What in God's Name Does Holistic Skincare Even Mean and Where Has This Been All My Life?

I remember this one commercial by that one men's facial cleanser brand when I was a teenager. "Men's pores are bigger than women's," it said. I thought the differences ended there. Of course I was wrong.

When it comes to skincare, among other things, most men get most of it wrong. My dad had soap. So did I. No fuss. That was it. Back when I was a kid, dudes didn't teach dudes how to take care of themselves. That's toxic. I'm an Esquire Philippines man now and we don't do that here. I have to be mindful of androgen stimulation, testosterone balance, sebum production, pH levels, and the like here.

At the most basic level, skincare means keeping our skin as healthy and attractive as possible. Hence, the myriad toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens we try out. We are told to be consistent with them and reap the rewards. But skincare, after all, wasn't meant to be just skin-deep. It was meant to be so much more.

There's something a few new-wave dermatologists and wellness experts call "holistic skincare." Now what the hell is all this then? It sounds fancy. Our group talked to Dr. Kaycee Reyes of Luminisce about it. A degree holder in preventative medicine, Dr. Reyes applies what she's learned from her studies and experiences in Thailand, London, and Germany to her clinic. Her outlook on skin cases, and her understanding of techniques and technologies in non-invasive aesthetic and aesthetic dermatology, make her just the person we're looking for to keep things tight. She's one of the few local physicians to have an internationally accredited degree in clinical medicine, specializing in aging well and regenerative medicine. She's legit. She's just what the doctor ordered. Call her an anti-ager. Or even a healer. 

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>pDr. Reyes says that we ought to change our approach toward skincare. We have to make it a body-mind-soul-spirit thing. Miss me with those "hippie" chants. Hippies do make great points from time to time. Hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Dr. Reyes, however, gets it right all the time. For each patient, she tailors a treatment plan of sorts that could span months or quarters or even years. Sometimes, it's laser treatment or anti-aging therapy. Other times, it's complete lifestyle programs that certain patients need. She vouches for an individualized approach and her patients (like the showbiz Legazpi family) love her for it.>pOn to our own trip. The doctor consults with each of us one by one before we get our individual treatments. This was a briefing of sorts where she'd recommend the best for our concerns. I tell her about the stress that's beginning to show on the outskirts of my eyes or the acne woes I've recently had and then some (your standard clueless-dude-does-skincare stuff). To each their own set of skin troubles, I guess.>pALSO READ:>pA Rookie's Guide to the Best Men's Skincare Products in the Philippines>pPutting Brad Pitt's Le Domaine Skincare Line to the Test>pSo That's What Holistic Skincare Means. Damn.>h2

Today is a treat-yo-self day, we all agree. We're set for a journey. This day should take the edge off the grind of daily publishing, I think to myself. Let's say it's a reward of sorts for the Esquire gang. She tells me to get Refresh Microtherapy. Here, a special cocktail of growth factor, neurotoxins, and cross-linked hyaluronic acid, through its 24-Karat Gold microneedles, penetrates deep into the skin. This cocktail regulates sweat and sebum production. Visible pore tightening come with it, too. It's a way to get the skin's sheen back. I did, I think. It hurts, damn it. But beauty is pain and I oblige. The week after, I tell myself, "Damn, I feel fresh as f*ck." Less grease, less bad juju, I say. 

The doctor also recommends The Full Radiance Facial. It's one of the boutique clinic's original treatments. Someone would want this to lighten dark spots and correct uneven skin tone. It even helps unclog pores. Plus, it smoothens those fine lines a bit. This treatment has an immediate restorative effect on the skin, so that it looks healthier than it is. Go figure. The secret-sauce minerals, vitamins, and enzymes can really do a dude wonders.

We can take some dermatologist-recommended tools home, too. Luminisce Signatures like the Adventurine Cream and Sunproof or at-home kits such as the Coquille Peel set and Citrine Peel set are available on its online shop. They have some wild honey and organic red and green juices, too. They're nice.

Do I look more radiant now? On the outside, yes. On the inside, maybe a little more than I want to admit. The doctor tells me it's going to take a lot more to heal everything. I know. For skincare to be a holistic endeavor, it must strike a balance between physiology, chemistry, and care, after all.

Holistic skincare is interconnected skincare, so that means following a lifestyle plan and regular trips to the doctor. But it takes the right one at the end of the day. Talk about journeys.Who knew skincare could be... spiritual almost? What a trip. This is wellness. This is a proper glow. Nevertheless, I still need to get my diet right. I need to quit smoking. I need to destress. I need to feel better about myself (time to address our low self-esteem then).

"To look well, you have to be well," I hear Dr. Reyes echo. God bless you. You make me feel brand new, just like that old Stylistics song.

For more information on services, rates, and clinic locations, visit the official Luminisce website here.