When Filipinos notice a breakout or a stubborn rash, the first instinct is often to treat it at home -- a bit of toothpaste here, a splash of calamansi there, or maybe even a trending skincare hack from who-knows-where on social media.
For generations, this do-it-yourself approach has been part of how we care for ourselves -- practical, familiar, and, most of the time, risky. This habit of home treatments inspired a recent event that put real dermatologists face-to-face with everyday Filipinos.
Watsons' Skin Solutions event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium transformed a section of the mall into an open clinic where people could ask questions, seek advice, and finally get expert answers about their skin concerns.
The idea was simple: to make professional skincare advice feel less intimidating and more accessible.
"We want to empower people to make smarter choices for their skin," said Frank Patrocio, Beauty Business Unit Controller of Watsons Philippines.
Through its partnership with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), the event offered free consultations with board-certified dermatologists and shared practical tips for daily routines.
PDS President Dr. Jasmin Jamora emphasized their ongoing advocacy, saying, "We want Filipinos to know that dermatologists are here to help them take care of their skin properly and safely, wherever they are."
Throughout the five-day event, which started on Oct. 1, visitors came with questions about acne, dryness, and sensitivity. Among the experts who led discussions was Dr. Carrie Legaspi, who focused on common myths about acne and the importance of reliable information.
She pointed out how home remedies, while popular, can cause more harm than good. One of the most common misconceptions, she said, is using toothpaste to dry out pimples.
"It shouldn't be," she said. "What likely happens is that people look for the spice in toothpaste. And they think that when they apply toothpaste, it dries the pimples."
Also sharing his insights was Dr. Winlove Mojica, a well-known dermatologist and skin health advocate who reminded attendees that less is often better when it comes to skincare.
"What I usually hear from my patients is how shocked they are that I only recommend one or two products," he shared. "Finding one to two products with good ingredients... if you do that consistently over the course of years, it will have a better effect."
What set the event apart was the way it replaced the usual sales talk with real, open discussions about what skin health actually means. Instead of selling solutions, it encouraged people to start honest conversations about their skin.
It showed that good skincare doesn't have to mean following trends or copying routines seen online. Most of the time, it's about listening, asking the right questions, and knowing when to get real help.
Free weekend consultations will continue in select Metro Manila branches, giving more people the chance to speak with dermatologists and understand their skin better.
For many, caring for the skin can feel like guesswork. But when expert help becomes easy to reach, people begin to see that there's a safer, smarter way to care for themselves.