Experts In Residence 04: Dr Kemi Fabusiwa on Confidence and the Power of Understanding Your Lashes, Hair and Skin

This month, for our UKLASH Experts In Residence Series, we were lucky enough to catch up with Skin Specialist and Founder of Joyfulskin.co.uk, Dr Kemi Fabusiwa.
With a combined social media following of over 250,000, she’s a trusted voice in the skincare space, breaking down taboo topics with her expert knowledge and no-nonsense honesty. Known for ‘getting you out of your awkward era’, she tackles the subjects most shy away from - making skincare feel less complicated and helping everyone to feel healthier, bolder and stronger. 

Dr Kemi has been working as an NHS doctor since 2019, bringing her clinical expertise and passion for patient care to the forefront. But her love for skincare and the confidence it can inspire led her to take things a step further. In 2020, she founded Joyfulskin.co.uk, a website built on the belief that the only way to achieve glowing skin is to truly understand it.
Alongside running her website, Dr. Kemi’s social media presence flourished! She uses her platform to take a refreshingly holistic approach to skincare and self-care. She recognises that how we care for our bodies is deeply connected to how we feel both inside and out, encouraging her audience to embrace routines that prioritise both physical health and emotional well-being.

1. What made you want to cover conventionally embarrassing topics or taboo subjects on your social media platform?

Honestly, it's because we all go through this stuff! I felt like there were so many things nobody talked about openly, and you'd just be left there googling in the dark, feeling like you were the only one. From ingrown hairs to body odour, it's all part of being human! My goal is to create a space where we can ditch the shame, get real answers, and realise we're all in this together. Plus, as a young doctor, I get it – sometimes talking to a traditional authority figure can feel a bit intimidating. I want to bridge that gap and make health and wellness feel accessible and relatable!

2. For someone completely new to skincare, what are the three non-negotiables you recommend?

○ Face and body SPF (broad-spectrum SPF 30–50) to protect against premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Apply daily, even in cloudy weather.

○ Gentle exfoliating cleanser with BHA or AHA, suited to your skin type. Use 2–3 times weekly for best results.

○ Nourishing night cream containing peptides to repair skin and support barrier function while you sleep for a protected skin barrier can defend against every skin condition

3. What’s the biggest misconception about using eyelash serums, and how can people maximise their results?

The most common concerns are whether the serums actually work and their potential side effects (irritation, hyperpigmentation, or infection).

To get the lashes you're after, consistency is key! Apply your serum every night (no skipping for 12 weeks), keep your applicator clean, and replace your product every 3 months.

4. What are the key symptoms of having styes and how can we prevent them?

They're those annoying, painful red bumps that pop up on your eyelids. You'll know you have one when your eyelid feels tender, looks swollen, and might even get a bit watery. Think of it like a pimple on your eyelid - not fun at all!

The good news? They're totally preventable. As someone who wears makeup regularly, I always tell my patients to be religious about removing their eye makeup before bed (yes, even after those late nights!). Keep those hands clean when touching your eye area, and always patch test new eye products - your delicate eye area will thank you later.

5. What’s one skincare mistake you made in the past that makes you cringe now?

One thing that makes me go "oof, rookie mistake" was my obsession with super scrubby exfoliants. I'm talking the kind that felt like sandpaper on your face! I thought the more I scrubbed, the clearer my skin would be, sometimes even doing it morning and night – yikes! My skin was constantly angry, hypersensitive, and breaking out like crazy. Turns out that harsh scrubbing was just destroying my skin's natural protective barrier, especially with other potentially irritating products in the mix. It's funny (and a little embarrassing) because now, as a doctor, I preach about the importance of a healthy skin barrier! Definitely learned that lesson the hard way!

6. Can you overuse a lash serum, and if so, what are the potential side effects?

Yes, you absolutely can overuse a lash serum. While the goal is to achieve longer, fuller lashes, more isn't always better and can actually lead to some unwanted side effects.
Here are some potential side effects of overusing lash serum:
Eye Irritation: Applying too much serum or applying it too frequently can cause redness, itching, burning, and general discomfort. 
Unwanted Hair Growth: Allowing lash serum to spread to other areas can potentially stimulate hair growth in those areas where it's not desired.
UKLASH serums are tried, tested and approved in concentrations safe enough to avoid the above, however, it’s important to follow instructions and monitor for adverse features.  Remember: Be consistent. Not excessive.

