When skin starts to make sense
I’ve stopped using moisturizers. I’ve switched from probiotics to prebiotics. I now rotate my actives depending on what my skin actually needs, not what’s currently trending. These changes may sound simple, but they’ve transformed my skin in unprecedented ways. It hasn’t felt this healthy in years.
One change came after a conversation with Dr. Vicki Belo, who told me to stop using moisturizers entirely. At first, it surprised me, but it made sense, and it worked.
For a time, I treated skincare like a checklist. Cleanse, tone, moisturize, layer on something brightening, then something firming, and maybe a mask if I remembered. I kept chasing results but never paused long enough to ask whether any of it made sense for my skin in this climate or for my skin at all.
Even when nothing improved, I kept going because I thought patience was the answer. It took me a while to realize that you can expect results without waiting forever, and that skincare should show progress when it’s working.
Shifting to a routine that works
That shift began when I committed to a routine built around Lamelin and Good Molecules. Together, they helped bring back a clarity and balance I thought I had lost. My undereyes, in particular, are brighter than they have ever been. That result alone was what convinced me. I now use Lamelin’s B-tox Serum only under the eyes for hydration and repair. It’s one of the few products I’ve stayed loyal to because it works. And alongside that, I’ve come to rely on Lamelin’s retinol-based products, including the Retinol Bakuchiol Wrinkle Cream, the Retinol Bakuchiol Gel Wrinkle Serum, and the Retinol Bakuchiol BB Cream with SPF.
They’ve helped improve my skin’s texture and smoothness without irritation. I rotate them thoughtfully across the week and never pair them with exfoliating acids on the same day, which has helped my skin respond better over time.
My routine now follows a weekly rhythm. I rotate active ingredients like Good Molecules’ Niacinamide Serum and Mandelic Acid, along with the retinols from Lamelin. On calmer days, I focus on barrier support and hydration using Lamelin’s Cica Calming Toner and Good Molecules’ Sakura Hyaluronic Acid Essence. Most mornings begin with Lamelin’s Gold Snail Cleanser, followed by that same toner and essence. For my skin, that’s usually enough.
Knowing what works for you
People often warn against mixing brands, and that’s valid. Some combinations do more harm than good. But when you know what works for your skin, the right mix can be better than sticking with just one brand. In my case, pairing Lamelin’s advanced formulations with Good Molecules’ clean, straightforward actives has worked well. But if you’re unsure, start with one brand and go from there.
This change in mindset, of being deliberate instead of reactive, applies not just to home routines but also to in-clinic treatments. Belo’s newest offering, Neurocosmetics, focuses on addressing the emotional and biological factors behind skin problems. When stress builds, your skin often responds with dullness, breakouts, or irritation. These treatments are designed to keep the skin balanced by working with the nervous system and internal triggers.
A big turning point for me was a conversation with Dr. Belo. She didn’t just talk about procedures. She talked about consistency. “People expect to go to the dermatologist once and come out transformed,” she says. “But just like brushing your teeth, you have to maintain it. Skincare is maintenance. You need to come back.”
She also gave the clearest skincare advice I’ve ever received: Stop using moisturizers. “It’s too humid in the Philippines. Moisturizers trap oil and dead cells, and that’s why you get bumps,” she tells me. I had already started seeing results after removing them from my routine, but hearing it explained like that confirmed what I had sensed. That one step alone has made the biggest difference. My skin feels lighter, cleaner, and more responsive.
Another tip from her that stuck: Switch from probiotics to prebiotics. “Probiotics give you the same strains over and over. Prebiotics help your body build its own healthy balance.” It wasn’t a sales pitch. It made sense for my skin, and I appreciated that clarity.
Not a quick-fix solution
Belo’s new Neurocosmetics line includes five non-invasive procedures developed to support skin health from the inside out. Each treatment is performed exclusively at Belo clinics by trained professionals:
• NeuroGlow Facial restores radiance and balance, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin
• NeuroLift Facial firms and brightens tired skin in 90 minutes without injectables
• NeuroRepair Treatment uses ExoComplex, PRP, and peptides to boost resilience and repair damage
• NeuroBright Treatment targets pigmentation, melasma, and sun-related discoloration
• NeuroBright Eyes refreshes the under-eyes in just 15 to 20 minutes without needles
These aren’t quick-fix solutions. They’re part of a long-term, science-based approach to keeping your skin calm, strong, and steady.
I used to think the goal was flawless skin. Now I care more about having stable, healthy skin. Not every product will work for everyone, and that’s fine. What matters is learning to read your skin and listening to people who truly understand it. When you start doing that, that’s when skin starts to make sense.
