The growing number of skin complications caused by procedures performed by unqualified individuals fueled the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) to start a Skin Safety Campaign in 2008. Today, positioning itself as the DermAuthority, the organization has expanded its platforms and now uses social media to educate Filipinos about proper skin care and safe and effective treatments for skin, hair, and nail conditions in order to prevent damaging consequences of misinformation.
Uncertified 'experts'
One of the issues raised at a media briefing with PDS in Mandaluyong on Monday was the serious problem of uncertified clinics performing cosmetic and skin treatment procedures.
Furthermore, the organization also warned the public to be mindful about heavily promoted products on TV that promise to address skin issues in a short span of time.
PDS president Dr. Rosalina Nadela reminded the public to consult only eligible dermatologists for skin care and skin diseases.
Licensed dermatologists have undergone three years of training at a hospital or institution approved by the PDS, which prides itself as the only specialty society in dermatology recognized by the Philippine Medical Association. It currently has 11 accredited dermatology training institutions:
1. Philippine General Hospital – UP Manila
2. Skin & Cancer Foundation, Inc.
3. Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
4. East Avenue Medical Center
5. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
6. Makati Medical Center
7. Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center
8. Southern Philippines Medical Center
9. St. Luke’s Medical Center
10. Sto. Tomas University Hospital
11. University of the East – Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
PDS awards the Skin Safety Campaign door decal and the Seal of Excellence to certified dermatologists whose names can be found on their official website.
App
One of the developments in the organization’s awareness efforts is the PDS Skin Care App, which is downloadable from iTunes for free. A directory of certified dermatologists and clinics, it also features information about PDS such as its organizational structure and contact details.
A handbook on dermocosmetics
Another product launched by the society at the event is a handbook on acne.
According to the group's data, the 2013 prevalence rate of acne vulgaris was 17 percent.
“Acne is the most common skin condition requiring consultation in the 11 PDS-accredited dermatology training institutions in the country,” said Nadela.
“A Guide on Dermocosmetics in Acne,” distributed to dermatologists and general practitioners for free, contains information about the role of dermocosmetics in acne management, from the nature of ingredients to their mode of action.
However, it is important to note that dermocosmetics is not a primary treatment for acne.
“When used as adjuncts to standard or conventional acne treatment, dermocosmetics may provide a synergistic effect or minimize the side effects of acne therapy and aesthetic problems associated with acne,” said Dr. Ma. Purita Paz-Lao, chair of the handbook's editorial board.
Dermocosmetics include cleansers, topical sebum-controlling agents, corneolytics, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, photoprotectives and camouflage make-up.
These products cannot treat acne alone, but with the evidence-based effectiveness of the ingredients, they can help mitigate unwarranted effects of traditional treatment options such as redness and drying and encourage treatment compliance among patients.
Basic skin care is inexpensive
Aside from consulting a certified dermatologist, PDS encourages people to cultivate the following habits for better skin health:
Use correct sun protection. Apply sunscreen and re-apply every 2-3 hours especially when doing outdoor activities. To mitigate the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, one should also wear protective clothing and hats and use umbrellas.
Be gentle with your skin. It is not recommended to scrub skin with bath towels and sponges. Instead, use mild soaps and cleansers with no perfumes to prevent irritation and allergy. Dryness of the skin, as well as itching and redness, may result from using products with alcohols.
“Less is more in taking care of the skin.” PDS stresses that allergy and irritation are more likely to develop when you are using a lot of skin care products.
Don’t ignore the importance of a balanced diet. The food a person eats affects the quality of his skin. Eat a diet that includes the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fiber.Furthermore, drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help eliminate toxins that may cause dullness of the skin. — BM, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
