Belo Medical Group https://www.belomed.com Thu, 17 Dec 2020 02:40:11 +0000 en-US 1.2 https://www.belomed.com https://www.belomed.com 7860 7854 7858 7859 7864 7865 7861 7862 7866 Mayor Isko Moreno Loves Thermage FLX https://www.belomed.com/blog/mayor-isko-moreno-loves-thermage-flx Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:44:08 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=18854

Isko Moreno is a story many people will tell again and again. The current mayor of Manila has dedicated his life to public service since 1998, after a career in show business. His landslide victory over seasoned politicians has symbolized a fresh start for the country’s capital. 

Moreno talks about Manila with a certain love only a true resident of the place can. His dream is to make the capital city shine. “If there is one good thing about Manila, it’s about its character,” he says. “We are the window of the country, so our dream is to really make it the real capital. Not only by law, but it’s a show window of opportunity, cleanliness, orderliness, a city of hope. A vibrant city rich in history and culture.” 

It’s a tall order and he’s constantly in the news for the big moves he makes to make Manila the city he sees. It’s no surprise that he needs to be reminded to take care of himself. This is where Moreno finds a great match with Dr. Vicki Belo and the Belo Medical Group. 

“Well, if there’s one common thing about with me and Dr. Belo, it’s that we wanted to fulfill our promise. When we say something, results should be seen. I, for one, always wanted to have results, whether immediate or in the long-term. The same thing with Belo.” 

Mayor Isko sees how Dr. Vicki’s dream of making the Philippines the most beautiful country one face at a time is just like his mission. “Making yourself beautiful doesn’t happen overnight, especially kung napabayaan mo ang sarili mo. But it will never be too late with Dr. Belo. She can catch up with time. And she can deliver. And the other thing is, through experience, through time and focus in our respective fields.” 

He also gives credit to Dr. Vicki’s experience “I think ako, more than two decades doing public service. Same thing with Dr. Vicki: 30 years, my God, in practice. So that is one value about going to Belo. There may be the same technologies available [elsewhere], but the experience is not for everybody.” 

As a public figure, he puts value in taking care of your looks. But it’s not just on the surface level. Just like with the face lift he’s giving Manila, self-care at Belo Medical Group is about valuing yourself inside and out. 

Moreno shares, “Looks are your representation to society. You have to take care of your looks, especially if you’re striving or you’re enjoying success in life. Sometimes you have to pay back to yourself.”

He may be young for his chosen field, but aging is slowly becoming a concern for Moreno. In his 40s, he reflects “ As you age, like middle age, lines will be present on your face. Sagging is one of those. You really have to take care of yourself and you need to do some effort physically. If there’s a chance that technology or science can help you achieve that, like, you know, with Belo, why not?” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqDWBabCAXM&t=2s

Hence, he tried Belo Thermage FLX. After consulting with Dr. Vicki, Moreno learned about the treatment. He talks about the experience candidly, “ And, of course, kahit na first time ko, I have to trust Dr. Belo. She’s a known doctor taking care of making a person beautiful. So I did, and it’s a good experience. You’ll feel good about yourself. You’ll feel good about taking care of yourself after the treatment. And a few days thereafter, mararamdaman mo na. Parang nawala ‘yung laylayAwa naman ng Diyos, I’m happy with the Thermage FLX. Especially ‘cause of Dr. Belo.”

Moreno likes how the treatment is virtually painless as well. Though he did have some hesitation because it was his first time to do it, Thermage FLX proved to have nothing you need to worry about. “Meron lang parang kurye-kuryente. Kinakagat ka ng langgam. Pero, ano naman eh, mababait naman eh, ‘yung staff and doctors of Belo Medical. They ask you something, ‘How do you feel about the treatment?’ Tapos anong tolerance, then ina-adjust naman. So for me, a first-timer, very accommodating yung naging treatment sa akin.”

As for the results, Moreno is a fair judge, being a man who’s expected to deliver more than just promises. Thermage FLX is something he approves. Bumata daw ako. (laughs) Naging firm. ‘Yan, that I agree. Yung sagging, medyo talagang nawala. So, maganda. Maraming nakakapansin.”  

So trust that on the times Mayor Isko needs time for himself, he’ll most likely be at a Belo clinic. He loves how the technology, experience, and customer service all comes together for a world-class experience. “Now you’re going to trust science and medicine. And you’re going to trust it with an experienced person. Dedicated, with integrity as a company. So I’m happy with Belo Medical Group, and I’m happy with Dr. Vicki Belo.”

Want to have the Yorme-approved Belo Thermage FLX treatment? Know more about it and other Belo Medical treatments by booking your appointment now. Call 8819-BELO (2356) or click here!

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Glowing Forward with Gabbi Garcia https://www.belomed.com/?p=18916 https://www.belomed.com/?p=18916 18916 0 0 0 Gabbi Garcia: The LuminoVitaGlow Experience https://www.belomed.com/blog/gabbi-garcia-the-luminovitaglow-experience Mon, 10 Feb 2020 11:19:47 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=18918

Actress Gabbi Garcia’s future is glowing. The 21-year old is constantly busy with a lot of projects. And a lot more opportunities are knocking on her door. 

It’s then not surprising that these means late nights and early morning call times. Like anyone else, Gabbi isn’t immune to its effects which include dull skin, lines and wrinkles, and other skin problems. “So in our line of work, being an artista, we’re always required to put on so much heavy makeup for the lights, for the cameras,” says Gabbi. 

Gabbi as a certified #BeloBaby, turned to Belo Medical Group’s LuminoVitaGlow for days she’s off-set. “But then on my normal days, I don’t usually put so much makeup. That’s where LVG helped me a lot. I gained confidence because people started complimenting my skin.”

The treatment calls together three steps, each one carrying Belo’s signature of effectivity and expertise to give you that celebrity-approved skin. 

It starts first with Time Peel, a unique gluconolactone-based peel that addresses wrinkles and textural issues. The second step is the much loved New Cellular Treatment Facto (NCTF). It is a nutrient-rich complex that creates an ideal cellular environment for amplified collagen production. The last step is the LED Photorejuvenation which rebalances and rejuvenates the skin while increasing the potency of both the Time Peel and the NCTF.

Following her friend and fellow actress Liza Soberano, Gabbi shares to us how she followed “all the skin programs” given to her by Belo Medical Group. “And then Doc Hayden and Doc Vicki asked me if I could do a video for them, and that was the LuminoVitaGlow. So I tried it for the first time. It’s painless. It rejuvenates your skin, and my morena glow doesn’t fade away because of LuminoVitaGlow.” 

Her favorite step is NCTF. “They’re injecting vitamins on your face. But it’s not really painful. It has over 50 vitamins, and it doesn’t just rejuvenate your skin, it tightens your skin.” 

The results according to Gabbi? “Less pores, and it makes you really fresh. After I did my LVG, I didn’t wear makeup for the whole week. Because I trusted the treatment so much and it worked so much for me.” 

Gabbi also shares with us how her LuminoVitaGlow results further her trust in the Belo Medical Group

After doing the recommended three LuminoVitaGlow sessions, Gabbi says she’d advise it to anyone, especially those who want to give the best to their skin. Gabbi shares, “If you wanna keep your color and you just really wanna glow, this is the perfect treatment for you. ‘Cause that was my very first concern. I told Dra. Vicki, I don’t really wanna change my skin color. I just really wanna glow.”

“Belo is the number one derma in the country, so why would I go, why would I try any other else? Belo is now on their 30th year, and I love not only Dra. Vicki, but the whole staff of Belo Family. They’re all pleasant. They know what they’re doing. And you know you can really count on them.”

Want to experience the LuminoVitaGlow Treatment yourself? Click here or call 8819-BELO (2356) to book an appointment now at any Belo Medical Group clinic!

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Glow Goal: Your 101 about LuminoVitaGlow https://www.belomed.com/blog/about-luminovitaglow Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:38:18 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=18990

Have you heard of the latest buzzword on the skincare block? It’s LuminoVitaGlow. The treatment is revolutionizing how you can take care of your skin, improve its natural complexion, and get that youthful glow that looks so good on everyone. Sounds good, right? Before you venture forth your nearest Belo Medical Group clinic, we’ve put together a brief on everything you need to know about LuminoVitaGlow. 

This way you won’t have any hesitations over it. You might just find that this is the one for you when it comes to your skincare goals. Knowing makes it faster for you to reach your desired look. Plus you’ll even get to be the one to personally explain it and recommend it to your glow-seeking friends. 

About LuminoVitaGlow 

LuminoVitaGlow is a signature treatment of the Belo Medical Group. This means they are the only dermatological clinic in the country that has perfected this service to the highest standard. This treatment isn’t found anywhere else, testifying to Belo’s mission to be at the forefront of skin. 

The treatment’s primary goal is to improve the appearance of the skin in an effective, pain-free, and non-invasive way. Dra. Victoria Belo explains it best: It’s the treatment celebrities get that’s why anywhere they go, it seems they have a spotlight on them. 

You see, skin at its best condition manages to reflect light. It has a natural highlighted look making it look fresh, dewy, and healthy. Good skin makes it seem like light is following you around. 

LuminoVitaGlow doesn’t alter the complexion of your skin. What you’re are naturally blessed with, the treatment improves. Hence, it is recommended for morenas, mestizas, and everyone in between. You’ll fall in love with your natural skin. 

Three-Step Approach

LuminoVitaGlow combines three treatments. Each of the three makes the other steps more effective. 

The first step is Time or Bright Peel. This uses a superficial Gluconolactone based peel. Unlike other peeling treatments, this smoothens and moisturizes the skin without causing photosensitivity. It contains Vitamins C & E-like anti-oxidant properties to help with rejuvenation and restoration. 

After this, there is the New Cellular Treatment Factor or NCTF. You’ll be amazed as this complex solution contains 49 vitamins, co-enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals. What do they do? They create the perfect cellular environment for optimum collagen production. 

You have two options when it comes to applying NCTF. For dry/sensitive skin, it is recommended that you opt for the Topical Massage. This means the treatment is applied directly to the skin via a 10-minute manual massage. 

On the other end, oily skin best benefits from the Scratch Technique. This is done via delivered using a microneedle pen, nappage, or intradermal injections which results in better penetration. 

The last step is LED Photorejuvenation. It rebalances and rejuvenates the skin via exposing it to Infrared light. The epidermis absorbs the light and triggers it to produce collagen proteins. 

After Your Treatment

LuminoVitaGlow is so good as there is no downtime. You can even apply makeup right after your session. You’ll immediately see radiant and hydrated skin immediately after. 

It is best to have continuous effects to do three treatments, two weeks apart. Afterwhich, you can do it every six months. 

Want your own personal spotlight via LuminoVitaGlow? Book an appointment now via 8819-BELO (2356) or click here!

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Sarah Geronimo’s Favorite Belo Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/sarah-geronimos-favorite-belo-treatments Tue, 03 Mar 2020 09:23:18 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=18996

It’s hard to believe that Sarah Geronimo has been in the industry for 18 years. Why? Part of it is how her songs remain relevant hits and capture the youth’s sentiments all the time. Another part of it is how she always looks so young and fresh. 

Think about it. When we first met Sarah, she was but a teenager with a stellar voice. Now, she’s a married woman. Time surely flies when you also take into account the many concerts, collaborations, films, and features she’s done. 

One can’t help ask: What’s Sarah’s secret? Life as a phenomenal singer can get hectic and stressful. By this time, we should see traces of Sarah’s hard work on her face. But there’s basically nothing except for that promising glow. 

Not to brag, but that’s because Sarah’s truly a #BeloBaby. Our philosophy on beauty isn’t limited to instant results. It’s all about preventing what age and stress brings. It’s about listening to what your skin needs and not just about trends. 

For Sarah, there are three favorite treatments she relies on. Here, we go over them and what they can do. 

#1 Belo Clear + Brilliant Laser 

As advised by our experts, Sarah goes for this non-invasive treatment as it combats the signs of aging. Wrinkles won’t dare come with this treatment as it increases the skin’s elasticity. Plus you get the benefit of improved tone and texture. 

This is best for photodamage as well. Don’t forget that aside from sunlight, the skin reacts adversely to extreme and prolonged studio lighting--something Sarah is often exposed to. 

The procedure is perfect for those with busy schedules as it has no downtime. 

#2 Skin Reboot

Sarah says of Skin Reboot “What it does is to keep my skin firm kahit na maraming schedule!” 

No surprises as to why Sarah liked this immediately. Skin Reboot is a miracle worker as it combines radiofrequency and micro-current technology for skin tightening. 

It can be used for both the face and the body so sagging won’t be an issue for you. Advisable for those in their 20s and 30s, you’ll love the treatment which uses dual-energy, vitamin- and stem cell-enriched creams and emulsions that reach the skin’s cells.

You also get to stimulate collagen and elastin formation for that improved skin tone, no fine lines, and a more contoured look.

#3 Thermage FLX 

The newly-minted Mrs. Gudicelli is one who will easily testify for the benefits of Thermage. On Instagram, Sarah shares “Looking my best all the time, with or without makeup, is very important to an artist like me. And when it comes to beauty treatment choice ko, gusto ko syempre yung sigurado at subok na. Kaya nga I can only trust Dr. Belo and @belobeauty. And I love #BeloThermage too! Isang treatment lang, good na for one year. No pain and no downtime pa. I love how it can make my face look slimmer and contoured. It keeps my collagen healthy pa kaya naman feeling ko my skin looks fresh lagi. I believe prevention is better than cure so #BeloThermage is my yearly skin ritual na.” 

Thermage is one of  Belo Medical Group’s most awarded procedure. It gives you a mini-facelift sans downtime or going under the knife. 

What does it do? It uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to stimulate collagen production. Once new collagen is formed, you get tighter skin, smoother complexion, and your natural contours come out more.  

Ready to be treated like Sarah Geronimo with Belo Medical Group treatments? It will surely be a hit! Just call 8819-BELO (2356) or click here to book your appointment at a Belo Medical Group Clinic near you!

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Julia Barretto Reflects on Her Glass Skin Facial Experience https://www.belomed.com/blog/julia-barretto-reflects-on-her-glass-skin-facial-experience Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:55:04 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19026

The trending look of the moment: Smooth, blemish-free skin that needs no concealer. Highlight? It came from within. K-beauty gave this look a name: Glass Skin. This inspired one of Belo Medical Group’s latest treatments. The Glass Skin Facial became an instant hit among its clients. #BeloBaby Julia Barretto is one of its biggest fans. 

https://youtu.be/3gt7JYwr7lk

Glass Skin Confessions

She fell in love with instantly the first time she got the treatment. “During the treatment, I kept saying, ‘Wow, it feels so good.’ I think there’s something about it that keeps you— makes you feel so refreshed and makes you feel really clean, honestly. And my skin felt rejuvenated after.” 

Her experience gave her the results it promised when she first heard of the treatment. 

“I thought it was perfect, because every time we’re not wearing any makeup, I think the best look we wanna achieve is we have glassy skin. Really clear, really spotless, like poreless. And I think that’s what the Glass Skin Facial is all about. Really making you confident, even without having any makeup on when you’re out.” 

Coincidentally, Glass Skin is perfect for women like Julia who want to feel most confident without makeup. “You know what makes me feel so good? After a long day, it’s just when...after a busy day at work, and then just removing everything. It’s just a lot of load that you feel gets off. Taking off all your makeup, cleansing the day off of you, and just going to bed—that’s the best.” 

Looking Through 

Glass Skin Facial is for those who want their skin to achieve its best look sans makeup. It uses a multi-step deep cleansing wash. This is followed by an ultrasound treatment using Hyaluronic Acid gel that reduces wrinkles and hydrates skin profusely.

Since there is no downtime, people as busy as Julia can do it easily every two to four weeks.

If you have dry skin or if you just prioritizing maintaining the right moisture level, the Glass Skin Facial is one of the best options. Julia likes it as it complements her goals and her career.

“I think I’m more of a moisture girl. I think with our line of work, there’s just so much going on with our skin. It tends to get dry. I actually don’t do much, I just use cleanser and moisturizer. The more products I use on my face, the more my skin reacts to it. So I try not to use as much. That’s why the [Belo] treatments are perfect, just to maintain.” 

https://youtu.be/g9SxP5IMXHM

Seeing Clearly

As the days go by, Julia testifies that the Glass Skin Facial continues to give benefits. “I feel like [my skin was]  starting to ‘breathe’ better. You know how sometimes when we’re tired at work, and then our body gets to rest when we have our days off? That’s how it feels, like breathing.”

Glass Skin Facial makes Julia feel even happier being a #BeloBaby. She says about the Belo Medical family, “I’m just really happy. I’m so, so thankful, because, you know, I was embraced so tightly and I feel very appreciated. I think that’s one of the best feelings anybody could ever feel, so it’s nice to be part of something that embraces you.” 

Do you want to feel good makeup-free because of the Glass Skin Facial? Book an appointment at your nearest Belo Medical Group clinic now. Call 8819-BELO (2356) or click here .

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An Important Advisory in Light of COVID-19 https://www.belomed.com/blog/an-important-advisory-in-light-of-covid-19 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:40:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19152

To All My Beloved Belo Patients and Staff,

We are a family, and although we consider our patients our priority, the value we provide them is subservient to our need to protect the health and safety of our people. Belo Medical Group’s “people before profit” principle is a foundation to our past, present, and future.

It is our social responsibility to contribute to the control and eradication of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our mission to help people feel better about themselves. This moment presents to us an opportunity to show who we are and what we’re about.

Meanwhile, I urge everyone to not waste this time of slowing down and resting:

Take this time to study and make yourself better. Stay home and spend time with your families without the distraction of TV or social media. And finally, reach out to God and spend time with Him. And if you are ever wondering why He seems to be silent at this time of crisis, that is because He Himself is the answer.

Let us all be prayerful and positive. Our God is bigger than this pandemic. This period of testing will prepare us for the beautiful future He has prepared for us.

May God bless us and protect us
and our families.

Yours truly,
Dr. Vicki Belo

(A P.S. from the Belo team: Every day, we will continue to share with you not only the latest news on our treatments, but also important guidelines regarding COVID-19 and how you can keep yourself safe.)

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

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What Your Favorite Celebrities Are Saying About the Glass Skin Facial https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-your-favorite-celebrities-are-saying-about-the-glass-skin-facial Wed, 11 Mar 2020 03:44:59 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19165

It’s no surprise that the Glass Skin Facial is #BELOved by today’s hottest stars. Julia Barretto is but one of the artists who swear by the treatment. There are lots of celebs who swear by it and have nothing but praises, because they love the movie-star glow it gives. 

Who else is loving their glass skin?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B60EZmKB1N5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Liza Soberano, who turned to the treatment as part of her preparation for the ABS-CBN Ball, told us why she likes it. “I know that it works! My skin felt super hydrated. My skin felt as fresh as a baby’s.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B57Z5n-hZpt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Xandra Rocha says she loves getting a Glass Skin Facial once a month. “It really hydrates the skin and uses ultraviolet light to make sure you don’t get any wrinkles, age gracefully, and you have nice glowing skin that looks like glass.” 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B83sFYVh35w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bianca Umali makes the Glass Skin Facial a part of her pampering routine whenever she drops by a Belo clinic. “Glowing glass skin by @belobeauty” is one caption she used for a selfie in the sunlight. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_U8Dcp6z5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kim Chiu shared on her Instagram Stories how it’s how she owes the treatment for her confidence. “I can go on with my day makeup-free!” 

Other fans of the Glass Skin Facial include Alden Richards, Rhian Ramos, Janella Salvador, Maymay Entrata, Barbie Imperial, Thirdy Ravena, and Dimples Romana

Why is it a hit? 

As one of the newest treatments in their Belo Skin Quality Program, the Glass Skin Facial shows Belo's innovative expertise. The treatment is multi-step, meaning it combines techniques that are not only effective on their own, but also complement and enhance one another's effects.

It starts with a deep cleansing wash. This eliminates all the dirt and pollutants which render that skin dull and creates a layer where new skin can’t thrive.

Afterward, you are given an ultrasound treatment using hyaluronic acid gel. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and gives the skin that healthy look. It attracts and retains water, so our skin has that suppleness and the ability to glow on its own. 

Over time—and because of various activities—the levels of hyaluronic acid in our body change, causing wrinkles and dehydration. That’s why it’s important to aid the skin with a solution that’s rich in hyaluronic acid, so it retains that glass-like quality. 

Glass Skin Facial is virtually painless and delivers results instantaneously. With the guidance of your Belo doctor, you can have it done every two to four weeks. 

Do you want that movie-star glow via the Glass Skin Facial too? It’s possible with the first step: Booking your appointment at the nearest Belo Medical Group clinic by calling us at 8819-BELO (2356) or click here.

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A Message from Belo Medical Group in Light of Enhanced Community Quarantine https://www.belomed.com/blog/a-message-from-belo-medical-group-in-light-of-enhanced-community-quarantine Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:08:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19239

The Belo Medical Group is one with the Philippine Government in combatting COVID-19. We recognize that this crisis is unlike any other we have faced as a nation before, and that now more than ever, it is imperative that we join hands as Filipinos, forget about personal economic gains, and support our government and our people in this fight.

As a response to our President’s call, we are donating all our remaining stocks of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) in our clinics to various hospitals and health centers in need—and will continue to donate what is needed as our remaining shipments arrive.

We, the Belo Medical Group, are also committing to the following: (a) the extension of our full-pay, full-benefits for all our employees despite the work suspension; (b) early release of our employees’ 13th month pay; and finally, (c) should the suspension of work last beyond the month of May, a modified “no work, with pay” scheme to help our employees tide over during these trying times.

We urge our fellow beauty and wellness centers to do the same: donate their stocks to hospitals and health centers and support their employees by maintaining their salaries and benefits in spite of the work suspension. We need to stand together against a common adversary at this time.

As for our patients who have urgent concerns, our online, email, and SMS channels remain open.

Health and safety are our number one priority, not only for our employees and patients, but also for the general public. Let’s all stand behind the government and heed their call. It’s the only way we can help save lives.

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5 Belo Babies Spreading Positivity in This Time of Crisis https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-belo-babies-spreading-positivity-in-this-time-of-crisis Fri, 20 Mar 2020 09:37:12 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19358

With everything that’s happening in the world right now, we’re sure anyone could use a little pick-me-up: something to brighten up your day and make you feel better. While it’s important to be aware of current events and feel anxious for the state of our country, it’s even more important to channel that energy into positive action. So in case you’re feeling a bit melancholy, here’s a rundown of your favorite Belo Babies spreading positivity in the time of Corona.

Anne Curtis

Who doesn’t love Anne, right? She’s been a Belo Baby for more than a decade, and we’ve seen her grow from award-winning actress to full-time mom. If you’re wondering what she’s been up to lately, well, she’s currently in Melbourne taking care of her darling daughter, Dahlia Amelie! But that’s not to say she’s missing out on her social responsibilities. As a UNICEF ambassador, our Belo Baby created a video to remind people of how they can prevent from getting the virus⁠—and how they can stop the spread of fake news. Anne also revealed that she’ll be donating to UNICEF and encouraged everyone to do the same if they can.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B95rFD-Ba6_/

Robi Domingo

If you’re feeling down and you need something to remind you that everything will be all right, check out Robi Domingo’s latest piano rendition of ‘May Bukas Pa’ by Rico J. Puno. In his caption, he chose this line from the song: “Ang iyong pagdaramdam idalangin mo sa Maykapal / Na sa puso mo ay mawala nang lubusan.” Yes, we all needed that. Thank you for the reminder, Robi.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ytXCVh5FO/

Vice Ganda

There’s no better way to show love and care for your employees than assuring them they have a steady source of income, especially during these trying times. That’s what Vice Ganda did for her team over at Vice Cosmetics. In an Instagram post, Vice revealed⁠—in the most unkabogable way⁠—that they are committing to provide financial assistance to more than 400 employees.

In relation to this, the Belo Medical Group has also committed to full pay, full benefits, and the early release of employees’ 13th month pay. Kudos to all employers with a heart of gold!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B93KNVlpv4m/

Camille Co

“Who are you staying home for?” This is the question posed by Camille Co in one of her Instagram posts. The ever-fashionable Belo Baby has been actively using her influence to help spread good vibes, important reminders, and contact information to those who want to donate and help in this critical time. In the Instagram video, Camille was encouraging everyone to do their part to help control the virus. “It’s not just about you anymore,” Camille stated in her caption.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9x0xiDliiJ/

Martin Nievera

You know what they say: laughter is the best medicine. So if you feel like your life is lacking in humor while quarantined, here’s our very own Martin Nievera to fix that. In an Instagram video, Martin acknowledged and thanked everyone who’s working away from the safety of their homes to help us get through this crisis. He also reminded the public to stay at home if they can. Seems too serious, right? You have to watch until the end of the video for the plot twist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9088exJDut/

So there you have it, Belo Beauties! We may be facing difficult times, but positivity is everywhere around us—you just have to know where to look *wink*.

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View this post on Instagram

GANDAng announcement

A post shared by JoseMarieViceral / Vice Ganda (@praybeytbenjamin) on

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How to Protect Your Mental Health During a Quarantine https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-during-a-quarantine Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:31:40 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19376

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an inescapable part of our day-to-day lives. On the surface, this scourge seems to affect only our physical health, but what we don’t realize is that the circumstances breed hazards to our mental health as well. We can experience, among other things:

  • Decreased job and financial security
  • Feelings of hopelessness or loneliness as a result of extensive isolation
  • Fear for loved ones’ lives
  • A switch in mindset from simply “living,” to “survival”

Staying home 24/7 makes it more difficult for us to distract ourselves from our anxieties. But the unintended consequences of social distancing means it’s just as important to prioritize your mind, not just your body. Here’s what you can do to stay on top of things.

Call Your Friends

While in-person meetings aren’t an option, there’s always social media. Aside from checking in with family and close friends, take this opportunity to reconnect with old friend groups you haven’t caught up with in a while.

Clean Your Apartment

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFLnbdFbIi/

Now that you’ll be home 24/7, it’s important to keep an organized space that’s conducive to productivity. Take the time to dispose of or donate unused belongings, and deep-clean parts of the house you never had time to zero in on.

Limit Media Intake

Nothing is more important than keeping up with the latest developments from the DOH, as well as updates from your LGU. But instead of spending several hours scrolling through the #COVID19PH hashtag, dedicate just 15-30 minutes a day to keep up on the latest news (enough to remain updated, but not too much that you’re crippled with anxiety).

Do an Online Workout

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvcsQ8jlG_

Staying cooped up at home can cause you to lose track of your fitness. From the Nike Training Club (Android, iOS) to FitOn (Android, iOS) and more, there are tons of free apps (and YouTube videos!) to keep you in line with your #BodyGoals, so don’t stress.

Catch Enough Zs

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0FNh8ijcnc/

The easiest way to boost your immune system? Staying in bed a couple more hours! Numerous studies have proven a direct correlation between adequate sleep and immune system efficiency. So go ahead—hit the hay earlier than usual. It’s for your own good.

Start Journaling

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ZLT_rn99a

During a quarantine period, it’s all too easy for the days to feel like one big blur. To distinguish one day from the other (and foster a sense of organization), try jotting down your thoughts regularly. This also helps you keep track of your mood changes and spot bad habits more easily.

Separate Work from Rest

If you’re a new member of #TeamWFH, it would benefit you greatly to dedicate a space in your home for work. Working in bed blurs the line between productivity and restfulness. Before long, the bed will no longer feel like a refuge from your responsibilities. Another tip: once your shift’s officially over, stop working. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should overextend yourself.

Help Others

For those of us working at home with a roof over our heads, we ought to recognize our privilege and lend a hand to those who are struggling. Donate to a local organization, or help pack relief goods for frontliners or communities in need. You don’t need swaths of disposable income to make a difference.

Take Things One Day at a Time

This quarantine period might seem endless, but as with all things, this too shall pass. If waiting until the return of normalcy seems difficult, take things just one day at a time. After all, it’s how we face each day that determines how we come out of this. Will we strive to be more mindful and more generous? Or will we allow ourselves to become withdrawn and ungrateful? The choice is entirely ours. 

During this difficult time, we’re expected to help our community. But we cannot help others without first looking out for ourselves. Keeping a close eye on your mental health benefits both you and your loved ones—and creates good habits you can carry with you long after this quarantine period is over. Stay mindful, everyone!

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COVID-19 Relief: Where to Donate https://www.belomed.com/blog/covid-19-relief-where-to-donate Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:48:06 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19392

Seeing distressing news regarding the conditions of our health workers, other frontliners, and individuals whose livelihoods were affected by COVID-19 can make us feel helpless while we’re at home. Even though we cannot physically be there to support them, we can still channel that energy into something worthwhile and value-adding by donating what we can to those who will benefit from it the most. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be in big amounts—any amount coming from your heart can make a huge difference.


Belo Medical Group Is Doing Its Part

Belo Medical Group continues to fulfill its promise of donating all PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) to hospitals in need. So far, we have donated to the following health institutions:

  • Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital
  • Philippine Air Force
  • Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
  • Providence Hospital
  • Rizal Medical Hospital
  • Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
  • University of Santo Tomas Hospital

We recognize, however, that personal protective equipment is not enough. Our brave frontliners need nourishment to take on their busy days. 

Thus, today we have started to send a thousand meals to 20+ different hospitals and local government units. Our commitment is to send meals daily to the frontliners of these hospitals throughout the duration of the quarantine period.

We would not be able to jumpstart this initiative without our partners: Tim Yap (Yaparazzi Events + PR), CloudEats, Hirayang Kabataan, Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes, and Angkas.

You may stay updated on our donation efforts via our social media channels. #SalamatSaMalasakit


Many of our #BeloBabies have been posting “where to donate” information on their social media, but in case you missed that, we’ve listed some of them down for you:

Scarlet Snow Belo’s Donation Drive

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CWvNMDMLW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
  • Our very own Scarlet Snow Belo made a donation drive where we can donate cash to be used for supplying food, and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to our health workers and other front liners. At 5 just years old, Scarlet has already inspired us to help our community, and make a difference. We’re so proud of you, Scarlet! 
  • How to donate:
    • BPI Account: 3980-0020-54
    • GCash: 0917 867 7678

Many hospitals are running low, or have even run out of PPEs—even though our health workers should have priority due to their exposure to virus-stricken patients. By equipping our health workers with protective gear, we can help prevent the spread of the virus and save lives. 

Lung Center of the Philippines 

  • What they need:
    • N95/surgical masks
    • surgical gloves
    • protective goggles
    • 70% solution alcohol
    • vitamin C tablets
  • How to donate: 
    • Contact the Lung Center of the Philippines: 8924-6101 local 1060/1061/1856/2081

Philippine Heart Center

  • What they need:
    • N95/surgical masks
    • surgical gloves
    • protective goggles
    • disposable gowns
    • disposable shoe covers
    • face shields
    • alcohol
    • vitamin C tablets
    • tissue paper
  • How to donate: 
    • Send donations to the Incident Command Post of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC): 8-925-24-01 local 3229, and look for Anna Dy (0917 500 3221)

TOWNS Foundation Inc. and UP Medical Foundation

  • What they need:
    • N95 masks
    • surgical gloves
    • 60-70% solution alcohol
    • face shields
    • disposable non-woven gowns
    • disposable shoe covers
  • How to donate:
    • Text 0977 240 1211 with your name/location/supplies and quantity
    • BDO
      • Bocobo Pedro Gil Branch
      • Account No. 00-353-0094-018
  • Send a picture of your deposit slip with the name of the donor to: upmf1980@gmail.com or via Viber (0922 338 8051)

If you don’t have PPE items at home, you can still help our health workers by donating cash to organizations who will use your donation to purchase PPEs for our health workers.

