Janine Quijano-Barcelona, MD FPDS

❗️It can be tempting to address your pimples on your own, considering other people seem to have worked it out using over-the-counter products.

🔎However, while there are a lot of great skincare items in the market, prescription-grade medications, whether oral or topical, may be better suited to your skin issue.

👩‍⚕️At the heart of it, acne is a pathologic condition that has a medical solution. Moreover, knowing what product to use is just half the battle – it is important to know how to use them, what to watch out for, how to address side-effects, and how to safely combine active agents. Improper use of products will not help your acne problem and can even make it worse.

💡Your dermatologist is there to help you muddle through all the information on acne and guide you towards the best combination of medications for your needs. Don’t be afraid to voice out your concerns with your doctor – whether it’s about purging, possible side effects, and even cost of treatment. Ultimately, your dermatologist is here to help you achieve better skin health.

Reach out to your local board-certified dermatologist today!

🔎Some people think that addressing acne means getting rid of all the pimples forever in one go. But the truth is, you can expect some to still pop up from time to time even as you work to control your acne.

💡 The menstrual cycle, stress, and even diet can have some impact on your skin and affect how it looks. So don’t feel disheartened when, despite treatment, a pimple or two still pops up. It’s important to look at your progress as a whole and appreciate the triumphs along the way. Soon enough, you’ll get closer and closer to your skin goals.

✔️ To help you along the way, reach out to your local board certified dermatologist.
 

💡 The road to clear skin looks different for every person. In general, medications usually need to be used consistently for at least 4-8 weeks before visible results can be appreciated. There are some individuals, however, who respond really quickly and get great results within a month. On the other end of the spectrum are people who take a little longer to respond and need tweaks to their regimen before they get to the point where the improvement is markedly appreciated.

📝 Throughout this journey, your dermatologist will be there to guide you. Follow-up consultations are crucial in tracking your progress and making adjustments to your treatment, if needed.

👩‍⚕️ Take that first step towards controlling your acne today. Consult with your local board-certified dermatologist.

🗓 🎄 Schedule announcement: We're taking a break!

👩‍⚕️You can still have your in-person consultations at VLI Medical Plaza on Dec 18, 21, 23 and 28. You can also catch me at Illumina Dermatology on Dec 19.

🎆 In 2025, we'll resume both online and in-person consultations from January 6 onwards.

Happy Holidays!

🤔 How do you become a board-certified dermatologist?

🇵🇭 In the Philippines, it means taking 4 years of undergraduate (pre-medical) study, 5 years of medical school, passing the medical licensure (PRC) exam, 3 years of Dermatology Residency training in an accredited institution, and passing the PDS specialty board exam.

👩‍⚕️🧑‍⚕️ There are those of us who go even further and sub-specialize in specific fields like dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, photodermatology, and Mohs surgery.

🔍You can be assured that a board-certified dermatologist is knowledgeable in managing conditions of the skin, hair, and nails of both young and old –whether these are severe pathologic diseases or aesthetic issues.

🏨Consult with a board-certified dermatologist today!

💡Psoriasis is a relatively common disease that classically appears as dry, thickened, scaly, red skin.
 
💊 Several treatment options are available for this condition. Choice of treatment will depend on several factors including extent and severity of disease, patient factors, and also accessibility of therapeutic options. While it is a lifelong condition, it can be controlled and people with psoriasis can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
 
👩‍⚕️If you have a skin condition and you're suspecting psoriasis, reach out to your local board-certified dermatologist today.

*Photos posted with patient's consent.

💇‍♀️ People experience hair loss in a variety of ways. Alopecia areata is a common form of hair loss that appears as discrete bald patches on the scalp. It can range in severity from one or few bald patches, to hair loss affecting all hair-bearing areas of the body.

🔍To diagnose this disease, a dermatologist will examine the scalp and hair follicles, conduct a hair pull test, or even do a skin punch biopsy if needed.

💉 While it can spontaneously resolve, the psychological impact of this condition can be highly significant hence treatment is important. Various therapeutic options are available with varying degrees of response.

👩‍⚕️If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult with a boardcertified dermatologist to make sure you get the right diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.



*Photo posted with consent of patient.

📣 Additional clinic schedule!

🗓I've added a new clinic day in VLI Medical Plaza. You can now see me there on Mon and Wed 9AM - 12NN, and on Sat 1-4PM. Please reach out to our secretary (09336531433) if you're coming in for a consultation.

👩‍⚕️You can also catch me at Illumina Dermatology every Thursday (2-5PM). Please contact the clinic manager (09209658443) to set an appointment.

💻Finally, you can also set an online appointment via SeriousMD.

Hope to see you soon!

📣Leprosy is curable, and early treatment is key!

📍In Bacolod City, visit the City Health Office for free medication, or check with your local health office for support.

🩺If you or someone you know is showing symptoms, don’t wait—consult with a board-certified dermatologist today!

In the realm of Dermatology, botox or neurotoxin injections are used to prevent muscles from moving for a limited time, which leads to the smoothening of wrinkles on the face. While its use is for aesthetic purposes, proper ex*****on of the procedure requires medical knowledge of the anatomy of the face, as knowing where, how much, and how deep to inject are important considerations to achieve a well-balanced, natural look.

Consult with a board-certified dermatologist if you’re interested in this procedure.

*Photos posted with patient's consent.

📱Too often, social media makes it seem like the road to pimple-free skin is an easy, straight line, achieved in a matter of days or weeks.

💊But in reality, that road can take twists and turns as the best treatment is tailor-fit to your needs. That journey can take several months or even up to a year.

💡Consult with a board-certified dermatologist now and take the first step towards addressing your acne.

*Photos posted with patient's consent.