Aivee Teo’s clients are some of Manila’s most glamorous. But the dermatologist’s own wardrobe often trumps her clients’, her closet of Gucci, Balenciaga, Dior, Stella McCartney and Tibi making regular rotations in her OOTDs. But, she says, her best buy of the year so far isn’t even a new purse or shoes—it’s art.

 

Read on for Teo’s tips on how to maintain skin in your 20s, 30s and 40s, and a few skincare hacks anyone—on any budget—can try out.

 

What’s the last thing you bought?

 

A three-month old St. Bernard puppy

 

Best purchase of 2017 so far?

 

An Andres Barrioquintos art piece for my new clinic.

 

What looks from the S/S 2017 shows are you lusting over?

 

Stella Mccartney for her slogan/statement T-shirts. Tibi for the waist cinchers and statement stripes. Dior for the kitten heels, tulle skirts and dresses. Victoria Beckham for the deconstructed shirts, and bralettes over shirts and dresses.

 

How do you shop for your wardrobe?

 

I get to update myself with the latest fashion trends and discover new labels from my trips, through online shops and fashion magazines. But my favorite shopping destination is still Singapore—my second home—as I am very familiar with the best shopping places and brands, and I have more time for myself when I’m there.

 

 

Do you differentiate between work wear and weekend wear?

 

My work wear is usually more dressy, classy and sophisticated. On weekends, I go for more comfortable, casual and relaxed outfits, like jeans, jumpsuits, summer dresses, sneakers and loafers.

How do you define glam today?

 

To be glamorous is to be charmingly and fascinatingly attractive in a sophisticated and elegant way. I also associate it with someone who is sure and confident of her personal style and who’s able to project the best version of herself.

What’s the worst trend you’re seeing coming out of the gate for 2017?

 

The fashion trend I feel we should say goodbye to for 2017 would be fur slippers. Personally, I can’t pull it off and I feel it’s not for everyone since it can make you look sloppy, if worn inappropriately. Another one would be cutout or cold shoulder tops. I think it’s a trend that has been overused and abused by most fashion brands.

 

 

Best trend?

 

Slogan tees, bold vibrant stripes, one-shoulder tops and dresses, deconstructed shirts, waist cinchers and fold-over waists.

 

What pieces did you inherit from your mom that you still use today?

 

A South Sea pearl necklace. It is a true classic that never goes out style; also, a Cartier Santos watch that I can wear every day to work and even on casual weekends.

 

What’s the secret to good skin?

 

Living a healthy lifestyle. Eating right and avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol and extreme sun exposure. A good cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Daily application of a sunscreen SPF 30 or 40 that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB.

 

For people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on skincare, what’s a beauty hack you’d recommend?

 

Raw milk can help improve complexion, by making it whiter and smoother. Either apply raw milk on the whole face, or create a face mask by mixing milk with honey and lemon juice.

 

Use tea bags to relieve tired eyes. Tea contains caffeine and tannins that help reduce puffiness, dark eye circles and improve circulation.

 

Use cold water as toner for oily skin. You can keep cold filtered water in a spritzer in the refrigerator and spray in the morning before you start your day. You can also use ice cubes to close pores.

 

Use petroleum jelly to address dry, sore and chapped lips. Petroleum jelly can also be used as an eye makeup remover.

 

 

What are the top five beauty products you keep returning to?

 

Retinoids, which are good for antiaging as they boost collagen, exfoliate and lighten the skin and prevent lines and wrinkles. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic) to improve skin texture and pore reduction. Moisturizers rich in peptides and ceramides to keep my skin hydrated and supple. Vitamin C serum, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps lighten and even out skin tone. Lastly, a good sunblock foundation that doubles up as my daily concealer.

 

What’s the latest innovative beauty product you’re hooked on?

 

Skin boosters. They help hydrate your skin from within by replenishing the skin’s hyaluronic acid, creating more luminous and glowing skin.

 

What’s the worst thing you can do to your skin?

 

Excessive sun exposure and smoking. Both can severely damage your skin, making you prone to pigmentations, more visible fine lines and wrinkles and dehydrated skin. They also speed up the aging process.

 

If you had a peg on how to age gracefully, who would it be?

 

Julianne Moore. She doesn’t look her age. You can tell she knows how to take good care of herself, without going over the top. She perfectly defines a woman who is defying gravity.

 

What should a woman do in her 20s to protect her skin?

 

She should already start maintaining her skin with proper care. Even this early, signs of aging can already show. She should protect her skin from the sun by wearing a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Also, treat skin with mild exfoliation, especially if prone to acne. Never go to bed with makeup on, and use a good cleanser to prevent breakouts. Of course, a healthy balanced diet, adequate sleep and exercise would also be beneficial.

 

Does that change in her 30s? 40s?

 

That’s when fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. The skin is less oily and starts to become dull and dehydrated. Signs of pigmentation start to develop as well, along with sagging and loss of elasticity.

 

A more thorough skincare routine addressing these concerns has to be initiated. Lasers for rejuvenation and tightening should be considered. A visit to an expert /dermatologist for proper guidance and advice is important.

 

If you start maintaining your skin at this stage, the aging process can be delayed. More serious and invasive procedures in the future may be avoided.