Unlike her six-step nighttime skin-care routine, Alex Gonzaga keeps her daytime regimen uncomplicated.
The ABS-CBN actress-host never forgets to cleanse, moisturize, and protect her skin to keep it looking fair and healthy.
However, Alex admits that she usually skipped moisturizing and protecting her skin from the harsh rays of the sun when she was younger.
"Ang dati kong mistake, I don't put enough sunblock," she told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview at the launch of Block & White Sakura White in Market! Market! mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last Tuesday, October 16.
"Tingin ko, kapag hindi ka naman nagbi-beach, hindi naman kailangan."
It was Alex's boyfriend Mikee Morada who advised her to start taking care of her skin more.
She recalled, "Boyfriend ko pa actually nagturo sa akin, 'Lagyan mo nang lagyan ng lotion!'
"Nung nilagyan ko, nag-lighten, naging malambot. Hindi mo na rin pala kailangan maglagay ng kalamansi."
The Mary, Marry Me star noted that even indirect exposure to sunlight causes damage to our skin.
She told PEP.ph, "Actually, just walking or yung ray lang, kahit na kunyare nasa shade ka, yung ray lang ng araw, it's bad na rin for your skin.
"Yung skin kasi natin, sinabi rin sa kin ng skin doctor ko, the more na hindi mo siya i-moisturize or i-hydrate, tingin niya nabubugbog siya.
"Kasi tingin niya dry siya, so the more na tingin niya hindi mo siya namo-moisturize, the more siya magpo-produce ng melanin.
"So iitim siya or kakapal siya."
Alex has also tried different skin-care routines through the years.
When asked what didn't work for her, Alex said taking a milk bath didn't really have an effect on her skin.
According to Livestrong.com, it can make the skin smooth because of the fat and protein in it.
Milk baths are also said to ease skin irritation and enhance relaxation.
But Alex did not see any difference.
She said, "Dati, yung maligo daw ng gatas. Nung bata kami, maligo daw ng gatas. Parang hindi naman [effective].
"Parang maligo daw ng gatas kasi nakaka-soften daw ng skin, parang hindi naman."
She further quipped, "Sinubukan ko dati pero nanghinayang ko, ininom ko na lang din.
"Sayang, sana nilagyan ko ng cereals yung balde."