Category: Explainer

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Article Explainer

The Five Skin Types

Are you looking for a summer glow up? Or are you simply searching for ways to feel more comfortable in your presence? The first leap to unlocking your full potential is to have confidence. The key to this inner power is to make sure your skin is at its best state. Whether you’re battling breakouts, dullness, or dryness, choosing products for your specific needs can make all the difference. Using the right routine and products for your skin type is essential to take care of yourself from the inside out. 

The American Academy of Dermatology, one of the most prominent groups in the field of skin care, recognizes five primary skin types namely: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and normal. Each skin type has their unique characteristics which are identifiable through the look and feel of your skin. 

Dry Skin
What dry skin looks like

First, dry skin produces minimal sebum compared to other skin types. The right amount of sebum helps moisturize the skin by retaining water. Low amount of oil production will lead to a more flakey, tight, or rough feeling on the skin. At times, your skin may also feel itchy. Products that target hydrating and moisturizing your skin can help in easing the irritation. 

Oily Skin
What oily skin looks like

On the other hand, oily skin generates an excessive amount of oil production, making your skin have a shiny appearance. This skin type also leads to your pores being clogged, making your skin more prone to acne. Salicyclic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, matched with a lightweight moisturizer, can help manage sebum production. 

Combination Skin
What combination skin looks like

Meanwhile, a combination skin type is a mix of both the dry and oily skin. Particularly, the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead) manifests the characteristics of oily skin, while the rest of the areas in the face like the cheeks are rough or dry. Gentle products are your best choice for this skin type to ensure the dry areas can be moisturized without triggering more oiliness. 

Sensitive Skin
The redness that comes with sensitive skin

Moreover, a sensitive skin type is prone to irritation or redness when the skin comes in contact with products or external factors. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products are the best options for this skin type because they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction and contain little to no chemicals which can irritate your skin. 

Normal Skin
What normal skin looks like

Finally, a normal skin type features the perfect balance between moisture and sebum production. This skin type is easier to manage compared to the other types because it does not usually experience irritation, oiliness, or dryness. Nevertheless, you must make sure to still do the proper skin care using gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and regular sunscreen to ensure that your skin remains in good condition. 

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of building an effective skincare routine. It allows you to choose the right products and treatments that work with your skin and not against it. Consistency to a routine also plays a key role aside from knowing your skin type. Taking the time out of your day to care for your skin will lead to lasting changes that will illuminate your glow and self-esteem. When your skin feels good, you feel unstoppable!

References

How to identify your skin type, according to a dermatologist. CeraVe. (n.d.). https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have

Hubbard, A., & Timmons, J. (2025, April 25). The ultimate skin care routine for dry skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-dry-skin 

Hubbard, A., & Stokes, V. (2022, July 11). The ultimate skin care routine for combination skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-combination-skin 

Lindberg, S., & Stokes, V. (2025, May 20). The ultimate skin care routine for oily skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-oily-skin 

Stokes, V. (2022, August 1). The ultimate skin care routine for normal skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skincare/the-ultimate-skin-care-routine-for-normal-skin

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Explainer Interview

Glow and Behold: Beyond the Skin Barrier with Dermatology Doctor R-Jay

Behind every healthy glow is more than just a good skin care routine. Science plays a very important role in ensuring the products you use are the best choice for your skin! In this exclusive feature, we sit down with Dr. R-Jay Agbon, a board-certified Filipino dermatologist currently taking his masters in Cosmetic Science.

From knowing about taking care of your skin in this humid Philippine weather to some skin care life hacks, Dr. R-Jay takes us beyond surface-level beauty and into the deeper layers of what it really means to glow from within!

Skin care in the Philippines

Skin care in the Philippines can be quite tricky with the country only having two seasons–the dry and the cold. During the summer season, Dr R-Jay explains the heat and humidity can get very intense which leads to increased sweat and oil production. This may cause acne and skin infections.

Keeping our skin healthy in this weather

With this type of weather, what can we do to keep our skin glowing and healthy? Dr. R-Jay explains that with the heat comes more sebum production and since there is a lot of pollution around, cleansing gently and effectively is necessary. The cleanser you should choose is based on your age and skin type. It is also vital to never skip moisturizer and sunscreen for a full protection!

The ultimate non-negotiables

Some non-negotiables when it comes to skin care routines are sunscreen, cleansing daily, and hydrating your skin. Sunscreen can help lessen wrinkles and age marks in your skin. Meanwhile, gently cleansing daily helps ensure your skin is fresh, while also still retaining the natural oil it produces. Finally, it is important to use a hydrating product for your skin type and needs.

Which brands are best for you?

As new local skin care brands continue to emerge, Dr. R-Jay suggests that we must look at the reviews of their products online to establish their credibility. Aside from that, looking at the active ingredients and how the brand positions itself in regards to their intention are necessary as well. Most importantly, we must check if the product is FDA approved to ensure it has gone through the proper tests and verifications by the authorities.

Glowing to the fullest

The skin care journey differs per person and the effectiveness is unique to each individual’s skin. With this, Dr. R-Jay reiterates that despite insecurities the younger generation may have towards their skin, know that you are not alone. What’s important is to be consistent with your skin care routine because there is always a solution for your problem. Professionals are also available for consultation to help guide you to achieve your best self! Remember, that your skin or appearance does not define you!

"Be kind to your skin and be kind to yourself."

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Article Explainer

What’s Inside Our Local Skin Care Products?

Gandang Lokal: What’s Inside Our Local Skincare Products?