Ateneo De Manila University 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B92ktIRnKru
  • How to donate:
    • BPI: Enroll Ateneo DReaM Team as merchant
      • Depositor/Merchant Ateneo DReaM Team (Frontliners vs COVID19)
      • Policy/plan/reference number: Name of Donor
    • Metrobank 
      • Name: Ateneo de Manila University
      • Subscriber name Ateneo DReaM Team
      • Reference number: Frontliners vs COVID19
      • Subscriber Number 004078000
      • Email vpsd@ateneo.edu a picture of your receipt
    • Through Tanging Yaman Foundation 
      • Account name: Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc. 
      • Metrobank Peso Checking Account # 448-7-44800988-9

You can also make your own face shield and donate your finished products to hospitals in need. Just follow along this instructional video:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CEhYPjb_3/

Taya Pinas and UP Medical Foundation

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_fa2iJmlE

By asking for only Php 200 for donation, they are raising funds to buy 250 COVID-19 test kit packs which includes coronavirus testing kits (Php 1,320/kit) and Personal Protective Equipment (100 pcs of head caps at Php 40, masks at Php 80/box, and 50 pairs of shoe covers at Php 350)

  • How to donate:
    • BDO 
      • Account name: The UP Medical Foundation, Inc. 
      • Savings Account Number: 0035-3009-4018
      • Swift Code: BNORPHMM
    • BPI
      • Account Name: Samantha Marie D. Laureola 
      • Savings Account Number: 4939-3720-03

Many people have lost income due to the lockdown, which is why many organisations have taken part in providing them hygiene and food supplies.

Caritas Manila 

https://www.facebook.com/150905756630/posts/10156685011801631

This reputable non-profit organisation made use of bundles to provide hygiene kits, and grocery items for the less fortunate in an organized, and efficient manner. Their Caritas Ligtas COVID-19 Kit (Php 2,000) includes 1L of 70% Ethyl Alcohol, 5 30mL handy alcohol bottles, 5 washable face masks, 1L of antibacterial liquid soap, 1 box of 100 tablets of vitamin C with Zinc, a pair of reusable gloves, 1L of liquid bleach, 3 pieces of cleaning cloth, and an Eco bag, while their Caritas Manna Food Bag (Php 700) includes 5kg of rice, mung beans, 9 assorted canned goods, 2 packs of Caritas Margins kalabasa/malunggay noodles, 1/4 each of sugar and salt, and an eco bag

  • How to donate:
    • BDO
      • Savings Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc. 
      • Account No. 000-5600-45905
    • BPI
      • Savings Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc. 
      • BPI Savings Account No: 3063-5357-01
    • Metrobank
      • Savings Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.
      • Account No: 175-3-17506954-3
    • For Dollar Accounts:
      • BPI Savings Account No: 3064-0033-55
      • Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
    • Via Lazada Donation Vouchers in the amounts of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000
    • Via Give2Asia (choose Caritas Damayan Ligtas Covid-19)
    • Via GCash (Scan Code) 

Zero Hunger PH 

https://www.facebook.com/108235407476434/posts/108706377429337

This youth-led movement aims to distribute food bags to 10,0000 families in select Luzon provinces. The food bags contain 5kg of rice, 10 canned goods, 10 noodle packs, snacks, and biscuits.

  • How to donate: 
    • EastWest Bank
      • Account Name: John Albert R. Civil
      • Account Number: 2000 2430 5917
    • BDO Checking Account
      • Account Name: Jana D. Divinagracia
      • Account Number: 008188005164
    • GCash: 0905 361 5006
    • PayMaya: 0956 220 4988
    • PayPal

With the growing number of COVID-19 patients, blood supplies are running low due to many blood donor cancellations as a result of fear of exposure. However, the demand for blood remains the same, causing a shortage. If you would like to donate blood, the Philippine Red Cross is calling for donations. 

Philippine Red Cross

  • How to donate:
    • Please call/text 0917 437 9377

The bayanihan spirit is really shown by the many youth organisations that have come together, and taken active roles with their various initiatives to combat the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis. If you would like to see more of their donation drive projects, you can join the COVID-19 Donation Hub Facebook Page.

We hope this article inspired you to share what you can, especially in these crucial times. Please share this article to help encourage others to donate as well. We’ll keep adding to this list, so don’t forget to bookmark this article! 


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With the COVID-19 pandemic, the poor and the elderly are the most vulnerable. In difficult times like this, we are...

Posted by Caritas Manila on Sunday, March 15, 2020
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Zero Hunger PH is a youth-led movement sparked by the recent work suspension under the enhanced community quarantine for...

Posted by Zero Hunger PH on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Light https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-screen-light Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:16:12 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19421

With everyone under quarantine and hunkering down in their apartments to work from home, it’s no surprise Apple has reported a rise in average screen time from both kids and adults. 10 years ago, this wouldn’t have been a major problem, but most people have jobs that require them to stare at bright screens literally all day. The exposure to blue light and radiation has obvious, much-discussed effects on your eyes, but what often gets neglected is the effect that extensive screen time has on the skin around your peepers. Here’s how to keep both protected.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule

This neat trick helps reduce eye strain and prevents your eyes from blurring after staying focused on your computer for too long. For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, take 20 seconds to look away at something that is at least 20 feet away from you (e.g. a tree outside, a kid running around, a plastic bag drifting through the wind, wanting to start again). According to the American Optometric Association, this allows your eyes to shift from short- to long-distance perception, which decreases strain.

Calibrate Screen Brightness and Contrast

Screens that are too dim not only damage your eyes (especially when you’re reading from a dim screen for extended periods), but they also cause you to squint at your screen more, creating wrinkles around your eyes and in between your eyebrows. Be sure to calibrate your screen settings to your comfort, or use free software or browser extensions that make your computer display automatically adapt to the time of day (f.lux is a good option).

Keep Allergies at Bay

The main cause of allergies, like allergic rhinitis, are the dust mites that can be found all over your home (even in and on your eyebrows!). Mite droppings—we know, ew, sorry—can collect all over your pillows and bedsheets, triggering allergic reactions that cause you to tear up and crinkle the skin around your eyes...and make it even more irritating to work with screen light. Stay stocked up on antihistamines and nasal sprays, and you can stave off unnecessary eye irritation.

Uh, Don’t Forget to Blink

This is quite possibly the easiest step on this list. Sometimes, we’re so in the zone that we forget to give our eyes that periodic half-second break they need from time to time: a blink! That’s because prolonged screen time has been proven to reduce blink rate. Then, your eyes dry out, causing the skin around your eyes to dull as well. Guys, let’s not fall into this rabbit hole. Put simply, blinking helps to rehydrate your eyes, so this is a non-negotiable. 

Non-Surgical Maintenance

You can be doing everything right—even buying an anti-blue screen filter for your computer screen—but sometimes, your eye area can become darkened, wrinkled, or dull-looking. Enter BioNutriGlow: it’s a simple mesotherapy treatment that injects 50+ essential skin-nourishing vitamins and nutrients directly into the eye area. It uses a patented Nanosoft needle (the smallest in the market) so that pain is minimized. Just one session gives you immediate visible results. 

Screen light is an inevitable companion during this quarantine period. Taking these precautions is important, so that your short-term work days don’t have a long-term effect on your eyes and the skin around them. Because trust us—your eyes are definitely worth the effort.

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What Celebs are Doing at Home to Stay Healthy https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-celebs-are-doing-at-home-to-stay-healthy Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:41:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19533

We know it’s tempting to just laze around in your jammies, eat easy-to-make junk food, and make the quarantine period an excuse to neglect your health and fitness goals, but adopting a healthy lifestyle helps strengthen your immune system to fight off diseases such as COVID-19. So wear your workout clothes, gently coax yourself out of that lazy mood, and learn some tips and tricks from your favorite celebs to inspire you to get moving and stay healthy.

Due to the lockdown and social distancing measures, gyms and fitness studios have closed their doors for the meantime. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a great workout, and have amazing results in the comfort of your home (with limited or no fancy exercise equipment needed). Just look at our Belo Baby, Lovi Poe: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GbRzNjJzj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lovi shows how you can have a great glute and leg workout with just a resistance band. Never underestimate the wonders of using your own body weight. We really #LoviYourBody, Lovi!

But if you’re lucky enough to have exercise equipment or weights such as dumbbells at home like Alden Richards, now is the perfect time to get your ROI by picking them up and using them. The charming #BeloBaby also has a message for his followers: “Stay at home and please stay healthy po.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B98os_NJjKM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Not quite sure what workouts to do? There are many free fitness apps, YouTube workout videos, and printable fitness programs online to choose from. But if you still really miss your go-to fitness studio, many local gyms and fitness studios have incorporated the bayanihan spirit by creating free online classes either by Instagram Live, or through their websites for everyone to enjoy. See how our ever-so-lovely beauty queen Alice Dixson takes her yoga classes now. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B98yV-XAW7R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Alice shares that doing light to moderate workouts helped her build her immune system and get better after feeling under the weather. She also prepares healthy food to accompany her exercise. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B96Cx-mA9Qv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Another effective way to motivate yourself is to have a fitness buddy. This way, you won’t be struggling alone, and you can push each other’s limits. Invite your family to join, but just remember to maintain social distance. You can try the workout splits posted by our Belo Baby Aubrey Miles and her hubby, Troy Montero in their Instagram accounts. They show how you can tone your body at home together. Aren’t they just #couplegoals?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-BggCPnND1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Aside from the benefits we mentioned, the multi-talented beauty Ylona Garcia reminds us all that exercising can make you much happier because of the endorphins your body produces. And with all the anxiety we’re experiencing right now, we could sure use this boost. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9v0eZqp7X-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And of course, don’t forget to fuel your workout. With the extra time you finally have, you can prepare nutrient-rich food with the many free healthy recipes online. Want to be #extra? You can start growing your own fresh produce, just like our glowing Belo Baby Nicole Ortega. 

(Oh, and don’t forget to hydrate! We sweat a lot when we work out, so don’t forget to replenish.)

Our Belo Babies prove that there’s really no excuse to be lazy with your health. If there’s one thing they have in common, it’s that they encourage everyone to keep moving along with them—and start adopting a healthier lifestyle.

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Why Soap Is So Effective at Destroying the Coronavirus https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-soap-is-so-effective-at-destroying-the-coronavirus Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:04:57 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19542

You’ve been hearing it from health organizations everywhere—washing your hands is the best way to eliminate dirt, bacteria, and viruses like the dreaded coronavirus. 

But can it really be that soap—this humble, ancient cleaning product—is our most powerful weapon against the virulent pathogen that is gripping the world? How exactly does soap work, and why is it so effective at destroying the coronavirus? The New York Times has broken it down to simple terms. Here’s how it works.

How Does the Coronavirus Enter Our Cells?

The coronavirus is a “dead” combination of proteins and genetic material (scientists are still at odds as to whether a virus can be categorized as a living being). On its own, it is unable to enter human cells. But it wears a “jacket” made of a lipid bilayer (two layers of fat cells), which our human cells can “connect to” via receptors. These “jackets” have protein “spikes” that look like a crown, hence the name coronavirus. This “spiky jacket” is what allows the virus to penetrate your cells. Now, the virus can use your cells’ machinery to produce copies of themselves...and overrun your immune system.

How Does Soap Work?

Soap molecules are shaped like pins, much like the ones you use to attach sheets of paper to a bulletin board. The “head” of the pin is hydrophilic (easily bonds with water), while the “tail” is hydrophobic (avoids water, and bonds with oils and fats). 

The tails of soap molecules (which, as we mentioned, bond to fat) penetrate the virus’ lipid bilayer (which is made of fat). They essentially act like sharp scissors and “tear up” the spiky jacket that the coronavirus uses to enter your cells.

Now that the virus has been broken down into fragments, soap molecules trap these fragments in tiny bubbles (micelles), preventing them from sticking to surfaces like the sink or your hands. Now utterly destroyed, the virus and all its accompanying microorganisms go down the drain.

Washing hands may seem like a banal, repetitive task, but it’s your best weapon against the scourge that is COVID-19. Just because you’re working from home now doesn’t mean you don’t expose yourself to the virus. Touching your doorknob after heading out for a grocery run, forgetting to disinfect your phone and wallet, and other habits can still expose you to the virus in your very own home.

Save your family—and the world—by practicing proper hand hygiene. As the New York Times so profoundly states, the power to keep yourself safe is literally in your hands.

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How Often Should You Work Out While Under Quarantine? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-often-should-you-work-out-while-under-quarantine Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:24:41 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19550

By now, you’ve probably accepted all the workout challenges you’ve been nominated in on social media. You’ve probably tried your hand at different workout routines, joined e-workouts and online yoga classes, or found an exercise that’s perfect for you (congratulations!). But before you carry on towards your #fitnessgoals, step back with us a bit and find out how much working out you should do when you’re following a sedentary lifestyle and why it’s important.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person needs at least “150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.” This is because self-quarantine often results in low levels of physical activity. Inactivity poses health risks and decreases a person’s well-being and quality of life. “Self-quarantine can cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens. Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time,” WHO states. Thus, an average person needs at least 21 minutes of moderate exercise a day to stay healthy, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risks of contracting viruses or diseases. 

Now that we know 21 is our golden number, you might ask: “What types of workouts can I do in 21 minutes?” Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate gym-goer, or a seasoned gym rat, here are some workouts you can try at home.

Beginner

If you’re at square one, your best bet is Jane Fonda’s Walking Cardio Workout. This increases your heart rate slowly and helps your body get accustomed to physical activity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UabUNrjSE4

Another great workout routine you can follow is by Ashley Blake Greenblatt, a certified personal trainer and wellness coach. In a feature for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Ashley shared a great fitness program you can complete in 21 minutes! It’s perfect for you and your family to enjoy. View the article here.

Silver Sneakers is an exercise program made for the young at heart, but you’ll find a lot of workout routines perfect for beginners of all ages on their YouTube channel. Here’s one you can try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jvI-j86KD0

Intermediate

If you already hit the gym every now and then, try Denise Austin’s Ultimate Fat Burn Workout. It’s a metabolism-boosting sesh that burns calories through a series of explosive cardio exercises. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52uvwCi03yE

Wanna focus on those abs? The BeFit Cardio Ab Blast Workout will give you the much needed toning for your abdomen plus the perfect cardio routine to burn calories.

https://youtu.be/NGOUeMK1-ug

If you are transitioning from beginner to intermediate, you might want to try Jane Fonda’s Total Body Workout. This is a great way to level up your workout routine because it helps improve posture, activate the core, and tone the arms, legs, butt, chest, and back. Try it here.

Advanced

If you’ve been working out religiously for years, it’s unlikely that any of the above workouts phase you—but just in case you’re looking for suggestions, we have some leads for you:

Fat-Burning Workout by Body Shape. This total body workout will push you to the limits. No need for equipment. You just need strength and motivation to finish the workout in the shortest possible time.

Need more challenge? Try the Massive Calorie Burn by Jordan Yeoh Fitness. It’s a 20-minute nonstop workout that targets the muscles and keeps your heart rate pumped.

Ready for some high-intensity cardio? Then this 30-minute HIIT Cardio Workout by trainer Lita Lewis is perfect for you. Feel the burn here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml6cT4AZdqI

Bonus: Wanna be a badass and try Arnold Schwarzenegger’s home workout routine? The former California governor and professional bodybuilder took to Twitter to teach  everyone that you can stay fit while stuck at home. “There a lot of things we can’t control during this crisis, so we need to focus on what we can control. I wrote up my old no-gym required workout for all of you, as promised, because we can control our fitness,” Schwarzenegger writes. We’re gonna call this one ‘The Terminator Workout.’ Try it here.

Remember, Belo Beauties, it only takes 21 minutes… 

…21 minutes out of 1,440 minutes in a day to stay fit and healthy. 

Time to get up from that couch and hit ‘Start’ on that workout timer.

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5 Things To Love About the Belo Shop https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-things-to-love-about-the-belo-shop Thu, 02 Apr 2020 08:42:03 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19563

Yes, you read it right⁠—Belo now has its own e-commerce website. Cool, right?

Belo Medical Group understands your skin more than anyone, and that includes your skincare needs. To make our patients’ lives easier and to save you from the unnecessary stress of your coveted skincare staples running short, especially during this quarantine period, Belo recently launched the Belo Shop. It’s a one-stop shop where you can order your go-to Belo products and have them delivered straight to your doorstep.

Here are 5 reasons we think you’ll fall in love with The Belo Shop...

1. The wait is over! ALL your favorite Belo products are finally available online.

Belo’s entire range of products can now be found at the Belo Shop. The best part? They’re categorized according to their benefits, from skin brightening to anti-aging and more.

2. Why fall in line, when you can just order online?

We know your time is precious. Let the Belo Shop save you from sitting in traffic, enduring unnecessary waiting times, and having to carry extra baggage.

3. You can shop from your phone—anytime, anywhere!

For those who are always on the go, this is perfect for you. The Belo Shop website is mobile-friendly. Plus, you can access and purchase 24/7 from anywhere in the world, as long as you’ve got a shipping address in the Philippines.

4. No card? No problem. You can use your Belo Privilege Card (BPC) points to purchase products.

Aside from PayPal and debit or credit card payment options, you can also pay for your Belo Shop orders using BPC Points. 

Bonus treat: You can earn BPC points via purchases from the Belo Shop, so the rewards never end!

5. Enjoy free deliveries for a minimum purchase amount.

Our fixed shipping fee for orders from Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City is P300. Outside of those areas, shipping fee is P500. Good news, though: we offer FREE shipping for single-transaction orders worth P5000 from Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City!

Excited to discover your new favorite skincare haven? Then it’s time to replenish your stash. Order your Belo products at the Belo Shop now!

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Sleep with Ivana Alawi: 5 Things She Does Before Going to Bed https://www.belomed.com/blog/sleep-with-ivana-alawi-5-things-she-does-before-going-to-bed Sat, 04 Apr 2020 09:39:41 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19578

In case you missed it, Ivana Alawi is the latest beauty to join the Belo Family. With over 5 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 3 million followers on Instagram, it’s pretty obvious the social media world can’t get enough of our Belo Beauty. Which is why…we’re letting you in on what happens before Ivana goes to bed and bids everyone ‘nighty-night.’ You’re welcome!

1. Does her nighttime skincare rituals

By nighttime rituals, we mean her nighttime skincare routine. Ivana has a very thorough skincare routine because she knows the importance of maintaining clear and healthy skin. And you can really see it—she’s glowing and fresh every single day. Now that she’s officially a Belo Baby, Ivana has Belofied her night time rituals—after watching this video, we’re sure you’ll want to Belofy yours, too.

https://youtu.be/Tqh6JKoqI38

2. Takes a relaxing hot bath

After removing her makeup and cleaning her face, Ivana prepares a hot bath. She says she sometimes has trouble sleeping, so the hot bath helps take the stress away and helps her relax. “I do not fall asleep easily. That’s why I have a hot bath tub ready, and the water has to be really, really hot. I would soak in it for 30 minutes. I usually put Himalayan salt because it keeps my body relaxed.”

3. Netflix and chill (for real!)

After relaxing in a warm bath, Ivana prepares some snacks and settles in her bed to watch movies on Netflix until she falls asleep. I think we can all relate, right?

4. Sleeps commando (most of the time)

What does she usually wear to sleep? Well, according to Ivana, “Honestly, I really don’t like wearing anything when I go to sleep. I like to sleep freely—unless I sleep with my family or I’m with my friends and we have a sleepover…then I would usually wear like a very loose cotton T-shirt..” Ivana says she dislikes wearing tight clothes for sleeping. She feels like she can’t breathe in them, and she can’t have a good night’s sleep.

5. Pre-planning for the next day

As for her thoughts before going to bed? Ivana says she plans her day ahead. “I actually pre-plan what I’m going to do the next day, so when I wake up, I have an idea of how I’ll start and end my day.” Afterwards, Ivana says a little prayer to show her appreciation and gratitude. It’s a perfect way to end the day, if you ask us.

Ivana’s nighttime routine has only five simple steps, but they’re meant to maximize relaxation, wellness, and of course, proper care for her skin. We hope that you use this to inspire you to craft a routine that suits your individual needs—and preps you for a great morning ahead.

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5 Things We Learned from Dr. Belo’s IG Live Discussion about COVID-19 https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-things-we-learned-from-dr-belos-ig-live-discussion-about-covid-19 Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:22:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19583

Seeing general news on TV regarding the COVID-19 crisis isn’t enough to answer our specific questions. Most importantly, it doesn’t exactly address what the situation is actually like on the front lines. That’s why earlier this afternoon, Dr. Belo went straight to an expert who’s had first-hand experience in fighting the crisis on the front lines, Dr. Guinevere “Gwen” Dy-Agra. She is the Director of the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine over at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Taguig. The quick discussion happened at 1 PM today on IG Live, where the doctors tailor their discussion to frequently asked questions about the pandemic. Here are our 5 main takeaways from Dr. Gwen’s answers:

1. Emergency rooms are separated for potential COVID-19 patients to avoid cross contamination.

“Most of the patients who come into the ER are really sick. We need to screen them if they have COVID-19 symptoms, and they eventually get admitted if they’re a little bit serious. If you go to St. Luke’s Global, and I assume other hospitals also, marami nang plastic barriers. They have zoned the ‘clean zone’ and the ‘COVID zone’ so that they don’t mix. The doctors who are treating in the COVID zone do not cross over to the non-COVID zone so that there’s no cross-contamination,” explains Dr. Gwen. “The same goes for the wards: You have a COVID ward, and you have a non-COVID ward.”

2. You can develop antibodies to the coronavirus, but it isn’t yet known if those antibodies guarantee lifetime immunity or immunity for the next time you get infected.

“There are already some kits, rapid test kits, you take a finger prick and we check if you developed an IGG or IGM. These are antibodies against the virus. But some of these need validation. There is no recommended kit that is really effective in screening such antibodies. We know that you do develop antibodies along the way, most of the time in 2 weeks of illness, but we don’t know when the antibody level would wane. We don’t know if you will get another bout, or whether it’s lifetime immunity or not. There are a lot of things we don’t know yet about COVID-19, unfortunately.”

3. The efficacy of Vitamin-C megadoses has yet to be determined.

“Vitamin C and zinc, we usually supplement our patients because when there’s an infection, your level of zinc goes down, and it’s part of our defense. Also vitamin D; sometimes our vitamin D levels are down and we get a bad infection. Especially those who cannot eat, parang ilang days na silang without appetite, and we hardly get under the sun because of the quarantine, so medyo nutritionally depleted tayo. But for mega doses, wala pang data. In Italy, they even advocate giving 25 grams (not milligrams) of Vitamin C. But there’s no evidence that would [prove the benefit].”

4. Alcohol is effective for cleaning your devices, but you have to do it often.

“Alcohol is enough. It kills most of the viruses, pero mas short-acting siya. That’s why you need to do it periodically. For surfaces in the home, I would recommend diluted bleach to clean the surfaces.”

5. Staying home isn’t only for you and your family; it’s also to prevent immunocompromised people in your community from contracting it. The sooner we contain it, the sooner community quarantine ends.

“The virus is highly contagious. The manifestation ranges from no symptoms at all, to those that get hospitalized and even die. Those highly contagious—like me, I’m a healthcare worker—I might have gotten it, but I don’t manifest symptoms. If I go out and mingle with others, I might be carrying the virus. We might be feeling strong and healthy, and yet we’re carrying it.”

As we navigate this global pandemic, it’s important to stay informed. Get your information only from experts and verified news sources, and remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry. We hope you and your families are safe during this trying time, Belo Beauties. 

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Get Belo Rewards When You Work Out with These 4 Fitness Studios https://www.belomed.com/?p=21179 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 10:52:10 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21179

COVID-19 is a disease that wreaks havoc on our immune system. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s important to keep our bodies strong and healthy, so we can build a strong line of defense against any sicknesses. And you gotta admit⁠—squeezing in a good sweat sesh under quarantine is an amazing release. You might be cooped up at home, but you’re keeping your body and your muscles engaged instead of sedentary. That’s something to smile about! 

That said, we want to support you and reward you for prioritizing your fitness this quarantine period. We’ve partnered with four of the most popular fitness studios in the country: Beyond Yoga, Flyweight Boxing, OneLife Studio, Ride Revolution, Bikram Yoga Manila, and 808 Studio, to bring you exclusive offers we know you’ll be excited about.

Lost some weight and need to tighten up your skin?

High-impact workouts like running or boxing can cause sagging of the skin, according to Dr. Vicki Belo. That’s why members of the above fitness studios can enjoy 15% OFF on our most advanced skin-tightening treatment, Skin Genius. Just show us a screenshot of the email newsletter sent by your fitness studio about this partnership to avail of this deal.

Want to extend that PWG (post-workout glow)?

We’ve got multiple options for fitness buffs who want to keep their glow long past their sweat sessions. Our 15% OFF offer is also available for Skin Reboot, Glass Skin Facial, LuminoVitaGlow, and BioNutriGlow! Enjoy the collagen-boosting, glow-inducing, nutrient-rich benefits of these treatments at a very special discount, just for you guys! Same as above: just show us a screenshot of the email newsletter sent by your fitness studio about this partnership to avail of this deal.

Need to continue your good habits at home?

Good health doesn’t stop at the gym (or, more appropriately, in your online workout classes). A good skincare regimen is just as important, so we’re giving you a special 10% off coupon to use at the Belo Shop. This is applicable to all regularly-priced products and the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit (except bundled products). To get your customized promo code, just ask your fitness studio!

Ready to claim your post-workout reward? Call 8-819-BELO (2356), or email info@belomed.com to book an appointment. Hurry—these offers are only valid until November 15, 2020! 

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Skin-Tightening Gets An Upgrade With Thermage FLX https://www.belomed.com/blog/skin-tightening-gets-an-upgrade-with-the-thermage-flx Mon, 04 May 2020 10:00:32 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=17499

For years, Thermage has been heralded the "lunchtime facelift" because you can make a quick trip to the doctor, get the treatment and then slink back to your desk with your co-workers being none the wiser for it—unless they peer really, really close and notice that the skin around your jaw seems tighter, your eyes look more awake, and that you look as if you swallowed one of those ring lights people use to diffuse their flaws when they take a selfie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cFJZfh383/

Longtime Belo Baby (and new mom!) Anne Curtis-Smith has been a fan of Thermage FLX ever since it joined our treatment roster in early 2019. After all, it's the perfect nonsurgical solution to loose skin that needs a little lift. As its newest ambassador, Anne loves how it gives her face and body a discreet, but ultimately effective, tune-up. The selfie above was taken by Anne just last month...and it's obvious from her slim face that she's still enjoying the effects of her Thermage FLX session in 2019!

Like its predecessor, Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to heat the skin from the inside out. This heating process shrinks collagen and signals it to exit the body, resulting in an immediate tightening effect of the skin. This new machine, however, delivers energy more quickly and even deeper into the skin tissue, which means you get the tightening effect straightaway and in about 25 percent less time—what usually takes an hour can now be done in 45 minutes. This improvement is made possible by increasing the size of the tips that are used to treat the patient, which are now 33 percent larger, enabling a more extensive surface area to be targeted.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6aUl24hQe2/

“The experience is so much better than the old Thermage,” says Dr. Vicki Belo herself after trying out Thermage FLX. “It really helps with defining the jawline and lifting the skin on the forehead. My eyes look more open. I look more fresh.”

After a Thermage FLX treatment, the texture, clarity and firmness of your skin will only continue to improve over the subsequent months. Optimal results are seen within one to three months, and you won't need to get another treatment for 18-24 months. But while our clinics remain closed, feel free to speak with one of our doctors via Belo Live Consultations to discuss your options. Alternately, you may browse The Belo Shop for products that firm and lift — might we suggest the ZO® Firming Kit or the ZO® Firming Serum? These powerful formulas are sure to keep your skin in tiptop shape until the end of the quarantine period...and beyond.

Find your next skin-tightening wonder at The Belo Shop. To see if Thermage FLX is right for you, book a Belo Live Consultation with one of our expert doctors by sending an email to info@belomed.com.

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5 Ways to Make Your Home More Relaxing https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-relaxing Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19586

During these perilous times, it’s become all the more important to make your home a safe haven—not just in terms of sanitation, but also in the name of good old relaxation. A quarantine period means more time indoors, which means more time to spruce up your home with stuff you already have, just to encourage better vibes and minimize anxiety. We have a few ideas for you…

1. Bring out those scented candles and essential oils you’ve been saving for special occasions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QLOz9HVhV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You know that ultra-special bubble bath from Bath and Body Works you only bring out on Valentine’s Day or before a hot date? That’s your everyday ritual now! With all that’s going on right now, you deserve to pamper yourself even for just a little bit. And it doesn’t have to be bubble bath—you could whip out those special dining sets you only use for holidays, or you can open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving. It’s a great pick-me-up if you’re feeling the first signs of cabin fever.

2. The bed is your sanctuary—be sure to change sheets and pillowcases more often.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hwPibgf9P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Now that you’re in bed more (even during work hours—don’t lie to us!), your bedsheets and pillowcases will need to be changed more often than usual. Fresh sheets will make you feel like you’re at a hotel, and who doesn’t love sinking into their duvet when it‘s just been brought out of the dryer? *singsongy* We dooooo!

3. Clean a space you’ve been meaning to.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B94lYdjnTPl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

All right, you’ve been thinking of that pesky living room drawer since September 2018. It’s high time you went full Marie Kondo on the spaces in your house that you’ve been meaning to clean out, rearrange, or repurpose. When will you have this much free time again?

4. If you’re lucky enough to have a bathtub, Jacuzzi, or pool you barely use, now’s the time to get reacquainted.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PzyytJafM/?igshid=11czfpdvr4srv

Not all of us have the luxury of owning an artificial body of water at home, but if you’ve got it, quarantine is the best time to make the most out of it. Throw a mini-pool party with the family (homemade milkshakes and sliders included), or take three luxurious hours in the bathtub. Then close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Instant relaxation.

5. Give yourself the salon and spa treatment you deserve.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eqyo9DR6L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You don’t have to rush out to the pharmacy to grab the beauty essentials you need. Hair treatment? Just use a big dollop of hair conditioner and cover up with a shower cap for instantly shiny locks. Bring out those spare sheet masks, and while the essence sets, shave your legs just for the heck of it. If you’re running out of skincare, The Belo Shop delivers to you in seven days or less, even through this quarantine period, so you don’t have to worry about an incomplete nighttime routine!

This is a stressful time for everyone, but we have to remember that there’s no guilt or shame in wanting to get away from the news to retrieve a little bit of our sanity. These good habits allow us to recharge, so we can continue to do good for the world, be there for our families, and be a loving member of our communities. Now go—your clay mask is waiting.

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ICYMI: A Timeline of Iza Calzado’s COVID-19 Journey, As Told to Dr. Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-a-timeline-of-iza-calzados-covid-19-journey-as-told-to-dr-belo Sun, 12 Apr 2020 08:33:27 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19623

COVID-19 is a serious pandemic that does not discriminate in age groups. Around the world, we’re hearing stories of people in their 20s and 30s becoming infected and even dying from the disease, dispeling previous notions that COVID-19 only severely affects the elderly and immunocompromised. Iza Calzado Wintle, 37, was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this month—and has lived to tell the tale. She has graciously given her time to share her story with Dr. Belo on Instagram Live last Good Friday. For those who missed it, here are the highlights of their discussion.

Iza’s Progression of Symptoms

Like most people who have the coronavirus, Iza was asymptomatic at first. She shared with us the timeline of her journey, up until she was hospitalized at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Tuesday, March 10

No symptoms. “I was working out hard,” she shared.

Wednesday, March 11

No symptoms. Went to a taping.

Thursday, March 12

No symptoms. “Thursday, I worked out again. And after my workout, I felt…parang pagod ako. Tapos ayan na, parang nagda-dry ‘yung throat ko. Sabi ko, naku, hindi magandang pangitain ‘to.

Friday, March 13

First signs of symptoms began to appear. “Started coughing Friday. I went to my pulmonologist, and he said, ‘You’re still okay. Let’s do influenza A and B tests.’ Negative,” Iza explained. Her doctor gave her an advanced prescription for Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, and azithromycin, an antibiotic, to use in case symptoms progressed.

Over the weekend 

“Hindi ko namalayan na, okay, I was losing my appetite,” Iza recalled. “Then suddenly, may fever na. And then I told my doctor, ‘Okay, I think these symptoms are progressing.’” She started to take Tamiflu, but held off on azithromycin.

Monday, March 16

Belo Medical Group clinics had been closed since March 14, so Iza turned to her acupuncturist for  vitamin drips. “[We read that when it comes to COVID-19], one of the powerful treatments that you can use is vitamin C and D. So I started doing 50,000 mg, as in ganun kalakas. 50,000 mg per day, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,” Iza said. She felt good and sprightly on this day.

Tuesday, March 17

She had her second vitamin drip, but she felt less energetic compared to the day before. “Even my doctor was starting to get worried.”

