In recent years, skincare has become a hot topic for Filipinos. Call it an effect of being exposed to social media or international content, but the nationwide conversation in the Philippines on achieving perfect skin has transcended barriers of age, gender, and orientation.
While the Philippines has a long way to go toward leaving behind Eurocentric beauty standards, the topic of Filipino skincare no longer revolves around skin whitening alone. Many Filipinos suffer from conditions such as acne, which can be expensive to treat medically and can worsen with overuse of over-the-counter products.
Regardless of skin type and condition, both beauty brands and dermatologists agree that most Filipinos are better off with a simple yet regular skincare routine. These simplified routines use products that are proven effective yet gentle for everyday use, taking the guesswork out of skincare by concentrating on consistent results.
The beauty and skincare market is one of the many niches where “buying local” matters. Find out Why Buying Local Filipino-Made Products Is Important.
The Basics
While elaborate Korean-style beauty routines have their time and place, most Filipinos do not have the luxury of time to indulge in multiple steps and products. Consistent use of a few simple yet well-suited products are more likely to yield impressive results on skin texture and health, not to mention hygiene.
1. Cleanser
Gone are the days of using harsh soaps for washing the face. Instead, many Filipinos opt for gentle face washes that clean the skin without stripping or altering the surface. While makeup wearers might need the extra “double cleanse” step for removing cosmetic products, a simple one-step face wash with a gel or foaming product is enough for most.
2. Toner
Another product that has evolved from harsher ingredients to gentler formulas, toners now offer additional benefits thanks to ingredients such as niacinamide which brighten the complexion without altering the skin tone. They also offer a refreshing effect on the skin, which feels great on hot and humid days.
3. Moisturizer
While some Filipinos tend to skip moisturizer, hydration is not always an optional step. Instead of using creams created for users in winter climates, Filipino skincare enthusiasts turn to lighter lotions, gels, and even serums that provide fast hydration and plump skin without the heavy, sticky residue.
4. Sunscreen
A recent addition to the basic Filipino skincare routine, sunscreen has become a must to prevent the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Sophisticated ingredients and lightweight yet tropical-strength formulations have elevated Filipino-made over-the-counter sunscreens to the level of their Southeast Asian counterparts.
A good sunscreen is also a must when going on a sunny island getaway in the Philippines. Take a look back at how Four Philippine Islands Rank Among Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Best Islands in Asia for 2024.
The Extras
Even with the most basic skincare routines, there are still instances where Filipino users would willingly choose to add products to their routine. These products address concerns that make a significant difference in their skin health and appearance.
1. Acne and Pimple Treatments
Pimples are legitimate concerns for most Filipinos, especially those with oily skin and/or a predisposition to acne. Simple breakouts can be taken care of with spot treatments and patches, while moderate concerns require ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinol. Prescription-strength medications like tretinoin are best used under medical supervision.
2. Serums
For glowing skin without the need for “whitening,” skincare enthusiasts are passing on the glutathione, papaya, and kojic acid products in favor of universal skin-improving ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides, and plant extracts. These ingredients reveal brighter and more even-toned skin within a reasonable amount of time.
3. Exfoliants
While chemical peels are still popular at dermatology clinics everywhere, the popularity of fruit acids, retinols, and other gentle exfoliants has been a godsend for those who want better skin without the long downtime. Using these products at least once a week—and with regular sunscreen use—can lead to a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
4. Oil Blotting Products
Oily, sweaty skin may not be attractive, but not all Filipinos are confident enough to rely on face powder alone to counter oil production. Men and women alike are now turning to oil-blotting papers as a makeup-free solution to minimize the look of oiliness.
Apart from improving skincare, more beauty brands in the Philippines are also going cruelty-free. Check out Beauty Without The Guilt: Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands That Are Proudly Filipino.
Other Factors for Better Skin
An awareness for skincare and grooming now goes beyond using the right products for the face. The prevalence of acne among Filipinos has led to more holistic approaches to the condition which include nutrition and stress management. Similarly, concern for sun damage also means the use of hats and umbrellas as shields in addition to sunscreen.
And while cost can be a barrier for many Filipinos when it comes to better skin and grooming, affordable drugstore products have improved their formulations with safer and more effective ingredients to meet market demand. Some Filipino dermatologists have also started to work on attainable skincare solutions for budget-conscious patients.
Looking for a holistic approach to health that’s also proudly Filipino? Read up on Hilot: The Ancient Filipino Art of Healing.
Face The Day Ahead With A Doable Skincare Routine
Regardless of brand name, product, or price point, the most important aspect of skincare is maintaining a consistent and doable routine. This means using products that are enjoyable to use while producing the most noticeable results in the least amount of time.
Integrating skincare into an existing hygiene routine can help build good habits in the long run, as well. Starting with a foundational routine of a few products and simple steps should make it easier to maintain desired results.
If you’re tired of the same elaborate skincare routine, try paring down to the gentlest essential products and sticking with them for the long term to maintain consistency. You may find that even the worst skincare problems can be resolved with the simplest solutions.
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Featured Image by Hello Doctor Philippines
