Filipinas Lag Behind Asian Women In Skincare

By Thelma Sioson San Juan (Inquirer)
Posted 11:20pm (Mla time) June 15, 2006

OVER LUNCH the other day, we got a bit of information that may not necessarily be new, but is so interesting nonetheless.

Did you know that many Filipino women still use bar soap, if not detergent, on their face, and that compared to other Asian women, we are the least meticulous about skin care? This, despite the onslaught of skin-care products, the marketing blitzes of various brands, and the giant strides in skin care technology in recent years.

Apparently, a significant percentage of women, especially in the provinces, have yet to outgrow the habit, if not the age-old “tradition,” of using one soap for face, body and hair. Their skincare regimen begins with soap and ends with a sprinkle of loose baby powder.

In contrast, other Asian women -- particularly the Japanese, the Thai and the Indonesians -- have as many as seven steps in their beauty regimen, from cleansing to toning, moisturizing and so on.

“The Japanese, for instance, have a long heritage of skincare regimen, not only for the face but also for the entire body,” said Mutya Crisostomo, the new brand manager of Pond’s.

Surveys also showed that one out of three Filipino women who are facial care users use astringent. It seems their skincare regimen goes only as far as using astringent, which they dab on like a cleansing liquid, usually as often as thrice a day. And this is another oddity unique to the Pinay -- she loves the stinging sensation of a strong astringent, which is bad for the skin, of course. It’s like pouring alcohol on your face.

What makes the Philippines unique in Asia is that it is hooked on astringent. To the Filipina, it seems, astringent spells skincare. What many don’t know is that the wrong astringent, a deep-cleansing agent, leaves you practically red-faced so that you can’t go out.

“It also leaves long-term damage and makes you photosensitive,” says Mutya.

Our relatively backward ways where skincare regimen is concerned can be due mainly, of course, not only to lack of skin-care education, but also to low purchasing power. Most women in this country still don’t have the means to afford skincare products. Or, as Pond’s assistant brand manager Orange Aberin noted, “It could be a choice between that and food, or that and cell-phone load.”

All this makes the Philippines a good challenge for skincare brands like Pond’s. Its cold cream is already a household brand to generations of Filipinas. Now, it is working to redirect the Filipina’s habit to the correct steps in skincare -- from cleansing and toning to moisturizing and using leave-on cream.

It should be interesting to see how its whitening toner, which has the vitamin B3 needed to whiten the skin from within (not peeling it off incessantly), would make inroads in the market.

Missing Tinio
The National Artists Awards presentation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last Friday night was quite stirring. It didn’t drag even if video and live shows were done to honor the achievements of the National Artists: Bencab, Ildefonso Santos, Ramon Valera, Ramon Obusan, Imao, Fernando Poe Jr. and Bienvenido Lumbera.

What we found touching was the Valera portion, where terno-clad models paraded to the music of “La Vie en Rose,” translated to Filipino by Rolando Tinio. That moment, we missed Rolando the National Artist and Rolando the friend.

The performance of a “Rama Hari” excerpt with music by Ryan Cayabyab and lyrics by Dr. Lumbera reminded us of this innovative ballet musical that may not be known to the future generations. We told CCP president Nes Jardin it wouldn’t be a bad idea to release a CD of the haunting “Rama Hari” music. Interestingly, Nes managed Ballet Philippines when this eminent dance company staged “Rama Hari.”

That night, we also learned that NCCA head Ambeth Ocampo was nearly summoned to the Senate to answer questions about the National Artists Awards. A not-so-subtle invite to grilling, no doubt. How odd.

Pitoy not hurt
Meanwhile, the other fashion design nominee for National Artist, Pitoy Moreno, will be in Washington at this time to stage a fashion show marking the centennial anniversary of Filipino migration to the US.

“Honestly, I don’t feel bad,” Pitoy told us about not having been chosen as National Artist for fashion design.

“Valera was a good designer,” he added.

Not only that. There’s ample time for Pitoy, who’s ageless and tireless. His Washington DC show at Ritz Carlton will have 120 pieces to be modeled by beauty queens such as Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman and Bb. Pilipinas World 2004 Karla Bautista, among others.

For more than three decades now, Pitoy has been bringing his collections around the world, to as far as Iran. When Pitoy’s name crops up again in the next selection of National Artists, the parameters will go beyond design and craft to identity-building abroad.

Meanwhile, Tim Yap was just in Paris to launch his limited-edition watch (Oh my, Tim, you’ve come a long way). He said, no less than Stefano Gabbana of the Dolce & Gabbana brand wore his watch during the launch. What can you say to that?