7. What are some scalp concerns that tend to affect people of colour more frequently, and how can people address them?

Scalp concerns that disproportionately affect individuals with textured hair and melanin-rich skin include:
- Traction alopecia results from prolonged tension from styling practices like tight braids or weaves.
- Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is another significant pattern of alopecia affecting black women
- Scalp psoriasis can present with unique characteristics on darker skin tones, requiring careful diagnosis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Even folliculitis can arise from various factors, including styling and product use.
Ultimately, a gentle and consistent hair care routine, prioritising scalp health and avoiding harsh practices, is crucial. 

8. What would you say are the best benefits of using the UKSKIN LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask?

What makes it special is that it uses not just one, but two types of light: Red and Near Infrared. Think of the red light at 630nm as your go-to for tackling those fine lines and helping your skin bounce back, making it feel firmer. The Near Infrared light at 830nm works a little deeper to balance out your skin's texture and even out your overall tone.
Clinical trials show some impressive results, like over 90% of people seeing fewer fine lines, firmer skin, and a brighter look. It even folds up for travel, so you can keep up your glow wherever you are. And the best part? It's safe and easy to use, requiring just 10-minute sessions.

9. On social media you promote taking care of skin on all areas of our bodies. Which area would you say is forgotten about the most and what should we be doing to take care of it?

Okay, so let's talk about down there - you know, intimate skincare! It's kind of one of those things we don't always chat about openly, but it's just as important as the rest of our skin. Think gentle, like really gentle. Harsh soaps and anything super perfumed are a no-go because they can totally irritate things and mess with your natural balance. Plain warm water or a mild, ph-balanced wash is usually your best bet. Ditching those super-tight, synthetic undies for breathable cotton can also make a big difference in keeping things happy and comfortable. And if you notice anything weird, like redness, itching or anything out of the ordinary, definitely don't just ignore it; it's always best to get it checked out. Basically, it's all about being kind and gentle to that delicate skin, just like we are with our faces!

10. What’s the biggest misconception about acne you’ve come across in your clinic?

One of the biggest and most frustrating misconceptions is the belief that it's simply due to being "dirty" or having poor hygiene. While cleansing is important, acne is a far more intricate issue involving a combination of excess oil production, clogged pores from dead skin cells, the overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, and significant inflammation. Over-washing or using harsh scrubs, based on this misconception, can actually irritate the skin and worsen breakouts by disrupting the skin's natural barrier. Effective acne treatment requires addressing these underlying biological factors, not just surface cleanliness.

11. Can over-plucking permanently damage brow growth, or will they eventually grow back?

That's a common worry! Occasional over-plucking usually won’t cause permanent brow loss, as follicles often stay intact. But long-term, aggressive plucking can weaken or even damage follicles, leading to thinner brows or patchy regrowth. In extreme cases, scar tissue can form. Best bet? Go easy, give your brows time to recover, and if regrowth stalls, try an Eyebrow Serum or visit the Dermatologist for some advice.

12. What causes ingrown hairs across the body and how can we avoid them?

Ingrown hairs happen when hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, often due to curly hair, improper shaving, waxing, clogged follicles, or friction from tight clothes. Prevent them by shaving with a sharp razor on wet, lubricated skin, going with the grain, and avoiding multiple passes. Exfoliate regularly, moisturise, wear looser clothing, and avoid picking at ingrown hairs. Alternative hair removal methods can also help.

