Marie France Wellness Ad
Art/Style/Travel Diaries

Growing up with acne, doctor builds her kind of clinic

Empathy and empowerment come from personalized treatment

We’ve all seen skincare trends through the years. I’m sure some of us have even given in to their allure and followed them in hopes of improving our skin condition, only to be told a few years later why the skincare trend or procedure is unnecessary, or God forbid, why it’s the reason our skin has gotten worse!

Korean 10-step routine? “It’s the best!” “No, it’s unnecessary and a waste of your money!” Retinol? “I wish I knew about it earlier!” “No! It’ll age your skin and is just another wasteful, added step.” What next? Wash your face in counter-clockwise motions for a minimum of five minutes while the moon is at its fullest and brightest?

Social media can be great in educating and empowering the consumer. But a lot can go wrong, bringing us to the point of frustration and burn-out as we try out new things. Social media is great in getting the message out there, but is there one great message for all skin types?

That’s where Remedy Skin Solutions comes in.

Remedy is dedicated to personalized expert care for optimal skin health. Beyond skin-level aesthetics (see what I did there?), Remedy and its founder, Dr. April Geraldez-Rivera, wanted to create the safe space she wished she had when she was younger and struggling with acne.

‘That experience fueled my dream—the one I wish I had as a teenager battling acne’

“Growing up with acne, I knew firsthand how deeply a skin condition can affect a person—emotionally, psychologically, and mentally,” says Dr.Geraldez-Rivera.  “It touches every aspect of your life. That experience fueled my dream to build a different kind of clinic—the one I wish I had as a teenager battling acne.”

Remedy’s goal is to create a better path for others seeking healthy, clear skin, sparing people the challenges the doctor herself once faced.

Removing the fluff, Dr. Geraldez-Rivera wanted to build a clinic that was all about understanding the patients’ concerns at a level unlike any other—each patient is more than a list of skin concerns that need to be checked off. “Our approach is holistic, combining expertise, personalization, and education. It’s a unique experience because we involve patients in their own solutions, guiding them every step of the way,” she explains.

Remedy is designed as a clinic that works with its patients, rather than having them come in and out like on a conveyor belt.

Anxiety about your skin can lead to insecurity festering like a pimple yet to surface. So much empowerment can come from understanding, empathy, and education—precisely what Remedy aims to give. How?

Closeup of the author in Skin Analyzer

I had the opportunity to try out its Skin Analyzer, a facial assessment device popular in South Korea. This is part of its skin evaluation and assessment that is three to four times longer than the industry standard. I was hesitant at first— they asked that I remove my makeup, which I was definitely not expecting—but I was all the better for it. It was educational; I learned about my skin, its lumps, bumps, discolorations, warts and all.

I was asked standard dermatology questions, like, how much sleep I get a night and how much water I drink a day. But what caught me by surprise were other questions, like how I apply my moisturizer and sunscreen. I explained and showed how I did. I was then informed by the lovely skin expert that a lot of products I was applying were probably getting absorbed by my hands before making it to my face. Shocker!

I was then informed by the lovely skin expert that a lot of products I was applying were probably getting absorbed by my hands before making it to my face

We also looked into the fine lines on my face. And call my skin expert Sherlock Holmes, because she even deduced that I was someone who smiled a lot based on the way my wrinkles (at 24 years old, mind you) settled onto my face!

Moments like those put in perspective just how much I didn’t know about my skin. From the way my wrinkles settled, the way they were a sign of how much water I was drinking, to what steps I could take to increase the overall health of my skin, the consultation made me feel so visible under the microscope. They prescribed treatments, told me the ins and outs—what to expect, how long it would take before I see results, and how the treatment works overall. They even took into consideration how much time I had, and how regular the appointment I’d need to set up.

Small details like those are what make an experience. Remedy doesn’t lord over you with their knowledge and expertise, like a teacher lecturing you about what you did or failed to do. With Remedy and its board-certified dermatologists, you feel like there’s collaboration and room to wiggle when something feels off. They take time to listen and to answer every question. You feel safe and listened to.

The clinic also invests in research and development to ensure that the treatments suit the unique needs and concerns of Filipinos—the environment, weather. “Research and development are essential, because Filipino skin has unique characteristics compared to that of people in other regions,” explains Dr. Geraldez-Rivera. “We need tailored solutions that cater specifically to our skin type, rather than just adopting protocols designed for Caucasian skin.”

Personalization is not just an option, but the cornerstone of its approach. There is no one-size-fits-all. They work with you to tailor solutions that fit each patient’s specific skin concerns, goals, and lifestyles.

Their services:

Acne and acne scar treatments
● Hollywood Laser Facial
● Acne Cleanse
● 595 Laser
● Precision peels
● Microneedling
● TCA Cross
● Needle subcision
● Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFM) Synergy
● Scar healer
● SkinPen

Body treatments
● BodyBrite Laser
● Body cleanses
● BodyBrite Peel

Hyperpigmentation treatments
● Pigment laser
● Melasma treatments
● Fresh Eyes

Anti-aging treatments
● Glass Skin Facial
● HydraBoost Facial
● Pure contour
● Skin refresh
● Skin lift
● Skin vitamin
● Wrinkle relaxers
● Ulthera Pro

Remedy’s commitment extends beyond treating skin issues—it’s about empowering individuals through a deep understanding of each patient’s unique skin profile and equipping the patient with personalized knowledge and self-confidence. Remedy offers not just treatments, but also tools for patients to become active participants in their lifelong journey to radiant, healthy skin.

Remedy Skin Solutions, LGF, One Uptown Residence, 9th Ave, cor 36th St, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig; or 3F, Building 4, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City.

About author

Articles

She is a fresh graduate of the Communications Arts program at DLSU-Manila. She's got too many thoughts, hobbies, and way too little time to do it all.

    Newsletter
    Sign up for our Newsletter

    Sign up for Diarist.ph’s Weekly Digest and get the best of Diarist.ph, tailored for you.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *