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Dr Chidimma Ajayi is a physician, lifestyle medicine practitioner, human nutritionist and medical aesthetics professional with over 20 decades of expertise in health care and medical leadership. She is currently the Medical Director of Clearview Aesthetics Medicine Clinic, also known as CALM. The clinic located in Lekki, Lagos State, combines advanced medical aesthetics with lifestyle medicine to deliver holistic care that enhances both healthy and beauty lifestyle. She spoke with Sunday Sun.
Why exactly did you choose this profession? Did it have anything to do with your husband being a medical doctor?
I’m a medical doctor as well. I’m an American Board-certified lifestyle medicine physician and a women’s health specialist.
What actually sparked my interest was the fact that, if you go online today, you’ll find so many aestheticians. Honestly, I don’t think this field is as well regulated as it should be. From the people I’ve spoken to, many don’t really understand the difference between a spa and an aesthetic clinic. Just as the name suggests, CALM is where you find calm. It is a physician-led aesthetic and wellness clinic, combining both aesthetics and lifestyle medicine.
I should also point out that we’re not just about skincare. Women’s health is one of my greatest passions. I believe every woman deserves to be seen, valued, and happy. That happiness shouldn’t depend solely on external appearance. It should come from within.
People often tell me, “Chidi’ you’re always smiling and always happy.” That’s because I’ve developed self-awareness. When you’re truly self-aware, external circumstances don’t define your happiness. You might be struggling financially and still find reasons to smile because you’re alive, you have hope, and you keep putting your best foot forward. We also help women protect their emotional energy.
Could you tell the difference between a Spa and aesthetic clinic?
For me, the main difference is that a spa does not provide individualised treatment. Whatever treatment you receive is generally the same for everyone. They know you need a facial or want glowing skin, but they won’t necessarily ask the important questions that help enhance those results and sustain them. More importantly, they don’t really focus on your overall wellness. It’s often a one-size-fits-all approach.
An aesthetic clinic, on the other hand, should be run by a certified physician or someone with the appropriate qualifications because the care is individualised. When you come in, we listen to you, understand your concerns, and personalise your treatment. We don’t assume that because one product works for one person, it will work for everyone else.
What is your take on the vast body, facials Botox, fillers and such commercials on social media?
I received my training and certifications in the UK, and coming back to Nigeria has been quite a rollercoaster. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m Nigerian and I used to live here. Many Nigerians want quick fixes, and honestly, that can be quite challenging because we’re a clinic, and we must do things ethically and according to professional standards.
No doctor should feel pressured into compromising those standards. Patients come to us for help, not the other way around. We’re here to listen, understand your concerns, and provide treatment that improves not only your appearance but also your overall health.
One thing that sets us apart is communication. As lifestyle medicine physicians, we place a strong emphasis on educating our patients. If I don’t explain what is happening with your health, there’s no way your treatment can be truly effective. I don’t want my patients guessing. You deserve to understand everything concerning your health
Our duty is about helping people age healthily, physically and emotionally. Sadly, when you go online, you’ll find countless skincare routines being promoted, and it genuinely breaks my heart because many people simply don’t know the risks involved. You may achieve the complexion you desire, but in many cases, you’re doing more harm than good. Also, we listen, assess carefully, and never pretend to know everything at first glance. We also use advanced diagnostic equipment that helps us identify concerns the human eye cannot easily detect.
Could we say our skin is a reflection of our lifestyle?
Your skin has several layers, and the first thing many harsh products damage is the skin barrier. That’s why so many people experience complications such as dryness, irritation, and hyper-pigmentation. To be honest, I was once a victim of that myself. Like many women, I wanted beautiful skin and followed trends without fully understanding the consequences.
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The truth is that your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body. Your emotions show on your skin. Your diet shows on your skin. Stress shows on your skin. That’s why many people experience breakouts. It isn’t always genetic. Sometimes it’s allergies, hormonal changes, stress, or other internal factors. Our role is to help you understand these triggers, manage them properly, and achieve sustainable results.
What is the difference between your beauty clinic and others in town?
At CALM Clinic, we’re here to support women through these hormonal changes. Every client aged 40 and above undergoes a comprehensive assessment, including blood tests, so we can understand what’s happening inside the body before recommending treatment.
Once you begin your journey with us, your treatment plan will clearly outline every step of the process. It’s designed to be ongoing because true wellness isn’t achieved overnight. It’s not a one-time fix. As a woman, your skincare should be part of your regular self-care routine, ideally every month.
Then there’s another stage of life that every woman will eventually experience, and that’s perimenopause and menopause. It can be an incredibly difficult journey, and every woman’s experience is different. Unfortunately, these changes aren’t visible on the face. You all look beautiful, and I can’t tell your ages just by looking at you. However, sometimes I can tell from the way someone carries herself that she’s dealing with a lot internally.
Is there a blend of traditional and modern treatments in your approach?
Our approach begins with understanding your health. When you come to us with a skin concern, we don’t just look at the surface. We investigate what’s happening internally and combine medical treatment with lifestyle interventions where necessary.
If medication is required, we prescribe it. We also work collaboratively with nutritionists and psychologists because wellness requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Could you tell us a little about your personal style?
My style is simple, elegant, and very feminine.
What beauty routine would you advise for women from 40 years and above?
Beauty after 40 is less about chasing perfection and more about preserving healthy skin from the inside out. My advice is to keep your skincare routine simple but consistent. Cleanse gently, use an antioxidant such as Vitamin C in the morning, moisturise daily, and never skip a broad-spectrum sunscreen. At night, a retinol or other retinoid can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture over time.
Beyond skincare, remember that true beauty starts with your lifestyle. CALM Clinic advocates eating a balanced diet rich in colourful fruits, vegetables and adequate protein, staying well hydrated, exercising regularly, prioritising quality sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. These daily habits support healthy skin, slow premature ageing, and help you look and feel your best. The goal is not to look younger, but to age gracefully, confidently, and in good health.
How is it like working in the same environment with your husband as doctors?
I actually love working with my husband. We share the same work ethic and genuinely inspire each other to do better every day. There’s no negative energy between us, just mutual respect and a shared vision.
One thing we’ve learned is not to mix business with pleasure. When we’re at work, we’re professionals first. Of course, every now and then, we sneak a little affection into the mix. I think that’s one of the things that keep our relationship and our working partnership enjoyable. It has been a blessing building something meaningful together while still making room for each other as husband and wife.
Tell us your favourite food and why
I love simple, healthy, nutrient-dense meals. I don’t have just one favourite food because I enjoy variety, but I’m naturally drawn to meals made with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. They nourish my body, keep my energy levels stable, and make me feel my best. As a lifestyle medicine physician, I believe that food is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing disease and promoting long-term health, so I try to let my plate reflect that philosophy.
What are your favourite travel destinations? And why so?
I’m actually not much of a traveller, probably because I don’t enjoy getting on a plane. If I could avoid flying altogether, I probably would! If I told you I’ve never been to Abuja, would you believe it?
Ironically, I now live in the UK, but that was more out of necessity than a love for travel. I’ve been fortunate to visit a few destinations, but if I’m being honest, my favourite destination will always be home. There’s something about being in a familiar place, surrounded by the people you love, that no holiday can replace for me. Home is where I feel most at peace.
