What's your skin problem?
At the Watsons Skin Solutions event held on October 3, 2024, in SM Mall of Asia Atrium, top beauty brands showcased products aimed at addressing a wide range of skin concerns.
Dermatologists were also on hand, sharing expert tips on achieving that coveted glowing skin.
Here they are.
Read: Ciara Sotto regrets not starting skin care sooner
HOW TO AVOID SKIN PIGMENTATION
As you get older, sun can easily give your skin dark spots and pigmentation.
Hence, the top skin must-have of all dermatologists is SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which should always be part of everyone’s skin-care routine.
Dr. Katrina Luz, a board-certified dermatologist, said, “People think that they don’t need to apply sunscreen when they’re indoors, but then the fun fact is if you have windows, you still need to apply sunscreen because it (sunlight) can still go through...
"Even when cloudy, you still need to apply sunscreen."
So there's the sunscreen that screens the ultraviolet rays, letting some in; there's also the sunblock, which reflect's the sun rays blocking them from penetrating the skin.
Dr. Francesca Sy-Alvarado, owner and medical director of Quad Clinic, underscored that the daily application of sunblock prevents users from acquiring skin cancer, sunburn, and pigmentation.
“It’s very important to protect our skin from the sun because, number one, the skin is the largest organ in the body. Siya yung first line of defense natin sa external environment. Siya yung unang sumasagap ng sunlight,” she says.
Do you have to re-apply all the time?
Dr. Sy-Alvarado stressed that when there is no direct exposure to sunlight, there is no need to re-apply sunscreen. Otherwise, remember to put on SPF every three to four hours.
And to enhance its effectiveness, Dr. Luz recommended the use of a Vitamin C serum.
Read: What Issa Pressman and Leila Alcasid use to have poreless skin
PEP PICKS: FOR SPF
Dermaction Plus by Watsons Advanced Sun SPF50 PA+++ Water Drop Cream Gel 40ml does not only protect but hydraye as well.
One of its active ingredients is Hyaluronic Acid, which retains moisture in the skin.
Price: PHP399 on Lazada.
HOW TO TREAT ACNE
One of the repeated concerns brought to the discussion was acne.
The common advice was to use extra mild products.
And if you have oily skin, control the "earlier phases" of oiliness with "salicylic acid," which Dr. Sy-Alavardo described as "one of the good ingredients...because it goes deeper to the core and dissolves excess oil."
PEP PICKS: FOR ACNE
Try Pore Care Intensive serum of Target Pro by Watsons, which is infused with Salicylic acid and helps reduce blackheads and pore visibility.
Price: PHP1,699 on Watsons.
Add to this, Dr. Charlene Ang-Tiu stated that fighting acne requires reducing bacteria and inflammation by looking for anti-comedogenic products.
She said, “In acne, there’s a lot of topical products that we can use, but if it’s severe, you need to consult your dermatologist because there are oral medications that will help you and we want to prevent acne scars that are permanent.
"Acnes are temporary, we can treat them. But the scars, we can still treat them, but they're more hard and expensive to treat."
WHAT ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
Among the most dreadful signs of skin aging are wrinkles and fine lines, but the dermatologists said they can be prevented.
Dr. Cricelda Rescober-Valencia explained that inflammation in the skin leads to sensitivity and premature aging.
“If you notice those patient with dry skin, they tend to look more haggard, medyo mas wrinkly yung mga balat nila."
To fight dull skin, the dermatologists highly recommended using products that are rich in Vitamin C, which is multifunctional and is considered a suitable skin brightener.
Dr. Sy-Alvarado said, “When we want bright skin, we generally want brighteners, antioxidants, and, of course, we have to protect it with sunscreen.
"So, in general, ano yung example ng brighteners? Vitamin C and Niacinamide."
The latter is a type of vitamin B-3 which an help treat acne and eczema.
Katrin Mae Salvador, the senior brand manager of Target Pro by Watsons, claims that their Whitening Intensive Serum can be beneficial in stimulating collagen within the skin as it includes Diamond Sirt, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3, which helps even skin tones and brightens dull skin.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen production.
Dr. Luz said, “Collagen is one of the structures of the skin that gives it its healthy, plump appearance, and you actually lose aroundone percernt of collagen each year once you hit your 20s.
"So definitely, once you are 20 years old and up, Vitamin C is an ingredient you need to add to your skin-care routine.”
PEP PICKS: FOR WRINKLES
Target Pro's s Age Defense Serum also has a Diamond Sirt and a "New Capsule Wrinkle Solution," which can help delay visible signs of aging.
PHP: PHP1,499 on Watsons.com.ph
WHAT TO DO WITH SENSITIVE SKIN
If you have a sensitive, it means your skin will most likely react to products it may come i contact with.
Dr. Rescober-Valencia called them "external triggers."
She said, "During 1990s to 2000s, the top most identified trigger is the use of cosmetics, followed by wet air, air conditioning, temperature changes, heat, water, and pollution.
"However, after 2022 onwards, yung temperature change natin was promoted to top 1 na, not only in Asia, but also all over the world.
"Especially here in the Philippines, we know ang season natin is wet and dry."
The "weakened skin barrier" is said to be the cause of this.
Her advice: "You have to give it proper TLC, Tender Loving Care, or dermatologically speaking, it’s Target skin disruption, Lock in moisture, and Connect skin cells.”
he emphasized that skin care should be simple as much as possible.
PEP PICKS: FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
The Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Facial Wash is pH-Blanaced, low irritant, and strengthens skin barrier.
Price: PHP350 on Lazada.
Wrapping up the event, the dermatologists, along with TikTok content creator Jan Angelo, highlighted the importance of knowing one’s skin type before starting skin-care routine.
Dr. Luz said, “Know your skin type, skin concerns, and your personal sensitivities and tolerances because it really boils down to your skin and what works for you.”
Dr. Sy-Alvarado added, “It’s very important that it’s sustainable. So skin care should be sustainable, it shouldn’t break the bank... Alamin mo muna your goals and then you can also know your budget, what works for your budget. You don’t really need expensive products."