Wednesday, March 18

Iza sought immediate medical attention, but she did not want to go to a hospital first. She tried to go to a local diagnostics center but found out that they were closed.

Thursday, March 19

“Takot ako na pumunta sa hospital for several reasons. Sabi ko, naku, mamaya, baka hindi naman ‘to COVID. Baka ‘pag pumunta ako, may sakit ako, magka-COVID ako. Those were my concerns...they said there aren’t enough testing kits. So siyempre, nahiya ako na pumunta doon, baka di ko naman kailangan, mas may nangangailangan pa,” Iza explained.

Iza’s Hospital Admission

Friday, March 20 — first day of admission

The diagnostics center reopened, and Iza went in for tests. When the results came back, she found out that her white blood cell count had plummeted. Pneumonia was causing buildup in her lungs. She was taken to Asian Hospital and Medical Center and placed in an isolated room. “The minute they put a cannula into my nose [at the hospital], sabi ko, ‘Ay! Ganito pala huminga!’ So I was, what, powering through it? Hindi ko alam, short of breath na pala ako.”

Saturday, March 21 — second day of admission

“The doctors were doing their rounds, and then suddenly bumaba mga 86-88 ‘yung oxygen,” Iza remembered. “They said, ‘We may have to transfer you to the ICU. If it gets bad, you could be intubated.’” This was the second time Iza realized her situation was serious, the first being at the ER when her doctors said that her symptoms pointed to COVID-19. She was moved to the telemetry unit —“It’s in between the ICU and a regular room...I started feeling more weak. ‘Yun pala, because I wasn’t eating. My body didn’t have enough protein, and your lungs need protein.”

Sunday, March 22 — third day of admission

“I’m weaker... that’s already when I started asking close friends to pray for me.”

Monday, March 23 — fourth day of admission

The next day, the doctor goes, “Unfortunately, we found a nasty bacteria in your lungs. It’s called acinetobacter baumannii. They were not sure if I had it when I got there, ‘cause baumannii is something you can easily get in hospitals,” Iza said. “You can’t believe it. Teka lang, what happened? Wasn’t I healthy? Am I not young? You start questioning. I looked back and I knew I was partly to blame, because I pushed my body too hard. At the same time, I couldn’t wrap my head around it.” Iza’s husband, Ben Wintle, was her rock during this difficult time. “He was my number one nurse. He was the one who was making me eat.” 

Wednesday, March 25 — sixth day of admission

Iza posts this photo on Instagram, confirming to the public that she has been confined.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-J6KwQJPsO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Saturday, March 28 — ninth day of admission

Iza’s COVID-19 test results came back after six days. She had tested positive.

Tuesday, March 31 

After getting the all-clear from her doctors, Iza is discharged from Asian Hospital and Medical Center. 

Monday, April 6

A second confirmatory test for the virus came out negative. Iza is back home and resuming normal activities.

Lessons Learned

Iza was transparent about the mistakes she made throughout her battle with COVID-19. She hopes we will learn from them so that they may not be repeated.

#1: Do not self-medicate.

Iza admitted that she made the mistake of self-medicating after seeing a tweet from tech mogul Elon Musk about the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine on March 19. “Please don’t self-medicate!” Iza urged. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Please do not self-medicate if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. Seek medical attention only from qualified doctors.) 

#2: Do not believe hoaxes on the Internet.

A misleading COVID-19 “self-check” test had circulated on the Internet, causing some to believe that they were safe from the virus. This was later refuted by the World Health Organization. “Sabi nila, if you can hold your breath for 10 seconds, you’re okay. Eh ginagawa ko siya, umaabot pa ako ng 12, 15 seconds,” Iza explained. “So sabi ko, ‘Ah, okay ako. Wala akong problema sa breathing ko.’”

#3: Go to the hospital as soon as you develop unusual symptoms.

“I don’t get feverish ever, even if I have the flu. At most it’ll be 37 [degrees Celsius]. But this time, umabot ako ng 39.6 sa bahay. When I was in the hospital, umabot pa rin siya ng mga 38.5, 39,” Iza explained. “Looking back, that’s one of your mistakes, right?” Dr. Belo asked. “Yeah,” Iza answered. “Being dyahe and thinking I could do it naturally...I’m all for holistic treatments, and they’re good, but if you’re already feeling bad symptoms, that’s what the meds are there for.”

#4: Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

“I cried so many times. I cried in the ER when they told me that I had pneumonia, and things were pointing to COVID. I cried really hard when they told me that it was possible that I could be intubated...‘Use me, Lord God. I know you’re just making me go through this to learn something, to reevaluate my life, reassess the way I’m living and what truly matters. I know you just want to make me another living testimony of Your grace and Your power.’ That’s what I will share, and that’s what I will be about.”

#5: Focus on what really matters.

“Material things we acquire don’t matter. It’s really the love of people, your relationships...what you give is more important than what you receive,” Iza said. “When the going gets tough, what you receive is everything.” She also took a moment to thank all the doctors and nurses who brought her back to health. “It was a realization of how amazing our doctors and nurses are...it’s so humbling. Ganito pala kayo mag-alaga. [There’s] gratitude in your heart, knowing that this is what they would do for another human being.” 

We hope that Iza’s journey has inspired you to continue to keep safe, healthy, and strong, Belo Beauties. Let’s continue to fight COVID-19 together for our family, our community, and our country.

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View this post on Instagram

Hello, everyone. It’s been a while but I thought I’d update you all. I'm currently hospitalized for pneumonia and so, I was tested for Covid-19 and i’ve been waiting for the results for several days now. It’s been a challenging time for me but it cannot compare to the frontliners who have cared for me and to whom I am so grateful. My heart goes out to everyone in these trying times, especially those who risk their lives every day to care for their loved ones. I am hoping you all can join me in prayer for those who are currently sick and their loved ones, for every person struggling to cope in these tough times. And most especially, for the medical workers who are doing their best despite the hurdles. I count this time as an opportunity to be kind. To be a source of love and light. With the grace of God, i can fight this and we all fight this together. ❤️

A post shared by Iza Calzado Wintle (@missizacalzado) on

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Should You Wear Sunscreen, Even at Home? And Other Tips from Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/should-you-wear-sunscreen-even-at-home-and-other-tips-from-dr-vicki-belo Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:29:28 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19645

Now that many of us are spending significantly more time at home due to the quarantine, it can often slip our minds to do our skincare routine, especially when our *daily* routines have changed. Dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Vicki Belo, shares some of her tips to achieve healthy,  clear skin while you’re at home. She also shares her advice on tweaking our routine with proper hygiene measures that the ongoing crisis calls for.

Tip #1: Wash your hands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9mLVpdA7CP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Many of us are guilty of not cleaning our hands before washing our face, applying skincare products, or putting on makeup. Step 1 of your skincare routine must always be to wash your hands. According to Dr. Belo, “It’s even more important now that your hands are clean because the face is the number one entry point of coronavirus—our eyes, nose, and mouth are all on our face.” She recommends washing your hands with facial wash while singing 2 birthday songs before proceeding to rinse off with water. Aside from possible breakouts caused by the dirt and germs on your hands, the recent COVID-19 crisis has taught us all that proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing diseases. 

Tip #2: Wear sunscreen, even at home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9lmlrElPuA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In the morning, even if you’ll be home the whole day, skipping sunscreen has always been a big no-no. According to Dr. Belo, “The source of UV rays is not only from the sun, but also from computer screens, and the heat or radiation from cooking or baking. These stimulate the melanocytes, but wearing sunscreen can prevent this.” 

She quoted, “A sunscreen a day keeps the wrinkles away.” Her advice? “To avoid the formation of wrinkles, the best thing to do is to use sunscreen in the morning even if you’re not going out. But if you go out, you can reapply." We should also apply sunscreen on our neck, lip, and eye area—as long as the sunscreen isn’t drying. Also once you've applied our SunExpert Sunscreens, you are already protected from UV rays.

When we asked what we should look for when choosing the best candidate for our sunscreen, she said, “the best is SPF 50 PA+++, with Broad Spectrum coverage, UVA to prevent wrinkles, and UVB to prevent sunburn.” She further stressed the importance of UVA because when we’re at home, we’re more exposed to the light of computers, and not necessarily direct sunlight which can cause sunburns.

What are the best products to pair with sunscreen? So that we’re not only protecting our skin from wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but also improving our skin appearance and texture, she recommends... “Keep it simple. In the morning, before applying sunscreen, apply Retinoic acid, also known as Retin-A.” At night, she recommends using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate the skin revealing a much smoother texture.

(Looking for sunscreen? Check out The Belo Shop’s Sun Protection line.)

Tip #3: Wash your face three times a day.

Since we aren’t able to get regular facials during the quarantine period, what can we do to prevent breakouts? After explaining how blackheads and whiteheads are caused by oil buildup, she said the only way to prevent this is to “wash your face thrice a day. Since you’re at home, you don’t really need to wear makeup. Just keep your face clean, and wash it again at lunch.” She cautioned not to wash more than thrice, because your skin might feel so dry that it signals your oil glands to produce more oil. And we definitely don’t want that to happen!

(Running out of face wash? The Belo Shop has an array of cleansing products for you to choose from.)

Tip #4: Sleep earlier.

With reports showing how many people have started to sleep later at night during this period, Dr. Belo warns that this behaviour can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm. Our body releases hormones at certain times when we are asleep, so if we are awake, the schedule of hormone secretion coincides with one other. As a result, breakouts occur! She mentioned, “God made our body so systematized. It’s much better to sleep earlier and wake up earlier, so take advantage that you’re working from home. When the sun comes up at 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM, you should be awake. When the sun goes down, eat dinner, and then sleep no later than 10 PM.”

Tip #5: Don’t prick your own pimples.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B70RKr_BpJ_/

If you’re already breaking out, she emphasised to never prick your own pimples. Instead, she recommends using the Belo Acne Pro Kit (available in major drugstores, so you can still buy it now!), which she describes as “the next big thing.” The kit, infused with Purified Bee Venom, contains the AcnePro Pimple Fighting Bar to thoroughly clean your face, the Acne Pro Treatment Toner to deeply clean your pores and minimise the inflammation of existing pimples, and the AcnePro Pimple Gel to heal and treat spots with its antibacterial properties. How often should you apply  spot treatment? She recommends “3-5 times a day to really dry up the pimple, and it will just shrink.” She further emphasized not to prick your own pimples because of the difficulty to extract them at the right angle. In her vast experience, she said, “A lot of people start with pricking one pimple then they keep pressing on the pimple until it gets inflamed. They get some pus to the right and to the left of the pimple from pressing on it so much, so the next day, they get 3 pimples instead of one. I really advise against that. Just wait till we open again.”

These tips have definitely reminded us to always go back to the basic rules of skincare. Following them not only gives us short-term results to tide our skin over the quarantine period, but also long-lasting effects that we can enjoy even when things get back to normal. Trust us—your skin will thank you later!

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The Best Skincare Products to Try, Depending on Your Beauty Concerns https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-best-skincare-products-to-try-depending-on-your-beauty-concerns Tue, 14 Apr 2020 11:40:46 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19657

As you might already know, the Belo Shop is open and ready to solve your skincare needs! But with the bevy of products available, how do you know which products are right for you? Here are our top suggestions based on your skin issues (but it would be best to clear with your Belo doctor first!):

Oily Skin

Skin that is too oily can clog pores and eventually lead to breakouts. This condition may be caused by stress (quarantine-induced anxiety, anyone?), changes in humidity, genetics, and fluctuating hormones. The secret to maintaining healthy skin is by preserving its natural moisture while leaving out excess oil. 

We recommend: ZO Oil Control Pads 

  • Provides maximum-strength acne prevention solution 
  • Exfoliates skin-clogging cells
  • Minimizes oil and tightens pores

Get the ZO Oil Control Pads at the Belo Shop..

Dry Skin

As you age, your skin becomes drier and thinner due to excessive loss of water or oil underneath the surface. Avoid harsh soaps, because this strips down natural oils that are vital for skin protection.

We recommend: ZO Hydrating Cleanser

  • Cleans away debris, oil and makeup 
  • Minimizes dryness and irritation
  • Soothes and calms sensitive skin 

Get the ZO Hydrating Cleanser at the Belo Shop.

Dark Undereye Circles

This is brought about by a bunch of factors: genetics, excess pigmentation, dilated blood vessels, and lack of sleep. Studies show that many of us have had trouble sleeping due to coronavirus anxiety, so this is a particularly relevant concern RN!

We recommend: FillMed HXR Eye Cream

  • Diminishes the appearance of the dark circles
  • Reduces puffiness and bags
  • Smoothens the appearance of eye wrinkles.

Get the FillMed HXR Eye Cream at the Belo Shop.

Skin Discoloration

Us Filipinos are prone to getting dark spots and patches due to several factors that increase excess melanin production, especially sun exposure! And just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean harsh UVA and UVB rays can’t penetrate your skin (Dr. Belo says so herself!)

We recommend: ZO Retinol Skin Brightener

  • Breaks up existing pigmentation and rapidly brightens skin tone
  • Helps inhibit new melanin
  • Provides antioxidant protection

Get the ZO Retinol Skin Brightener at the Belo Shop.

Large Pores

Large pores develop when there is excessive oil build up underneath the skin, which causes the pores to stretch out. Apart from this, aging and genetics also play a role in the size of your pores.

We recommend: Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer

  • Removes leftover dirt, oil, and residue on the skin
  • Helps minimize the appearance of pores—all without drying you out

Get the Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer at the Belo Shop.

Aging Skin with Deep Lines and Wrinkles

One thing that we cannot stop, unfortunately, is the natural process of aging. Wrinkles, age spots, and dryness become apparent as a person grows older. It’s not something to be afraid of—we’re here to make sure you age as gracefully and beautifully as possible!

We recommend: ZO Wrinkle + Texture Repair

  • Targets deep lines Improves skin texture
  • Enhances production of collagen and hyaluronic acid
  • Provides anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and calm the skin

Get the ZO Wrinkle + Texture Repair at the Belo Shop.

Skin Laxity and Fine Lines

The appearance of fine lines and skin laxity are part of the skin’s aging process. This can happen faster with repeated and prolonged sun exposure. Stay out of the sun as much as possible, but ensure that you use sun protection as an additional barrier!

We recommend: ZO Daily Power Defense

  • Supports skin’s natural DNA repair process
  • Replenishes lipids to optimize skin barrier function
  • Encourages a healthy keratinocyte maturation cycle
  • Stimulates a healthy production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid 

Get the ZO Daily Power Defense at the Belo Shop.

Dark Underarms

Irritation caused by repeated shaving or plucking stimulates excess melanocyte production, which can result in darkened armpits (and a lack of confidence to raise your arms, sadly).

We recommend: Belo Illuminating Cream

An ultra-rich body cream that whitens skin and fades blemishes. This product decreases the formation of melanin in the body, which is responsible for the darkening of skin to reveal a brighter, younger-looking skin. 

Get the Belo Illuminating Cream (250G) and 500G at the Belo Shop.

Hair Loss

It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. When the body sheds significantly more hairs every day, a person has excessive hair shedding. Most people notice the excessive hair shedding a few months after a difficult period (like a heavy WFH load, having to endure COVID-related stress, or hearing about the sickness of a loved one).

We recommend: Pelo Baum Hair Treatment Complex (Shampoo, Conditioner, Revitalizing Solution)

  • Promotes longer, healthier, and thicker hair
  • Stimulates hair cells and ensures healthy roots to restore hair growth and volume

Get the Pelo Baum Shampoo, Conditioner, Revitalizing Solution at the Belo Shop.

Remember, when it comes to any skin concern, there’s a product at the Belo Shop for you. After consulting with your doctor, watch as these products create immediate and visible results on your skin (and scalp)—you’ll thank us later!

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The Products the Belo HQ Team Swears By https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-products-the-belo-hq-team-swears-by Wed, 15 Apr 2020 11:47:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19668

We’re all obsessed with having clear, healthy skin. But honestly, with the weather that we have in the Philippines, it’s quite difficult to find a certain product that is “hiyang” (read: a perfect match!) to our skin type. We then end up doing trial and error on multiple products that don’t seem to get the job done...and end up splurging way more than we originally planned. Some of us use organic, locally-made products because they’re cheaper, but don’t necessarily give you the best results. So how do we really know what products we’re supposed to use, given our weather conditions and our skin type?

Belo Medical Group has been in the medical services industry for almost 30 years, and we only trust the best products—ZO Skin Health, Inc. by Zein Obagi, M.D. ZO is the leading innovator in skincare solutions that help bridge the gap between in-clinic treatments and at-home care. Their products are often prescribed because they contain higher doses of active ingredients than your typical drugstore skincare products. Belo has been the exclusive distributor of ZO Skin Health Products since 2011. Our doctors often complement ZO product prescriptions with products from our very own Belo Prescriptives line, for a truly holistic skincare routine.

Who else could give honest reviews of Belo products but those who have been using them for years? So, we asked members of the Belo HQ which products have helped them “glow up.” Don’t forget—most of the products mentioned are available at our brand-new Belo Shop

Stephanie Ongkiko, 33, Corporate Communications Manager

“I used to have a lot of acne marks because I am really pimply. After doing the Belo Time Capsule (which is perfect to improve the appearance of acne marks), I used these products to help speed up the lightening process of the marks, reduce breakouts, and improve my skin’s texture.”

 These are the five Belo products she’s been using for 2 years:

 “If I can choose only one, I would say the Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent. It’s like my all-around solution for pimples. I use it as toner, I use it as a substitute when I don’t have the Belo Acne Pro Gel….simply put, I use it to get rid of my breakouts and more.”

Paula Pangan, 35, Digital Art Director

“I love the Frezyderm Velvet Face Sunblock SPF 50! It’s not just a sunblock—it can also be used as primer. It has a little tint, so most days I don’t even need to put on foundation anymore. It absorbs oiliness, which gives you that velvet finish! I highly recommend this to those who don’t want to put on a lot of makeup, because this has drastically simplified my makeup routine!”

 Andrea Valenzuela-Lim, 29, Advertising and Promotions Manager

“I've had acne problems since my teenage years. I have oily and sensitive skin, so I break out easily. "

Here are the four products Andrea swears by:

"The ZO Oil Control Pads are my favorite! They really do wonders for the skin. I often tell my friends about this, especially those who saw me going through my acne phase: ‘ZO Oil Control Pads really made my skin behave.’ This product is LIT!”

Rosa Corrales, 49, Patient Experience Manager

“I believe  that skincare is a journey. You need to walk that road and experience it. Some may, at the very onset, already know that it just isn't working, so switch, change. For some, you get the feeling that the journey is worth it and all one needs to do is just patiently wait for the "promise" to take effect.

 “...the ZO Hydrating Cleanser is my ‘but first, coffee’ strategy. I start my skin regimen by washing my face soon as I get up, and the cleansing that follows before my day ends.

“A recent addition to my regimen from the ZO line is the Daily Power Defense (DPD). I've been wanting to try this after hearing so many good reviews and recommendations from Belo doctors… They say that if there's only one ZO product one would need, it’s this! As a moisturizer, it gives my skin the cool, clean feeling and hydration my skin needs (age, age, age!). If the ZO Hydrating Cleanser is my ‘but first, coffee’ strategy, DPD is my nightcap."

Richard Allen Kho, 36, General Manager for Snow Angel Skin Health, Inc. (SASHI)

“I’ve been using these Belo products for almost 5 months now! Problema ko dati ang blackheads ko sa nose. But now, I can only see a few! And my pores are smaller!”

Here are Allen’s fave products:

“…my wife kept teasing me kasi sobrang mabusisi ako sa mga ginagamit ko sa mukha. Using Belo products boosted my confidence and made me see the importance of taking good care of yourself.”

Before using any of the products above, it’s best to consult our doctors to know more about these products. You can also check out the Belo Shop for more info!

Belo Medical Group has helped a lot of people gain confidence and boost their self-esteem. Many keep trying different brands, but why not stick with what experts recommend? Belo products can and will give you the best, long-lasting results you’ve always dreamed of...and these longtime Belo employees can attest to that!

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I’m Acne-Prone. Can I Have Glass Skin, Too? https://www.belomed.com/blog/im-acne-prone-can-i-have-glass-skin-too Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:50:24 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19676

"Glass Skin" is the newest trend popularized in Korea describing that dewy, delicate, and radiant complexion. While a select few may be blessed with this extraordinary gift, it would seem that most of us would need to move mountains to achieve anything comparable. For most acne-prone individuals in particular, this may be "just another blog" that gets you nowhere close to achieving that porcelain looking skin you see on television. Perhaps... if you stop reading here. If you do decide to continue though, I'll need you to cast your doubts aside for now, because attaining your dream skin can be as direct as adopting a dedicated skin health routine with Belo. 

While following a skin health routine may sound simple and easy, many people fail on the onset, primarily because of the absence of a proper frame of mind. Luckily, there’s no need for you to find your way blindly in the dark. Managing your expectations and directing your efforts would be the first key step that a Belo doctor would lay down for you. In turn, your trust for both the doctor and the process is expected.

Secondly, always remember that consistency is key.  Most Belo acne treatments are meant to regulate skin oil, bacteria, dead skin cells and hormones. 

  • Monthly Glycopeel Cleaning sessions, for example, are directed towards the physical removal of pore plugs to manage acne and oil. 
  • Treatments like the Belo Acne Program tend to provide more holistic daily coverage that includes antibiotics against the p.acnes bacteria, tretinoin to facilitate shedding and minimize clogging, and salicylic acid for more focused oil control.
  • For more serious cases, the Spanish Peel treatment is done to encourage thick peeling of the skin through TCA, thus effectively drying out active acne and lightening marks at the same time.

The first two weeks are usually allotted to the “purging” period, where expected unwanted reactions may occur; the skin may feel dry, mildly irritated and may even break out. In the unfavorable event that it happens, it is of utmost importance to keep on going. Your daily regimen, being the foundation of any acne treatment program, must be done daily without fail in order to establish a proper cycle for the skin. Doing this inconsistently may just “confuse” the skin and make its adjustment erratic, causing more unwanted reactions. 

In the same way, it takes about a month for you to safely gauge if a regimen is working for you. At some point you may feel that the regimen is not working enough and is progressing slowly. Do not be discouraged. Patience will take you a long way. Give your skin enough time to adjust and "acclimatise" to the medications. If after this period your skin still doesn't seem to be improving, remember to also seek guidance and ask for a follow-up with your doctor. Personalisation and refinement of your treatment plan is part of the process. So trust the process. 

Once the basics are in place, you’ll soon realize that clearing acne is very much related to attaining a glass skin finish. Your collective effort would have provided other long term benefits as well. The skin becomes smoother, and more radiant. Pores start to appear smaller and refined. The skin tone also starts to become more even. All these describe the clarity associated with the “glass skin.” By now other treatments become more relevant and available for your cause. A popular note-worthy treatment called the Glass Skin Facial by Belo locks in nutrients while physically exfoliating the already primed skin. An ultrasound head further pushes water magnets into the skin, giving it much-needed hydration. Maintaining an intensive treatment like this will definitely provide you an extra glow that lasts. This treatment can be done simultaneously with skin lightening treatments like the Belo Angel Whitening Laser that break excessive pigments in the skin, thus boosting the skin’s radiance.  

Lastly, remember to be kind to your skin. What you do has direct effects on your skin, so remember to sleep well, minimize stress, drink adequate amounts of water, and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. 

Still think that attaining “Glass Skin” is not possible? With good old science and the expertise of Belo, I bet not.

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Now, You Can Book an Online Consultation at the Belo Shop https://www.belomed.com/blog/introducing-belo-live-consultations Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:15:53 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19689

Many of you have wanted to get back in touch with your Belo doctors over the quarantine period. Back during the ECQ, when we couldn't have you at our clinics just yet, we offered the next best thing—online consultations with our Belo MDs for existing patients with urgent concerns (and new patients who wanted to test the waters).

Even though majority of our clinics are now open, however, we know some of you are still staying at home to keep safe from COVID-19. That's why we've brought Belo Live Consultations to #TheBeloShop, where you can book your consultation fast and easy! Now, new patients can get their concerns answered without having to venture out into the world, and existing patients can reduce their face-to-face time with our doctors at the clinic and be even safer. Whether you'd like to speak with your doctor via email, Viber, or videoconferencing (e.g. Zoom or Google Hangouts), we've got options to suit your every need.

Talk to a Belo Branch MD

Click here to access The Belo Shop, and click "Other Product Offers." If you'd like to speak with a Belo MD at the branch closest to you, or if you want to speak to a specific doctor you know, this is the option for you. Just add to bag, check out, and you're good to go.

Talk to a Belo Surgeon

Considering rhinoplasty, 360° Liposuction, or some other surgical procedure? We've made it possible for you to speak with our Belo surgeons, too. This cuts down on face-to-face time at the clinic and helps you prepare for your upcoming procedure.

Talk to Dr. Vicki Belo

Have you always wanted to have a consultation with the beauty expert herself? Wonder no more, as a session with Dr. Vicki Belo herself is now possible, too! We can't wait to help you check this item off your beauty bucket list; a conversation with our CEO and Medical Director is something you're sure to never forget.

We look forward to addressing your beauty concerns! Ready to book your online consultation? Click here, and we'll see you Zoom! (Get it?)

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Dr. Jetty Magallona of Belo BGC Shares Her Skincare Routine https://www.belomed.com/blog/dr-jetty-magallona-of-belo-bgc-shares-her-skincare-routine Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:16:02 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19694

If you’ve ever been to our flagship clinic at the second floor of One Bonifacio High Street, chances are you’ve crossed paths—or have even consulted with!—Dr. Jetty Magallona, Managing Physician of our BGC branch. Her endearing and kindhearted personality makes her the favorite of many patients, even celebrities like Alex Gonzaga. Now that we’re under quarantine, however, more and more Filipinos are zeroing in on their at-home skincare routines (since in-clinic treatments won’t be possible for now). And who better to take notes from than the same experts who examine and treat your skin at our clinics?

Last March 26, we launched #BareFaceByBelo, an Instagram mini-series featuring none other than our Belo doctors and the products that keep their skin healthy and fresh during this quarantine period. Dr. Jetty was the first to share her routine in the video below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MrWXCj9X-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Name: Jetty Magallona 
Age: 43
Occupation: Managing Physician 
Branch: One Bonifacio High Street flagship clinic
Skin Type: Normal 

Dr. Jetty likes to keep her skincare routine simple. She starts off with the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser to cleanse debris, oil, and makeup. Then, on her oilier days, she’ll follow up with ZO Oil Control Pads. Otherwise, she sticks to her usual Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent, which contains clindamycin (great for killing acne-causing bacteria). In the morning, she finishes off with the Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA++++. At night, her last step is the ZO Firming Serum to improve elasticity and reduce skin laxity. 

(You’ll find most of these products at the Belo Shop!)

When did you start this skincare routine? What skin issues did you have then?

My skincare routine started when I turned 30...I actually don’t have skin issues other than very few comedones from time to time, and I am also concerned with anti-aging.

What’s your favorite product from this routine and why?

My favorite is the ZO Firming Serum. It’s really effective [for anti-aging]. Firm, tight, [and] better contour.

Why is it important to have a skincare routine that is curated for your skin?

It is very important because you use it everyday, and whatever you use daily will impact the state of your skin let’s say 2-3 months from now. It’s like [with] food—you are what you eat. For the skin, your skin care dictates how your skin will look in the future. So you should really take care of your skin.

Dr. Jetty’s routine is perfect for those with oily skin and are concerned with fending off the first signs of aging, but we still recommend that you speak with one of our doctors before committing to a skincare routine (thanks to Belo Live Consultations, it’s now possible!). Stay tuned as we feature more of our doctors...and the products keeping them Belo Beautiful!

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The 10 Most Stunning Makeup-Free Belo Babies https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-10-most-stunning-makeup-free-belo-babies Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:50:08 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19718

Quarantine = going for weeks on end without touching your makeup bag. Such has been the philosophy of many of our #BeloBabies, who have given us glimpses of how they’re doing while sheltering in place. Thanks to our products at the Belo Shop, you can maintain the great results from your last treatment with us (even if it might be a while before we get to have you at our clinics again!). Here are 10 of the best selfies we’ve seen:

1. Julia Barretto

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_KWiAbJrTt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Our Glass Skin Facial muse has made herself clear—her flawless complexion is thanks to Belo! That’s why she isn’t afraid to come in for a superzoom selfie.

2. Kim Chiu

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_KoNkWpG3T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The longtime Belo Baby spent her 30th birthday makeup-free and in a simple white shirt-loose bun combo—in these uncertain times, good food and a loving family is more than enough. Happy birthday, Kim! 

3. Ylona Garcia

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WElNGpJKq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Many of us are turning to TikTok for some much-needed home entertainment—and Ylona Garcia is no exception. Here, she’s wearing only eyeliner in preparation for her next TikTok shoot. Nobody makes “bored in the house and I’m in the house bored” look this effortless.

4. Joyce Pring

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w-VMSJWhw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

There’s nothing like being under quarantine with the person you love most. Joyce is making the most of her time indoors by shunning makeup for this selfie with her new hubby, Juancho Triviño.

5. Patricia Henson

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CO6q_gfU-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Going barefaced is basically second nature for Pat, who loves the outdoors and trying new things. But whenever she posts a new au naturel selfie, she never fails to leave us stunned anew.

6. Zsa Zsa Padilla

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_D5edrHcNR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Zsa Zsa is meditating—a habit we all ought to try while under quarantine—to ease anxieties and have better control over her thoughts and emotions. And she looks fantastic doing it, too! (For real, though: 10 minutes of meditation a day makes all the difference!)

7. Lexi Mendiola

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-tfIgQlonr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Our pets must be really happy that we humans are home all day, everyday! Here’s Lexi Mendiola snuggling up with her cat Butter, makeup-free and worry-free.

8. Maureen Wroblewitz

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-jlm6oJCJx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

More cat content! With just a little bit of lipstick, Mau is embracing quarantine life (and her furry friend) with a big smile, despite having felt a little under the weather!

9. Dimples Romana

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NYmAkHX6a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Silver lining: We’re all clocking in some much-needed family time this month. Dimples Romana poses here with her daughter, Callie Ahmee, who clearly inherited her stunning good looks from her mama!

10. Gabbi Garcia

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_OwPn3przm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Let’s be real: a great way to spend lazy weekday afternoons is Netflix (chill optional!). Our LuminoVitaGlow muse is doing just that...and she’s not done yet!

We hope this series has inspired you to go barefaced not just at home, but even on social media. A little lip tint wouldn’t hurt if you prefer, but there’s no better time than now to let your skin breathe and live its best life. Just make sure your skincare routine is solid, and once quarantine is lifted, we’d be delighted to have you back under our care.

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Are you sometimes overwhelmed with stress? Have you tried meditation? It’s rather simple. You start with focusing on your breath and clearing your mind. Try and do this in the morning upon waking up. All you need is 10 mins a day and you will begin to feel the difference in a couple of days/weeks. I am no expert and started this practice by accident when I was about to have kidney surgery 8 years ago. I noticed that it made me a calmer person. With all the stressful news going around these days during lockdown, I realized that I had to get back to it. Let’s make this a daily habit. Let’s not forget to take good care of our mental health, too. Love and light to everyone. I have attached a site for beginners in IGstories. God bless us all.

A post shared by Zsa Zsa Padilla (@zsazsapadilla) on

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How Can Belo Infusion Drips Help Boost Your Immunity? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-can-belo-infusion-drips-help-boost-your-immunity Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:46:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19767

As you might already know, Belo Infusions (commonly known as intravenous or IV drips) are specially formulated to boost immunity, help you slim down, smooth out fine lines, and give you your best skin ever. They’re a favorite of busybody Belo Babies like Anne Curtis-Smith, Gabbi Garcia, and Alex Gonzaga because they’re perfect for giving your body the added boost it needs to keep going.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWwQKP1AObf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In case you missed our announcement, you can now book appointments at the Belo Shop to try our bestselling Cinderella Drip and Enhanced Supervitamin Drip in the comfort and safety of your home! Once you’ve purchased your drip, our team will contact you to schedule your appointment. Then, all you have to do is sit back and relax as our nurses administer the IV...all without you ever having to leave the house. Easy-peasy!

But some of you might be wondering: how exactly can these infusions strengthen my immune system? Here are the answers you’re looking for.

What’s in the Enhanced Supervitamin Drip?

