I’ve always been intimidated by going to a dermatologist. I had to stop buying into the idea that anything deemed “vain” should be looked down upon. I also grew up thinking that you’ll only need to go to a derma when you have a skin disease. A big part of it was how I, despite all other evidence pointing otherwise, deemed it as expensive.
We’re so ready to book nail appointments, split with a couple of pesos for a new sheet mask, and head to the salon for a regular cut. When it comes to seeing a derma, though, there’s that slight hesitation. Why is that? If you’re ready to change up your look with lash extensions or to invest in waxing sessions, why does going to the dermatologist—a fundamental step in your skincare—a chore?
A terrible and hormonally-caused acne breakout last year got me booking anti-acne facials in different clinics left and right. It also made me realize: As you approach your 30s, your skin is just as invincible. It begins to show the wear-and-tear of your past youth.
I then realized that looking for the right skin care clinic, and the doctor is just like dating. You try and meet a few mismatches before you find the one who gets you. Following my dating analogy and in that typical rom-com twist, the one for me wasn’t far from home.
Welcoming, not overwhelming
Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic in Quezon City is a five-minute walk from my place. I’m lucky since the distance dismantles any excuses I may have in postponing appointments. One thing every doctor will tell you: When it comes to seeking expert medical attention, don’t look far. Go to the one closest to you. Otherwise, you won’t develop the good habit of going as often as you should.
I trooped to Skin House after encountering Dr. Lovelyn Hababag–Daet in Bonifacio Global City when Skinhouse opened their third branch.
At that time, I was in between acne facials with a different clinic but was quite unhappy. Dr. Daet told me to meet her in their QC branch so she could analyze my skin sans makeup. Two weeks later, I found myself inside Skin House’s white and blue setup: a homey place where you can feel relaxed as you get your beauty treatment. It doesn’t feel overwhelming, just welcoming.
Quickly, Dr. Daet listened to my skin story and told me how we’d have a systematic way of dealing with them. In my case, the acne breakout that brought a medley of red bumps, painful pustules, and dark spots were the primary concern. Dr. Daet recommended the Anti-Acne Facial every month, along with a prescription of tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and oral antibiotics.
Anti-acne regimen
The Anti-Acne Facial at Skin House is a three-step process. First, there is the extraction of the pimples manually by a trained aesthetician. Second, a calming seaweed mask to tone down the irritation. The third is a LED mask to kill the bacteria. My first and my second sessions that were one-month apart due to my schedule showed results in a week. I noticed because, by early February, I ditched the concealer and relied on just a thin application of mattifying CC Cream.
What I also found ideal about Skin House is that they don’t push a million products on you. Dr. Daet asked about my skincare routine and told me to stick to the products I was using (Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion 2) since they don’t exacerbate my skin problems and do what they are supposed to do.
I liked this as a different clinic encouraged me to overhaul my entire routine with their in-house product line, without even asking me about the products I had. That experience felt like they were making money off me as the products they advised didn’t do much in between my facials with them.
Custom care
Of course, Skin House will advise you to use certain products, especially if your current regimen isn’t helping your skin. As with anything skincare related, everything is subject to your custom needs, and this clinic will always hear you out first.
For example, Dr. Daet didn’t bombard me with other services, even when I asked her about their Angel Whitening treatment. She told me first to see how my acne will help up before considering other treatments. That means I have to stick with the schedule she gives me and follow her advice.
If you’re not dealing with oily and acne-prone skin, Skinhouse also offers other facials like Oxylight’s Madonna Facial or the Aqua Radiance Facial. If you’re concerned about other dark areas in your skin, they have the Revlite Laser.
I’m looking forward to how every month, at least, I’ll be at Skinhouse to learn more about my skin and how to take care of it. With all the other appointments, I book to look my best, that one with a trusted dermatologist should always be the priority.
The story continues
These days, I’m no longer dealing with pimples. Gradually with my dermatologist-approved skin routine, my skin feels soft and looks even. Now that I’m over acne, I wanna tackle the dark spots left behind. Skin House advises Revlite. I’ll get back to you on how it goes!
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