I had to stop using products that I bought from Philosophy because I noticed that the acne on my forehead was not going away. I had never had a struggle with acne before and for some reason my forehead is oilier now so this has really been a concern for me. Adult acne is a bitch.
I decided to finally see a proper dermatologist to help me with my adult acne problem and freckles that seem to get darker when I spend a few hours under the sun. My husband insisted that I go to a Belo clinic just to experience what all the fuss was about (LOL!).
Belo Clinic
5th Level, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Phone: 4701992/9108330
Mobile: 0999-8857708
Their Megamall branch is the closest our place so that’s where I went. Doc Carlo made an assessment of my skin condition based on my answers on their questionnaire and his quick examination of my face. His solution to my concern is the use of Zo Medical and optional Revlite sessions to I guess hasten the results.
1. Oilacleanse – oil-free facial cleanser for morning and night
2. Cebatrol – anti-acne pads to exfoliate and smoothen
3. Melamin – with 4% hydroquinone for lightening hyperpigmentation, mornings
4. Glycogent – for smoothening, mornings
5. Melamix – 4% hydroquinone, bleaching cream for melasma, mixed with 6. Belo hydroquinone cream, nights
7. Sunblock – SPF 50 for day
Most of these are by prescription only and all of these are available via a dermatologist only.
ZO stands for Dr. Zein Obagi, the genius behind the famous Obagi line of skin care medicine in the 90s. He had since separated from Obagi Medical Products and put up his own Zo Medical line. More information can be found on their website.
I got a Revlite session and started on ZO 2 Mondays ago.
I instantly loved the Oilacleanse. The cleanser is transparent but after applying it on my face in circular motions, the red and white beads dissolve, creating a lather. The scent is wonderful too, like vanilla.
Cebatrol is cool to the face, although I am not sure if there is a wrong or right side to the pad because one side is a little rough. It does help a lot in controlling the oil though.
Melamin, Glycogent and Melamix stung a bit the first time I used them, and left my skin really red as if it were burning. The burning sensation is gone but my face feels really tight now.
The sunblock is the usual beige in color and the odor is the same. It’s SPF 50 though which I hope is more than enough. Thankfully I don’t go out in the sun a lot.
My face started peeling below my nose area on the 4th day, and it really went for it on the 5th. The peeling is gradual on my forehead, temple and cheeks but my entire face is a little itchy. Although it looks like the acne on my forehead has cleared, I am now getting pimples on parts of my face where I didn’t use to get them.
I had my first followup consultation with Doc Carlo last Tuesday and he assured me that the pimples are normal while the medication is bringing all the impurities out. Peeling is expected to stop after two weeks and that I should start seeing improvements in 4-6 weeks. I do see that my acne is being controlled, and the freckles on my cheeks seem to have lightened although it may be a little too early. The Revlite may also have helped although I didn’t notice any difference after the first session.
Doc Carlo advised me to go through all 6 sessions of Revlite to shrink my pores and smoothen my face, but it costs too much at Php 8k a pop and you’re supposed to have it every two weeks! I declined and would rather just wait out the final results of the Zo Medical.
What are your experiences?