This powerhouse infusion supercharges the body with a concoction of:

  • Vitamin B-complex
  • Ascorbic Acid (also known as Vitamin C)
  • Zinc
  • Folic Acid
  • Other trace minerals

This is the perfect remedy to help the body maintain proper nerve and heart functions, boost the immune system, and banish chronic fatigue. As we battle a global pandemic, keeping the immune system healthy should be everyone’s top priority. Book your Enhanced Supervitamin Drip appointment now.

What about the Cinderella Royale Drip?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B65gkwchNBg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Most people might think that the Cinderella Royale Drip is just for whitening. After all, it contains the popular ingredient glutathione, which we often associate with a lightened complexion. But the benefits this powerful antioxidant drip brings is so much more than skin-deep. The drip contains:

  • Ascorbic Acid (also known as Vitamin C)
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Glutathione

The above ingredients work hand-in-hand to eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body, combat free radicals, and fight inflammation and fatigue. Glutathione also reduces cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and even improves insulin sensitivity! These are the same ingredients in the Cinderella Royale Drip, but in a much higher dose, allowing for a longer interval of treatments and a faster brightening effect.

We’re excited to bring you the immunity-boosting and vitamin-rich benefits of our Belo Infusions. Go ahead and check out the Belo Shop to get your fix!

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Derek Ramsay Doesn’t Want You to Skip Meals to Lose Weight https://www.belomed.com/blog/derek-ramsay-doesnt-want-you-to-skip-meals-to-lose-weight Fri, 24 Apr 2020 11:15:46 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19778

When we think of Derek Ramsay, one thing comes to mind: fitspiration. OK, fine, we also think about his tantalizing eyes that give us butterflies in our stomachs, and that killer smile that sends us reeling…but really, more than anything else (including that charming personality of his), he is #fitnessgoals. That’s why when the longtime Belo Baby said that skipping meals is not advisable if a person wants to lose weight, we’re with him. Why? 

1. Forgoing a meal can actually lead to weight gain.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4w23lQJu5R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

According to Haley Robinson, a US-based clinical dietician, skipping meals can damage your metabolism which makes it harder for you to lose weight. “When you skip a meal or go a long time without eating, your body goes into survival mode. This causes your cells and body to crave unhealthy foods and all attempts at eating healthy go out the door. When you are hungry, anything goes.” 

2. Skipping meals could lead to diabetes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ON5QFHBt_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a study featured in the New York Times, it revealed that skipping meals can also lead to diabetes, “The researchers found that skipping meals during the day and eating one large meal in the evening resulted in potentially risky metabolic changes. The meal skippers had elevated fasting glucose levels and a delayed insulin response — conditions that, if they persisted long term, could lead to diabetes.” 

3. Forgoing eating will make you feel tired and sluggish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9JYsJDprWA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Remember the time you missed a meal and you had all sorts of headache and you felt your head spinning and at some point you felt like you might faint? Nutrition experts say this is because of the drop in blood glucose. According to Nutrition and Wellness Expert Frances Largeman-Roth, “When we don’t feed our brains, this can signal to the body that it’s time to shut things down.” 

So if skipping meals is damaging our metabolism and generally not good for our well-being, what else can we do to lose weight? Derek suggests having at least five small meals a day. Why? It helps you fend off food cravings. Allowing yourself to eat regularly prevents you from overeating and helps you to stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels. Just make sure to determine how many calories you’re allowed to consume per week. 

Another thing you can try is Intermittent Fasting (IF). Intermittent fasting is different from skipping meals. IF is more about controlling your cravings and practicing mindful eating, while skipping meals is depriving your body of food. If you want to try IF, set a schedule that works for you—and make sure to fill up on food that will sustain you throughout the fasting period. 

Derek also advises not to rely on pills for vitamin and nutrient intake. He says it’s still better to get them from real food. Also, Derek strongly suggests that before following a specific diet or weight loss program, it’s still best to see an expert and have a proper health assessment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByHLFTqHuV0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

More than having a nutrition plan, Derek leads a very healthy lifestyle because as we all know, he stays active. Like, very active. He does 10-15 HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts a day! HIIT are full body workouts with no rest in between. Can you imagine doing a workout with no rest in between? Neither can we. Derek says it helps him get his heart rate up and sweat out toxins from his body. 

Check out Derek’s Instagram page (@ramsayderek07) for more nutrition and workout tips. Stay safe and lean, Belo Babies!

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Smell my kilikili! Hahahaha!!! #hammertime

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Love this game! #underarmourgolf # golf #underpar

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Why Is It Important to Invest in a Home Air Purifier? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-is-it-important-to-invest-in-a-home-air-purifier Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:45:20 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19820

You may have heard that the virus that causes COVID-19 is not airborne, and that’s true. The 2019 coronavirus spreads via particles, so you might be wondering about our title: how exactly can an air purifier help keep me and my family safe during this time? Read on, and we’ll explain everything.

Ever since we announced the beginning of our New Phase, New Face, one thing we wanted for our patients was for them to breathe in beauty. That’s why we installed Intellipure air purifiers in all our clinics. But what makes these air purifiers so special, anyway?

1. It’s 40 times more efficient than a HEPA filter.

https://youtu.be/67Uq4mk58Aw

This isn’t your regular air purifier—these medical-grade Intellipure air purifiers are 40x more efficient than HEPA filters in eliminating harmful viruses, fungi, molds, and bacteria, leaving nothing but fresh, pure, healthy air. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the coronavirus is approximately 0.125 micron, but the Intellipure systems have been proven to capture particles as small as .007 micron in size.

2. It’s being used in COVID hospitals at Wuhan, China.

Because Intellipure air purifiers are the world’s most effective filter against the dangerous lung-penetrating ultrafine particles, including the coronavirus, there are units installed in several COVID hospitals in Wuhan, China (where the virus originated). Air Intellipure is also trusted by one of the world’s most luxurious corporations, Louis Vuitton-Moët Hennessy (LVMH).

3. They help prevent other respiratory complications.

Even if the current global pandemic weren’t happening, it’s important to take extra steps to keep your family safe from other respiratory diseases. With an Air Intellipure purifier at home, you can expect a substantial reduction in airborne microorganisms, dust, bacteria, and more, all of which can pose health risks to your family. 

Remember, clean air is a must, especially during these difficult times. If you’d like to invest in the world’s most efficient air purifier, look no further than the Belo Shop. We’ll deliver your Intellipure unit in 7 working days or less.

Click here to order your Intellipure Compact Air Purifier.

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Here’s How Belo Can Revive Your Hair https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-how-belo-can-revive-your-hair Tue, 28 Apr 2020 13:25:57 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19862

Hair loss, whether in your 20s or your 40s, is nothing to be ashamed of. Oftentimes, it’s due to genetic factors, and other times, it can be brought about by medical conditions or stressful life events. Most people think only men suffer from hair loss, but according to Harvard Health, about one-third of women will experience alopecia (hair loss) at some point in their lifetime, too. So how can Belo help those with hair loss gain back their confidence?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9jg16tBACH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Shortly before ECQ began, Belo developed HairTechMD, a three-month holistic hair health program that dramatically improves hair growth, density, and strand thickness. Matteo Guidicelli was one of the first Belo Babies to try it out (here’s the YouTube video of him trying out the treatment, accompanied by his wife, Sarah Geronimo). Now, thanks to the Belo Shop, you can start your HairTechMD program at home! The complete program comes with:

The program also comes with 6 sessions of Dr. CYJ Hair Filler, to be scheduled once our clinics reopen. With all these products and treatments working together over a three-month period, you’re sure to enjoy increased hair growth and hair density (read: no more bald spots!). And not only that—the program also makes the individual hair strands on your whole head thicker, giving you overall healthier hair! Don’t believe us? Just check out these amazing before-and-afters!

If you like, you can also purchase certain parts of the program individually—just browse our Hair Restoration section at the Belo Shop

We’re excited to be a part of your hair health journey and to give you the confidence boost you’ve always needed. Hats and combovers no more! Belo HairTechMD is here to save your precious mane. Click here to purchase your program.

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Kim Chiu’s Top 3 Favorite Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/kim-chius-top-3-favorite-treatments Wed, 29 Apr 2020 13:19:47 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19881

Kim Chiu has been a media darling since she emerged into the spotlight in 2006. It’s hard to believe that she’s now entering her 30s (she celebrated her birthday under quarantine last April 19!) because she could seriously pass for a high school student! What keeps Kim looking so young and fresh? A part of it is her healthy diet and consistent workout schedule, but she’s also been trooping to the Belo clinic religiously—she’s been a loyal Belo Baby for years! And with that loyalty comes familiarity. Here are the 3 Belo treatments she’s come to love over the years.

3. Glass Skin Facial

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_U8Dcp6z5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ever since Belo introduced this ultra-hydrating treatment last September 2019, celebrities have flocked to our clinics to try it out—after all, who can resist a facial that gives you that much-coveted Korean glass skin? Kim is a regular at our BGC flagship clinic, and her 

2. Cinderella Drip

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_j94KdDayw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The most popular drip in the Belo Infusions roster is no doubt the Cinderella Drip, and Kim likes to schedule her sessions once a week or once every two weeks. It’s not just a whitening drip, after all—it’s chock full of Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Glutathione to improve immune function, fight inflammation, and eliminate toxins. Brightened skin is just a bonus!

Did you know that you can try its more potent version, the  Cinderella Royale Drip, at home via the Belo Shop? Our nurses can come to you during this quarantine period so you can get your beauty and immunity boost at home! Click here to book.

1. Skin Reboot

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No doubt, Kim’s number one favorite treatment is Skin Reboot! And it’s no surprise, since she was tapped to be the face of its campaign last year. Kim was so hooked on this skin-tightening RF treatment that Dr. Belo actually had to tell her to stop and try other treatments (she eventually tried the Enerjet Kinetic Facelift, which she loved!). This is great for those who aren’t ready for Thermage FLX or SkinGenius, but want to try the slimming effects of an RF treatment.

Did you know that you can pay for your Skin Reboot treatments in advance using the Belo Beauty Fund? Just pick “Face Fund” (Skin Reboot is on that list), and enjoy free credits that you can use for even more sessions once our clinics reopen!

Kim Chiu is setting a great example for other women entering their early 30s. It’s never too early to prioritize your skin and to start fighting early signs of aging. We can’t wait for you to try some of these treatments for yourself, no matter what age you are—because trust us, the benefits are priceless.

Browse all available Belo at-home services here.

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This Belo Treatment Makes You Do 30,000 Crunches—Without Moving a Muscle https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-belo-treatment-makes-you-do-30000-crunches-without-moving-a-muscle Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:41:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19892

At the Belo HQ, we’re all advocates for working out regularly. The truth is, nothing beats the endorphins you get from a good ol’ sweat session, and physical activity helps keep your heart and lungs healthy. Being under quarantine is a great opportunity to discover the plethora of workouts you can find on the Internet. (Recently, we put out a list of great workouts you can try while under quarantine. We think it’ll come in handy even after ECQ, since gyms might not be allowed to resume operations just yet.)

As much as we want to stick to a committed fitness schedule, though, life has other plans. Maybe your work day was too hectic, or you’re feeling lethargic. Or you’re locked down at home like everyone else, and the boredom is causing you. To. Snack. Frequently. It’s okay! We’re here to help you bounce back. Did you know that we have a treatment that makes you do 30,000 crunches...without you ever having to do anything? You’ll just sit back, relax, and enjoy the burn.

When our clinics reopen, we know you’ll all want to get back to your usual treatments: routine facials, laser treatments, the works. But giving your body a boost is just as important—and that’s why Belo Myosculpt is something you have to jot down on your “when ECQ ends” to-try list. 

This machine is equipped with unique electromagnetic technology that naturally activates muscle contractions. You can try it on your abs, butt, calves, arms, and thighs. It can generate as much as 30,000 contractions in a single 30-minute session. That’s like doing 30,000 situps if you’re going for the abs! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9lQe9bg-5i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And trust us, the results are visible right after your session. Julia Barretto, Rhian Ramos, Jennylyn Mercado, Sarah Geronimo, and Matteo Guidicelli are huge fans of Myosculpt!

Like we mentioned earlier, though, Myosculpt should be in no way a permanent alternative to working out regularly. We don’t want you to give up physical activity completely! So think of Myosculpt as a Vitamin C supplement. It’s a great option to have, but nothing beats a healthy, vitamin-rich diet. After your treatment, continue maintenance by hitting the gym as much as you can...so you can enjoy the results for longer. 

We’re excited to help you get back on your feet fitness-wise once our clinics reopen, and Myosculpt is a fantastic first step. In the meantime, bingewatch our videos on @belobeauty for other post-ECQ treatment ideas!

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The Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal Treatment You Need to Try https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-pain-free-laser-hair-removal-treatment-you-need-to-try Sat, 02 May 2020 13:20:19 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19902

Hair removal is, well, a pain. Shaving causes nicks and bumps, waxing and threading leave skin sore to the touch, and laser hair removal, while more effective, can feel like ant bites...or even rubber band snaps. Ouch! 

But with Enhanced Community Quarantine in full effect, we’re sure you even miss these procedures, however painful—hair removal is something we’ve had to live without since we’ve been on lockdown. Of course, nothing is more important than our health, so it’s an easy sacrifice to make! But once you’re able to head out on the world again, a question you might be asking is...

Is there any way you can be confidently hair-free without having to endure pain and discomfort? Well, with the Harmony SHR, it’s finally possible.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ro2KhD4mg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Belo Baby Ivana Alawi loves her Harmony laser hair removal treatments because she can just relax (in her protective goggles, of course) as the machine does its magic! You see, the Harmony laser uses in-motion technology to deliver near-infrared (NIR) light that eliminates hair, without the discomfort.

It works by gradually heating up the dermis to a temperature that damages the hair follicles, preventing regrowth while avoiding damaging the surrounding tissue. As you can see in Ivana’s video above, a thick gel is applied to the treatment area to protect your skin as the wand heats up. After that, it’s almost like a relaxing massage experience as our expert doctors move the applicator repeatedly across the treatment area, ensuring effective hair removal! 

Results are seen around the third session, and further improvement is seen thereafter, so consistently scheduled sessions are best. It’s wise to start planning your Belo sessions in advance, especially since we’ve introduced the Belo Beauty Fund: when you invest in treatments now, you’ll enjoy free credits to use once our clinics reopen. Exciting, right?

We can’t wait to make you all hair-free again!

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3 Belo Treatments That Keep Maymay Entrata Glowing https://www.belomed.com/blog/3-belo-treatments-that-keep-maymay-entrata-glowing Wed, 06 May 2020 09:33:02 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19939

Maymay Entrata is the epitome of bubbly, youthful beauty. And at only 23 years old, she sure takes her skincare habits seriously! After all, the habits we form now will yield long-term results that we can enjoy in the decades to come. So to keep her skin glowing, which Belo treatments does Maymay turn to when she visits our Morato clinic?

1. Skin Reboot

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B2HDyUjhRx1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Maymay heard about this RF face-slimming treatment from one of her showbiz big sisters. “Nung nalaman ko ‘yung Skin Reboot, kasi si Ate Kim Chiu [endorser ng] Skin Reboot, eh. Tapos isa ‘yun sa mga sinuggest niya sa akin. ‘Mag-Skin Reboot ka! Mas gaganda pa ‘yung skin mo.’ Isa po na gusto ko sa Skin Reboot, nakaka-hydrate siya.”

Did you know that you can book a Skin Reboot treatment at 20% OFF for your mom this May 9-10, 2020? Click here for more details!

2. Angel Whitening

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8n7db1hEHP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Another Maymay-approved treatment? The Angel Whitening laser, which brightens skin and gives her an even skin tone. “Eh diba po hindi po pwede pagsabayin si Skin Reboot at Angel Whitening, so salitan-salitan lang po. Sila yung dalawang favorite ko talaga.”

Book your mom an Angel Whitening treatment at 20% OFF this May 9-10, 2020. Click here for more details!

3. Cinderella Drip 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KFsAihDK-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lastly, Maymay also loves the immunity-boosting, skin-brightening effects of the Cinderella Drip! Did you know that this drip contains Ascorbic Acid (aka Vitamin C), Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Glutathione? It’s not just a whitening drip! And now, you can book an at-home appointment for the Cinderella Royale Drip (a more potent version of the Cinderella Drip) at the Belo Shop! Our nurses will come to you so you can get your immunity boost at home.

Follow Maymay’s lead and invest in treatments that improve your health, brighten your skin, and help keep you looking young. You only have one face and body—make sure it’s in the best condition possible.

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Shopping Guide: The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift List https://www.belomed.com/blog/shopping-guide-the-ultimate-mothers-day-gift-list Thu, 07 May 2020 13:17:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19950

You may have already heard that this Mother’s Day Weekend, we’re offering 20% off on selected mommy-approved treatments on The Belo Shop. You book them in advance, and when our clinics reopen, Mom gets to luxuriate in the treatments you’ve chosen for her! But that’s not where our surprises end. We have one more up our sleeve: when you spend at least P20,000 on any Belo products on Mother’s Day Weekend (May 9-10), you’ll get a FREE ZO® Getting Skin Ready Kit to boot! They’re kits with deluxe-sized ZO® products that are travel-friendly and great for first-timers.

There are two types of Getting Skin Ready Kits. Just choose the one that suits your skin type…

Normal to Oily Skin: 

All Skin Types:

So which products in The Belo Shop should you be stockpiling to hit that purchase minimum and snag those sweet freebies? Here are Dr. Belo’s recommendations, based on your mom’s skin concerns.

For oily, acne-prone skin

Adult acne is unfortunately very much a thing, but these powerful acne fighters have been trusted by stars like Jess Wilson and Julia Barretto to combat breakouts and keep skin oil-free.

For fine lines and wrinkles

Lead your mom into aging gracefully with these tried-and-tested ZO® products that help fight signs of aging.

For mild-moderate skin discoloration

Patchy brown spots will be a thing of the past with these ultra-effective brighteners and spot correctors.

Any of the above three combinations will get you a FREE ZO® Getting Skin Ready Kit, so you can make Mom’s day...while keeping a few skincare goodies for yourself. So mark your calendars for May 9 and 10, and get ready for a double treat!

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Give Mom the Belo Experience with These Treatments at 20% OFF! https://www.belomed.com/blog/give-mom-the-belo-experience-with-these-treatments-at-20-off Fri, 08 May 2020 12:50:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19977

We’re excited to have you back at our clinics, and we want to keep giving you reasons to look forward to your treatments. We also wanted to help you make your mom smile on her special day...and that’s why we introduced Mom’s Top Picks! This May 9-15, we’ll be making selected treatments available on The Belo Shop for 20% off! Once our clinics reopen, Mom will get to enjoy the treatments you got her. But you might be wondering: which treatments should you be booking for your mom?

That all depends on your mom’s skin concerns, her lifestyle, and her beauty goals. Here’s a handy guide you can refer to on Mother’s Day Weekend:

For the mom who needs a break

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7n5aLZBWLF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Let’s face it—our moms have the hardest job in the world. If you know Mom’s been putting in extra hours at the office or holding down the fort at home (especially this ECQ!), a treat is very much in order. The super-effective Skin Genius—trusted by celebs like Jinkee Pacquiao and Iza Calzado—is our newest face-sculpting treatment that gives visible and immediate results. Does Mom want a bit of brightening? Our ultra-popular Angel Whitening Super Whitening is also available on discount, loved by Bianca Umali and Jennylyn Mercado. And for skincare-savvy moms who want an ultra-smooth visage for makeup to glide on perfectly, Laser Hair Removal (Face) is a great option.

For the mom who’s a skincare newbie

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv0HoWWHL4J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

If your mom’s not the type to worry about her skin, now may be the time to nudge her gentle into following good skincare habits. If you’re on a budget, Skin Reboot is a more affordable RF option for those looking to test the waters. It’s loved by Kim Chiu and Maymay Entrata! For her first foray into laser hair removal, her underarms would be a practical place to start. And finally, to rid the face of sunspots and blemishes, Angel Whitening Basic will do the trick—and deliver instant results.

For the young-at-heart mom

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7I_-cXBWVb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

We all want our moms to age gracefully. And this mission calls for the most powerful treatments in the Belo roster. Fan favorite Thermage FLX is the best RF treatment for sagging, loose skin, with results lasting up to two years. Among its loyal fans are Mayor Isko Moreno, Amy Perez-Castillo, and Martin Nievera—your mom will be thrilled to join the Thermage club! Another unstoppable combo? Botox and Fillers. 50 units of Botox, as well as Juvederm Voluma fillers, are part of our list of discounted treatments.

For the mom who wants to bounce back

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0n5nLNHtqc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Is your mom a new mom who wants to get her post-pregnancy bod back? Belo was tailored for this! You can book her a V-Contour appointment (this has been Georgina Wilson’s go-to treatment after giving birth) to dissolve stubborn localized fat in the face and body. For moms who are collagen addicts, an Ulthera session will boost her natural collagen in the body (and slim down her face instantly!). It’s loved by moms like Tricia Gosingtian, Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Does she have a birthmark or tattoo she’s been meaning to remove? Picosure is the answer. And for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and chicken skin, book Mom a Revlite sesh.. Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil love this laser treatment.

Now that you’ve figured out which treatments to book for your mom at The Belo Shop, mark your calendars for May 9 and 15...and give Mom a Belo experience she’ll never forget!

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Prestige Book https://www.belomed.com/blog/prestige-book Thu, 28 May 2020 04:23:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19969

Wondering which treatment to try next? We’ve made the Belo Prestige Book available online, so you can view our comprehensive list of services. From facials and peels to surgical procedures, get the full picture of what each treatment can do for you, the results they provide, downtime and aftercare, and more.


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Be Ahead of the Game with the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit https://www.belomed.com/blog/be-ahead-of-the-game-with-the-formula-vb-immunity-booster-kit Mon, 18 May 2020 03:38:22 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20023

It’s true that being beautiful on the outside starts with being healthy on the inside. While we’ve all taken measures to keep our families and our community safe during this unprecedented crisis—obeying quarantine guidelines, social distancing, and sheltering in place—it’s still important to take care of our individual health. It’s like that adage we hear on a plane: Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. You can’t help keep those around you healthy if you yourself aren’t.

In this regard, we have developed the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit. There are several vitamins and supplements readily available on the market promising to boost our immune system, but what makes this kit different? Well, it’s expertly and specifically formulated to help your body build a defense system against early signs of COVID-19, such as respiratory infections, inflammation, and flu-like symptoms...allowing you to stay ahead of the game.

What’s in the Formula VB Immunity Booster kit?

Vitamin D3

This plays an important role in promoting respiratory health and lowers the risk of developing respiratory tract infections. It’s delivered under the tongue, which ensures 5 to 10 times better absorption compared to the capsule form!

Zinc Picolinate 

Possessing antiviral properties, zinc picolinate has been proven effective in inhibiting the replication of many viruses, including the coronavirus. What’s more, studies have shown that zinc picolinate is better absorbed by the body than other types of zinc (zinc citrate or zinc gluconate).

Vitamin C

This one you’re probably familiar with! Also known as ascorbic acid, this reliable vitamin acts as an antioxidant that limits inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction seen in most viral infections. Vitamin C supplements are running out everywhere, so it’s a good thing you can get your dose along with this kit!

Melatonin 

This naturally-occurring hormone in the body is produced by your pineal gland. But factors like quarantine-induced stress, smoking, too much exposure to light, and aging can all affect melatonin production. This supplement protects against excessive inflammation induced by the Coronavirus that may lead to respiratory injuries. It also improves sleep quality which might be beneficial to improve the immune system in general.

All the good-for-you vitamins and supplements mentioned above are yours when you get the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit at The Belo Shop! And remember, the Belo Shop is now open to both BPC and non-BPC members, so you don’t need to be a current patient of ours to get your much-needed immunity boost! 

Stay safe and healthy, Belo Beauties! Click here to get your kit.

DISCLAIMER: Keep products out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, taking medications, or having allergic reactions, consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

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ICYMI: Dr. Belo’s Facebook Live Discussion with Cosmo.ph https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-dr-belos-facebook-live-discussion-with-cosmo-ph Mon, 18 May 2020 12:57:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20039

We know it’s been a good two months since you last set foot in a Belo clinic. And we get it—despite all the Belo Shop products you’ve been hoarding, nothing beats a trip to Belo to indulge in the treatments your skin truly deserves. But now that community quarantine has been extended once more, what can we continue to do to tide our skin over until, well, this is over? Last Friday at 8PM, Dr. Belo sat down with Jillian Gatcheco Cantada, editor-in-chief of Cosmo.ph. Together, they quashed misconceptions, dished out skincare secrets, and shed some much-needed light on your most pressing questions. Here are 5 things we learned from their chat:

1. Sunblock should be worn not just for sunlight, but also to protect yourself from radiation from your screens.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: sunblock isn’t just for the outdoors! “People think we only use sunblock to protect us from the sun. But actually, we are putting [on] sunblock to protect us from radiation. If you’re...always in front of the computer, your screen radiates light and can cause pigmentation in people who are sensitive. Radiation plus heat will attract your [melanocytes to the surface] to make pigment. Heat will cause pigmentation as well,” explains Dr. Belo, who had a brief bout with pigmentation after becoming a regular practitioner of Bikram yoga. “It really proved to me that heat can cause pigmentation.”

Dr. Belo goes on to explain that water-resistant sunblock only lasts about 90 minutes. “Waterproof sunblock in the water will last you 120 minutes. But if you’re at home and you’re air-conditioned, your sunblock should last you the whole day. If you have oily skin, you should use a sunblock gel.” 

(Get the Belo Prescriptives Sunblock Gel here at the Belo Shop.)

2. It’s possible to keep your face hygienic and acne-free, even when wearing a mask.

“Right now, you have to keep your whole [face] covered because the virus can come in from the sides [of your face]. And that causes pressure on your skin, it clogs the pores, and the fibers can irritate the skin. One of the things you can do is wash your face at lunchtime if you’re in the office.” Dr. Belo recommends washing your face for a maximum of three times a day only. “Maybe you can bring a toner to clean your face. We have medicines for the pimples that you could get, especially around your chin area. We have the AcnePro [Pimple Gel]. It’s bee venom, and it’s very good for spot treatments. Bring it in your bag, and whenever you have a pimple starting, this dries it up right away.” And the most important part? Don’t touch your face!

(Get the Belo AcnePro Pimple Gel here. You can also find it at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.)

3. Waiting for your next laser hair removal treatment? Resist the urge to pluck! 

If you’re conscientious about unwanted hair, it’s likely the ECQ caught you right in the middle of your laser hair removal sessions, preventing you from being consistent! Don’t worry—there’s a solution! For those who are waiting on their next session, plucking is a no-no. Dr. Belo recommends that you shave instead. “If you’re doing laser hair removal, you shouldn’t do that. Plucking makes the hair thinner, and shaving makes the hair thicker. When you go to the doctor for laser hair removal, we always shave. ‘Cause we need the fat follicle intact so that the laser can find it easily.” 

For those who aren’t undergoing laser hair removal, you may safely pluck away. “The reason I like plucking, if you’re NOT doing laser hair removal: it doesn’t cause pigmentation or micro-wounding. And it’s really the cleanest way. As you keep plucking, the hair gets finer and finer,” Dr. Belo advises. “Get the Beauty Deo so that it’s not irritated and there’s no red bumps.”

(Get the Belo Essentials Beauty Deo here. You can also find it at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.)

4. Can’t resist extracting your blackheads or whiteheads in isolation? Dr. Belo disapproves...but here’s how to do it right!

“Let’s do it properly. I’m sure other dermas will get mad at me, but anyway, since I know it happens… Number one, please wash your hands to the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice. Number two, your extraction tool should be boiled for 20 minutes to kill all of the bacteria, and then alcohol. Number three, steam. If you want a DIY steam, get a stainless steel bowl with water that’s been boiled, and put a towel over your head so your skin softens up a bit.” 

Dr. Belo advises, though, that store-bought blackhead extractors should “only be used on the nose, and very gently.” Don’t have or don’t want to use a blackhead extractor? She recommends wrapping clean fingers in cotton and then pressing lightly, “because [fingers are] more round, so it doesn’t create such a sharp [sensation].”

How can you avoid getting blackheads and whiteheads in the first place? The ZO Exfoliation Accelerator is fantastic! “You put it on in the morning, and then the ZO Wrinkle + Texture Repair cream at night.” Dr. Belo also recommends using the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser in the morning and night. 

(Get the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser here, the ZO Exfoliation Accelerator here, and the ZO Wrinkle + Texture Repair here. These items are only available at the Belo Shop and in Belo clinics.)

5. Feelin’ the heat? Don’t overdo it in the shower!

Dr. Belo doesn’t have objections to you showering multiple times a day due to this insane heat, but be wary of the products you’re using. She likes to soap it up: “First of all, the soap is very important. You have to get soap that is not drying. I use two or three kinds of soap, so I’ll do a kojic soap. Then I’ll do a lubricating soap, something that will make my skin soft. And then, not too long a shower, maybe 5 to 10 minutes,” she says.

“If you’re going to shower [multiple times a day], don’t scrub every single time. Exfoliation is important, but I also want to warn people against loofahs. Just think about it: it stays in the shower, it’s in a dark place, and it’s kinda wet. So sometimes it grows bacteria, and sometimes fungal stuff grows. It creates little scratches, and the bacteria and fungus can enter your skin and create bad skin conditions.”

And there you have it—expert advice from Dr. Belo herself, so you can brave the quarantine and keep your skin quality intact! To view the full Facebook Live video, click here, and don’t forget to join the Cosmo Mixers Facebook group for fun discussions, sweet prizes, and chances to be featured in their articles!

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Exfoliate at Home with the Belo On-The-Glow Body Scrub Kit https://www.belomed.com/blog/exfoliate-at-home-with-the-belo-on-the-glow-body-scrub-kit Tue, 19 May 2020 03:45:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20066

If you think about it, quarantine is the perfect time to give yourself the break you deserve. If you’re lucky enough that you get to work from home and shelter in place safely, a great way to reduce quarantine-related anxiety is by treating yourself to at-home pampering treatments. Aside from sheet masks or massages, there’s one more thing you can DIY while in ECQ: an exfoliating body scrub. And for that, nothing’s better than the Belo On-The-Glow Kit. This is the at-home version of the Body Scrub with Bleach that you’ve come to love at our clinics—we’re making it available to you so you can slough off the buildup of dead skin cells on your body.

All you have to do is order your On-The-Glow Kit from the Belo Shop, and once it arrives at your doorstep (in 7 working days or less), light a scented candle, put on some spa music, and just follow these steps for an instant glow:

1. Mix Sea Salt Scrub (500g) and Base Oil (250ml) in a sealable container.

Voila! Your own Belo Body Scrub fix at home! This blend of sea salt and essential oils is slathered all over the body to gently exfoliate the skin. This also allows the skin to better absorb the ingredients that you’ll be using after this scrub.

2. Apply the Body Scrub mixture on dry skin in gentle circular motions.

You can definitely do this by yourself, but it would be more relaxing if you can ask your spouse to do the scrubbing! Tip: Don’t wet your skin prior to this step, for better moisture and exfoliation. Rub each area of your body, avoiding sensitive areas like the decolletage and neck, in circular motions, maintaining gentle pressure. 

3. Rinse off using the Belo Essentials Whitening Bar and lukewarm water.

Your skin’s just been exfoliated—don’t use hot water! As you run the Whitening Bar across your body, you’ll feel just how much softer and smoother your skin’s become. 

4. After toweling off, use the Belo Illuminating Cream for that extra glow.

To top everything off, this cream will work wonders for bringing out your natural glow and giving you even-toned skin. And you’re all done! You can now return to your Netflix marathon feeling softer, smoother, and more beautiful.

We often focus so much on our faces that the skin on our body gets neglected. By exfoliating regularly, we give the skin on our body the hydration and nourishment it deserves! Dr. Belo’s advice is to exfoliate the body up to two times per week.

You can order your Belo On-The-Glow Kit right here at the Belo Shop! Quick, add to cart...and enjoy your new baby-soft skin!

