For all matipid girlies out there, I know it can be scary to spend thousands of pesos on facial treatments, especially in a celeb-approved dermatological clinic. Letting go of that amount of hard-earned money in one go sounds like a splurge that can be directed at something else. I'm here to convince you otherwise. It's a beauty investment you can treat yourself to at least once a month. File it under "high maintenance things to be low maintenance."
Why you shouldn't be intimated
It can get intimidating to enter a derma clinic. You'd have to think of the rates and get worried about what the doctor might say to you. The clinic is a safe space so feel free to talk to your derma about your skin concerns. It also helps if you ask around friends about their go-to clinics. Referrals give you an idea of what to expect during a visit.
If budget is an issue, you can DM the clinics and ask about their rates. Although they won't give specific numbers for some treatments, they can give you a price range. Professional treatments are a beauty investment, but their costs should still be within your means. From personal experience, I always ask about their packages to get free sessions or discounted rates.
Why happens before the treatment?
Before you get a facial, a consultation with the clinic's in-house dermatologist is the first step. This part will help you discover your skin's current state and how to address the particular concern. This is also the time to bring up your pressing questions: "Is this hormonal acne?" "Am I hiyang with this product?"
At the consult, the doctor will explain the treatments, products, and ingredients that will really work for your skin. Instead of spending money on products you're not sure yet if they'll work for you, you can focus your budget on items that are prescribed to you. Imagine all the pesos you've already spent on products that don't even work for you. Sayang lang.
What happens during a professional, in-clinic beauty treatment?
I happened to go to Belo Clinic in One Bonifacio High Street, BGC. I booked an appointment to be sure that I'll get accommodated by their ~*super busy*~ branch.
During my appointment, I talked to their in-house dermatologist and shared that my skin has changed so much now that I'm in my late 30s. I rarely get acne, but I find that my skin has become super sensitive. Intense heat, rubber (yes as in the elastic kind), and stress trigger flare-ups and redness. My skincare routine is now filled with hydrating products—I've kissed salicylic acid products goodbye. I was puzzled, and I learned that my skin concerns are dehydrated skin and wrinkles. What I needed was a hydrating facial treatment plus an anti-aging regimen.
READ: Is There A Difference Between 'Moisturizing' And 'Hydrating' Products?
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Why get a dermatological clinic facial?
When you want a serious glow-up and corrective treatment, visit dermatological clinics. The combined medical and aesthetic advice will never disappoint you. You'll get your money's worth because dermatologists swore an oath to care for their patients. The best part is the treatment itself, which is done inside a private room. You'll feel like a VIP.
In Belo, they recommended that I get the Mermaid Facial. It uses "microbubbles" to deeply cleanse the skin. It infuses a mix of AHA ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid partnered with hyaluronic acid on the face. The result is renewed, glowing skin—like skin fresh out of the water. I have to say that derma facials like this are top-tier. I felt like a celebrity and I am assured that I'm getting the best treatment for my skin.
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During the treatment, they squeezed out the blackness, removed milia, and overall removed the gunk stuck beneath my pores. Post-facial, my complexion was glowing and the redness calmed down. I was then given a set of products to help address the occasional zits and wrinkles. I apply ZO Skin Health Retinol Brightener at night thrice a week (M-W-F) to reduce the appearance of fine lines and fade pigmentation. I also have spot treatment scream for zits I get whenever Aunt Flo is around. Another favorite: ZO Oil Control Pads which can zap excess sebum like a pro.
ZO Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5% Retinol 50ML, P7,600, Belo
So... was it all worth it?
I noticed my skin peeling after a few days of us of the ZO Skin Health Retinol Brightener. I clarified this with the Belo team and they assured me that it does happen but I'll love the results. "Your skin will be snatched!" They declared. After MONTHS of religiously using it, I swear I never saw my skin this healthy and glowing. I found myself skipping foundation and skin tint. I can just flaunt my bare skin (with sunscreen, of course!) This skincare product lineup helped preserve the glow and nourishment I got from the Mermaid Facial. Will I come back? Yes. I'm actually about to book myself another appointment!
In case you're curious, Belo Facials cost from P2.5k to P10,000, depending on your chosen treatment. The basic one you can try that's every editor's favorite is the Botanical Facial, which is around P2.5k per session.
A professional facial treatment is a good way to jumpstart your skincare goals. When done monthly, it helps maintain your skin's healthy state. With facials, for optimal results, they have to be partnered with a consistent regimen.
Belo Clinic is located at One Bonifacio High Street Park, 5th Ave., 2F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, BGC.
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