Loving the Skin You're In

Something obvious that we don’t give much thought about is that our Filipino skin is unique. It’s different from the skin of people from other parts of the world. And though we are often lumped together by leading international dermatologists as having either “dark skin” or “Asian skin”, I personally think we should be in a category all on our own. Aside from the fact that our skin is descended from a confusing mix of Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Malay, we live near the equator where the sun beats down extra hot. These and a lot of other things have to be taken into consideration when we talk about Filipino skin and how to care for it.

Our skin’s anatomy is made up of the three basic layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis provides the most protection. It keeps things we don’t need out and maintains all the good things we need inside. The dermis has a more complex function. It gives us sensations of touch and pressure, contributing to our sensuality. It helps release three gallons of sweat in a day, especially in a hot tropical climate like ours. The last layer, the subcutaneous tissue, provides insulation.

Knowing the intricate elements of each layer is vital to how a well-trained dermatologist will approach your skin. And more importantly, how to approach Filipino skin.

Filipino Skin vs White Skin

Did you know that white skin only started to appear about 20,000 to 50,000 years ago, as dark-skinned humans migrated to colder climates resulting in less production of melanin?

Filipino skin, being repeatedly exposed to UV light results in increased size and function of melanocytes. Highly reactive melanocytes produce melanin. Melanin is the key photoprotectant- meaning protection from light. It absorbs harmful UV radiation and transforms it to harmless heat. This explains why Filipinos have a lesser incidence of melanoma, the deadly skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Sun Protection Factor

Though we have relative immunity to melanoma and SCC, it doesn’t make us immune to other harmful things the sun does to us. Wrinkles, brown spots, skin tearing, easy bruising, dark scars and freckles, are common examples. Sun protection becomes vital as part of our everyday skin regimen. Ever wonder why US or European branded sunscreens don’t seem to work for our skin? It’s because these brands don’t factor in our humidity. When we wear these sunblocks or even foundation with sunblock, our face looks greasy and we have tiny sweaty dots that appear after an hour’s use. It takes much trial and error to determine which brands work for Filipino skin.

Response to Skin Products

Our skin reacts differently to some bleaching creams or chemical peels. Sometimes it works. Sometimes our skin can become darker. Filipino skin is very susceptible to developing uneven skin tones and discolorations. As with any medicine, what works for the commercial model may not work for you. Get your dermatologist, and not your neighbor, to tell you what will suit you.

The brands that are professed to be the best among western magazines, such as the best concealer or best foundation, do not necessarily work for Filipino skin. Our color palette is different. Likewise, our sun protection needs are different. Our high humidity atmosphere is different. Our moisturizing needs are different.

Filipino skin responds differently to sunlight, skin care products and cosmetics, and certain oral medications. We have a unique kind of skin, not quite the usual Asian skin, and not quite the African brown skin. Armed with a little more information, it’s easy to protect, maintain, and treat. So let’s get to know it better! Let’s love the Filipino skin we’re in.

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital. If you have any concerns, you can email her at <[email protected]>. For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

Educational background:

ADMU 1994-1998

Cebu Institute of Medicine 1998-2002

Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Post Graduate Internship) 2002-2003

Outstanding PGI

Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc (Dermatology residency)Jan 2005- Dec 2007

Chief Resident 2007

American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (grant awardee) -

Skin Laser and Surgery, New York : May to June 2007