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ICYMI: Dr. Belo Discusses COVID-19 Safety Measures on CNN Philippines https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-dr-belo-discusses-covid-19-safety-measures-on-cnn-philippines Thu, 21 May 2020 11:28:47 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20071

Are you curious about the measures we’re taking to ensure your safety and peace of mind when you return to our clinics? Earlier today at 9 AM, Dr. Vicki Belo went live on CNN Philippines’ The Source (hosted by Pinky Webb) to discuss best practices that Belo Medical Group is following for the safe reopening of our clinics. Recently, Dr. Belo collaborated with 9 global experts to achieve a consensus for safety protocols that aesthetic clinics should abide by to keep patients and staff safe. This paper was published in the prestigious international journal Dermatologic Therapy. She’s the only doctor from the Philippines who co-authored this study, which you can now read for free here

Of course, it’s always more fun to hear it from Dr. Belo herself, so here are some highlights from her appearance on CNN!

1. One of the paper’s goals was to minimize interaction time between doctors and patients.

First, Dr. Belo talked a little about how the study came about. “We were 10 doctors, we met through Zoom. We have people from the UK, USA, Australia, Sweden, Norway, the Philippines, India, and South Africa. When 70% of us agreed on a certain protocol, then it would be implemented. But we really wanted to protect both the patients and the doctors [and staff] from transmission of the coronavirus,” Dr. Belo explains. “We are trying to minimize the amount of time that the doctor interacts with the patient.” 

For the safety of patients, walk-in appointments will no longer be permitted. All patients will be asked about their travel history, occupation (also those of their immediate family), potential exposure to COVID-19 patients, and other pertinent information. We’ll also be sending you an Aesthetic Interest Questionnaire (AIQ) prior to your appointment, so that our doctors already have a clear idea of what treatments would be best for you. The less time spent in close contact with one another, the better—and the faster we can move you along to the treatment proper!

2. As we await our reopening, we’re preparing every possible measure to keep you safe.

Aside from the standard PPE suits, “[our staff will be in an] N95 mask, and then you have goggles, and then you have to have a face shield,” Dr. Belo explains. We also have multiple safety measures in place for our patients: 

  • Patients will be asked to accomplish a COVID-19 screening (to be sent during booking confirmation) prior to arrival at the clinic.
  • “The patients are asked to do a foot bath, and of course, social distancing is very important. The chairs are permanently apart by two meters, the receptionists will be far from you.” 
  • Alcohol and hand soap will be readily available at multiple touch points throughout the clinic. 
  • Patients will also be asked to bring their own water bottles, as glasses will no longer be available at our refreshment stations for hygienic purposes. 
  • DFS-equipped Air Intellipure systems will be installed in every room and common area. These systems are 40 times more efficient than a HEPA filter, and these same machines have been used in COVID hospitals in Wuhan, China. It captures and zaps 99.99% of all particulate matter, bacteria, and viruses.
  • On the treatment bed, a clear acrylic barrier will separate you from your doctor or aesthetician to prevent further cross-contamination.
  • 30 minutes will be allotted between the use of treatment rooms to allow for a thorough cleaning and disinfection before a new patient comes in to use the room. A team of 3-4 staff members will be assigned specifically for this purpose. 
  • We’ve also widened our options for contactless payment: we now accept GCash, Alipay, WeChat, PayPal, bank-to-bank online payments, and (soon) PayMaya! No need to hand cash or cards over to anyone else. 

“We’ve been doing dry runs in our clinics, and it’s sad that there’s not much human contact, but the times call for this,” says Dr. Belo. While we’re still under MECQ, we will be implementing even more measures to keep you safe, so stay tuned!

3. We’re training our doctors and staff so they can continue to provide excellent service in spite of “the new normal.”

We are currently in the process of training our doctors and staff so that they can perform their duties while being mindful of all these changes. “We have divided our procedures into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk...right now, all of our staff are going through Belo University. They’re getting trained, not only in procedures, but also how to deal with patients,” says Dr. Belo. Rest assured that when you reenter our clinics, our staff will be equipped to answer to your needs safely and efficiently

We can’t wait to have you all back, but in the meantime, we’re doing everything to make your Belo experience a safe one. We hope to see you again soon!

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The Belo Shop Products Jess Wilson Used to Clear Her Quarantine Breakouts https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-belo-shop-products-jess-wilson-used-to-clear-her-quarantine-breakouts Sat, 23 May 2020 07:01:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20099

Experiencing acne while in isolation? Trust us—you’re definitely not alone. Unusual breakouts are a popular occurrence while under quarantine, and there are a myriad of reasons behind it. Acne can be brought about by COVID-induced stress or anxiety (especially for frontliners). General feelings of helplessness can also cause us to fall off our regular routines, causing skin to rebel. And believe it or not, our lack of exposure to antibacterial UV light isn’t helping matters, either! 

One such victim of the quarantine breakout is co-founder of Sunnies Face and bride-to-be Jess Wilson, who had “been breaking out like never before in the last few weeks of quarantine,” she said on her Instagram Stories last April 21. “I have no idea why, but [I’ve] been reading articles online about it and seeing people talk about it...so it seems I’m not alone.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CADGpNnjl-b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Like most of us, Jess was planning to be more conscientious of her skincare routine while under lockdown. “I had very high hopes of taking extra care of my skin during the lockdown with creams and face masks, but for some reason, my skin flared up and was out of control. I had pimples like never before,” she told her Instagram followers on May 7. “New ones [appeared] every day, no matter how meticulous I was being with cleaning and applying pimple creams.”

During the fourth week of ECQ, Jess had the “worst breakout ever.” She was “so stressed and sad about my skin, but didn’t want to let it bother me.” Self-medication only made matters worse. “I tried to treat it with stuff I had at home like salicylic acid and oil control cleansers, but [it] just kept getting worse.”

Finally, Jess turned to Belo for help. “[Belo] quickly called me up to see what my skin looked like, tried to understand the cause of what might be irritating my skin, and sent me a list of products to clear up my skin.” 

Here’s the routine that saved Jess’ skin. Every single one of these products is available at the Belo Shop!

“All the small pimples have cleared up!” Jess said last May 7. “I get small ones every now and then, but nowhere near what I had a few weeks ago. Plus, my skin looks extra glowy, which is a result of the creams I was prescribed. I know it’s the least of concerns right now, but [I] just wanted to share this so it doesn’t have to be a problem of yours at all.”
Want to end your quarantine breakouts? Just follow Jess’ lead and book a free live consultation with a Belo MD by emailing info@belomed.com. If you’re prescribed any products, you can get them from the Belo Shop in 7 working days or less! Bye-bye, acne!

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Trouble Sleeping During Quarantine? This Belo Immunity Kit Supplement Can Help https://www.belomed.com/blog/trouble-sleeping-during-quarantine-this-belo-immunity-kit-supplement-can-help Sun, 24 May 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20111

A good amount of sleep comes with a slew of health benefits: increased cell turnover and regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive function, among other things. Being under quarantine, however, can prove to be extremely stressful, especially if you’re worried about the safety of your children or how you’ll continue to do your job despite the circumstances. Studies have shown that increased anxiety or depressive episodes⁠—in this case, caused by COVID-19 worries⁠—can lead to disturbed or irregular sleep patterns

Fortunately, our team that developed the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit factored sleep difficulty as a factor in reduced immunity. That’s why they added a melatonin supplement as part of the kit: this naturally-occurring hormone is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. It’s produced by your pineal gland, a pea-sized gland that can be found in your brain. 

Here’s how it works. “When the sun goes down and darkness occurs, the pineal is ‘turned on’ ...and begins to actively produce melatonin, which is released into the blood. Usually, this occurs around 9 pm. As a result, melatonin levels in the blood rise sharply and you begin to feel less alert. Sleep becomes more inviting,” explains the National Sleep Foundation. "During an average night's sleep, our bodies go through several sleep stages, and each is incredibly important for our overall health, memory and development," according to Mattress Insider. That's why sleep should be high on your priority list this quarantine.

So how can you assure yourself of a good night’s sleep during these difficult times? 

 “As we get older, we lose melatonin, so we don’t sleep well at night. That’s the only time our body can regenerate and rejuvenate, so we really have to sleep well. But guess what? Melatonin really helps with immunity, [and] it’s anti-inflammatory. It’s important to take this usually about 30 minute to 1 hour before we want to sleep,” recommends Dr. Vicki Belo. 

Melatonin is just one of the fantastic supplements you get when you purchase a Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit. Packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and Zinc Picolinate, you can use these along with melatonin to help your body build a defense system against respiratory infections, inflammation, and flu-like symptoms! Get it here at the Belo Shop.

(SAFETY PRECAUTION: Keep products out of the reach of children. It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking any supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have other pre-existing conditions, or known allergic reactions.)

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ICYMI: 5 Highlights from Dr. Belo's Live Discussion with CareerGuide https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-5-highlights-from-dr-belos-live-discussion-with-careerguide Wed, 27 May 2020 02:26:18 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20123

Yesterday, Dr. Vicki Belo went live on the Facebook page of the Philippine Star’s CareerGuide, their section for enterprise, career concerns, and job searching. She joined a panel interview hosted by resident Career Guide Ken Lerona, with Dr. Stephen Almonte (President of the Philippine Dental Association) and Mikko Barranda (Associate Director of Leechiu Property Consultants) as co-panelists. Here are a few highlights from our founder’s time on the show.

1. Most people think aesthetic clinics are nonessential, but they address an often-forgotten social need, especially during these difficult times.

When asked by Lerona if she thought beauty was ‘necessary’ during the time of COVID-19, Dr. Belo had this to say: “I think people misunderstand. I think people think nagpapaganda ang tao for other people. It’s true naman that we want to be beautiful for other people, but we also want to be pampered and feel good. With all this no-touching, there is a phenomenon now called skin hunger. Wanting to be touched, it’s almost a need...human beings need touch. And the best way to have touch is to have a clinic that’s safe and is taking all precautions so the patient won’t get infected. To become beautiful, [and] at the same time, to be touched. I think there might be more of a demand for beauty treatments. After all the stress we’ve gone through, I think it’s very relaxing to have body treatments and facial treatments done.”

2. Our frontliners need all the help they can get in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but Dr. Belo made sure 20 hospitals got the thing their staff literally can’t live without.

“We wanted to help [the frontliners], and we wanted them to be safe. As doctors, we know one of our basic necessities ‘pag nasa hospital kami and we’re on duty, is food. And when everything is closed, how will they buy food? We decided to provide 1,000 meals a day to the hospitals,” Dr. Belo said. Belo Medical Group partnered with CloudEats, Angkas, Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes, Yaparazzi, and Hirayang Kabataan to provide 1,000 meals per day to 20 hospitals all over Metro Manila for a period of 45 days. 

Of course, she didn’t forget about her very own patients and employees. Their safety was paramount: “Even before President Duterte said there would be a lockdown, I already released a letter that said we are going to close,” Dr. Belo recalled. “We did what we could, and of course we had to take care of our 550 employees. The first month, we gave them no work, full pay. Then we started releasing the 13th month pay.”

3. She stressed the importance of an efficient immune system, and how it could spell the difference between asymptomatic and fatal.

“Why are some people asymptomatic [while] other people are so sick? It’s because of your immune system. And the vitamins that help with COVID-19 are Vitamin D...it increases your phagocytic cells. It also increases your dendritic cells, which catch the virus so it doesn’t spread.” Dr. Belo emphasizes the importance of Vitamin C, which also helps prevent clotting in the body, as clotting could be one of the conditions that can lead to death in many COVID-19 patients. Luckily, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Melatonin are all available in the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit, which you can order at the Belo Shop.

4. We go to our aestheticians not only for facials, but also to feel heard.

“People don’t like to go to psychiatrists or psychologists in the Philippines. We’re not that kind of society,” Dr. Belo prefaced. The moment you lay down in a treatment bed while your aesthetician works on your face is a moment of companionship and vulnerability. “We talk to each other, we unburden, and we feel a lot better. So those are the two main reasons [our patients] go [to Belo]: to feel better, to feel self-confident. Or sometimes, just to feel loved.”

5. She urges everyone to have a grateful heart and appreciate what truly matters.

When asked for her last message to the CareerGuide audience, Dr. Belo answers: “COVID has brought us to our knees. I know, before COVID, everything was just so fast. Everybody was about traveling, Instagram, fashion. I hope that with COVID, you guys were able to look at your lives and ask, ‘Why did this happen so suddenly?’” she implored. “I would like to appeal to everyone to take time to reflect on what God is trying to tell you. For me, God is trying to tell me to realize what is important in life, which is family, being healthy. It’s not travel [or] money. Let’s say, ‘Lord, take over our lives. Lead us to the promised land, away from COVID,’ and stop complaining and end with a very grateful heart. Because you are still alive, you are still healthy, and your family is well. When you can, help...let’s all be kind to one another.” 

Dr. Belo will continue to share her thoughts and expert insight with you in other live discussions. Stay tuned on our social media accounts to find out where she might appear next. Who knows—you just might walk away (digitally, of course) with a prize!

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6 Non-Surgical “Tweakments” to Help Define your Facial Features https://www.belomed.com/blog/6-non-surgical-tweakments-to-help-define-your-facial-features Sat, 30 May 2020 06:13:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20157

We’re sure you’ve heard of the saying, “Small changes, big results.” This is what non-surgical ‘tweakments’ can do for you. What is a ‘tweakment,’ anyway? Well, it refers to small, non-invasive procedures that result in a natural and improved look. If you’re still on the fence about getting a rhinoplasty or a facelift, you can test the waters with these nonpermanent solutions. There are several non-surgical options  you can try, especially now that our Greenhills and Davao clinics are finally open to serve you! Here’s our Top 6 at Belo:

1. SkinGenius/Vivace

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7n5aLZBWLF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You’ve seen videos of these treatments on our social media accounts. Celebrities like Iza Calzado, Jinkee Pacquiao, Isabelle Daza, Georgina Wilson, and Camille Co (just to name a few) looove it. It’s one of our most in-demand machines to date. Why? Dr. Belo describes it as a combination of Thermage and Ulthera. It addresses skin laxity by lifting and tightening the skin. It reduces double chin and improves the appearance of sagging cheeks. It helps open up the eyes as well as make the face smaller. It’s really your best non-surgical ‘tweakment’ to define your facial features, because it goes beyond a face lift—it also helps improve your skin texture.

2. Nose Threads

Gone are the days when you have to wait weeks to see the results of a nose job or rhinoplasty. These days, getting a new nose can be done during your lunch break. Yes, you read that right. The Belo Nose Threads is a simple procedure that takes only about an hour. It’s painless and has no downtime. After the tweakment, you can go back to your normal life as if nothing happened. The only difference is, now you have a nicer bridge and an improved facial profile. Just check out those results!

3. Combination Tweakments: Threads, Fillers, and BioNutriGlow

ECQ got you stressed out? We highly suggest that you try a combination of tweakments when things get back to normal. The combination of threads, fillers, and BioNutriGlow will definitely bring back your glow and make you look fresher than ever. The Belo Korean Threads will help lift your skin, our fillers will help address volume loss on your face, and BioNutriGlow will open up your eyes and improve the appearance of dark circles. Check out Jennylyn Mercado’s results after this combination tweakment!

4. Botox

Ahhh, everyone’s go-to tweakment. After all, it makes fine lines and wrinkles disappear in a day! Who doesn’t want that, right? Belo Botox helps improve the appearance of worry lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet in the most natural way. No frozen faces! It’s painless and has no downtime. We dare you to try it.

5. Chin Fillers

If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, you’ve noticed that a V-shaped face is all the rage. Which is why another popular tweakment at Belo is Chin Fillers. By adding some volume to the chin, we are able to define and shape that area to make the face look V-shaped. This gives the illusion of a slimmer, more feminine, and more youthful face. This tweakment is also best if you want to get rid of your double chin. Check out Sue Ramirez’ results!

6. Lip Fillers

Whether you want them full or just with a little bit of volume, Belo can give you the lips you’ve always wanted with our Lip Fillers. The best part? It makes the lips more pinkish because fillers draw in water and make the lips look naturally pink! Also, this tweakment is painless and only takes 30 minutes to do...which means you can have plump, more kissable lips in no time. Check it out!

Now that our Greenhills and Davao clinics are open again, which non-surgical tweakment will you try first? If you’re not sure which one you need the most, go ahead and consult with our doctors! We’re currently offering free Live Consultations to address your skin and beauty issues. Just email info@belomed.com, and we’ll connect you with one of our doctors.

Excited for your tweakments! Have a Belo Beautiful day, Belo Babies!

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The New Normal at Belo Medical Group https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-new-normal-at-belo-medical-group Sun, 31 May 2020 10:58:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20167

Watch this — we are ready to bring you a brand new Belo Experience. As we transition to the new normal, we have prepared a multitude of stringent safety and protection measures to ensure your peace of mind. Here’s a look at what you can expect once you step into our clinics. Please email info@belomed.com to book your appointment (walk-ins are not permitted for everyone’s safety). We are excited to welcome you all back!

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What to Expect During Your Thermage Treatment https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-your-thermage-treatment Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:54:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20171

It’s the instant face-sculpting treatment favored by the likes of Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Korina Sanchez, and Mayor Isko Moreno. And we’re sure you’ve encountered videos of our Thermage treatments on our social media accounts. The before-and-after results don’t lie; immediate results can be expected right after your treatment!

Now that ECQ has ended and we’re slowly but surely opening our doors, you might be thinking about springing for a Thermage FLX treatment. But as with all first-timers, you must have a ton of questions: what to expect, will there be pain, is there downtime, and more. We’re here to help! All you have to do is read on.

Are Thermage results permanent?

After your Thermage FLX treatment (which should last no longer than 45 minutes to an hour—it’s called a “lunchtime facelift” after all), you’ll immediately see that your face has slimmed down. It helps to take a photo right before your treatment so you can appreciate your results better. As the months pass, your results will become more and more evident! Optimal results, however, are seen within one to three months. Depending on your age and state of skin laxity, you won’t need to come back for another session for 12-18 months. So while the results aren’t permanent, you can enjoy them for quite a long time!

Which is better, Thermage or Ulthera?

Both procedures are perfect for addressing loose, sagging skin. However, Ulthera’s technology is microfocused ultrasound-based and contracts collagen and elastin by about 30%. Meanwhile, Thermage uses radiofrequency, with bulk heating to also stimulate collagen production. With both treatments, you can expect a certain level of discomfort or even pain, depending on your tolerance. The downtime is also similar, with just some swelling that wears off in a day or two. Their results also last for about the same time. It’s best to consult with one of our MDs to see which one is right for you. Luckily, our Greenhills and Davao clinics are open to serve you now!

Where to Get Your Thermage Treatment

Trust no one other than Belo Medical Group to give you the Thermage FLX treatment you truly deserve. While other clinics may have the same machine available, our specialized protocol allows us to target the areas you need the treatment most. Our doctors and staff are also more than happy to address any post-treatment concerns for you. You only have one face—trust only the experts to take care of it for you.

To book your Thermage FLX appointment, just email info@belomed.com, or head here to view our list of clinic contact numbers so you can directly get in touch with your preferred branch. We hope to see you soon!

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FAQs: Getting Laser Hair Removal in the Philippines https://www.belomed.com/blog/faqs-getting-laser-hair-removal-in-the-philippines Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:27:02 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20180

If you tuned in to Dr. Belo’s live discussion with Cosmo.ph last May 15 (can you believe it’s been two weeks? What even IS time during quarantine?), you’d remember a piece of advice she had for patients who were in between laser hair removal sessions. According to her, they should be shaving instead of plucking, since the former keeps fat follicles intact, making them easier for the laser to find. That said, our Greenbelt, Greenhills, Alabang, Tomas Morato, and Davao clinics have now reopened, meaning you can resume your sessions again! Yay! But for the uninitiated, what can they expect from a laser hair removal treatment at Belo Medical Group? Read on to find out.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Pain can depend on a lot of things: your personal pain tolerance, as well as the machine used for your treatment. Belo offers several hair removal solutions that are practically painless or only involve minimal discomfort: the Harmony SHR treatment is known to be completely painless (Ivana Alawi and Gabbi Garcia love it!), while the G-Max Pro machine uses cooling bursts of cryogen to cool the skin before and after laser exposure. 

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers zap away hair with a beam of light. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which is called melanin. This light energy becomes converted to heat, which is absorbed by your hair follicles. These hair follicles will now be inhibited from producing any more hair. This is why doctors choose the right laser hair removal machine for you depending on your skin tone and hair type. For example, thicker hair (like on your bikini area) can call for a different type of laser than finer hair (like the one on your upper lip), for example. 

Where’s the best place to get laser hair removal?

Belo Medical Group is the best clinic to undergo laser hair removal because we have a wide range of machines to ensure that you get optimum results. Not only that, our skilled and precise doctors can make sure that you get those results for a minimal amount of sessions. Lastly, our series of aftercare products will ensure that your skin recovers safely. No other place but Belo!

Why is laser hair removal worth it?

Obviously, you’ll get to say goodbye to shaving and waxing, which can be cheap in the long run but you’ll have to do them forever. Depending on the machine, only 3-6 sessions are needed to get hair-free skin for up to 20 years, according to Dr. Belo during her Cosmo.ph discussion. Now that’s an awesome investment! Hair-free legs and a simplified beauty routine? Go for it!

Now, your next step is to book a consultation with a Belo MD so they can lay out a laser hair removal schedule that works for you. Just click here to view a list of our clinics, then you can directly call the landline or mobile number of your preferred branch for speedier appointment scheduling. We look forward to jumpstarting your hair-free journey!

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When Can I Work Out After Liposuction? https://www.belomed.com/blog/when-can-i-work-out-after-liposuction Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:09:41 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20195

Does this scenario sound familiar? At one point in your fitness journey, you realized that despite your hard work at the gym and your mindful eating habits, there are some pesky bits of fat that just won’t budge. Now you’re doing preliminary research on liposuction and how to prepare for it. Most of all, you’ve got a lot of questions about what you can do after the procedure to maintain those results. When can you start working out again? Is it even safe to? First-timers are welcome here, because we’re answering all your lipo concerns!

Liposuction Recovery: A Timeline

Liposuction at Belo (like 360 Liposuction) is done under twilight sedation and only lasts for two to four hours, depending on the area being treated (large areas like the back and stomach are likely to take longer). Because Belo uses a thinner cannula for suctioning compared to other clinics, recovery is generally faster due to less trauma on the affected area. Our patients can resume their regular activities as early as 2-3 days after the procedure. 

You’ll be asked to wear compression garments for about one to two weeks to help the recovery process. You’ll see more changes after a month and a half (six weeks) as your skin continues to tighten. Then, best results can be seen in three to four months!

Is Liposuction Worth It?

Yes, yes, and YES! Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the targeted area. So if you’ve got a belly that just won’t go away despite your killer workout routine and great diet, lipo is definitely a great solution. And after a few months when you see your final results, trust us—you’ll know it was worth it. 

As for safety concerns, know that you are in the best hands at Belo Medical Group. We uphold only the highest standards of safety and skills. Keep in mind that Belo Medical Group is the first and only ambulatory clinic in the country to have been given international accreditation by the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). Our patients’ safety has always been our highest priority. You can observe this in the way we’ve prepared our clinics for you in the time of COVID-19 (see our Patient Safety Guidelines here, and see our video of The New Normal at Belo here).

How to Maintain the Results of Your Liposuction Treatment

There is no magic treatment for permanent and guaranteed fat loss without the need for hard work and dedication. Unfortunately, fat can return to your treated areas if you don’t watch your diet carefully or work out. You must maintain your post-lipo weight in order to enjoy your results for years and years to come!

That said, it is safe for you to work out again after about six weeks of recovery. If you feel strong enough after three weeks, you can do some light walking. Don’t rush it! Speak with your Belo MD about your workout regimen so you can check when the right time is to re-integrate certain types of workouts to your routine. We are always happy to help you.
Still have more pertinent questions you’d like to ask? Luckily, we have now reopened our Greenbelt, Greenhills, Tomas Morato, Alabang, and Abreeza Mall Davao clinics for you! Our Greenhills, Tomas Morato, and Alabang clinics all perform surgical services, so the doctors there will be your best sources of information for liposuction. Just head here to view our branches’ contact details, or email info@belomed.com for further assistance. We’re excited to give you your dream body!

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Quiz: Which ZO Kit Is Best for You? https://www.belomed.com/blog/quiz-which-zo-kit-is-best-for-you Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:06:51 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20213

It’s safe to say we all have different skin concerns which are also rapidly evolving as we age —from dealing with breakouts, brightening dark spots, preventing wrinkles, and more. Finding the right products for our skin can be tricky, with the overwhelming amount of products and ingredients to choose from, not to mention the different combinations there are. Lucky for us, our team of skin experts have carefully curated these ZO® Kits that are tailored to accommodate your specific skin concerns and lifestyles. Now, all you have to do is to follow the step-by-step instructions of each ZO® Kit to achieve your #skingoals!

Simply answer the guided questions below, and we’ll generate the suggested ZO® Kit for you. It only takes 2 minutes or less! We hope you’re as excited as us to find out which one to invest in.

1. When you wake up in the morning, how does your skin look?

a. Shiny
b. Greasy
c. Patchy
d. Matte

2. What’s your age range?

a. Pre-20s to early 20s
b. Mid-20s to late 20s
c. Early 30s to early 40s
d. Late 40s and above

3. Which skin concern would you like to solve the most?

a. Pimples and large pores
b. Dark spots and uneven skin tone
c. Loose and textured skin
d. Fine lines and wrinkles

4. What’s one skin product you absolutely can’t live without?

a. Oil Control Pads
b. Vitamin C Serum
c. Retinol
d. Firming Serum

5. If you could go back in time, which skin care treatment would you have wished you invested in more?

a. Getting facials more frequently 
b. Wearing sunscreen everyday 
c. Skin-tightening, brightening, and toning lasers
d. Anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating lasers 

6. When you dress up for an event, which makeup look do you most often go for?

a. Glowy and fresh
b. Bold and bright 
c. Smokey eye and nude tones
d. Sophisticated glam

7. While at home, what do you spend the most time doing?

a. Browsing on your phone
b. Working on your laptop
c. Using your iPad
e. Watching TV 

8. How often do you exercise?

a. 4 times a week
b. 5 times a week
c. 3 times a week
d. Twice a week or less

9. Which type of exercise do you enjoy doing the most?

a. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
b. Pilates or spinning
c. Yoga
d. Zumba or brisk walking

Answers:

Mostly As
ZO® Brilliance Kit

Your young and vibrant energy definitely lightens up the room which is why the ZO® Brilliance Kit is perfect for you! This kit includes an Exfoliating Cleanser that gently strips away unnecessary oil, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and clean. To ward off future breakouts caused by clogged pores, Oil Control Pads are included in the kit. This crowd favourite also minimises the appearance of pores, and removes dead skin cells giving you a smoother skin texture. A great effective way to keep the skin youthful is to combat fine lines and wrinkles with the Daily Power Defense serum. Afterwards, you can apply the Brightalive Skin Brightener to even out your skin tone, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation for a fresh and effortless look. This is the perfect time to religiously wear sunscreen to prevent premature ageing, so don’t forget to use the Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

Mostly Bs
ZO® Restore and Protect Kit

You have a thriving proactive personality, and definitely aren’t slowing down for anything which is why you need a kit that can keep up with your busy and active lifestyle. The ZO® Restore and Protect Kit is your best match! Unhealthy skin habits of the past like failing to wear sunscreen, sleeping with your makeup still on, and neglecting proper sleep might be catching up on your skin in the forms of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. This kit reverses the damage, and balances your skin. The Exfoliating Cleanser gently strips away unnecessary oil buildup, the Oil Control Pads cures and prevents acne breakouts, the Daily Power Defense to combats fine lines and wrinkles, the 20% Self Activating Vitamin C to brightens dark spots and evens out your skin tone, and the Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 protects your skin from further sun damage. If you haven’t been using it already, this is a great time to introduce Retinol into your routine. The Wrinkle + Texture Repair is a high-potency Retinol that accelerates skin renewal, restores hydration, and stimulates natural collagen production making your skin appear fresh and rejuvenated. 

Mostly Cs
ZO® Texture and Tone Kit

You’re an independent and driven career woman who flourishes in whatever field you're in. As you balance many roles in life, you need a kit that will take care of you too. That is exactly what the ZO® Texture and Tone Kit will do for you! This kit cares for your skin with the Exfoliating Cleanser to gently strip away unnecessary oil buildup, the Oil Control Pads to cure and prevent acne breakouts, the Daily Power Defense to combat fine lines and wrinkles, the Brightalive Skin Brightener to even out your skin tone, and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and the Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 to protect your skin from further sun damage. This wonderful kit also includes the Wrinkle + Texture Repair which you can apply at night. It is a high-potency Retinol that accelerates skin renewal, restores hydration, and stimulates natural collagen production, making your skin smooth, toned, and rejuvenated. 

Mostly Ds
ZO® Firming Kit

You’re a woman of style and substance with sought-after elegance and effortless cool. That is why the ZO® Firming Kit suits you perfectly. This multifaceted kit works together to tighten, contour, and ultimately firm up your skin, giving you a more plump, radiant, and youthful appearance. Included in this kit are the Gentle Cleanser that strips away dirt, but preserves your skin’s natural hydration, and the Daily Power Defense to protect and heal your skin —and of course, the Firming Serum, a breakthrough anti-aging formulation, to stimulate collagen production. This diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves your skin’s elasticity, and contours your skin. The Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA++++ is a lightweight and double acting sunscreen that protects your skin against harmful UV rays, and also works as a light-coverage primer that helps blur out blemishes.

We hope you enjoyed finding out the best ZO® Kit for you based on the quiz! While this brings you closer to finding the best kit for your skin concerns, we still highly recommend consulting with our skin experts so they can best assess the right kit and products for you. Majority of our clinics are now open to serve you, so just head here to see which branch is closest to you! Currently far from us? Try Belo Live Consultations with your favourite Belo doctors. All you have to do is email info@belomed.com to schedule. These ZO® Kits, as well as the other products your doctor might prescribe you, are all available at The Belo Shop. Just head over here to order, and we’ll deliver the products to your doorstep in 7 days or less! When it comes to all skin and beauty concerns, your Belo family always has your back.  

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The Best Microneedling Treatment? Skin Genius. https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-best-microneedling-treatment-skin-genius Wed, 10 Jun 2020 04:23:51 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20236

Champion mom Jinkee Pacquiao, world-class belter Morissette Amon, superhero Jane de Leon, and screen queen Iza Calzado have tried this amazing treatment. You’re sure to have stumbled upon it on our IGTV and YouTube accounts: it’s none other than the famed Skin Genius, a combination of high-intensity RF and microneedling technology. It’s the double whammy you’ve always wanted—not only does it slim and sculpt the face (with RF), but it also improves skin quality by encouraging your skin to jumpstart the healing process (with microneedling). And where’s the best place to get this microneedling treatment? Actually, the only place you can try Skin Genius in the Philippines is Belo!

What is the best microneedling treatment?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7n5aLZBWLF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Like we said, Skin Genius specifically targets skin laxity, pigmentation, and textural issues in a single 40-minute treatment, so if you’re looking for a powerful skin savior that packs a punch (or three), then this is the perfect one for you. You’ll see immediate, and we mean immediate, results before you can even hop off the treatment bed! In fact, you can ask your Belo doctor to work on one side of your face first, so that you can stop halfway through to take a photo and see the difference. 

What is “genius skin”?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B6XvPb7hTLU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Why is the machine called “Skin Genius,” you ask? Well, its delivery of radiofrequency is intelligent, meaning that the machine applies just the right amount of heat needed for each square inch of skin. According to Lutronic, the manufacturer of Skin Genius, “Precise coagulation zones achieved through real-time impedance monitoring ensures desired energy is consistently and precisely delivered.” The skin on your jawline, for example, needs a different heat level than the skin around your eyes. With their specially-designed handpiece, precise depth is also achieved in the microneedling.

Where to get Skin Genius

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B5uhWsohEsc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Dr. Vicki Belo and the Belo Medical Group pride ourselves on providing you with the latest and greatest in aesthetic technology. It’s for this reason that Skin Genius is exclusively available at Belo Medical Group here in the Philippines—this amazing machine deserves the best protocol that only Belo can provide you.

Say bye-bye to loose, sagging skin and pigmentation with Skin Genius! It’s available at our BGC, Greenbelt, and Greenhills clinics for the time being, so head here to call the branches directly and book your appointment. We are excited to bring you one step closer to the skin of your dreams.

