Acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage are the top three skin concerns commonly experienced by Filipinos.
They are partly caused by the country’s tropical climates—where humidity, heat, and sun exposure can worsen their effects.
Dr. Paul Francis Verano of Renewplus Medical Aesthetics told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview: “Ang usual concerns pa rin ng mga Filipinos is acne and then pigmentation.
“Kasi, you know, as a Filipino, we are usually oily skin, so yun. And yung usual cause kasi ng acne is excess oil production.
“Madami pa rin talagang may mga acne.
“Sun exposure as well kaya medyo marami ding concerned sa mga pigmentation.
Photo/s: PR Photo
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
How do Filipinos deal with these skin concerns?
Doc Paul observed that they are not that meticulous about the products they use, not even bothering if “hindi pa nakalagay yung mga ingredients doon sa mga labels nila.”
He said: “Usually, ang ginagawa kasi ng mga Pinoy is using harsh products…
“Yung talagang nafi-feel nila na nagpi-peel yung balat nila. Kasi nafi-feel nila, mas effective pag nagpi-peel yung skin nila.
“Which is too risky kasi that’s too harsh for your skin.
“So instead na maging maganda yung result, mas lalong nakaka-harm sa skin natin.”
This interview took place during the grand opening of his clinic, which he co-founded with businessman John Bilaos, on June 3, 2025.
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MANAGE ACNE PIGMENTATION
For those opting to manage acne pigmentation at home, Dr. Paul advised on what to look for in over-the-counter products.
“Ingredients that are effective in addressing pigmentation are Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Retinol,” he said.
However, he warned that some of these ingredients should not be used together to avoid irritating the skin.
“Hindi puwede ipag-combine si Vitamin C and Retinol kasi it’s too harsh on the skin. Pag nagsasabay sila, it will irritate talaga your skin.
“So, I do suggest Vitamin C in the morning and then Retinol at night.”
Doc Paul also swore by the effectiveness of machine treatments.
“For pigmentation talaga, one effective treatment talaga is having a laser kasi the laser targets yung pigment talaga.
“It shatters the pigment into tiny particles and then, ma-excrete siya ng body mo.
So laser talaga.
“Unlike pag topical, medyo matagal yung progress pag yung mga pahid-pahid lang.”
He continued, “It’s usually two to three sessions and makikita mo na nagla-lighten na.
“But, of course, when you do lasers, talagang avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen.
“And for lasers, wala naman siyang downtime. Minimal to no downtime. Just a little bit of redness, but it will go away after a few hours.”
Laser treatments are among the key services offered by his clinic in Makati.
Dr. Paul emphasized that each treatment is customized to meet the unique needs of every client.
“We want to open up a clinic where it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. We offer a personalized treatment specifically to your skin concerns.”
Read:
HOT STORIES
