social media platforms to educate the public and create awareness of their skin and health. I use my expertise and platform to champion women on their sexual and reproductive health, a great enforcement of self-care as a sexual and reproductive health advocate.
I also possess a certificate in logistics and supply chain management.
Fun fact: I am also a restaurant reviewer and critic (which has sort of taken a back seat this year as I focus on growing my other platform)
Where are you currently working, and what does your job entail?
I currently work at Portal Pharmacy, located at Two Rivers Mall. It is where I got the inspiration to get into cosmetic dermatology. I offer medication advice, skincare consultation services, and digital marketing, where I educate the audience on our social platforms on how to utilise products to improve their general health and well-being.
I also serve as a project associate with the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, focusing on projects that help empower pharmacists to offer family planning services.
Concerning cosmetic dermatology, is dermatology considered the same as cosmetology?
Dermatology focuses more on skin conditions like eczema, the different types of eczema and the different forms of skin conditions, whereas cosmetology focuses more on skincare products.
Looking back, did you always want to become a medical content creator in the digital space?
Oh yes, 100%.
I have always been a lover of social platforms. I enjoy engaging with my audience, answering their questions, getting feedback, and, most importantly, educating them and demystifying them of the many health concerns they encounter.
What propelled you to venture into the cosmetology world as a skincare expert?
I have always loved beauty, every aspect of it. I almost started a nail business back on campus but couldn’t get some aspects of the techniques right. My mum introduced me to skincare, perhaps at the age of 10. Back in the day, it was exfoliating scrubs, turmeric, and honey masks, a different evolution of what skincare is now.
However, due to COVID, I spent so much time teaching myself everything I could about skincare and makeup (haha, I wish I could attach photos). When I started working, my interest grew more sturdy, not just for what would work for my skin but also for how I could help fellow women feel good about themselves and enhance their image without makeup.
Based on your experience, what was your biggest challenge when you started as a skincare expert? How did you overcome this?
Being the first pharmacist to specialise in dermatology at the post-graduate level, I encountered several challenges. It is even more challenging in a space without mentors to guide you.
However, I have met very friendly dermatologists willing to help, share information, and take cases I can’t handle adequately, especially the clinical ones.
I am still looking for the proper solution to each challenge, as there are different challenges each day. But above all, the trust in God to make things beautiful and easy is unmatched.
To be an expert at anything, one has to read a lot to stay up-to-date with information; this may take time, and time is money; medical doctors have a consultation fee; do you also have a consultancy rate card? Is it high time pharmacists also develop a rate card for their consultation services?
As of now, I don’t charge a consultation fee. I hope to look into it as I wait to complete my course. I believe every profession in the medical field should charge a consultation fee as remuneration for their knowledge and intellect. I have met patients who are grateful for the consultation they have received from their doctors, especially in situations that have resulted in resolutions that have positively impacted their lives.
We live in a world where people trust the advice of social media content creators (TikTok doctors) on health, beauty and cosmetics. As a medical content creator with diverse knowledge in healthcare, have you encountered such clients?
Yes. Although I love social media, it lacks regulation of information. I have met a couple of clients who have fallen on the wrong side of social media by believing misleading information, which unfortunately damaged their skin.
How can this challenge be addressed?
It is imperative to follow credible people with credentials or certificates to back up their knowledge. Some of the knowledge I possess is a result of social media. Even as I study, I can relate to the topics more efficiently, owing to those sharing their skin struggles on social media.
It is also important not to fall for every hype or new thing that is raved about. If ever in doubt, consult an actual medic and, better yet, do some research on your end. This will help you save so much money and give you peace of mind as well.
Have you interacted with clients or patients using unsafe skincare products? If so, please elaborate on this issue and ways to address this challenge.
100% yes. Corticosteroids are the most abused creams on the market. Overusing steroids and bleaching creams is one of the most common skin issues we face; a week wouldn’t go by without addressing either, especially for those who want a quick fix or solution to a skincare concern.
Don’t get me wrong; steroids are a life changer for some skincare concerns. However, the problem comes in when they are misused. Excessive use of steroids can result in topical steroid withdrawal, a challenging skin condition to manage, with potential aesthetic implications.