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4 Nose Care Tips After Getting a Rhinoplasty https://www.belomed.com/blog/4-nose-care-tips-after-getting-a-rhinoplasty Fri, 12 Jun 2020 04:19:41 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20247

A rhinoplasty is a pretty major procedure that requires a lot of physical, emotional, and (we’re not gonna lie) financial planning. It’s a surgery that alters a major part of your face—your nose—and once all is said and done, your Belo doctor will be sure to tell you the dos and don’ts. But for those still contemplating rhinoplasty and wondering what the downtime period will be like, we’ve painted a picture of your recovery period right here. You can continue to ponder your decision while our surgical suites remain closed due to government restrictions in light of COVID-19. Then, when aesthetic surgeries are allowed again, you’ll have made a decision. Now, without further ado...

1. Rest, rest, rest.

Immediately after your surgery, a companion should always be available to assist you. Your Belo MD will ask you to rest with your head elevated, and this is important since you’ll be wearing a thermoplast splint for a few weeks post-surgery. This splint both protects your nose from infection and helps keep the shape of your nose intact. Many of our patients are able to resume normal activities, such as going back to work, in just 1-3 days, though a full recovery takes a few weeks. 

2. Recognize which side effects are normal.

After any rhinoplasty, swelling and bruising for the next several weeks is completely normal! Your nose area endured a lot of trauma, and in the case of an implant, a foreign object has been inserted into your body, so give it time to get accustomed. You may use ice packs on the affected areas to pare down the swelling. Some oozing (pink-red in color) or discharge from your nose and throat can also be expected in the first few days. Again, all part and parcel. You can always contact your Belo surgeon or nurse if you have any concerns at all. We’re just a call away.

3. Know what not to do.

For instance, you shouldn’t be blowing your nose. Nasal congestion is a common symptom post-rhinoplasty, but you can get rid of the mucus by gently dabbing with a tissue at the opening of your nostrils. Any crusting that develops can be removed with very gentle movements using a wet Q-tip (no harsh rubbing or picking!). You should strictly avoid sleeping on the side or stomach—sleep on your back to prevent altering the shape of your still-healing nose. Avoid touching or fiddling with your nose or splint unnecessarily (unfortunately, any itchiness will have to be endured). Tiis ganda! For more tips on what not to do during recovery, our staff will fully brief you prior to your procedure. 

4. Properly follow instructions for oral and topical medicine.

Our doctors will be sending you home with prescriptions for any one or more of the following: antibiotics, pain medication, special ointments, or nasal sprays, among others. You will be given clear instructions as to when and how to take or apply these medications. To ensure a successful recovery, be sure to follow these instructions faithfully and in a timely manner. If you need help remembering them, ask a companion to assist you, or set alarms on your phone just to be sure.

Once your splint has been removed and the swelling has subsided, you’ll be able to begin enjoying your new look. Your nose will only begin to get better from there, as best results can be seen as far as one year from your procedure. But before the glorious results, proper nose care needs to be observed first. Remember, how well you recover is largely up to you! 

If you’d like to take the next step and talk to a doctor about whether or not you’re a candidate for rhinoplasty, you may view our branch hotlines here. See you at the clinic!

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What Are Belo’s Best Anti-Aging Facials? https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-are-belos-best-anti-aging-facials Fri, 12 Jun 2020 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20263

We often assume that the only way to include ‘anti-aging’ in our beauty treatments is to go for procedures that involve radiofrequency, ultrasound, or microneedling. And while the likes of Thermage FLX and SkinGenius do deliver amazing results, sometimes we’re: (1) not candidates for the treatments as we’re too young or have medical complications; or (2) are working with a budget and can’t really commit to such a beauty plan. And that’s perfectly all right, because Belo’s stellar selection of facials also encourage anti-aging effects of their own. Want to know which one suits your needs best? Read on.

1. For a quick tone-up: Contouring Facial

If you’re in your early 20s, you don’t actually need to invest too intensely on anti-aging, though it’s good to take your first preventative steps. As they say, better than cure. This quick facial combines acupressure, lymphatic drainage, and muscle stimulation, all rolled into one ultra-relaxing massage that’s meant to tone the skin and keep it nice and lifted. The best part? You can do this every week if you want!

2. For the collagen-obsessed: LuminoVitaGlow

Been taking collagen supplements religiously and wanna take things to the next level? Try this potent procedure that combines the gentle exfoliation of a gluconolactone peel, the ultimate collagen-boosting powers of NCTF (New Cellular Treatment Factor), and the prowess of good ol’ LED photorejuvenation. This helps make the collagen production in your skin more consistent and efficient, which naturally results in younger-looking skin. Sold? Sold.

3. For those who want to treat acne, too: Salt Facial

“Sometimes, we have more than one skin concern, okay?!” Yes, we hear ya loud and clear! The Salt Facial manages to turn back the hands of time using all-natural sea salt as an exfoliant. Then comes facial cleaning, the application of glycolic or mandelic acid, the lathering of stem cell-rich gel via ultrasound, and LED light therapy to seal the deal. All these steps work together to give you skin that is noticeably clearer, more matte, and definitely smoother. 

4. For those who need hydration: Hydrafacial

Hydration is extremely important to help delay the early signs of aging. Why do you think we’re always telling you to drink water? It’s all about the H20, girl. The HydraFacial aids in anti-aging by lifting away dead skin cells (using that ASMR-worthy vacuum tip). And not only that, it bathes the underlying skin cells with the serums it needs to be at its best. 

5. For those who want a luxurious all-around treatment: Madonna Oxylight Facial

There’s a reason Madonna, who is 61 and looks 51, completely approves of this procedure having her namesake. The six-step treatment pulls out all the stops. A diamond dermabrasion exfoliates painlessly. A dual application of serums pumps up the skin with moisture and nutrients. Then, an oxygen spray encourages circulation and increases hydration even more. That’s followed by an ultrasound treatment with Biosonix Sapphire 3, which promotes cell renewal and increases absorption of all previously applied ingredients. Thought it was over? Not quite yet...next up is Myolight ELD microcurrent, which provides deep contouring and toning. Finally, we end with the Oxylight MWD, which is an LED treatment meant to boost collagen production. This results in supple, rejuvenated skin from which signs of fatigue and lackluster have been lifted away. This is perfect for those who need to be very serious about their anti-aging measures.

It’s clear that no matter what your concern is, Belo has a solution for you. To move further into your anti-aging journey, you may consult with our doctors via Belo Live Consultations or by booking an appointment with our branches here. When it comes to anti-aging, we’re the experts you can trust. Let’s get you closer to the skin you truly deserve.  

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What’s a Hydrogen Bottle, and Why Do You Need One? https://www.belomed.com/blog/whats-a-hydrogen-bottle-and-why-do-you-need-one Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:48:45 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20287

So everybody and their mother knows that water, AKA the best thing in the world (because it literally gives us life), is composed of two basic ingredients: hydrogen and oxygen. Sometimes, we add a squeeze of lemon or a couple slices of cucumber to spruce things up, but did you know that there’s a brand new way to make the water itself even healthier than it already is? The answer is to boost the water’s hydrogen content...with a bottle you can easily carry in your bag. Curious yet?

Introducing the Belo Hydro 2.0, a sleek and minimalist bottle with a built-in mechanism that is able to infuse hydrogen gas into your water. All you have to do is fill your bottle with water, and press one of two buttons to activate! Your water will be ready in either 1 minute (for an instant swig) or 3 minutes (for maximum hydration).

Hydrogen-enriched water has a slew of health benefits, and it’s a great antioxidant! Here are five reasons you need to grab your own bottle at The Belo Shop now.

1. It eliminates free radicals.

These days, boosting our health should be our top priority. And water that is even richer in hydrogen than its regular counterparts is our best defense against free radicals (the unstable atoms in your body that wreak havoc on other cells, causing aging and other issues). We need every single cell in our body to be as healthy as they can right now, and if a few swigs of hydrogen bottle can help, then why not?

2. It regulates your blood pressure and stabilizes cholesterol.

“Really?” you ask, “Water can do all this?” Well, hydrogen-rich water can! Hydrogen water is able to boost mitochondrial function in our cells. And as we all know, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell! This, in turn, improves our HDL cholesterol levels. High-Density Lipoprotein is the good kind of cholesterol, the kind that removes harmful cholesterol and reduces our risk of heart disease. And all of this causes a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation in the circulatory system, thereby regulating your blood pressure. We’ll take more of that HDL, please!

3. It’s fantastic for anti-aging.

Hydrogen-rich water is a warrior against UV damage. We all know that extensive UV exposure is harmful, but what many might be unaware of is that UV damage increases the concentration of Reactive Oxygen (ROS) free radicals in our body. By fighting UV damage, we can bring down those ROS levels and enjoy supple and healthy skin.

4. It combats fatigue.

In a 2018 study published in BioMed Research International, researchers found that hydrogen-rich water “exerted antifatigue effects” on a group of swimming mice. In this September 2019 study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, humans who were given H2-infused water prior to exercise experienced “significantly improved” endurance. Scientists have proven that increased hydrogen content in water does have an effect!

5. It reduces stress and anxiety and improves your mood.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, from political arguments to global health crises. And no one can blame you if you’ve been feeling stressed, moody, and anxious lately. Here’s where Belo Hydro 2.0 can help. The journal Med Gas Res (Medical Gas Research) published a 2017 study concluding that hydrogen-rich water has observable effects on one’s mood and anxiety levels. “In conclusion, HRW (hydrogen-rich water) administration for 4 weeks in adult volunteers improved mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function, suggesting that HRW administration may offer an effective method to reinforce quality of life and maintain good health,” says the authors. 

Belo is all about beauty, so it makes perfect sense that we would add the Belo Hydro 2.0 to our arsenal. And we want our Belo Experience to extend beyond the walls of our clinic. We want you to be able to take beauty wherever you go. Enjoy the benefits of hydrogen-rich water by grabbing your bottle now.

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Excessive Arm Fat? Arm Liposuction Is the Answer. https://www.belomed.com/blog/excessive-arm-fat-arm-liposuction-is-the-answer Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:29:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20307

Staying fit is a heck of a tough journey, but let’s say you’ve been on it for months. With your strict diet and even stricter workout regimen, you’re definitely seeing results...but you can’t seem to get rid of the pesky flaps of fat under your arms. They almost look like wings—but unlike actual wings, they’re bringing you down instead of allowing you to soar! What causes excessive arm fat, and how can you get rid of it when all other options have been exhausted? Arm liposuction might be in the cards for you.

What causes excessive arm fat?

Unfortunately, stubborn arm fat can be the product of aging and slow metabolism. In high school, we could get away with an extra-large fast food meal and sport a perfectly flat stomach the next day. But in our late 30s and beyond? Not so much. An overly sedentary lifestyle doesn’t help matters, either. 

Sometimes, it’s your hormones that cause fat storage. Some studies have shown that estrogen might have a say in the location of women’s fat. Being on birth control pills might make it harder to shed arm fat, too, but scientists are still on the fence about the causation of birth control and weight loss.

How do you get rid of excessive arm fat?

As mentioned above, all nonsurgical options ought to be exhausted first. Ideally, we want to keep fat off the natural way: good old diet and exercise. It’s these good habits that allow us to live a longer and healthier life. But once all is said and done and some fat cells just won’t go away even if you’ve pushed yourself to the very limit, it’s time to discuss arm liposuction. Our Belo doctors will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-op consultations to the actual surgery, to aftercare and beyond.

The new methods of liposuction at Belo aren’t like the horror stories you often hear at other clinics. 360 Liposuction, for example, uses laser heat to dissolve fat cells before suctioning them out with a super-small cannula, leaving only a dot-shaped scar in its wake. Less trauma means faster recovery! That way, you can get the arms you’ve always wanted without having to give up your precious work leaves or time with your family.

Now that our clinics are open, you can now set up consultation appointments with our doctors to see if arm liposuction is right for you. While we can’t perform surgeries just yet this GCQ, discussing in advance will give you enough time to prepare for it, both physically and emotionally. Rest assured that the experts are on your side and will do everything they can to sculpt your arms to absolute perfection! 

Learn more about Belo 360 Liposuction here.

Click here to view a list of our clinic contact numbers.

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Give Dad These Hero-Worthy Treatments at 20% OFF https://www.belomed.com/blog/give-dad-these-hero-worthy-treatments-at-20-off Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:43:04 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20333

Our dads don’t get nearly enough of the credit they deserve. As the head of the family and one of its breadwinners, fathers are entitled to relaxation just as much as our moms are! And that doesn’t always mean kicking their feet up and putting the game on (though we know how much they love that). Belo treatments are for men, too, and since men’s skin is known to be oilier and thicker, with larger pores, that extra TLC for Dad will go a long way.

This Father’s Day, give your dad the gift of total skin rejuvenation as we offer 20% OFF on selected treatments both at The Belo Shop and at our clinics! If you’re not sure which one he would like, why not base it on who he’s a fan of? Here are four of the most beloved #BeloDads and their go-to treatments...which we’re sure your dad will love, too.

If he’s a fan of: Mayor Isko Moreno
Then he’ll love: Thermage FLX

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7I_-cXBWVb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Despite his schedule, Mayor Isko never fails to make time for his five children: Frances, Joaquin, Vincent, Drake, and Franco. And just like his decisive, Manila-first spirit, Belo Thermage FLX delivers results that you can trust. Halfway into the session, your dad can hold up a mirror and immediately notice the lifting effects on his skin! This is definitely great for dads who have jowling skin or droopy cheeks. Follow Yorme’s lead and get your dad the chiseled jawline he hasn’t enjoyed since his 30s. Peace, Dad!

If he’s a fan of: Piolo Pascual
Then he’ll love: Skin Reboot

Piolo has always been hands-on with his son, Inigo Pascual, whose star continues to rise both locally and internationally. He attributes his success largely to the support of his father. Just as ‘supportive’? This affordable alternative to Thermage, Skin Reboot, which uses RF and microcurrent to address sagging and loose skin. 

If he’s a fan of: Doc Hayden Kho
Then he’ll love: Belo HairTechMD with Theradome

We have bore witness to Doc Hayden’s stunning journey of redemption. Through his relationship with God, he has changed his life dramatically and become a loving and dedicated father to Scarlet Snow Belo. Your dad’s thinning or even balding hair can undergo its own ‘redemption journey’ with the miracle worker that is Belo HairTechMD, a three-month program that improves hair volume, thickness, and density. It also comes with a Theradome, a laser helmet to promote hair growth! 

If he’s a fan of: Derek Ramsay
Then he’ll love: SkinGenius Face and Neck

As Filipinos, many of us know what it’s like to have a long-distance relationship with our dads. Derek might not always get to spend time with his son Austin, who lives in Dubai, but when they’re together, he makes sure to give him care, love, and quality time. SkinGenius is a similarly dedicated treatment as it dramatically addresses skin laxity and skin texture issues. If your dad’s complaining about dark spots or rough skin texture along with loose skin, then this is the perfect solution.

Bookmark your calendars for Friday, book your dad the treatment that suits him best, and give him the gift of the Belo Experience. We are excited to help you make Dad’s day! 

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Get Back to Basics with Belo Glycopeel Cleaning https://www.belomed.com/blog/get-back-to-basics-with-belo-glycopeel-cleaning Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:01:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20355

Last March 13, Dr. Vicki Belo and the Belo Medical Group made the decision to close our Metro Manila clinics to keep patients and employees safe in light of COVID-19. Now, with stringent safety measures in place, majority of our clinics are now open. And we’re sure that the first beauty treatment on your mind isn’t anything fancy—your highest priority is just to get a regular facial, to remove all the gunk and buildup on your face from the past few months. And we’d like to recommend one of the most popular facials on our roster: Belo Glycopeel Cleaning!

What is Belo Glycopeel Cleaning?

Many of our patients suffer from congested pores, which in turn can cause breakouts. Lackluster skin is also a concern; instead of going bare-faced, some might opt to pile on the makeup to achieve a faux glow. To make your skin the star of the show, the Glycopeel Cleaning uses a concentration of fruit acid (either 20% or 70%) to kickstart the skin’s natural turnover process. The acid serves as a chemical exfoliant that doesn’t cause any visible peeling, and it’s strong enough to remove pimple-causing bacteria. But this is just one part of the process!

What happens during a Glycopeel Cleaning session?

To begin the treatment, your aesthetician will ask you to close your eyes and inhale some lavender oil for relaxation. Then, your face is cleansed of makeup and other impurities (though we’d prefer you came to the clinic barefaced). Then, fruit acid is applied and allowed to absorb for some time. After this, a steaming device is used to loosen up the pores prior to the actual cleaning process. Finally, after the extraction, toner is applied to the face, ending in some sunblock if your appointment ended in the daytime. You’ll be asked to forego your regular skincare routine that night, and to wash your face the next morning instead.

How often should I book Glycopeel Cleaning sessions?

Depending on your skin type, Glycopeel Cleaning can be done as often as once a week or as infrequent as once a month. Our Belo MD will inform you when you discuss your beauty plan together. Facials are a skin necessity, as they solve congestion issues, banish acne, and allow your skin to glow, so don’t forget to have them as regularly as you can. 

Book your Belo Glycopeel Cleaning by calling our clinics here, or by emailing info@belomed.com. We’d like to help you get back on track with your skin goals, and this facial is a great way to start. See ya!

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Brighter Days Ahead with Belo Skin Genius https://www.belomed.com/blog/brighter-days-ahead-with-belo-skin-genius Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:51:46 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20397

As with everything in life, the clouds always part to reveal brighter days ahead. Many months ago, we decided we wanted a fresh new campaign that embodied this positive spirit, in the form of a stunning muse, the bright backdrop of Malibu Beach, California, and, at center stage, a revolutionary new machine. We’re finally ready to reveal Isabelle Daza as the face of Belo Skin Genius, our most advanced treatment which combines the power of RF energy and insulated microneedling for instantly tighter, smoother skin.

Belo Medical Group enlisted the help of creative director Martine Cajucom-Ho to bring this campaign to life, and the results remind us of long-lost summers, freedom, and happier days...

Skin Genius has actually been available at our clinics for quite some time now—and it’s loved by the likes of Jinkee Pacquiao, Iza Calzado, Morissette Amon, Jane de Leon, David Guison, and more. And that’s because it’s a powerful multitasker. With Skin Genius, you can get the immediate tightening effects of Thermage FLX, plus the texture-improving effects of a microneedling routine, all in a single 40-minute treatment. Best of all, the results get better over time and will last you for many months to come.

It’s fantastic for replenishing your collagen and elastin, too. “It helps replenish collagen in your skin. Something Dra. Belo always mentions is that from the time we’re born until we get older, we lose collagen in our bodies,” Belle explains. “And we need that to keep the skin elastic.”

You might be wondering: why is it called Skin Genius? Well, its delivery of radiofrequency is intelligent, meaning that the machine applies just the right amount of heat needed for each square inch of skin. “The reason it’s called ‘Genius’ is it adjusts to different skin thicknesses,” explains Dr. Vicki Belo, who did Belle’s treatment. “So if there’s thin skin in one area, it only delivers a certain amount of correct energy. It changes depending on your skin. You can’t deliver the same energy [on your upper cheek] as you do [on your jawline].”

“That’s why I love the machine, because it’s always recalibrating,” gushes Dr. Belo. “And it’s exclusive to Belo Medical Group. It’s popular all over the world.” The waiting period to order a Lutronic Skin Genius machine is six months, and only Belo offers the treatment here in the Philippines.

After Belle’s quick treatment, she couldn’t help but notice the lift it gave her, which instantly made her feel more youthful. “You know what I love about it? It’s so subtle. Everyone’s gonna look, like, ‘Wow, you slept well.’ The eyes are definitely more open,” she shared during her time with Dr. Belo. Belle loves that she can keep people guessing with these results: they’re not so dramatic that people will sit up to take notice, but they’re just enough to make someone think, “She looks amazing lately. Something’s different about her, but I can’t point my finger on what it is.” And that boost of confidence is enough to uplift you.

When we feel confident, we tend to embrace a more positive outlook. For many of us, how we look on the outside can do wonders for how we experience and appreciate life. Belo Skin Genius doesn’t just lift the skin—the confidence it gives you can lift your mood and demeanor, allowing you to truly look forward to brighter days ahead. And what could be better than that?

If you’re looking for the same amazing results, Belo Skin Genius could be right for you. We encourage you to visit one of our clinics to speak with our doctors. Or, if you like, you can book a Belo Online Consultation at The Belo Shop.

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What’s a “Cinderella Drip,” and What Are Its Benefits? https://www.belomed.com/blog/whats-a-cinderella-drip-and-what-are-its-benefits Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:43:14 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20419

The term “Cinderella Drip” has been thrown around quite a lot in the local beauty world, but did you know that the first and ‘original’ Cinderella Drip actually started at Belo Medical Group? With its popularity also came a slew of misconceptions, including the notion that the Cinderella Drip is merely a whitening or “gluta” drip. It’s so much more than just a whitening drip—its health benefits run deeper than skin deep. 

Its ascorbic acid content boosts your immune system.

That’s right: it’s not just our Enhanced Supervitamin Drip that contains this much-needed vitamin. The Cinderella Drip contains Vitamin C, which encourages white blood cell production, strengthens skin tissue, and removes toxins from the body. And during these times, we need all the Vitamin C we can get.

Its glutathione content helps keep your liver healthy...and more.

This misunderstood ingredient deserves a lot more credit for what it can do for your body. Glutathione has been proven to reduce cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and even improve insulin sensitivity. This should be your number one reason to incorporate glutathione into your beauty routine!

...but if you’re curious about that, the Cinderella Drip definitely delivers in terms of whitening. According to The New York Times, its famous skin-lightening effects are caused by its ability to convert melanin into a lighter color and inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme, which is responsible for producing the pigment.

Its alpha lipoic acid content lowers blood sugar and slows down the skin’s aging process.

Just like glutathione, alpha lipoic acid has benefits that go beyond aesthetics. It reduces inflammation in the body, is believed by scientists to lower blood sugar levels, and even promotes the healthy functioning of nerves (it’s been known to slow the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome). As for its benefits on your appearance, it’s been proven to slow the signs of skin aging!

The Cinderella Drip is chock-full of good-for-you ingredients and vitamins that are sure to enrich your health and immunity. The skin-brightening benefits are just a happy bonus. If you’d like to do your health a favor and try this super-popular Belo Infusion, call us at 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com. Now all you’ll need is some glass slippers, and you’re good to go.

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What Makes Belo Skin Genius So Effective? https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-makes-belo-skin-genius-so-effective Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:09:49 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20429

When we say that Belo Skin Genius is unlike any treatment you’ve tried before, we mean it. From the bottom of our heart. But while we can wax poetic about its amazing skin-tightening and skin texture-improving effects all month long, you might still need more information about how it really works. After all, a treatment named “Skin Genius” ought to have some scientific explanation as to why it’s so effective. Before you splurge, here’s what you need to know.

How does the microneedling in Belo Skin Genius work?

https://youtu.be/yPhV3DcjbXs

You’re familiar with microneedling—a procedure wherein microneedles are used to puncture the top layer of the skin, causing the skin to jumpstart the healing process and boost collagen production. It’s so commonplace, you can even buy dermarollers at the drugstore for at-home use

But traditional microneedling doesn’t harness the power of RF energy like Skin Genius does. This unique approach is referred to as Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFM). Skin Genius’ uniquely designed handpiece contains 49 microscopic needles that go into the skin. These microneedles then conduct RF energy into precisely determined skin depths. After all, the depth appropriate to one’s forehead is unlikely to be the depth appropriate to one’s jawline, where more fat tends to be located. Watch this video to get a more in-depth look.

What makes the delivery of RF energy different in Belo Skin Genius?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7n5aLZBWLF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

There are a bevy of RF treatments available everywhere—in our very own clinic, we have Thermage FLX, Skin Reboot, and more. Why Skin Genius, then? Well, radiofrequency microneedling results in the formation of controlled injuries, or to put it more scientifically, coagulation zones. The body then tries to repair these zones by producing new collagen and elastin, resulting in rejuvenated skin.

With first-generation RF devices, the delivered energy tends to decrease with increased resistance from the skin. However, with Genius, the delivered energy stays consistent, no matter the resistance. This is achieved through “Real-Time Impedence Monitoring,” which ensures that the desired energy per area is consistently delivered...resulting in a much more effective treatment. 

What’s in it for me?

All science aside, what do all these technological advancements mean for you, our patients? Because of these innovations, we are capable of giving you a safer, more comfortable (less painful) experience with manageable downtime. Some swelling and redness can be expected after the treatment, but should subside in a few hours. You can go on with your regular activities after the procedure. 

To get an up-close look at what the procedure’s like, check the #BeloSkinGenius hashtag on IG, or watch the “Belo Skin Genius Marathon” on our IGTV channel. To book your Skin Genius appointment, call 8819-BELO or click here. We’re excited to bring you our most advanced skin rejuvenation treatment yet.

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How Belo HairTech MD Works on Thinning Hair https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-belo-hairtech-md-works-on-thinning-hair Wed, 01 Jul 2020 08:54:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20465

Hair loss, while embarrassing and confidence-deflating for many, is a perfectly normal phenomenon (and an unfortunate byproduct of aging). According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 85% of men will have significant hair loss by age 50. Among women who are post-menopausal, as many as two-thirds will suffer from hair loss, according to Harvard Health. From stress to hormones and more, hair loss can be triggered by many factors⁠—but it’s not as inevitable as you might think. Belo Medical Group has a solution for thinning hair: a three-month program designed to promote healthy hair growth. Here’s how every aspect of the program works to treat thinning (or even balding) hair.

The Pelo Baum Series nourishes your hair and scalp

In the HairTech program, you’ll be given a set of Pelo Baum products for at-home use. This includes a Revitalizing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Solution. This miracle kit will encourage hair growth, inhibit hair loss, and stimulate the scalp so that it creates new hair follicles. There are no side effects—it’s just like your regular shampoo and conditioner—and it’ll help make the other elements of the program more effective. The Shampoo and Conditioner are to be used once a day, while the solution should be applied twice a day.

The CYJ Hair Filler reconstructs the scalp

We’re sure you’ve never heard of a “hair filler” before. Cheek and lip fillers, sure. But hair? Really? It’s true: the CYJ Hair Filler is the first hair filler in the world. Its sustained-release peptide technology uses a 7-peptide hair complex that does the following:

  • Provides scalp nutrition
  • Generates new hair follicles
  • Activates the stem cells of hair follicles
  • Inhibits stress-induced hair cell death
  • Activates signals that promote hair growth
  • ...and more!

Topical anesthesia is applied to the scalp area prior to the injection of hair fillers, so you don’t have to worry about pain! 

The Theradome Pro LH80 uses laser technology to spur hair growth

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_gqfQhDd4o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Have you seen Matteo Guidicelli sporting what looks to be a futuristic bicycle helmet on our IGTV channel? How about the helmet that Scarlet Snow placed on her dad, Dr. Hayden Kho? It’s definitely not a toy—the Theradome helmet is a revolutionary hair health device fitted with premium red light lasers. Here’s a snippet from the official Theradome website:

“The Theradome® brings you the world’s most advanced laser hair growth treatment to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Unlike Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) devices, our laser light targets the stem cells at the base of hair follicles. This allows the formation of a new photonic pathway that can restore hair to a healthy state.”

This helmet is a crucial part of the HairTech program and is to be used for 20 minutes, two to three times a week.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_hV7ohDWq5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

All these elements work together to give you lush and healthy hair, free of bald spots and thinning areas. Three months might sound long, but the time and effort is worth it once you see the results!

Book your Belo HairTech MD program now by calling 8819-BELO (2356) or clicking here. Hair health, here you come!

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ICYMI: Dr. Belo on FB Live with Camille Co and David Guison https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-dr-belo-on-fb-live-with-camille-co-and-david-guison Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:57:12 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20503

Last Wednesday evening, content creators Camille Co and David Guison—known to their fans as the friend duo #CaVid—logged on for a Facebook Live session with our founder and CEO, Dr. Vicki Belo. The umbrella theme for the night was Belo’s newest wonder treatment, Belo Skin Genius, as well as the powerful products from The Belo Shop that worked for each of them. In case you missed the discussion, we’ve got the highlights right here.

https://www.facebook.com/Belo.Medical/videos/302162180926791/

1. Belo Skin Genius harnesses the power of both radiofrequency and insulated microneedling.

https://youtu.be/yPhV3DcjbXs

“You’ve all heard of Thermage and Ulthera. These are the older ways of rejuvenating the skin. One uses HIFU (Ulthera), and one uses radiofrequency (Thermage). Genius also uses the same energy, radiofrequency. But the delivery system is microneedles that go into the skin,” Dr. Belo explains. “With HIFU, it’s ultrasonic waves that enter the skin, but pixelated. [With Skin Genius], there’s space in between. Importante ‘yun, dahil the healing is much faster.”

Dr. Belo also sings praises for Skin Genius’ Real-Time Impedance Monitoring (RTIM), which allows it to deliver energy precisely. “It’s very precise. When [the skin is thinner], it delivers the energy straight into the skin, and it calculates how much energy to deliver.”

2. You lose collagen as you age, so the importance of collagen production only increases as you grow older.

You lose 1 percent of collagen for every year you’re alive,” warns Dr. Belo, who asks David and Camille for their ages then calculates how much collagen they have left. Your age range will determine how often you’ll need to undergo Skin Genius. “With the Skin Genius, you add collagen, so maybe you’ll add 15%,” she says to David. “But if you’re already 40, you’ll only have 60% of collagen left. Halatang-halata na ‘yan. In that case, your collagen gets destroyed faster, so you have to do Skin Genius every six months.”

3. Camille and David use ZO® and Belo Prescriptives products from The Belo Shop in their at-home skincare routine.

https://youtu.be/Bdk_O9NvI_c

Of course, the results of Skin Genius are best maintained with consistent at-home care. Camille had a major breakout over the ECQ period, and while our clinics weren’t open yet, she turned to the expert advice of Dr. Belo and products from the Belo Shop (watch her YouTube video above to see her full acne program!). Now, months later (and after a Skin Genius session, ofc), she’s enjoying her best skin ever. “I haven’t had any breakouts [since]. My spots are gone from my ECQ breakouts. And I’m using the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser, ZO® Oil Control Pads, ZO® Brightalive, and ZO® Exfoliation Accelerator,” Camille shares.

Meanwhile, David’s main concern was excessive oiliness, so he underwent Skin Genius last January to combat the sitch. He also noticed visibly lifted and contoured skin. David uses the ZO® Oil Control Pads, Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer, and ZO® Dual Action Scrub to maintain the results of his Skin Genius treatment.

4. Maskne, or acne mechanica, is real—but don’t worry, there’s a solution.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2o-6elEBv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Many mask-wearers, especially those who have to wear them for extended periods of time (salute to our medical frontliners!) often suffer from ‘acne mechanica,’ or what is more casually referred to as “maskne.” Dr. Belo knows how uncomfortable masks can be, but she’s offered up a few solutions to minimize mask-related breakouts. 

“Wash your hands often, so that when you touch your face, it’s not dirty. And worst of all, our mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of our body. Before, when we talk, pumupunta [yung droplets] sa labas. Pero ngayon, nagba-bounce back siya. And it bounces around the area where our mask covers, so that’s why we’re breaking out.”

Here are Dr. Belo’s tips for combatting maskne:

  • As much as possible, do not reuse your disposable surgical masks. They are designed for one-time use. Consider washable cloth masks as an option, but be sure to get the kind with a pocket for a filter.
  • When you get home, clean your hands and face immediately. 
  • To stop the skin from getting irritated, you can use Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent
  • Acne Drying Cream can be used on already existing pimples
  • Dr. Belo’s personal technique: When you feel a pimple coming on, you can apply the ZO® Exfoliation Accelerator to try and thwart the pimple from appearing. 

5. Running can cause your skin to sag, so if you’re concerned about that, consider other alternatives.

During a health crisis, the state of your body becomes more important than ever. That’s why regular workouts are important—but some workouts will yield more negative effects on your skin laxity than others. “The one that causes sagging of the skin is running. So I really prefer non-impact exercises,” Dr. Belo prescribes. According to her, fat around the face has a way of making some look younger (and alternately, fat loss causing them to look gaunt). Every time you hit the pavement or do a session on the treadmill, the bounces cause your skin to sag. “Mas maganda, mag-cycling. It’s really good and less impactful on your knees [and better for your face].”

