Skin-care tips and tech innovations
“Don’t experiment.”
This is a crucial tip dermatologist Benjamin Bince shared with Lifestyle when asked about maintaining healthy skin. Today, skin-care products that promise to make you look ageless and beautiful are readily available online and in beauty stores, and they can easily feel overwhelming.
“That’s a problem,” said Bince, head of the Skin Adept Clinic and Surgicenter at Capitol Commons in Pasig. “Because of social media and influencers, people follow trends without understanding the risks. This is very dangerous. Patients often end up using too many products that can harm their skin.”
Bince shared a case of a patient who developed rashes after using products purchased online. “Many of these items lack scientific backing. Treatments like infusions, drips, or glutathione often have insufficient research. I always tell my patients: don’t experiment.”
During a tour of the clinic at fourth level of Estancia Mall, Bince outlined a basic daily skin-care routine. “The most common skin concern people come to me with is acne,” he began. “Start with a mild cleanser. Second, use a good moisturizer, followed by sunscreen with at least SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection. Include an antioxidant product and something rejuvenating, like retinol or Vitamin A cream.”
Skincare myths
Bince also addressed persistent skin-care myths he wished people would stop believing. He dismissed beliefs such as “Do not take a bath at night because you will go blind” and “Apply menses on your face to make it smooth.”
He clarified the misconception that peanuts cause pimples. “The real culprit is high-carb food. Excess carbohydrates cause the pancreas to overproduce insulin, which stimulates oil glands. Overactive oil glands lead to acne,” he explained.
Bince also discussed how stress and lack of sleep affect skin health. “Stress ages you and causes acne. While researchers are still exploring its exact effects, it’s clear that stress worsens conditions like psoriasis. Adequate sleep helps the body repair itself. Researchers are exploring which substances in the body are influenced by sleep, but what’s clear is that better sleep equals better skin.”
Skin Adept Clinic integrates advanced technology in its services. Bince talked about Quantificare, a 360-degree photography system that provides detailed insights into skin conditions. “This allows patients to understand their skin issues and why specific treatments are recommended,” he said.
The clinic also offers two laser treatments. The CO2 ablative laser targets skin areas for treatments like warts removal and scar smoothing. “While effective, it requires downtime because it’s ablative,” Bince noted.
The nonablative or fractional laser is less invasive and ideal for pigmentation and rejuvenation—although it requires multiple sessions before seeing good results, Bince said. It employs PICO wave technology, which targets specific pigments with precision, minimizing heat damage compared to cautery methods, he added.
Another technology at the clinic is ultrasound, which is used for diagnostics. “This helps us see deeper layers of the skin,” Bince began. “It’s especially useful for identifying cysts or masses and guiding treatments like filler removal. While it has a learning curve, its benefits far outweigh the effort required to master it. In fact, I’m getting more referrals just for ultrasound services.”
Facial machines
Bince also discussed the clinic’s facial machines, particularly Oxygeneo, a branded system designed for rejuvenation and brightening. “It uses radio frequencies for mild skin tightening and warmth, combined with a scrubbing action to infuse natural acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients. It’s a feel-good treatment that also improves the skin,” he said.
Bince, who worked as a dermatologist in Dubai for 12 years, emphasized the importance of building trust with patients. “My goal is to provide good care. I don’t aim to compete with clinics with celebrity endorsers. Instead, I focus on developing strong relationships with patients. They trust us because they know we’re experts with advanced equipment and the skills to use it effectively.”
Bince emphasized the professionalism of Skin Adept Clinic. “We have six doctors, including myself, who are all part of the Philippine Dermatological Society. Our three plastic surgeons are members of the PAPRAS (Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), accredited by the Department of Health (DOH). For a DOH license, clinics must have surgeons under the Philippine College of Surgery, and PAPRAS is one of its branches.”
Paco Magsaysay, owner of Carmen’s Best Ice Cream and a partner of Skin Adept Clinic, shared his thoughts on the clinic. “It’s the people that make a business grow, not the machine or the business model. In terms of competence, experience, and skill set, Dr. Benjie is up there.”
When asked about best practices from Carmen’s Best that he wanted to bring to the clinic, Magsaysay said, “It’s about hiring the best people for each position. For instance, when I needed someone to help manage the plant, I hired an expert from Magnolia who had 20 years of experience. The same approach applies here. From medical supplies to equipment, we make sure to use the best, also because my name is on the line.”
Magsaysay explained that their goal isn’t to dominate the market. “Similar to Carmen’s Best, we’re not trying to capture the majority of the market. We’re catering to a niche market that values quality. Patients will find comfort and security here, knowing everything is done properly by licensed doctors in a DOH-accredited operating room.”
