Like most things, the condition of your skin is a matter of choice. As someone who’s experienced having a table of beautiful women compliment me on my skin at one time, and having  my co-workers accost me when pimples broke out in clusters on my forehead and cheeks in another, I’ve seen how subtle changes in my skin care regimen, diet and lifestyle have made an impact on the clarity of my complexion.

 

An important ally in making sure that that my T-zone doesn’t become a war zone for oil and bacteria is my dermatologist. Whenever someone comes up to me and asks for advice when it comes to dealing with breakouts, my first answer is to always go to a dermatologist.

 

Self-medication and experimentation are usually hit or miss. My take on it is, do all the experimenting you want on your skin, but go to an expert first, so you can have a baseline idea of what does and does not work for your skin type. (And no, taking an online quiz and self-diagnosing your skin type based on generalized characteristics is not the same thing.)

 

My skin always looks best when I’m working closely with my dermatologist, but I also understand when people aren’t able to make that kind of commitment. I’ll admit that meeting Dr. Cecilia Faustino of MD Aesthetique was a chance encounter, and even though part of my press perks is getting to try skin care treatments for free, I still drive all the way from Alabang to Pasig and pay good money for her services.

 

However, it can get expensive, especially in the beginning. It also takes up so much time, and sadly, it’s difficult to find the right one whose approach would work for you.

 

Unique regimen

 

Another solution that could be a lot more feasible for most people is a new skin care brand called Spirae Derm, a new dermatological company that provides customized, affordable, reliable, effective and safe skin care products. Using a unique algorithm developed by Spirae Derm’s dermatologists, you can choose a customized regimen suitable for your skin, depending on your age, skin type and concerns.

 

The Spirae Derm brand specializes in face creams, with eight distinct face cream formulations to address specific skin concerns of clients while taking into consideration their skin type and age.

 

I had the opportunity to sample the Sprizzle Moisturizer for normal skin types (P460), which absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky or greasy residue. However, the formulation doesn’t feel light enough for oily and combination skin types like myself. Perhaps it is best paired with the Omega Control Night Cream (P460), which is made for acne-prone skin and works to control excess oil.

 

The Silverscreen Sunblock (P460) doubles as an excellent makeup primer, leaves minimal grease and, most importantly, is non-comedogenic. The only downside is it is only SPF 20, which is fine for city living when you’re ducking from your car to the mall or office, but not at all suitable for the beach or outdoor activities.

 

The Spirae Derm brand also has a cleanser and a toner in its product line to complement its face creams. The Savonneux facial cleanser (P250) is

hypoallergenic and organically sourced. Though the brand claims it can remove makeup,  I have not put the product to the test; I’m already happy with the way my skin reacts to micellar water products like Bioderma.

 

The Nighttime Simplified Toner (P250), on the other hand, is a gentle face mist that cleanses skin and removes excess oil. It also claims to reduce wrinkles, lighten skin and prevent pimples.

 

Spirae Derm is now available in PCX outlets and on Zalora.com.ph. For more information, visit  www. spiraederm.com.