Finally, Dr. Belo, Camille, and David picked seven lucky winners to take home some prizes from #TheBeloShop before all three signed off. We only had an hour and a half with the trio, but our viewers sure learned a lot. To see their full conversation, click here. And to never miss a Facebook Live session again, be sure to follow us on our Facebook account!

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Angel Whitening vs. Revlite: What’s the Difference? https://www.belomed.com/blog/angel-whitening-vs-revlite-whats-the-difference Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:14:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20559

After many hours spent binge-watching laser treatments on our Instagram, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and try a laser brightening treatment. The problem is, two treatments have caught your attention: Angel Whitening looks promising, but Revlite seems just as effective. On which treatment should you take the splurge? Let’s break it down for you.

Choosing based on body part

People usually choose to enlist the help of laser treatments for notoriously dark areas like the underarms and groin. But if dark undereyes are your concern, then Angel Whitening is the better option. Why? This machine (real name “Fotona Starwalker”) has a “panda eye” mode, which is specially designed to target the darkness under your eyes. Preview.ph editor Marj Ramos tried the treatment in 2017 for her undereye circles--read about her experience here.

What about for bumps and chicken skin? Revlite to the rescue. Jennylyn Mercado credits this laser for keeping her legs smooth and even-toned. “Thank you, Dra. Vicki Belo, for my silky-smooth legs! Yes! Revlite!” she happily exclaims in a video from March 2019.

Choosing based on pain tolerance

Laser treatments come with a bit of discomfort, depending on your level of pain tolerance, the amount of blood vessels you have in the area, your caffeine intake, and more. But generally, both Angel Whitening and Revlite are very tolerable. Don’t take it from us, though—here’s Marj Ramos’ take on her Angel Whitening experience:

“When we started, I couldn’t really distinguish which part was which, because things happened really fast—we were done in just about 10 to 15 minutes! My eyes were closed the entire time, and at some points they were covered by what felt like a spoon to shield them from the laser...although the crackling sound did bother me a bit, there was no pain involved. There were some instances that I felt a slight burning sensation, and Dr. Nikki explained it was because the laser was passing through an area with hair. Overall, it was nothing that a girl like me with low tolerance to pain couldn’t handle.”

And here’s Verniece Enciso talking about her own experience:

“It’s not really painful, but it feels like little hot zaps on your skin. You can request for Emla [topical anesthesia] for your first one (though you have to go 45 minutes before your procedure), but personally I suggest that you try without so you will know if you need anesthesia on the next one. I have high tolerance for laser pain, but I can assure you that it’s bearable. It’s uncomfortable, but not painful.”

Revlite feels almost the same, like little rubber bands snapping on your skin, and a sensation of warmth. Nothing so bad that it’s unbearable!

Choosing based on number of sessions

As we budget our beauty plan, one thing to ask is how many sessions it’s going to take before we achieve the desired results. But both Angel Whitening and Revlite require at least 4 or more sessions to truly lighten or smooth the skin. Of course, you’ll see immediate results after one session, but consistency is key so that those dark spots never return!

Here’s Liza Soberano coming in for her second session of Angel Whitening on her legs:

Another Angel Whitening loyalist? Kim Chiu, who comes to our Morato and BGC branches for regular sessions:

To find out how many sessions you’ll need, you can call 8819-BELO to book a physical consultation. Staying at home? You can book a virtual consultation via the Belo Shop instead. 

No matter which laser treatment you end up booking, trust that our expert doctors will determine which one is best for you. (They might even recommend another treatment entirely!) Either way, we’ll get you closer to your skin goals—it all starts with a consultation!

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Dr. Belo, Doc Hayden, and Belle Daza https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-dr-belo-doc-hayden-and-belle-daza Thu, 16 Jul 2020 10:04:17 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20576

Last night, Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho took time out to catch up with the muse of our Brighter Days Ahead campaign, Isabelle Daza (who’s hunkering down in Hong Kong with husband Adrien Semblat and son Balthazar). Through the magic of Facebook Live, the trio were able to reach out to more than 30,000 viewers about beauty, love, and everything in between. Here are the highlights if you missed them.

1. Belle Daza's Skin Genius results were so noticeable that she was stopped by strangers in Switzerland to ask what she had done.

At the direction of Dr. Belo, we have always chosen our endorsers carefully—we handpick those who are true believers of the treatment they eventually become the face of. Dr. Belo and Doc Hayden selected Belle Daza for her intellect, beauty, and outspokenness—a true embodiment of the phrase “Belo Skin Genius.” Belle tried the treatment in December 2019 before leaving for France to meet with her in-laws. “After the flight, I came back, and my in-laws were like, ‘Wow, you don’t look tired at all from the flight!’ Akala ko they were complimenting me. And then we went to Switzerland, and two people in a store asked me what I used on my skin,” Belle shared. “I said, ‘Actually, I just did this treatment. It’s in the Philippines. It’s called Belo Skin Genius. And that’s when I texted Hayden, and I said, ‘I think there’s something magical about this...because two people in Switzerland just stopped to ask me about my skin!’”

Belle was so excited about her results that she immediately recommended Skin Genius to her friends, who were so happy to maintain slim faces despite their quarantine weight gain. “You know me, I’m very upfront, and if I don’t believe in something, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially [to] friends,” Belle said. “What I love about it is it’s very subtle. Hindi parang you tried so hard. You look like you’re hydrated.”

2. Skin Genius can be done on your body, too, and it’s for adults of all ages!

We rave about how well Skin Genius sculpts the face, but did you know it does wonders for tightening up the body as well? Dr. Belo has actually done Skin Genius on her butt, and she loves the instant lift it provided. “It works amazing for tightening the skin on the tummy, tightening the butt area, especially when there’s a little fold,” explained Dr. Belo. “Skin Genius is really good off-face as well, like for areas like the arms.”

Dr. Belo also tells the story of a 66-year-old patient who raved about her results (she had the procedure done two days before ECQ began). “I’ve done patients up to the age of 74, and they look amazing, so you know, there’s really no age limit to this. And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want any pain, this is the way to go.”

3. The beauty doctors and Belle touched on the true meaning of beauty (and how it’s much more than skin deep).

Dr. Belo and Doc Hayden have always been open about their faith, and this reflects in the way they navigate their careers. “The reason why we long for beauty, that rousing sensation when we experience beauty, is because beauty reminds us of what we have lost,” Dr. Hayden explains, touching on his Christian beliefs. “We were created beautiful in the beginning...and we lost something. And now we’re at this point. But everytime we see beauty, we remember the perfection that we lost, but we also look forward to the perfection that we will receive again, after this life.” He further explains that the reason we yearn for beauty is because, ultimately, we yearn for God.

Belle connects this to her personal experiences in the spotlight. “Sometimes, people will see a Belo ad and say, ‘That’s so superficial. Why are you endorsing something that asks you to change how you look?’ But that’s not what we’re saying here. Dr. Belo started because people didn’t see her for who she is,” added Belle. The goal of Belo Medical Group, after all, is to empower women and men to be the most confident and happy they can be, by making them feel good about themselves. 

“In this world, the norm is to do what is wrong. To see someone doing what is right is beautiful,” added Dr. Hayden later on in the conversation.

4. You can BIY (Belo-It-Yourself) at home with a simple sheet mask.

During their Live session, Doc Hayden demonstrated the use of the Fillmed Hyaluronic Youth Mask, which is available for purchase at the Belo Shop. Because hyaluronic acid absorbs 1000 times its weight in water, it’s fantastic for hydration. Its soothing and restorative properties reduces the appearance of dehydration, erases wrinkles, and plumps the skin. Aloe Vera nourishes the skin and restores comfort. Clinical studies have shown that it adds 27% hydration in 15 minutes, and reduces wrinkle volume by -19% and wrinkle depth by 16% after only 8 applications. It’s the best way to get the Belo experience for less, and safely at home.

5. The trio played a game of Never Have I Ever, complete with wine.

And now for the juiciest part of their FB Live convo—the game of “Never Have I Ever”! The three brought out their wine glasses and drank to topics like sushi bake, picking pimples, getting wasted at parties, and so much more! We don’t want to spoil the watching experience for you, so here’s the full FB Live video (start at 1:01:00 to watch the game)!

We hope you enjoyed our Live session! Stay tuned for announcements on our next ones in the future.

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Yes, Men Need Skin Genius, Too! https://www.belomed.com/blog/yes-men-need-skin-genius-too Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:05:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20595

If you’ve run down the list of those who’ve tried Belo’s latest innovation, you’ll come across a ton of stunning women: Jane de Leon, Iza Calzado, Camille Co, Jinkee Pacquiao, Morissette Amon, and more. But the RF + microneedling treatment doesn’t just help reduce skin laxity in women—it’s also great for men who are looking to get their jawline back and address a plethora of skin concerns! Here are three reasons #BeloSkinGenius is a must-try for men.

1. It dramatically reduces oiliness.

When David Guison tried Skin Genius, he was only expecting to see a slimmer and more sculpted face. But in his YouTube video a few weeks later, he was ecstatic to report that he became much. Less. Oily. He was so matte, he stopped using oil control sheets throughout the day! And since men tend to produce more oil than women, this is definitely a plus.

2. It helps bring back a sculpted jawline.

Though you may work out and eat healthy, fat that is located on your face has a notorious habit of being hard to get rid of. Belo Skin Genius’ uncanny ability to target the different thicknesses and qualities of skin makes it more efficient in slimming down the face. The 49 microscopic needles are able to hit at a precisely determined depth, allowing for more consistent results across the board. For more scientific information on how that works, read our other blog post: What Makes Belo Skin Genius So Effective?

3. It works on men (and women, of course!) of all ages...and it’s much less painful compared to other skin rejuvenation treatments.

Once men reach a certain age, their pain tolerance (or predisposition to any sort of pain, really) understandably drops. Treatments like Thermage FLX and Ulthera Prime come with some level of discomfort. But with Skin Genius, the application of Emla (plus the quickness and precision of the treatment) allows for less pain, making it a much more comfortable experience. In Dr. Belo’s recent Facebook Live session with Doc Hayden Kho and Isabelle Daza, she mentioned treating patients as old as 66 and 74 years old, and they were extremely happy with the results. To the ladies reading this, here’s a treatment you can finally convince the husband (or even the dad!) to try. 

Anxious but excited to try Belo Skin Genius? You can start off by learning everything about Skin Genius here. Then, take the next step with a Belo Live Consultation by booking here (or a real-life one by calling 8819-BELO). We can’t wait to bring back the sculpted, chiseled you!

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Which ZO® Cleanser Is Right for You, Based on Your Skin Concerns? https://www.belomed.com/blog/which-zo-cleanser-is-right-for-you-based-on-your-skin-concerns Tue, 21 Jul 2020 08:38:03 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20610

ZO® Skin Health is one of the most sought-after brands in the Belo Shop catalog. After all, Dr. Belo herself swears by their efficacy, and Belo Babies like Jess Wilson, Julia Barretto, and more have used the products to clear their quarantine breakouts. If you’re a beginner to a complete skincare routine, that’s okay! We welcome any and all folks who want to learn how to treat their skin better. And a good first step is cleanser.

Every single person should be cleansing their face at least twice a day⁠—the habit should be as ubiquitous as brushing your teeth. But ZO® has three great cleansers to choose from, so which one will suit your skin needs best? We still recommend a Belo Live Consultation (or an IRL one) to know for sure, but read on to get an initial idea. The best part is that these cleansers come in massive 200mL sizes, allowing you to use them for months and months before they run out. It’s definitely a purchase you won’t regret!

I’m super oily/I’m acne-prone. Is anything going to work for me?

You need a cleanser that targets oil on the surface, while also gently exfoliating to lessen the likelihood of acne. Enter the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser! Lather this on to rid the skin of oil buildup from your commute. Its jojoba esters are very similar in composition to our natural oils, allowing it to attach to oil better and strip it away. It also contains Vitamin E as an antioxidant. When Jess Wilson broke out inexplicably over ECQ, Dr. Belo included this trusty cleanser in her routine, which helped Jess see results in weeks. 

Shop it here.

I need a forever cleanser. I’m tired of trial and error!

Just need a trusty cleanser so you can finally stop exploring the (virtual) aisles and finally settle on a go-to? The ZO® Gentle Cleanser could be the one for you. Its sodium lauroyl oat amino acids ~*gently*~ remove impurities, and the water-attracting glycerin content helps to bring back hydration. The best part? Its blend of botanical extracts reduces irritation and gives it that relaxing smell that keep people coming back. No wonder reviews on the ZO® United States website have called it a “cleanser with a hint of spa magic.” The reviewer goes on to say, “Every time I've strayed because of the cost, I've ended up sprinting back to this elegant blue and white tube. Nothing cleanses my face in the balanced way that this product does.” Now that’s a perfect way to start and end the day.

Shop it here.

My skin is super dry. Help!

In a drought and need water ASAP? The ZO® Hydrating Cleanser has got your back (and your skin). Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, glycerin, sodium PCA, and urea help to replenish lost hydration, and allantoin’s natural healing ability aids in skin soothing. All in all, this helps you to get the hydration you need without leaving a greasy residue behind.

Shop it here.

Remember, your skincare won’t work as effectively if you don’t start with a properly cleansed face. So take the first step towards being good to your skin, right here at the Belo Shop.

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Get Belofied NOW with Our 12-Month Installment Plans at 0% Interest! https://www.belomed.com/blog/get-belofied-now-with-our-12-month-installment-plans-at-0-interest Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:13:54 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20622

As you know, beauty is an investment. How many times have we gone over budget at a department store makeup counter because a new set of highlighters caught our eye? How many celebrity makeup collabs have caused us to buy entire sets of lipstick? But in the end, it’s all worth it, because these encourage us to look and feel our best and place self-care as top priority. Now, you can treat yourself to your dream Belo treatment—without breaking the bank—with our cashless, 0% interest installment plans!

When you go cashless at our clinics, you’ll be able to take advantage of staggered payments of up to 12 months, for a minimum transaction. This is possible with the following participating banks:

  • American Express (AMEX)
  • Banco de Oro (BDO)
  • Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
  • Citibank
  • EastWest Bank
  • Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)
  • Metrobank
  • Security Bank (SBC)

I have a card with one of these banks! What’s next?

Awesome! You can start by heading to our Instagram account to see which services you’re interested in. If trying Belo Thermage FLX has always been on your wishlist, this is your chance to make it happen!

Maybe you’re interested in channeling Belle Daza and going makeup-free after a Belo Skin Genius treatment.

These are just some of the services you can avail of on up to a 12-month installment basis. Whichever you decide, you can finally splurge on that dream treatment!

I’ve decided which treatment to get! How do I book my appointment?

You can either:

  • Call 8819-BELO to book with our Customer Service agents,
  • Head to belomed.com/clinics to speak directly with the personnel of your preferred branch; or
  • Email info@belomed.com and wait for one of our associates to give you a ring.

Payments are finally easier and more convenient! All that’s left is to enjoy the results from your Belo treatment...without having to panic over a major one-time cost. We’ll see you at the clinic!

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Is Your Mask Giving You Acne? Here's What to Do. https://www.belomed.com/blog/is-your-mask-giving-you-acne-heres-what-to-do Wed, 22 Jul 2020 12:03:25 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20629

Many mask-wearers, especially those who have to wear them for extended periods of time (salute to our medical frontliners!) often suffer from ‘acne mechanica,’ or what is more casually referred to as “maskne.” And while it’s the most important thing ever to don a mask right now, Dr. Vicki Belo knows how uncomfortable masks can be. 

“[Acne mechanica] is induced by the blockage of oil glands in the skin of the face and worsened by heat and humidity,” Dr. Hayden Kho explained in an Instagram post. “The solution? Visit [Belo] and request for a personalized acne regimen. Use masks that are made of light, breathable fabrics,” he suggested.

Dr. Belo, of course, has her own recommendations. “Wash your hands often, so that when you touch your face, it’s not dirty. And worst of all, our mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of our body. Before, when we talk, pumupunta [yung droplets] sa labas. Pero ngayon, nagba-bounce back siya. And it bounces around the area where our mask covers, so that’s why we’re breaking out,” she explained in her FB Live session last July 15. That’s why she’s offered up a few solutions to minimize, and eventually banish, mask-related breakouts. 

Tips You Can Practice Right Now

Here are Dr. Belo’s tips for combatting maskne, which you can immediately do:

  • As much as possible, do not reuse your disposable surgical masks. They are designed for one-time use. Consider washable cloth masks as an option, but be sure to get the kind with a pocket for a filter.
  • When you get home, clean your hands and face immediately. 

Products to Stop Face Mask-Related Acne

Dr. Belo recommends quite a few products from The Belo Shop that can help alleviate acne for the skin underneath your face mask. Here they are:

  • To stop the skin from getting irritated, you can use Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent
  • Belo Prescriptives Acne Drying Cream can be used on already existing pimples.
  • Dr. Belo’s personal technique: When you feel a pimple coming on, you can apply ZO® Exfoliation Accelerator to try and thwart the pimple from appearing. 

Acne can also be caused by excessive oil production. To try and regulate this, our bestselling  ZO® Oil Control Pads are the key. These handy little pads are soaked in a special solution that helps to regulate oil, soothe irritation, and treat existing acne (thanks to the salicylic acid). A tip from Julia Barretto: cut up the pads with scissors to save money!

Treatments You Can Try to Stop Face Mask-Related Acne

As Dr. Hayden mentions above, you can always visit us and ask for a personalized acne regimen if even at-home treatments aren’t working for you. Aside from the usual facial cleaning treatments that extract blackheads and whiteheads from your pores, here are other services you may want to consider:

  • Want something non-invasive? Inara Light Therapy is a non-invasive light therapy procedure that thermally stimulates cells and destroys acne-causing bacteria (using blue LED light). To reduce mask-related inflammation or limit oil production, red LED light can be used.
  • Alternately, you can try the Opera LED Mask. It’s a light therapy treatment, too, but it not only addresses acne, but also helps improve the appearance of freckles, sun spots, and age spots.
  • Need to start anew? For congested skin that suffers from blackheads or whiteheads, the PCA/TCA Peel helps control oil and even out skin color. This solution helps your skin banish dead skin cells faster, deep cleanses your pores, and helps healthier, younger skin cells surface. Goodbye, gross, dull underneath-the-mask skin.
  • Looking to stop oil production at the root? The Agnes treatment is the answer. “We actually burn the [sac] so that no oil can accumulate there anymore...It's especially for the chin, it's also for the oiliness, so you're less oily [and] get fewer pimples,” Dr. Belo explained during her segment at the Cosmo BeautyCon 2019.

As you can see, there’s no need to panic. Nobody panic! Belo has a ton of solutions for maskne, whether you need an at-home fix or a more intense beauty plan that involves trips to our clinic. Start your journey at The Belo Shop, or call 8819-BELO to speak with one of our doctors about which path will work for you. Don’t forget to keep on wearing a mask!

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Does It Hurt? Your Most Burning Questions about Belo Skin Genius, Answered https://www.belomed.com/blog/does-it-hurt-your-most-burning-questions-about-belo-skin-genius-answered Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:46:12 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20638

When you hear the term “Skin Genius,” it’s not exactly self-explanatory. And if you’re a beginner to the self-care game, you might find yourself wondering exactly what the fuss is all about. This new treatment, which tackles skin laxity and skin texture in a single 40-minute treatment, will change the way you see the word ‘Genius.’ But we don’t have to do the explaining for you: content creator David Guison happened to try the treatment in January, and his YouTube vlog just happens to answer the most burning FAQs about this hot new treatment. Get ready to take some notes, because today we’re going to Genius school!

Why is it called Skin Genius?

During David’s pre-treatment consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo, she explains that the machine is called ‘Genius’ because of its intuitive ability to analyze your skin. “It’s the only machine that reads your skin: the thickness of your skin, and your pores. And then it decides how much heat to give,” Dr. Belo explained to David. “Dito sa cheek, makapal. Ito naman, manipis. So dapat iba yung energy diyan, iba yung energy dito.” You can read a more scientific explanation on our blog: What Makes Skin Genius So Effective?

Is the treatment painful?

When you hear the words “RF” or “insulated microneedling,” you might associate that with some discomfort. But according to David, the pain is minimal compared to other treatments like Thermage FLX and Ulthera. “Parang ito yung pinaka-less painful,” he explained while putting on his robe to prepare for the treatment. “Lalagyan nila ako ng anesthesia sa face.” The application of EMLA cream, a local anesthetic that contains lidocaine and prilocaine, blocks the nerve signals in your body to make Genius a comfortable experience. David rated the treatment at 6-7 out of 10. “Nung una, medyo magugulat ka, pero pag tumatagal, medyo pipikit ka na lang kasi medyo relaxing in some parts,” he said. 

How long until I see results?

You will see immediate results even halfway through your treatment. Dr. Belo did the right side of David’s face first, so that they could do a side-by-side comparison. True enough, David’s right side looked tighter and more lifted. “Grabe, kita na agad yung results! Super mas lifted na siya,” he said. “Do you see that? I can’t pinch anymore,” Dr. Belo explained during her pinch test. You can check out our Belo Skin Genius Marathon series on IGTV to see other Belo Babies’ immediate results, including Iza Calzado, Morissette, Isabelle Daza, and more! 

What’s the downtime like?

After one day, David noticed some dotted marks on his face as a result of the microneedling process. This is normal, and will fade in a few days. David was sent home with some Belo Prescriptives Laser Cream and Tyrosinase Inhibitor, plus ZO Sunscreen + Primer to prevent photodamage. 

How long will the results last? What other results will I see?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSZBaUgjh5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“It keeps getting better for the next three months,” Dr. Belo explained to David after the treatment. A 40-minute treatment gives you results that will last for 6-18 months, depending on your age and skin condition. David was recommended to do the treatment only once a year.

David not only saw a more chiseled jawline and lifted skin, but also noticed a dramatic reduction in oil production and appearance of acne marks! Bonus, right? “I was really impressed by the overall texture and quality of the skin...hindi na ako nag-oil film! Ito talaga yung favorite ko from all the effects of Belo Skin Genius. I’ve never touched a single oil film. Ang galing, kasi hindi na ako oily after the treatment.”

We hope that David’s Skin Genius experience shed some light, and we’d like you to enjoy the same results. To start off, you can learn more about Skin Genius here, then call 8819-BELO to book your appointment. We’ll be waiting!

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The 10 Bestselling Products on the Belo Shop Right Now https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-10-bestselling-products-on-the-belo-shop-right-now Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:26:06 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20657

Ever since The Belo Shop opened its virtual doors last April 2, it’s been every Belo Baby’s go-to destination for restocking on their fave products. Whether you’re stocking up on your trusty Belo Prescriptives or trying out ZO’s latest offering, The Belo Shop has something for your skincare needs. But a few products stand out from the bunch—these tend to sell out fast because they’re just. So. Good! Below, 10 products from the Belo Shop that win the “Most Likely to Be Added to Cart” Award…

1. ZO Oil Control Pads

Stars like Julia Barretto and Jess Wilson swear by this product up and down for its ability to regulate oil production, and in turn, minimize acne! No wonder it’s our top one bestselling product. The massive jar contains 60 pads (which you can cut in half to save even more) that are soaked in a mixture of salicylic, glycolic, and mandelic acid to combat acne. Shop it here.

2. Dermese-A Cream

This intensive cream has been a lifesaver for those suffering from moderate to severe breakouts during the quarantine period. It contains Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. When applied topically, it’s a short-term solution and long-term treatment option for clearing up active breakouts. One of our patients achieved dramatic results with this as a part of her routine (see above). So of course it was flying off the shelves! Shop it here.

3. Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5% 90G

If you’re familiar with our popular Glycopeel Cleaning treatment, you know the active ingredient in this soap well. Glycolic acid has long been hailed by the skincare industry as an efficient and powerful chemical exfoliant. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be wiped away easily, revealing smooth, younger skin below. That’s why it’s a staple in every Belo Baby’s anti-acne regimen. Shop it here.

4. Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor 5% 10G

If that word sounded a little scary, no worries. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls the production of melanin. Therefore, when it is inhibited, a decrease in pigmentation and brightening of the skin can be observed. It can be used for the face and the body, or after microneedling treatments like Skin Genius. This is basically an essential for those recovering from a treatment, so it sits comfortably in our Top 4 spot. Shop it here.

5. ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser 200ML

Ah, everyone’s favorite cleanser. Used by Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho themselves, this face wash is for normal to oily skin and targets surface oil, leaving the skin feeling clean but not dry. It’s often recommended to patients who are acne-prone as well because it contains jojoba esters that exfoliate dead skin cells. For that, it takes the Top 5 spot effortlessly. Shop it here.

6. Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 10% 90G

This bar is similar to our top 3 product, only that it contains twice the amount of glycolic acid. The question of which one will be prescribed to you depends on your Belo MD’s recommendation. Shop it here.

7. Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit

As we know, there’s still a pandemic going on, so we must keep our immune system efficient and strong. That’s why Dr. Vicki Belo and her team of doctors created the Formula VB kit, which contains Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc Picolinate, and Melatonin supplements. Taken together, these will help turn your immune system into a well-oiled machine. Shop it here.

8. Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer 60ML

This acne-control must-have works by removing any leftover dirt, oil, and residue on the skin while also helping minimize the appearance of pores—all without drying the skin. It’s perfect for those who want to achieve younger-looking skin. Shop it here.

9. ZO® Brightalive Skin Brightener

Well-loved by Jinkee Pacquiao and more, this non-retinol skin brightener is formulated to even skin tone, reduce dark spots and restore hydration. It contains papain to exfoliate, glycerin to restore balance in the moisture barrier, and extracts and seed oils to soothe irritated skin. Shop it here.

10. Belo Prescriptives Accelerated Glutathione (60 Capsules)

This brightening supplement is an oldie but a goodie! It provides a natural glow while neutralizing free radicals and strengthening the immune system. And of course, glutathione is known to reduce cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and even improve insulin sensitivity. Shop it here.

Now that you have a rundown of the most popular items on The Belo Shop, the next step is to add to cart before they run out again! Don’t worry—we now deliver nationwide, so your Belo goodies will get to you wherever you are. Shop away!

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How Has Belo Adapted to the New Normal? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-has-belo-adapted-to-the-new-normal Sat, 25 Jul 2020 13:20:13 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20681

Before the start of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Belo Medical Group was one of the first businesses to shut down operations, all for the safety of our patients and employees. But as the quarantine period grew longer, we used the time away to introduce stringent safety measures, online options for treatments and purchases...and above all, a safe in-clinic experience for patients who decided to visit us again when MECQ rolled around. And the innovations haven’t stopped—we’re constantly finding ways to give you the premier Belo experience you love, without compromising on safety. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:

1. We launched our e-commerce platform, The Belo Shop, in April.

To make Belo products accessible to patients despite the lockdown, we announced the opening of our e-commerce site, The Belo Shop, four months ago. Here are just some of the ways we’ve made it a fun shopping haven for you:

  • Nearly our entire selection of ZO Skin Health, Belo Prescriptives, FillMed, and more products were made available for purchase once the site went live. 
  • Later on, we made it possible to book at-home treatments like Belo Infusions and IV Glutathione. 
  • For our DIY lovers, we added special kits like the Belo On-The-Glow Body Scrub Kit and Formula VB Immunity Kit
  • Holidays like Independence Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day were made extra-special, thanks to deals on treatments that could be availed of on-site. 

We deliver nationwide in 7-10 working days, and we’re working on ways to make our products available to even more people!

2. We introduced safety and protection measures in all our clinics, which helped set a standard for aesthetic clinics worldwide.

After a long wait, the announcement of MECQ allowed us to reopen the bulk of our clinics. This enabled us to introduce our suite of stringent safety and protection measures on clinic premises, which you’ll see in this video.

  • A COVID-19 Screening to be accomplished before entering clinic premises
  • An AI-powered Belo Aesthetic Interest Questionnaire (AIQ), done digitally to reduce face-to-face time with doctors and to help them perfect your beauty plan
  • Standard temperature checks, foot baths, sanitizing stations, and COVID-19 testing at clinic entrances
  • Air Intellipure units installed in every room. These units are 40 times more effective than a HEPA filter, and they’re used in COVID hospitals in Wuhan, China.
  • 30-minute intervals between treatment room uses to ensure a thorough sanitation of the room and replacement of items used
  • A comprehensive list of Patient Safety Guidelines for patients to adhere to
  • ...and more!

Our “New Normal” video has been used by aesthetic clinics worldwide as a template for the safe reopening of their establishments. We continue to beef up our safety measures to truly live by the goal of a COVID-Proof Belo.

3. We launched our latest skin rejuvenation treatment, Belo Skin Genius.

Belo has always delivered on lasting results. That’s why we are the only aesthetic clinic in the country to have the sought-after skin rejuvenation treatment, Skin Genius. Combining the powers of RF energy and insulated microneedling, Skin Genius delivers immediate results that get better over time. This reduces the need for patients to keep coming back to the clinic...and allows them to feel confident in themselves, even in isolation. After all, we should be beautiful for ourselves. That is the philosophy of our founder, and it’s one we strive to pass on to our patients.

You can learn more about the science behind Skin Genius in our blog post, What Makes Belo Skin Genius So Effective?

4. We launched Facebook Live sessions to stay in touch with our patients and Belo Babies.

To keep connected with our patients and followers in spite of quarantine, we began hosting a series of Facebook Live discussions featuring Dr. Belo. This started off in partnership with publications like Cosmo.ph, CNN Philippines, Philippine Star CareerGuide, and more.

Last July 8, we launched our own Facebook Live series, featuring content creators and Belo Babies David Guison and Camille Co. They chatted with Dr. Belo about Skin Genius, skincare tips, maskne prevention, and more. Then, to introduce our Skin Genius muse Isabelle Daza, our second FB Live session was launched on July 15, this time with Dr. Hayden Kho joining the conversation. Continue to watch out for our upcoming Lives—there will be many more!

5. We developed the AI-powered Aesthetic Interest Questionnaire (AIQ) to help doctors figure out what patients need, even before they enter the clinic.

View this post on Instagram

We understand that traveling through Manila traffic is tough. So aside from building new clinics to get geographically closer to you, we also conceptualized and created the Belo AIQ. The AIQ is a cloud-based registration and check-in system where you send in your information and your cosmetic interests ahead of time, at your convenience, and wherever you are in the world; So that by the time you arrive at our clinic our doctors can immediately see you and create for you a beauty plan that's based on your beauty priorities. This is a FIRST in the country and is a product of us listening to you. Your time is precious. Let @belobeauty put it on your side. The Belo AIQ is going LIVE on December 15. #NewPhaseNewFace

A post shared by Hayden Kho, jr, M.D. (@dochayden) on

During a pandemic, face-to-face time with others should be greatly minimized. One of the ways we’re doing this is by launching the Belo AIQ. In a nutshell, it’s a series of beauty- and skin-related questions that you accomplish prior to your appointment. We’ve made the interface fun and intuitive to use, so that it feels like you’re answering a Buzzfeed quiz. More practically, though, this helps doctors get an idea of what your concerns are, allowing them to craft a customized beauty plan tailored to your needs.

6. Online Consultations

We wanted to remain inclusive to our patients who are stranded in the provinces and cannot travel to our clinics, or are terrified of leaving their homes. Belo Live Consultations were launched in The Belo Shop over ECQ, allowing patients to speak with their fave Belo MD, surgeon, or even Dr. Vicki Belo herself via Zoom, Viber, and more. It’s easy—all you have to do is head to The Belo Shop and book your appointment, and our Customer Care specialists will set up your e-consultation. To get a preview of what that’s like, here’s Julia Barretto’s Zoom consultation with the beauty expert herself:

All these measures are taken so that despite the physical distance, we can still uphold our philosophy of expert hands, warmest touch. We hope that you’ll stay tuned to see what developments we have in store. Our doors are open for you, and we are more than ready to make you feel beautiful again.

Call 8819-BELO (2356) to book your appointment with us.

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10 Celebs on Their Belo Skin Genius Experience https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-celebs-on-their-belo-skin-genius-experience Sun, 26 Jul 2020 05:06:53 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20695

By now, we’ve told you enough about the power of Belo Skin Genius: its ability to combine the power of RF energy and microneedling, its immediate lifting effects, and its collagen-boosting benefits. (If you’re still diving into the Skin Genius hype, check out our landing page to get caught up.) But if you haven’t been convinced enough to book an appointment yet, there are 10 Belo Babies who just might do the trick. Here, you’ll hear it straight from them!

