Despite the devastation that ultraproduction of sebum has brought to my skin, still I never bothered to seek for the help of a dermatologist. A highly sophisticated clinical treatment that promised to hydrate, regenerate and reconfigure my skin never found its way to the top of my head. Besides, I'd rather seek outstanding results in smoothing my brains over epidermal regeneration.
But early this month, a Korean national invited us to experience "Health Under Our Hands". Partly, it redirected my focus on how I should be treating my skin.
H.U.H. is a facial and body care center where women are trained to offer major services from facial to diamond peeling, from whitening to massage, hair removal and foot spa. It was ensured that the establishment doesn't play dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Good thing because I don't believe it some kind of special if imperfect women like me would get a treatment to an aging, damaged skin under the needle. "We are a health or wellness center. So if tan-aw namo one needs a dermatologist, amo sang advisan ang customer to seek professional, medical help," says H.U.H. branch manager Nunita "Bebie" Maglasang Tolo.
I asked her about my freckles - some reddish and some brownish - dispersed on most spaces of my face. "If your freckles are inborn, they can't be erased overnight. You have to undergo sessions of our laser facial treatment," she explained.
"If dirt ra na siya mapapas na siya sa atong diamond peeling but because inborn na then what we can do is minimize the blemish," she added and vowed I could also regain that taut, rejuvenated, healthy skin under the hands of women who decided to submit to a series of appropriate treatment and properly dealt with these skin imperfections.
It's nice to see more and more women learning of the wellness industry, I made a comment. "Nice man gud nga ang moatiman nimo sa imong pang-beauty needs is somebody nga babaye pud nga parehas nimo conscious about how they look. It follows nga they would also give you the care they give themselves," Bebie pointed out.
I told Bebie that last April I was in Camotes Island enjoying the sand, the sea, surf and sun. We did rent a motorcycle and toured around the island to the Guadalupe Cave, Lake Danao and Quarry View Park believing the sunblock we used would help filter harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays on us. But I had blotches on both cheeks after that. My mother said it's "pekas".
Sun block is very important. Studies show that a large number of people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year and a strong correlation is linked between those who are regularly exposed to the sun and distance itself. But I think you ended up using sunblock with loads of mercury lead. It is harmful to the skin, she explained.
After that, Bebie assigned Judy Nancy Lavares to attend to my needs.
"It's a basic reminder never to overwash one's face. To avoid using abrasive cleansers or harsh soaps. To use warm water when washing. And to finish by patting your face dry gently with a soft towel," the FACIAL 101 lessons began.
What about my freckles, they're inborn therefore they're stubborn? I told Judy. "There is a remedy," she assured. After that she demonstrated what the procedure was all about. It involved deep cleansing, cleansing massage, scrubbing, vacuuming, steaming and pricking. And finally the laser to close the pores before the masking.
Judy along with her co-workers are proud of their training at H.U.H. They take pride in the effectiveness of their diamond peel treatment. "This is designed to rejuvenate the skin by harnessing free radicals. This procedure cleanses, tones, moisturizes and exfoliates the skin; diminishes excess skin oil, and treats blackheads and whiteheads," she said.
Diamond peeling also shows promise in the reduction of enlarged pores, reduction of the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks, reduction in the pigmentation imbalances, reduction of fine wrinkles/age spots, in effectively restoring softer skin texture, renewed elasticity, healthy glow and younger appearance.
H.U.H. assures that the procedure employs no anesthesia, therefore there's no pain, no chemical or trauma, no allergic reactions, no known side effects, fast recovery and is cost-effective.
However, there are precautions after the diamond peeling treatment. Healing may take one to three weeks depending on skin type. Client has to wash face with cold water. And to go for frequent cold facial treatment or revitalize gel to remedy. Then, to never scratch in case of slab or peeling. Also, one is reminded to use mineral-based powder if makeup is required and to avoid the use of metabolic products. Finally, to always use moisturizers.
After my facial laser machine session, a client named Katrina, 37, strode in. I learned she's a regular customer and that day she came back "because of the women's personalized service."
"I signed for a diamond peel for the purpose of rejuvenation. The products man gud diri kay nindot sad because they are Korean products. But above all I came back because I am seeking for that calming effect during my first session here," Katrina added.
Meanwhile, another customer who said she is 50 but who never looked her age told me she is already on the fifth of her seven sessions for her diamond peel.
"Golden-girl Angelina", as she called herself, has so much praises for the women in H.U.H. "Tama kaayo nga imong i-recognize ang kugi sa mga women diri for the Women's Month celebration. Highly trained kaayo ang mga H.U.H. women. Very courteous and very professional," she said.
For those curious of the H.U.H. experience, come to H.U.H. Facial and Body Care Center at Units 14 & 15 Century Plaza Commercial Complex along Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City. Open 9 am to 9 pm except Sunday.
H.U.H. "aestheticians" will guide you on how to deal with your imperfections!
Interact 09215323616