There’s this stereotype that international skin care products are better and more effective than local ones. The products celebrities and the media usually advertise often overshadow the proudly Filipino skin care items which are on the same level or even better than foreign competitors. The lush tropical forests and greeneries of the Philippines hold the edge in skin care because organic skin care ingredients can be found here. Lucky for us Filipinos, there are many independent local vendors which use the very best organic skin care ingredients!

Pili Oil

Harvested from Bicol’s pili tree, pili oil is a nutrient-rich ingredient used in a lot of products. It nourishes our skin through its essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Looking to stay young despite the stress? Well, compared to other types of oils you might use for your skin, this locally sourced oil has a higher moisture index and higher content of carotenoids and fatty acids which can help you beat premature aging. Not only that, pili oil can do almost everything! It can serve as a moisturizer, skin barrier, and antioxidant!

You can try out pili oil in Pili Ani’s Self-Care Night Recovery Oil for a soothing effect on your skin when sleeping!

The pili tree – Photo from Pili Ani
The pili tree – Photo from Pili Ani
The pili fruit – Photo from Pili Ani
The pili fruit – Photo from Pili Ani
The Pili Ani Pili Oil – Photo from Pili Ani
The Pili Ani Pili Oil – Photo from Pili Ani
The Pili Ani Pili Oil – Photo from Pili Ani
The Pili Ani Pili Oil – Photo from Pili Ani
Calamansi

Calamansi does not only add more flavor to your dishes, but also makes your skin more luscious! This ingredient which thrives in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, can brighten the skin and fade dark spots using its high amount of vitamin C. Your face can achieve a more balanced complexion as calamansi promotes a more regular sebum production.

The well-loved Filipino brand Human Nature offers a Vitamin C + Hya Calamansi Radiance Serum which promotes skin elasticity and firmness. With the vitamin C coming from the calamansi, the antioxidant properties present protect your skin from the pollutants around you and keep you fresh throughout the day!

Calamansi cut in half – Photo from The Ktchn
Calamansi cut in half – Photo from The Ktchn
Calamansi cut in half – Photo from Bokksu Market
Calamansi cut in half – Photo from Bokksu Market
Human Nature's Radiance Serum – Photo from Human Nature
Human Nature's Radiance Serum – Photo from Human Nature
Human Nature's Radiance Serum – Photo from Human Nature
Human Nature's Radiance Serum – Photo from Human Nature
Volcanic Ash

What may sound dangerous or intimidating at first can actually be good for your skin! Volcanic ash is rich in minerals, acts as a natural detoxifier, and can gently absorb your skin’s excess oil. The fine particles of volcanic ash act as a gentle exfoliant to help clean out your skin, remove dead cells, and unclog your pores. Perfect for sensitive skin because of its gentleness, volcanic ash has the capability to cleanse your skin deeply without causing redness or irritation. You can usually see this ingredient being used in face masks, soaps, or scrubs.

Pili Ani’s Deep Detox Volcanic Exfoliating Mask combines volcanic ash harvested from Mayon Volcano in the Bicol Region, Amazonian kaolin clay, bamboo charcoal, and moisturizing oils to detoxify, exfoliate, and balance out the oil production in your skin!

Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask with Mayon Volcano in the background – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask with Mayon Volcano in the background – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask with Mayon Volcano in the background – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask with Mayon Volcano in the background – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask – Photo from Pili Ani
Pili Ani's Volcanic Ash Mask – Photo from Pili Ani
Aloe Vera

Primarily grown in Bataan, aloe vera is perfect for those with dry skin with its soothing capabilities for dry patches and inflammation. Particularly, it has vitamins A, C, and E, enzymes, antioxidants, and contains a lot of water. Whether you have a sunburn, need a moisturizer, or want something revitalizing, aloe vera’s got you!

Try out Apotheke Science’s budget-friendly and best seller 10% Niacinamide Serum for tighter skin, unclogged pores, and lighter pigmentation! Using aloe vera as its soothing base, the product helps even out tone, calm irritation and inflammation, heals acne, and increases your overall skin health!

Photo of aloe vera – Photo from Hello Doctor
Photo of aloe vera – Photo from Hello Doctor
Photo of aloe vera – Photo from Shutterstock
Photo of aloe vera – Photo from Shutterstock
Apotheke Science's 10% Niacinamide – Photo from Apotheke
Apotheke Science's 10% Niacinamide – Photo from Apotheke
Apotheke Science's 10% Niacinamide – Photo from Apotheke
Apotheke Science's 10% Niacinamide – Photo from Apotheke

There are so many reasons as to why we should be proud of independent Filipino skin care vendors! For one, they are more accessible and cheaper than their international counterparts. Additionally, they support the country’s economy and productivity. Most of all, these businesses use locally sourced ingredients which are the best for our skin’s health. You don’t need to buy from international luxury brands anymore because the best organic ingredients are already available locally!

References

Moya, J. (2025, April 3). A very Filipino skincare: Beauty products made from widely produced ingredients in the Philippines. Tatler Asia. https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/beauty/filipino-skincare-natural-ingredients 

Pili ani’s guide to native Filipino ingredients: The superfoods your s. Pili Ani. (n.d.). https://www.piliani.com/blogs/news/pili-ani-s-guide-to-native-filipino-ingredients-the-superfoods-your-skin-has-been-missing 

Tagabucba, M. T. (2025, May 16). The best natural skincare ingredients from the Philippines. Allure Philippines . https://allure.ph/skin/these-skincare-powerhouse-ingredients-are-found-in-the-philippine-islands/ 

Tonelada, R. (2024, June 20). 5 proudly Pinoy skincare ingredients you need to add to your routine ASAP. Cosmopolitan PH. https://www.cosmo.ph/beauty/skin/indigenous-pinoy-skincare-ingredients-a6906-20240620?s=913q18lccjsehs82rq66bqjcgp