That affordable product you think is best for your skin could drain so much of your hard-earned money later just to reverse the damage. Always remember, cheap is expensive. There are better ways to achieve your desired skin goal without using skin-damaging products; it also takes patience.
Cosmetology and skin care are very sensitive, particularly to ladies. As a consultant, do you face much pressure from your clients and patients?
Absolutely! The pressure is definitely there. Sometimes, the best product that ideally works for a particular skincare concern may not work for the client. This leaves you feeling pressure to resolve the matter without breaking the bank. The client may also be impatient with the process or fail to be consistent, resulting in not seeing results as fast as they would like.
Do you think the current pharmacy practice is well prepared for the cosmetology world? How can we improve this?
The current pharmacy practice is well prepared to embrace cosmetology, especially the community pharmacies. Major skincare brands have opened a great door to skincare and cosmetology, accompanied by the great science that backs their products, not forgetting the good reviews from the clients. It can only improve if more pharmacists enter this space.
You have had a taste of pharmacy practice in Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya; how can you compare pharmacy practices in these countries?
Practising in these countries was such an eye-opener. I loved the Egypt hospital attachment site, especially its innovative service provision. I experienced such a warm environment in Egypt and Tanzania. The level of care that the pharmacists give the patients is unmatched.
There is no significant difference in practice, as the establishments I was privileged to work in made a difference for me.
The day-to-day running of an establishment and the staff makes the place what it is. However, this could be a different view for someone working in the same country but in another establishment.
As a pharmacist with a keen interest in reproductive health, how can pharmacists be incorporated more into reproductive health? How can we tame the issue of abortion by the pill, which is becoming more common?
I love empowering women, especially on their reproductive health and rights. I will forever be grateful for having grown up and lived in the city where most people accept a woman’s free will and decision. Not many women in rural areas have the privilege of deciding what happens to their bodies or how to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These decisions are made for them by their partners. Empowering women on what decisions to make about their bodies fills me with joy.
For my fellow pharmacists, it all starts in the consultation room by educating the woman on her choices of contraception and educating her about each option. There are even better ways of administering contraception that don’t require going to the hospital for an injection or taking pills on a daily. Pharmacies worldwide are the public’s first point of contact before they decide to go to the hospital, and it is our duty as pharmacists to give the best advice and solutions. For instance, the subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) opens the door to self-injection, a proper form of self-care, to women in the comfort of their homes, offices and daily activities.
How has your experience in post-graduate studies been thus far, and how did you get a hold of this opportunity?
I am pursuing my Masters in Dermatology from the University of South Wales-UK. The experience so far has been excellent. I learn in a multinational classroom where I get experience and knowledge on how situations are handled in different countries.
I stumbled upon the opportunity through research in pursuit of learning more about skin conditions. I was fortunate enough to be partially sponsored by the university upon request. I love the journey and can’t wait to be done.
What advice would you have for a pharmacist interested in skincare and cosmetology or social media content creation who does not know where and how to start? What opportunities are available for pharmacists in the skincare and dermatology area?
My advice is to start (in terms of content creation) by picking up your phone, opening the camera, and hitting the record button. The world has so much to learn from you. It is impossible for everyone to know it all; even the most experienced professionals learn something new every day, which could be from you. The world awaits you to share your intellect and knowledge.
As for cosmetology, the beauty industry is multi-billion for a reason. There is space for everyone; be it in research, aesthetics, formulation of products, or clinical practice, go for it. There are many courses out there that are tailored specifically for your interest. We are no longer limited to the primary specialisations of pharmacy. If none of them suit you, create your own. After all, someone has to lead the way for others, and it could just be you.
It is evident that mentorship plays a huge role in the growth of a person as a professional; did you receive any mentorship from senior colleagues, particularly in cosmetology and dermatology, when you started your career? How else can we improve on mentorship as pharmacists?
I have not yet received personal mentorship from the dermatology field. I have doctors whom I admire, and they have taught me a lot from their social media platforms. I would, however, love to mentor my colleagues who are interested in this area of practice.
As for the reproductive health side, I am more than privileged to have the best mentor who not only teaches me every day but also pushes me to do better. My mentor is God-sent.