Anti-Aging? It’s All About “Skin Quality” These Days
Obsessing about every little wrinkle, marionette line, or sag? Here’s your sign to shift your focus.
There has been a notable shift in the skincare landscape, with the pursuit of anti-aging solutions now moving into a new direction—one with a more attainable goal: better skin quality. The term “anti-aging,” after all, has been the subject of much criticism in recent years, fuelling unhealthy views on aging.
In 2017, Allure magazine, one of the world’s top beauty glossies, announced that it would no longer use the term “anti-aging,” a bold move that many lauded and soon copied. “Whether we know it or not, we’re subtly reinforcing the message that aging is a condition we need to battle,” Allure’s former editor in chief, Michelle Lee, wrote in her announcement. “If there’s one inevitability in life, it’s that we’re getting older.”
Years later—and as the beauty industry continues to evolve—more and more people are embracing the concept of growing into their own skin, wrinkles and all. From targeting to look “younger,” the new ideal is to look “better” even with age. Think: firm, hydrated, glowy skin, and yes, maybe a few lines here and there. This change reflects a deeper understanding and appreciation of skin health, emphasizing aiming for a radiant and healthy complexion rather than merely fighting the signs of aging.
Understanding skin quality
Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, cites a 2021 study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal in defining skin quality, emphasizing that it is “assessed holistically, via a 360° view.”
Research shows “strong consensus that good skin quality is defined as healthy, youthful in appearance (appearing younger than a person’s chronological age), undamaged skin.”
And while there’s no standardized criteria for determining good skin quality, the study also shows that it can be described across all ethnicities, all age groups, and genders by four emergent perceptual categories (EPCs): skin tone evenness, skin surface evenness, skin firmness, and skin glow.
That said, this newfound focus on skin quality translates to nurturing the skin to be the best version of itself at any age, rather than striving to erase every wrinkle or line. This approach aligns with a growing trend in the beauty industry that celebrates authenticity and individual beauty, moving away from the unrealistic ideals often perpetuated in the media.
Also worth noting: Achieving good skin quality isn’t something that happens overnight or through a single, short-term fix. It’s a goal that’s anchored on a multi-faceted, long-term strategy.
Here, we’ve spotlighted the key components of healthy skin quality along with some of the ways you can address them through your skincare regimen:
- Hydration
Well-hydrated skin looks plump, feels smooth, and has a natural glow, whereas skin that lacks moisture looks dull and rough, and is more prone to the early onset of lines and wrinkles. No wonder ingredients like hyaluronic acid have become staples in today’s skincare routines. Plus, more products are now formulated to boost the skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring long-lasting hydration. (Try: Froika Hyaluronic Face Serum, P2,500.) - Texture
This refers to the smoothness of the skin’s surface. Exfoliation, both chemical and physical, play a vital role in maintaining smooth skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This not only enhances the skin’s texture but also aids in better absorption of other skincare products. (Try: Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel, P4,100) - Elasticity
This is defined as skin’s firmness or ability to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. With age, skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging. A routine rich in peptides and antioxidants can help boost skin’s structure and firmness while also protecting from external damage. (Try: Mesoestetic Age Element Firming Cream, P5,700) - Tone and clarity
Signs of pigmentation, from age spots to redness and unevenness, become more palpable with age as skin’s natural repair processes slow down. Aside from the religious use of sunscreen to protect skin from UV damage (one of the main causes of pigmentation), ingredients like niacinamide and Vitamin C can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots, leading to a more uniform and luminous complexion. (Try: Derm Biologiques Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, P3,500)
Professional treatments to improve skin quality
Prefer a doctor’s intervention? Various innovative treatments have been developed to address different aspects of skin quality. Here’s a cheat sheet to five leading skincare treatments you can try, all available at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions:
Profhilo
Profhilo is a revolutionary treatment designed to improve skin hydration and elasticity. Unlike traditional fillers, Profhilo is composed of highly pure hyaluronic acid without any chemical cross-linking agents. It works by bio-remodeling the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This leads to improved skin firmness and a natural, glowing appearance. Profhilo is injected into specific points in the skin or Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP), spreading evenly and providing hydration and volumization from within. Read more about it here.
NCTF
NCTF (New Cellular Treatment Factor) is a mesotherapy cocktail containing a blend of vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. This comprehensive solution is designed to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin—boosting hydration, enhancing radiance, and improving overall skin texture and elasticity. By delivering essential nutrients directly into the skin, NCTF stimulates cellular regeneration and promotes healthier, more vibrant skin. (Check out before and after photos here.)
Rejuran
A South Korea-famous innovation, Rejuran is a polynucleotide-based treatment that harnesses the healing properties of salmon DNA to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Known for its regenerative effects, Rejuran enhances skin elasticity, reduces fine lines, and improves skin texture. The polynucleotides in Rejuran promote collagen synthesis and cellular repair, leading to smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin. (Also read: 5 Things to Know About South Korea’s Rejuran Healer, Now in Manila)
There are three types: Rejuran H (Healer) for overall skin issues, such as acne scars, redness, wrinkles, dullness, enlarged pores, irregular skin texture, stretch marks, and sagging skin; Rejuran I (Eye), for the focused treatment of eye wrinkles, and Rejuran S (Scar) specifically for acne scars.
Exosome Therapy
Exosome therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment that utilizes exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles rich in growth factors and signaling molecules. These exosomes play a crucial role in cell communication and regeneration. When applied to the skin, exosomes stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, promote tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. (Read more about why it’s favored by many dermatologists here.)
ASCE+
ASCE+ (Advanced Stem Cell Extract) therapy involves the use of stem cell-derived factors to rejuvenate and repair the skin. This treatment delivers a potent mix of growth factors, cytokines, and peptides that promote cellular renewal and collagen production. It enhances skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and improves skin hydration. By leveraging the regenerative power of stem cells, ASCE+ provides comprehensive skincare benefits and boosts overall skin quality. (Read more here.)
Skin quality as the new standard
Ultimately, the movement towards prioritizing skin quality over anti-aging is a refreshing change. It empowers individuals to celebrate their unique beauty, highlights the importance of skin health, and promotes a more realistic approach to skincare.
Dr. Navarro further reminds us: “Addressing skin quality must start from within [and is affected by] the gut-skin axis, which emphasizes the correlation of having a healthy gut to having healthy skin.” He adds, “This is where the functional medicine approach comes into play.” (Also read: Here’s How A Functional Wellness Doctor Can Help Your Skin Health)
For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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 Mesoestetic Age Element Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, P6,000 |
 TDF Ultra Light Hydrator, P1,700 |
 ZO Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5%, P7,550 |
 Froika Retisome Eyes, P2,520 |
