Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal talk about embracing their sensitive skin, and the positivity that surfaced from it
Conversations on skin have a tendency to draw attention to flaws and insecurities. Instead of notes on how we appreciate our skin, it usually falls to things we want to hide, change, or improve. However, talking about skin should bring a liberating feeling. It’s supposed to be about confidence and acceptance, not limitations and reservations.
This is the kind of energy Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal channel, celebrating the beauty of baring it all and living life without our sensitive skin holding us back. Both the dermatologist and Cetaphil ambassador share their personal histories with sensitive skin, and tips on how to champion skin confidence through dermatologist-recommended products, all while keeping a balance of conservative and liberal lifestyles in overall skin care and health.
How would you describe your relationship with your skin over the years?
Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas: I’m lucky to have a good relationship with my skin, even if it’s sensitive at times. Before I became a dermatologist, I thought [caring for your skin] was really about scrubbing and washing—anything that cleans the skin—when in fact, it should be about using ingredients that are kinder and gentle to your skin.
Bianca Gonzalez-Intal: In my 20s, I took my skin for granted. I would stay on the beach until noon with no sunscreen. Now, I know you’re not supposed to do that. It was something I took for granted [just because] I had “good genes.” It was when I started working that I would give my skin more attention. I now have a much kinder, more intentional relationship with my skin.
Dr. Gaile, you mentioned having sensitive skin, and a lot of people have varying definitions. Is there a definitive description for this?
Dr. Gaile: Actually, sensitive skin is not a diagnosis. It’s not in the books, there’s no clear definition, and it’s not even a skin type. It just means that your skin easily reacts to things you put on it compared to others. There’s an increased awareness now because of social media, so as a dermatologist, I want to educate them on how to protect their skin, such as recommending products that contain ceramides, filaggrin, or niacinamide.
What were the factors that made you more conscious about sensitive skin and skin care?
Bianca: In grade school, I was subjected to teasing [because I had darker skin]. For some reason—and I don’t know if it’s because of my upbringing—I was surrounded by my family of beautiful strong women who had darker skin, too. And then, as I was in college, there were women like Tweetie de Leon and Angel Aquino who I saw on screen and in magazines who stood out in a sea of mostly fair-skinned women, and they are beautiful. Even if there was little representation then, they helped widen the definition of beauty in the Philippines. Now, my work involves being in front of the camera, and it’s a completely different playing field. So, by virtue of work, I had to be conscious.
Dr. Gaile: Of course, as dermatologists, we also get judged based on our skin. People expect us to have flawless skin. But at this age, other people’s opinions matter less, unless they’re loved ones or experts. For me before, I would care about what people said. But now, it’s about what I want, or what my loved ones care about.
Today, how would you describe your skin?
Dr. Gaile: Happy and satisfied. It’s always a challenge to find the right balance, but if you understand your needs and you know your goals, I think it becomes easy.
Bianca: I am at the point where I am very happy with my skin. This is not to say that it’s flawless because I do see fine lines, but it’s a place of acceptance. I learned how to embrace my thoughts. I know how to work with [my sensitive skin] as well. When I found a dermatologist-recommended routine that was perfect for me and was simple, that helped me a lot.
What is your go-to routine that now helps you to become happy with your skin?
Bianca: For both morning and evening, it’s literally just three steps, all with Cetaphil. First, it’s the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, then the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, and then the Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Cream-Serum. That’s why it’s easy to commit to the routine because it’s just three steps.
Dr. Gaile: Now, because my main problem is pigmentation, my skin loves niacinamide and sea daffodil. My skin really responds well to it. It’s a jack-of-all-trades for skin, and it goes well with a lot of other ingredients. I also like using vitamin C. It’s a pro-collagen and an antioxidant. Finally, I use sunscreen. When I get break-outs, I use benzoyl peroxide.
Dr. Gaile, how would you know what products or routines to recommend to your patients?
Dr. Gaile: I always ask what their concerns are. When I recommend a skin care routine, it’s always fitted not only to their skin needs, but also to their lifestyle and budget. It doesn’t mean that whatever you see online is also going to work for you.
Bianca: I’m actually more of that person. Instead of just doing all the research on my own, I ask the expert. When I had a breakout, I consulted with my dermatologist, and she was the one who actually recommended that I can use Cetaphil.
Skin care doesn’t just end with products. When it comes to skin practices or habits, do you often stay conservative or live more freely?
Dr. Gaile: I want my patients to follow my advice, but in the end, they will do whatever they want. That’s why when I do my consultations, I tell them why I recommend certain things. If they know the reason why, maybe they won’t do anything wrong. It gives them an understanding of why they’re doing this, why they’re putting this product. In a way, I’m conservative [with my approach], but still liberal in giving them a choice. Older dermatologists will just tell you what to do, but it’s different now. For example, if you’re a diver, I can’t just tell you to stay away from the sun, because being outdoors is your passion. This also goes with the products we use, allowing them to take care of your sensitive skin, and in turn, allowing you to freely enjoy your passions.
What can you say to those who are still hesitant to learn more about their skin condition?
Dr. Gaile: Some people are intimidated to consult, and others don’t want to pay the consultation fee. But when you compute that compared to buying multiple beauty products that don’t work, [it will save you money in the long run].
Bianca: I think all of us really need to make our skin one of our best investments, not only when you’re facing the public, but because our skin is really connected to how we feel about ourselves. Let’s face it: it’s true that what matters is what’s inside, but how you look outside [helps]. It will really help to seek the advice of dermatologists and use dermatologist-recommended products. It’s going to be one less thing to worry about every day.
Dr. Gaile and Bianca’s skin journeys reinforce the importance of embracing sensitive skin and being free from hindrances. Your skin should never be a burden, and keeping the right dermatologist-recommended products that understand and care of your skin like Cetaphil can empower you to freely be you.
The post A Q&A on the Sensitive Skin Journeys of Dr. Gaile and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal appeared first on MEGA.
A Q&A on the Sensitive Skin Journeys of Dr. Gaile and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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