Like many people, former beauty queen Rabiya Mateo has faced insecurities from having skin issues.
Read: Rabiya Mateo now unaffected by comments about her looks
But unlike many people, Rabiya has always been candid about her skin problems, particularly with acne and acne marks.
"I struggled with acne, even before joining Miss Universe Philippines," told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "Yun po ngayon yung ina-address namin.
"There are days when I wake up in the morning and when I look in the mirror and I would say, 'Wow, I look good today.'
"Especially [today], no pun intended, especially when I have my facial done.
"Kasi iba po talaga yung glow ng skin after pag in-apply yung serum with dermal clear treatment, as well. It's a facial kung saan ine-extract yung mga whiteheads natin.
"Kasi kahit wala akong make-up at all, I can really see my skin that is very healthy, that is glowing."
PEP interviewed Rabiya during her launch as the newest ambassador for Royal Aesthetics Clinic on May 11, 2024, held at Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City.
RABIYA tackles skin issues
During the event, Rabiya revealed the skin-care routine that worked for her in tackling acne issues.
"I think the secret is having enough sleep. Pero sa taping po, ito... yung isang sikreto ko rin is that pag gabi na, I do [remove] my make-up.
"Naghihilamos po talaga ako. Skin care is very important.
"Dapat... kahit anong pagod mo, kailangan masipag ka pagdating sa iyong mukha."
In addition to her regular skin-care routine, consistent beauty treatments and clinic visits also played a crucial role in addressing her insecurities, especially on days when she experiences acne breakouts.
"Of course, as a woman, may mga days tayo hindi talaga natin naiiwasan na may lumalabas na mga blemishes.
"Like pimple, pag tagal naging yung acne mark siya. So, kailangan talaga, every two weeks, I would also have my facial."
Rabiya's current favorite treatment is the Vampire Facial, which has significantly improved her skin's texture and reduced acne marks.
Explaining how the treatment works, she said, "Ngayon, yung ginagawa sa akin is the Vampire Facial. Kung saan, if I'm not mistaken, parang mag-extract sila ng blood for me.
"Tapos yung plasma, yun yung ginagamit na serum together with that microneedling.
"So medyo binubutasan yung aking face para ipasok yung plasma and that would lead to collagen synthesis.
"So that would help me to have a more brighter complexion, even texture sa skin ko kasi yung talaga yung struggle ko is my acne scars."
RABIYA'S BEST BEAUTY ADVICE
Her most important advice for treating acne and addressing acne marks is to consult a skin-care expert.
Drawing from her personal experience, she explained, "Go to a doctor.
"Kasi dati, what I would do is that I would watch vloggers, you know, and I would see na, 'Oh, this product worked for them,' then I would buy that product, and then my skin would get worse.
"Tapos manonood na naman ako ng different video, and then, you know, lumalala ng lumalala, it didn't work for me.
"So dapat pumunta talaga sa doktor, so that machi-check nila, what's causing your acne? If it's hereditary, ano bang magagawa natin? Medication na pwedeng ibigay?
"Because yung skin problem, marami siyang causes, marami siyang pinanggagalingan, so dapat pumunta tayo sa taong nakakaalam."
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