13. What is your best hair growth tip for curly and coily hair types? 

For maximising hair growth in curly and coily hair, the most impactful tip is to prioritise consistent moisture and significantly minimise manipulation. Due to the inherent dryness of these textures, focusing on deep conditioning, leave-in treatments, like the UKHAIR Repair Mask, and moisturising styling products is essential for preventing breakage, which often hinders length retention. Simultaneously, adopting gentle detangling practices, such as using a Wide Tooth Comb on damp, conditioned hair, regularly utilising protective styles to shield the ends, sleeping on satin or silk to reduce friction, and limiting heat styling, are crucial for minimising stress and damage to the hair shaft. By consistently hydrating and reducing manipulation, you create an optimal environment for curly and coily hair to thrive, retain length, and achieve its full growth potential in the UK climate.

14. What is the most common cause of Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) and what is the best way to cure it?

Okay, so when you wake up with that gunky, red eye, the most likely culprit is actually just a virus, kind of like catching a cold in your eyeball! For viral pink eye, there's not really a magic cure, you just gotta ride it out for a week or two, using cool compresses to soothe it. Bacterial cases (common in kids) need antibiotic drops, and allergy-related pink eye responds well to antihistamine drops. Bottom line is you should see a doctor to figure out the cause and get the right treatment, especially if it’s painful, blurry, or spreading!

15. We often hear rumblings about hormones being featured in beauty products, is this possible or are they being mislabeled?

When beauty products mention ‘hormones,’ it’s rarely the real deal—those are potent and tightly regulated. More often, it’s milder ingredients that mimic hormonal effects, though the science is still unclear. Sometimes, ‘hormonal’ is just a marketing buzzword. Bottom line: read ingredient lists carefully and don’t fall for every claim; true hormonal treatments are a whole different ballgame.

16. Why do prostaglandin-based lash serums work so well - what’s the science behind them, and should we be cautious?

Okay, so those prostaglandin lash serums really work. The science boils down to these compounds being similar to natural substances in our bodies. They bind to receptors in the hair follicles on your eyelids, essentially prolonging the hair growth phase and encouraging more hairs to sprout, making your lashes look longer and thicker. Pretty cool, but here's the thing – because they are biologically active, they can have side effects beyond just your lashes. Some people experience eye irritation, redness, or skin darkening around the eye. So it’s smart to be cautious around them, using only reputable serums, such as the UKLASH Eyelash Serum, or opting for products with alternatives if you’re prone to reactions, and always following the safety instructions carefully.

17. There is a lot of talk online about the safety of using prostaglandin analogues for lash growth, can you speak a little bit about them and if they're good for growth in small doses?

Prostaglandin analogues in lash serums ARE worthy of the hype, and for good reason – they're pretty effective at boosting growth. These compounds are similar to natural substances that keep your lashes in the active phases of growth. While the concentrations in these serums are lower than in glaucoma eye drops (where these effects were first noticed!), they're still biologically active. When used incorrectly, they can cause side effects for some people, like redness, irritation and eyelid darkening. Using reputable brands that formulate carefully and following instructions is key to minimising potential issues, but the risk isn't zero even with lower concentrations.   

18. Are PA-free serums as effective?

PA-free serums typically rely on a blend of ingredients like peptides, biotin, amino acids, and botanical extracts. These ingredients aim to nourish and strengthen the existing lashes, improve their overall health, and potentially support natural growth.  
While PA-free serums can lead to visible improvements in lash length and thickness over time for many users, the results are often more gradual and less pronounced compared to PA serums. 

19. Let’s get into our Quickfire round!

LED Face Mask - Morning or Evening? Evening (great for winding down and letting skin repair overnight).
Natural Oils or Skincare Science? Skincare Science
Lashes or Brows? Brows (they frame the whole face!).
Eyelash Separator or Eyelash Curler? Eyelash Curler
Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid? Both are amazing, but if I had to pick one... Hyaluronic Acid (hydration is key!)

Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa’s refreshing honesty and medical expertise remind us that skincare is so much more than just products; it’s about empowerment, education, and embracing every part of ourselves. From understanding lash serum science to debunking acne myths, and championing care for all areas of the body, Dr. Kemi proves that confidence starts with knowledge.

At UKLASH, we're on a mission to amplify voices like hers that cut through the noise and bring clarity to beauty and wellness. Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you’re ready to take it to the next level, Dr. Kemi’s advice is your blueprint to a healthier, bolder and stronger you.