WATCH: Dra. Vicki Belo explains the reason why you shouldn't moisturize
In June 2018, a lot of netizens debated with celebrity dermatologist Dra. Vicki Belo for writing a post on a local online fashion magazine that she doesn't believe in the power of moisturizers. So much so that she wants you to stop using it.
Now a year later, Vicki Belo sat down with fashion blogger Camille Co to explain the facts on why she thinks so.
For one, she believes in the power of exfoliating more than moisturizing to effectively remove dead skin cells and reveal the baby-smooth skin lying underneath.
“You have to think of what a moisturizer is - it's an oil or cream that you put in your face when there are dry spots. It moisturizes it so it looks smooth and it feels good for a while.
“But, if you don't put moisturizer it's pangit again, it's crinkled and it looks bad.
“So what you really want to do is exfoliate those areas.
“Kasi if you look at it microscopically, parang nagpapatung-patong 'yung dead skin. You can just imagine all your dead skin is not exfoliated, that's why you need something like a scrub or kojic acid wash to remove all that dead skin.”
Secondly, the dermatologist says that it inhibits the body to produce hydration on its own.
“The other thing that moisturizers do is that it sends signals through your fibroglands which are the cells that make collagen and elastin.
“They're saying, 'Hey, we have enough moisture.' So, it fools them into thinking that.
In turn, Vicki Belo says, “they will not produce your own collagen and elastin which we need.”
So what is the best basic skincare routine you can do at home?
In the morning, Dra. Belo says it's best to wash, exfoliate, toner, and finish it off with some Vitamin C serum. While at night, she suggests to simply wash, tone, and add a Vitamin A serum after.
Watch Camille's beauty one-on-one with Dra. Vicki Belo as they talk about different skin-related topics like acne, dark spots, underarms, botox, skincare ingredients, facials, and so much more.