1. Derek Ramsay

To truly see the results of the treatment, Derek had the left side of his face done first. “It really feels firm, guys. Like, lifted up here. I noticed that when I pinched my skin here [pinches cheek], it feels like my forearm. Like this,” Derek explained in an IGTV video, noting that the skin on his forearm was loose and pinchable. After Skin Genius, the skin on his cheek no longer felt similar. “Now it feels plump.” 

A few days after his treatment, he said he “could see a big difference in the texture of my skin. I really like the idea of having my body go through self-healing to make my skin look younger.” 

2. Jinkee Pacquiao

Jinkee was one of the first to try the treatment, administered to her by Dr. Vicki Belo last December 2019. She had a pleasant treatment and has said she’s thrilled with the results. “Comfortable ako. Hindi naman siya masakit. It’s totally painless.”

3. Georgina Wilson

Georgina was also one of Genius’s early adopters, mentioning that the treatment made her skin “tighter and more lifted.” “It’s the best of both worlds. It’s like Ulthera and Thermage combined in one treatment. And I really saw the effects,” she said. 

4. Morissette Amon

Skin Genius isn’t just for those in the 30s-and-above age range. Men and women as young as 21, like Morissette, can be eligible for the treatment. In Morissette’s case, the skin on her cheeks needed some tightening due to some recent weight loss. “Grabe, ang bilis! Galing!” she exclaimed when Dr. Belo held up a mirror to show her half-face results. “It’s good for lifting my face, and it’s gonna prepare me for my upcoming projects. I’m so excited.”

5. Camille Co

The fashion influencer and content creator tried the treatment in March, in preparation for her first time at New York Fashion Week. Her goal, aside from facial slimming and lifting, was to minimize her pores. Genius is able to address this thanks to microneedling, which causes the skin to heal. “The procedure was pain-free for me,” she began. “My pores, they disappeared! I felt like my skin really improved so much. And my face looked really lifted...it’s such a powerful treatment.”

6. Iza Calzado

Iza got to try Skin Genius in January, well ahead of the others. Her dramatic half-face results can be seen in the IGTV video above, where she said, “I noticed that my skin tightened, and there was a renewed glow. Even if I was sick and lost weight temporarily, my face did not sag, which I guess is a testament to the effectivity of the treatment.”

7. David Guison

The one thing content creator David Guison was happiest about after his Genius session? No. More. Oiliness! Not only did he get to enjoy a more sculpted jawline, he also stopped bringing oil control sheets whenever he left the house. “After ‘nung treatment ko, hindi na ako nag-oil film. Ito talaga ‘yung favorite ko from all the effects ng Belo Skin Genius. I’ve never touched a single oil film,” he proudly discusses in his vlog about the treatment.

8. Pinky Webb

The CNN broadcast journalist tried the treatment at our Greenbelt clinic recently, and she was excited about her dramatic half-face results. “There is a contour right here, compared to this,” she said when comparing her left (treated) and right (untreated) side. “And then my eye is more open than this one.”

9. Sunshine Dizon

“I was very happy to see that there was actually a difference agad, especially on my eye area,” Sunshine shared after her procedure last December 2019. “People would always say na I look sad because my eyebrows droop, or my eyes [are] a bit heavy. And I could really see...a fast and big difference in my jaw area.” She was pleased that Genius helped her achieve a happier and more open look thanks to the eye and brow lift. 

10. Belle Daza

And of course, our muse for the Brighter Days Ahead campaign is Skin Genius’ biggest fan. “I like how it’s precise and adjusts to the quality of your skin,” she began. “I feel like I have a more defined jaw, but it’s very subtle, which is why I like it. I have recommended three friends to try it, and they absolutely love it.” In fact, Belle reported that one of her friends loved Genius because despite the weight gain in their body (thanks to quarantine), their face stayed slim and sculpted. You can view Belle’s full Skin Genius journey in the YouTube video above.

Those are just some of the Belo Babies who have been wowed by Skin Genius’ immediate results, and love the added boost of confidence it’s giving them. If you’re ready for Genius to change your life, go ahead and book your appointment by calling 8819-BELO. Wanna speak with Dr. Belo first? Click here to book a video appointment with her to see if Genius is right for you.

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How to Get Rid of Your Acne Scars, For Good https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-your-acne-scars-for-good Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:55:32 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20711

So you’ve finally cleared your acne. Your skin texture is flattening out, you’re no longer getting pus-filled bumps, and the zit-related redness has bid you sayonara. But what are those brown spots that have been left behind? Or worse...why does it look like your skin’s been poked by an ice pick? Acne scars are the very real damage that years or even months of acne can leave behind. But you don’t have to live with the memory of your breakouts any longer. Acne is a fundamental skin issue, for which Belo has created numerous solutions—not only for the pimples themselves, but also for the scars that remain. Let us count the ways…

Fraxel Dual 

Fraxel is a fractional resurfacing laser that our doctors use to improve the texture of atrophic scars, like acne and chickenpox scars. Microscopic columns are created deep into the skin, which will cause the skin to begin collagen remodeling. This also encourages the growth of healthy, new skin cells. Your acne scars will look less and less visible with every session.

Skin Genius

It’s not just a facial sculpting treatment! Because the tip of the Skin Genius wand is equipped with 49 microneedles, its unique RF delivery system allows for the production of collagen as your skin heals from the microneedling. That’s why Dr. Belo recommends it for those who want to erase acne scars and minimize the appearance of pores (and getting a slimmer, more lifted face while they’re at it).

Fractional CO2

This is for patients with severe acne scars, especially those that have formed ice pick scars or “craters” on the skin. Like Fraxel, Fractional CO2 is also a fractional resurfacing laser, but with higher energy and better depth of penetration. Because it’s so intensive, you’ll only need a few sessions, and the intervals between sessions are much longer.

Time Capsule

The Time Capsule treatment combines several procedures to help improve skin texture and elasticity. Air dissection and fractional resurfacing allow the skin to produce collagen. This is followed by the application of a Growth Factor or Stem Factor serum to enhance skin renewal. Finally, Inara light therapy is done to speed up healing. No wonder it’s called Time Capsule—this treatment will bring you back to you, pre-acne.

Aurora Photofacial

The Aurora Photofacial combines the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and RF energy to fade unwanted lesions and diminish the appearance of scars. After a 30-minute session, you’ll immediately notice that your skin feels smoother! For those who have struggled with chest acne that has left unsightly marks, the Aurora Photofacial can also be done on that area.

Air Dissector

Ever heard of being injected with air? Yes, we promise it’s a thing. The Air Dissector clears acne marks by freeing up the fibrosis of scars under the skin via air injection. During the procedure, a very small amount of air is injected on the intradermal region to lift the scars. Over time, these scars will lighten until they are barely noticeable.

These are just some of the treatments we have to help you say goodbye to your acne scars forever. To find the one that’s right for you, one of our Belo MDs will have to examine your scars to determine their type and degree of severity. You can book a virtual consultation (even with Dr. Belo herself!) at The Belo Shop, or call 8819-BELO to schedule a face-to-face convo with our docs. One step closer to getting the skin you’ve always wanted!

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ICYMI: Dr. Belo with Grace Lee and Ryan Bang https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-dr-belo-with-grace-lee-and-ryan-bang Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:28:48 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20731

After a weeklong hiatus, Dr. Belo was finally back for her usual FB Live sessions! Yesterday’s combo featured radio DJ and entrepreneur Grace Lee, as well as our much-awaited #MysteryOppa who turned out to be none other than Showtime co-host and comedian, Ryan Bang!

https://www.facebook.com/Belo.Medical/videos/287308632370454

They had a nearly two-hour conversation that centered around everything K-related: Korean beauty, culture, TV and movies, and so much more. If you missed that (or you’d prefer to get just the highlights), see below!

1. Ryan’s skin improved so much from Belo treatments that he no longer wears makeup...and found a girlfriend!

When Dr. Belo asked how Ryan was doing, he cheerfully recalled a promise she made to him long ago. “Ang gusto kong [pasalamatan] sa love live, walang iba kundi syempre, si God. Pagkatapos ng God, syempre, yung promise niyo po sa akin: ‘Ryan, ‘pag Belo Baby ka na, may girlfriend ka na.’ Natupad! Maraming salamat! Walang iba...magic, tingnan niyo mukha ko. Doc, wala po akong makeup ngayon!” Ryan was also thrilled to report that he was sporting a no-makeup look: “Naalala niyo po dati, Doc, kahit anong event...nakamakeup po ako. Ngayon, kahit gusto nila ako mag-makeup, hindi ako nagma-makeup. Iba talaga.” See? Belo works wonders for men, too!

2. Dr. Hayden lived his oppa dreams for a hot minute when he modeled in South Korea back in college.

“I did!” he responded when chided by Dr. Belo. “When I was in college papuntang med school. I worked as a model. So every vacation time during med school and MedTech, I would go to Korea to model. Sumideline ako ng konti,” Doc Hayden shared.

3. Grace Lee explained why the Korean Wave is making such a big impact in the Philippines.

“Alam ko, I think this is a long time brewing, meaning it didn’t happen overnight,” Lee began. “15 years ago pa lang, pinapanood na natin ang Korean dramas, but they were far and in between. Not like now: there’s so much Korean content that’s being consumed by the international market. First is the production value. There’s a lot of money spent on making sure that everything is polished. Second, of course, is the storyline. The packaging is there, then add on to there all these beautiful actresses and actors.” Grace then talks about the success of the K-drama series Crash Landing on You, citing its strong storyline and beautiful cast. “I think K-wave is going to continue and become stronger in the years to come.”

Grace also delves on the rigorous training system that aspiring idols and actors go through to become famous in Korea. “If you look at Korean stars, when they come out, they’re well-packaged. It’s all there: beauty, talent, head-to-toe ‘yan…there’s always a system in place to train them into a finished product when you see them on TV. That’s why when you see them, they’re already so good na.”

Ryan credits the Koreans’ penchant for distilling stories into short 12- or 16-episode runs to preserve the quality of their productions. And this is true: the wildly popular Goblin, Descendants of the Sun, and Itaewon Class only have 16 episodes under their belt. “Nakakabitin po, kasi yung isang teleserye, kahit gaano ka-sikat, labing-apat, labing-anim lang yung episode. So nakakabitin, tsaka pwede silang maglaro sa storya, kasi 16 episode lang ang labas. Kaya mas nakakakilig,” Ryan explained.

4. Ryan and Grace explain the culture of beauty in Korea and how it differs from the Philippines.

Seoul has the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries in the world, with almost a million procedures done yearly. It’s been dubbed as the plastic surgery capital of the world, so they’re no stranger to enhancing their natural beauty. “Even if nagpagawa ka, as long as the product is beautiful, they don’t mind,” Grace explains. 

Adds Ryan, “Sa Korea, mga tatay, lola, lolo, mga nanay, lahat kami in beauty. Yung iba kasi na tatay [dito], nahihiya. Sa Korea, normal lang po ‘yun na mga lolo nagpa-tattoo sila ng kilay, pupunta sa clinic. Hindi kami naiilang. Normal lang ‘yun.” Because the pursuit of beauty is so ingrained in their culture, people of all ages and genders aren’t ashamed to get beauty treatments done.

5. You can achieve that highly-coveted Korean glass skin without leaving your house.

As we know, it was Korea that created the “glass skin” trend, causing women all over the world to strive for naturally dewy, hydrated skin. If you’re game to head to one of our clinics, our ultra-hydrating Glass Skin Facial is the best place to start. It’s a serum infusion facial treatment that will leave your skin supple and hydrated. But if you’re far from a clinic right now, you can always get the Belo-It-Yourself Hydrating Facial Kit from the Belo Shop

It starts off with an exfoliating cleanser to strip away impurities, then oil control pads to regulate oil production and prep the skin for the next step: a hyaluronic acid mask. “Oiliness is next to ugliness, right? But we want water. Pag nakita niyo yung mga bata, ang ganda ng skin nila. Hindi sila oily. Marami silang water sa mukha. So yung hyaluronic acid, may mask na from Paris that soaks your face in hyaluronic acid. This then absorbs 1000x its weight in water, so sobrang hydrated yung face.” 

But why does hyaluronic acid give us that glow? “Kaya ka nagkakaglow is because pinupuno natin ng hyaluronic acid ‘yung skin. Now, if you shine light on a dark surface, inaabsorb ng dark ‘yung light. Pero ‘pag white, nirereflect yung light. The hyaluronic acid is a water molecule that acts like a mirror. So ‘pag pinuno mo yung skin mo ng hyaluronic acid, ‘pag tumama yung light, nagba-bounce ‘yung light. Kaya nagkakaroon ng glow,” Doc Hayden explains.

Shop the Belo-It-Yourself Hydrating Facial Kit here.

Dr. Belo also played a couple of games with Ryan and Grace while viewers played along at home. She was shown before-and-after pictures of Korean celebs and made to guess which procedures they may have had done. We also showed the audience censored photos of popular oppas, and the first viewer to guess the name correctly would win prizes from us! That’s why you should never miss a Belo Live.

Once again, stay tuned on our social media channels for announcements of our next live sessions, and head to our YouTube channel to binge-watch Lives we’ve held before. See you at the next one!

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DR. VICKI BELO with Grace Lee and Mystery Oppa!

Join them as they discuss K-Beauty and culture, our Glass Skin Facial, and more!

Posted by Belo Medical Group Philippines on Monday, July 27, 2020
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Glow Up This Quarantine With These 4 Body-Sculpting Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/glow-up-this-quarantine-with-these-4-body-sculpting-treatments Wed, 29 Jul 2020 12:14:53 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20758

If you’ve heard of the ‘Quarantine Glow Up’ craze on social media, it can be quite pressuring to come out looking fitter than our pre-lockdown bodies. With more free time for home exercises, and more home workouts being more accessible online, it may feel like we have had no excuse not to put the extra time to good use by working out more, and eating healthier during the past couple of months. But if you’re like many of us, the quarantine has also brought a whirlwind of emotions and stress, causing us to take a backseat on our fitness schedule, and to turn to snacks for comfort —which is absolutely fine and understandable! There’s no need to beat yourself up with the little quarantine weight gain. As you bounce back on your fitness routine, Belo has great non-invasive body sculpting treatments to complement your new healthier lifestyle. And if you’ve been right on track in your fitness goals all along, but notice stubborn fat, as well as muscle groups needing more definition, these Belo treatments are perfect for you too. Here are non-invasive Belo treatments to help you achieve your fitness goals, so you can always look and feel your best, and most confident self:

1. Exilis 

You’ve probably seen celebs like Ivana Alawi, Chie Filomeno, and Yeng Constantino try this treatment regularly in Belo. That’s because this treatment is famous with our patients for how comfortable it is. Compared with the usual radio frequency (RF) treatments which feel warm on the skin, this innovative machine cools the skin’s surface as it melts away fat. It also stimulates the collagen production to tighten loose skin. You’ll see instant slimming results after one or two sessions. Try this treatment on your face, neck, arms, legs, knees, and back.

2. Emsculpt

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What if we tell you that there's a faster way of achieving toned abs? 😱 All you have to do is lie on the bed for 30 minutes and let the #BeloEmsculpt do its work for you — one session is equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups! Watch as @chinitaprincess tries this treatment for the first time and see her cute reaction! 😍 Aside from a more toned abs, you can also use Belo EmSculpt to lift and tighten your bum 🍑 If you've got little time to hit the gym, Belo #EmSculpt is the perfect treatment for you! More about #BeloEmSculpt: 🌟non-invasive, painless treatment 🌟uses HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology that creates muscle contractions that aren’t achievable during normal exercise 🌟areas where it can be used are the abdomen and buttocks for a more toned appearance 🌟results can be seen after the second or third session and results get better overtime 🌟4 sessions recommended spaced 3 to 4 days apart for best result Get that body by Belo now! Book your Belo EmSculpt appointment until May 31, 2019 and get 50% off if you're one of the first 50 patients!! 😍 Call our hotline at 819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

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How many sit ups can you do in 30 minutes? Emsculpt creates 20,000 muscle contractions, equivalent to 20,000 sit ups in one 30-minute session, effortlessly. It uses HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology that  helps burn fat while adding shape and definition to your muscles. This is why celebs like Kim Chiu, Sue Ramirez, and Coleen Garcia absolutely love this treatment. This treatment can be done to target your abdomen, arms, and buttocks area. 

3. Myosculpt

Myosculpt uses unique electromagnetic technology that activates 30,000 muscle contractions in just one 30-minute session. It also supports circumferential fat reduction for a more balanced appearance. Wondering how the treatment feels like? According to Julia Barretto, “I really feel like I’m doing sit ups while lying down”. This treatment also speeds up your metabolism and improves blood flow, as it promotes muscle growth and development. For faster speed and more added comfort, this machine comes with two applicators. Other celebs who’re avid fans of this advance treatment are Rhian Ramos, Jennylyn Mercado, Sarah Geronimo, and Matteo Guidicelli. 

4. Onda Coolwaves

Onda Coolwaves is an all-in-one solution that reduces fat and cellulite, and tightens loose skin. This integrated cooling system destroys fat cells, and firms up the underlying tissues while preserving skin integrity. For optimal results, do this treatment once a month for 3 sessions. This reliable painless treatment will help you achieve immediate and long-lasting results. Watch how impressed Alden Richards was with his instant results right after his first time trying the Belo Onda Coolwaves. 

All these Belo treatments help you bounce back stronger, as they complement your healthier lifestyle well. Don’t forget to partner them with endorphin-boosting exercises and a nutrient-rich diet for a more holistic approach. This way, you can truly look and feel your fittest self. To find out which non-invasive body sculpting Belo treatment is best for you, simply call 8819-BELO (2356), email info@belomed.com, or visit #TheBeloShop (shop.belomed.com) to schedule your #BeloLiveConsultation with our Belo experts.

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Just 7 Beautiful Makeup-Free Selfies From Your Fave Belo Babies https://www.belomed.com/blog/just-7-beautiful-makeup-free-selfies-from-your-fave-belo-babies Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:34:25 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20788

Ever heard of the term “quarantine glowup”? Well, these Belo Babies have certainly achieved it. The quarantine period, while stressful, allows us to take a break from work commutes, putting on makeup, eating out often, and more. Forming healthy habits at home can allow us to flourish and be our best selves, despite the circumstances. Here are 7 Belo Babies who’ve been looking so good lately (and have the winning IG selfies to prove it):

1. Liza Soberano is sporting a new short ‘do—and is starting her own YouTube channel.

Liza made waves a couple weeks ago when she posted a series of selfies showing off her newly-cut hair, which garnered over a million likes on her Instagram account. Now, at the launch of her new series Life with Liza on YouTube, she’ll be scoring even more fans, who’ll get a peek into her life at home.

2. Julia Barretto is cozying up!

Throughout quarantine, Julia’s been living her solo life well: concocting healthy post-workout drinks, preparing luscious pasta dishes, baking cookies, and even doing virtual consultations with Dr. Vicki Belo via Zoom (click here to do it too). But in between, she’s taking it easy, ironically donning a hoodie with the words “I disappoint everyone with my poor decisions” emblazoned in cursive. We love her sense of humor.

3. Alex Gonzaga is launching her new lipstick collab collection (and bonding with fellow Belo Babies on YouTube).

Alex is keeping busy this quarantine, and looking great while she’s at it! She’s been promoting her new lipstick collab collection with a local beauty brand. The collab’s extended to her YouTube channel as well: she has been making hilarious vids with Belo Babies Ivana Alawi and Michelle Dy as well. We’re glad for the entertainment!

4. Gabbi Garcia’s workin’ it out.

Just like dalgona coffee and sushi bake, Chloe Ting workouts have been all the rage this quarantine—and Gabbi’s a fan! “Kung kaya niya, kaya ko rin!” has been her mantra as she follows along to Chloe’s HIIT videos on YouTube. Same, girl, same! May we all get the abs we truly deserve.

5. Bianca Umali is unapologetically embracing her natural beauty.

This photo of Bianca garnered tons of negative comments on social media, but Bianca never dignified the haters with a response. She went on with her life, and even posted a second Boomerang just to let them know she DGAF. Live ya life, Bianca!

6. Jess Wilson’s rocking workout clothes as a quarantine uniform (and TBH, it makes so much sense).

Quarantine is the perfect time to get back on track with your fitness goals, and Jess Wilson’s certainly on the right path! She’s been so dedicated to working out and eating right that she’s been wearing activewear on the reg. It’s a lowkey effective way to remind yourself to get moving, if you think about it! We’re taking notes.

7. Anne Curtis Smith-Heussaff is enjoying being a new mama.

Who looks this good a mere five months after giving birth?! Major props to Anne for looking amazing all throughout, and for being such a loving and doting mom to her daughter, Dahlia. Her IG feed is looking so peaceful and serene lately—it’s almost enough to give us baby fever.

Our Belo Babies are living their best lives, and so should you! A new food craze you wanna try? Order it. Looking at some loungewear for the perfect at-home selfie? Add to cart. Great skin for that IG story? Head to the Belo Shop. Let’s treasure these little pockets of joy we have while we have them...and document them well, so we can look back on them someday and think, “I made the most out of being stuck at home!”

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Mochi Skin vs. Glass Skin: What’s the Difference? https://www.belomed.com/blog/mochi-skin-vs-glass-skin-whats-the-difference Fri, 31 Jul 2020 11:10:52 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20815

Glass Skin has been a K-beauty trend for years now, but it gained global popularity in late 2017, when an LA makeup artist Ellie Choi went viral because of her “glass skin” beauty regimen. Since then, vloggers have clamored to perfect the look, beauty brands have marketed products specifically developed to achieve it, and there are now countless beauty treatments (like the Belo Glass Skin Facial) that can help, too. The beauty world declared “glass skin” as the new standard, making way for an era of minimal makeup and maximum dew.

But now, it’s 2020, and another country known for setting global beauty trends—Japan—has been making waves with a movement set to challenge the glass skin standard. Mochi skin, as it’s been known, is the latest skincare trend: it calls for matte, bouncy, and plump skin, just like its ice-creamy Japanese namesake. Is it achievable? Let’s find out. 

“Also known as 'Mochi Hada' or 'rice-cake skin', the super soft, poreless look is inspired by the traditional Japanese dessert,” according to a report by Elle. Unlike glass skin, which espouses a dewy, glowy finish, mochi skin requires you to look just like a mochi ball. That means a powdery-matte, plump, but still totally poreless. Not gonna lie, but that description reminds us a lot of Crash Landing on You’s Son Ye-Jin:

So how can you get mochi skin? Let us count the ways. First off, plump and bouncy cheeks are achieved by a high concentration of collagen (and that’s why kids have such squishable cheeks). You can achieve this by amping up your collagen intake with products from The Belo Shop:

These easy-to-pair drinks supply the skin with an abundance of strength, elasticity, and resilience. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, they also replenish essential nutrients inside our bodies, and give a healthy, youthful glow. You can add the Powder Drink to your coffee or juice, and the Melon Smoothie goes well with your morning breakfast plate!

Looking for something more immediate? Dermal fillers will give you fuller cheeks in an instant. “The most popular dermal fillers that we use is hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of our body,” explained the late Dr. March Babaran in our April 2019 article, Why Full Cheeks Make You Look Younger.  “In the past, we used to inject fillers [that are] silicone-based or foil. But now, there are different types of hyaluronic acid depending on the needs. For example, the type of hyaluronic acid we use for lip injections is softer compared to the type of hyaluronic acid that we would use for the temple or cheeks.”

After your consultation with a Belo MD (either virtual or IRL), they’ll let you know which type of dermal filler will suit your cheeks best. The treatment only takes 30 minutes, and the mochi-licious results will be immediate!

Finally, mochi skin isn’t mochi skin if it isn’t matte. Nix the oil control film and go for a more lasting solution with the ZO Oil Control Pads! Soaked in a special solution of salicylic, mandelic, glycolic acid, and more, these cotton pads effectively regulate oil production and treat and prevent acne. They’ll definitely bring you one step closer to that much-coveted matteness that mochi skin calls for.

If you’re on a quest to look like a Japanese dessert, you don’t need a plane ticket: all you need is Belo. Call 8819-BELO to learn more about our dermal fillers, and visit The Belo Shop for your collagen and oil-control needs. Mochi skin will be well within your reach soon!

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What Did Rhian Ramos Do on Her Belo Day? https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-did-rhian-ramos-do-on-her-belo-day Sat, 01 Aug 2020 11:27:43 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20831

Rhian Ramos is a busy lady. In between her tapings, workouts, and everything in between, there seemed to be no off days for her...until COVID-19 hit. She was supposed to move to a new living space, but “COVID happened, and naabutan na kami ng contract, so we have to move,” she explains in her latest YouTube video. But other than slowly moving her things from one house to another, there’s one other reason she decided to step out of the house. In preparation for a photoshoot, Rhian headed to the Belo BGC flagship clinic to try our latest skin-tightening treatment, Skin Genius!

“We’re here at Belo now to try their new Skin Genius, which everyone is raving about,” she began. “[It] stimulates collagen, improves skin texture, [and] tightens it up through a combo of microneedling and radiofrequency.” 

As she entered the clinic, she talked about the measures we’ve taken to ensure everyone’s safety. “They've taken all precautions to make sure all their patients are safe. You step into a foot bath when you enter, then they take your temperature. Then you sanitize your hands. Then you can enter their waiting area where the furniture is wrapped, so that they can constantly wipe it down throughout the day. And even the air is sanitized!” Rhian commented, referring to our Air Intellipure machines (which are 40x more efficient than HEPA filters). At one point, she even ran into fellow Belo Baby Lovi Poe! They snapped a quick selfie and went on their way.

After removing her mask in the treatment room and doing an antiseptic gargle, it’s finally time for her treatment. “Skin Genius time! They start off by cleaning your face. Then they apply EMLA, a topical anesthesia, to numb your face for comfort.” Then, something hilarious happened to Rhian: “So i accidentally licked my lips, including the EMLA cream, and now my tongue is numb.” Whoops! 

Rhian goes on to explain that everyone’s downtime will be different. Then, a little bit about the science behind the procedure: “Because there's microneedling, needles are involved, so it does micro injuries in the face. They say that's what delivers them to create the frequency underneath.” (RELATED: What Makes Skin Genius So Effective?)

After her treatment, Rhian noticed that her cheeks were more lifted, her eyes were more open, and her jawline was more defined! But we won’t spoil the entire video for you—scroll back up to see the full vlog, and then head here to book your own Skin Genius appointment.

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Your Skin During COVID-19: Causes, Symptoms, and Quick Fixes https://www.belomed.com/blog/your-skin-during-covid-19-causes-symptoms-and-quick-fixes Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:44:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20843

We’ve been hearing it since March: Wash your hands. And frequently. And while we would be the last people on Earth to tell you to nix handwashing advice from the World Health Organization, frequent (and necessarily excessive) hand washing can lead to super dry and uncomfortable hands. It’s not just handwashing, either: the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other personal hygiene measures can cause our skin to act up. Unfortunately, these are consequences we have no choice but to deal with, as beating COVID-19 is far more important than keeping, say, our hands nice and soft. But can anything be done to mitigate the side effects? Based on the following report by Dr. Filipino C. Buñag, Jr., our Assistant Medical Director, all hope is not lost yet.

I wash my hands frequently. What can I do to prevent dry hands?

  • Causes and effects: Exaggerated handwashing with detergents or disinfectants can impair the hydrolipid mantle of the skin surface and may be responsible for Irritant Contact Dermatitis.
  • Among our frontliners: Two-thirds of healthcare workers wash their hands over 10 times a day, but only 22% apply hand creams and emollients after.
  • Quick fix: Emollients that contain Hyaluronic Acid, ceramide, or Vitamin E are recommended for prevention of Hand Dermatitis.

Source: Elston DM. Letter from the editor: occupational skin disease among healthcare workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic [e-pub ahead of print]. J Am Acad Dermatol. 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.012

I’m a frontliner who has to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles everyday. How do I protect my skin?

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To our doctors and nurses on the frontline, saving our lives and risking theirs – I thank you and I applaud you. I’d like to help ease your discomfort and am offering any medical professional fighting COVID-19 and suffering from #PPE-induced skin issues a free telederm visit. Text me if you’d like to video-conference with me. I will assess and provide my dermatological assessment so that you can mend quickly and safely. In your text to 347-881-3392 (secure phone line), please include your (1) Full name (2) DOB (3) Picture of your healthcare ID (4) Preferred date/time for the appointment You will receive via text a link to join a secure teledermatology visit with me that you can view directly from your smartphone.

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  • Causes and effects: Prolonged contact with masks and goggles may cause a variety of cutaneous diseases, ranging from Contact and Pressure Urticaria, Contact Dermatitis to aggravation of Atopic Dermatitis. 
  • Among our frontliners: The most commonly affected sites are the nasal bridge (83% due to the use of protective goggles), cheeks, forehead, and hands.
  • Quick fix: If you’re planning to add a barrier to prevent irritation, anything placed between your skin and PPE should not interfere with function. In a report by Allure Magazine, two dermatologists weigh in: “Jeremy Brauer, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, suggests placing a layer of soft gauze or a sterile bandage roll prior to putting the mask back on may alleviate some of the irritation and bruising, as long as you are able to maintain the appropriate seal. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, also suggests using thin dressings...right on the bridge of the nose, as that area of the skin is most sensitive to the added pressure of the N95 masks.”

Source: Yan Y, Chen H, Chen L, et al. Consensus of Chinese experts on protection of skin and mucous membrane barrier for healthcare workers fighting against coronavirus disease 2019 Wang J.V., Parish L.C. Dermatologic manifestations of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Skinmed. 2019;17:296–297.

I have red marks after removing my PPE. What do I do?

  • The breakdown: The red marks from pressure that commonly appear upon PPE removal are known as reactive erythema and should show resolution within 20-30 minutes. 
  • What NOT to do: If the erythema doesn't fade away, it suggests level 2 damage. Do not rub or massage erythematous skin. Non-blanchable erythema suggests that underlying tissue damage has already occurred, and rubbing can exacerbate it. 
  • How to prevent this: Ideally, the pressure from a mask or other PPE should be off-loaded periodically, at least every 4 hours. This isn't always possible, unfortunately. 

Pre- and Post-Work Skincare Sequence

If you have to wear PPE for work every day (and by the way, we salute you), Dr. Buñag recommends that you follow this procedure:

At home, before leaving for work, or 1 to 2 hours before donning PPE:

  1. Wash face and hands well; dry thoroughly.
  2. Apply moisturizer to face and hands. It should be completely absorbed. 

At work, before donning PPE:

  1. Apply skin barrier wipe to dry face: forehead, nose, cheeks, and ears (if needed).
  2. Let dry 90 seconds, until no longer tacky.

We hope that these tips will help you feel more comfortable at the beginning or end of your work day. If you feel that you need further guidance from our MDs on how to soothe your skin, book a Belo Online Consultation here, or call 8819-BELO to set up a face-to-face appointment.

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Celebrate 30 Belo Beautiful Years with Our 8.8. SALE and GIVEAWAY! https://www.belomed.com/blog/celebrate-30-belo-beautiful-years-with-our-8-8-sale-and-giveaway Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:57:03 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20902

In the midst of these unprecedented times, we’d like to announce something that we hope will put a smile on your faces...and make you feel Belo Beautiful. This month, Belo Medical Group will celebrate 30 years as the industry leader in dermatology and medical aesthetics. As a way of thanking YOU, our patients, for your unwavering support, we are celebrating August 8, 2020 (8.8.2020) with our biggest Birthday Bash yet! 

What’s In Store at Our Clinics and at The Belo Shop?

Huge treats and surprise announcements are waiting. Here are the amazing discounts you can enjoy in-clinic and at The Belo Shop:

TIGHTEN: 30% OFF on our Top Skin Lifting and Contouring Treatments

CLARIFY: 30% OFF on our Advanced Acne Treatments

BRIGHTEN: 30% OFF on our Skin Radiance Boosters

REJUVENATE: 30% OFF on these Rejuvenating Botox Duos

BUY 3 + TAKE 1: Enjoy a free session of our Signature Facials

BUY 4 + TAKE 2: Enjoy two free sessions of our Body Contouring Treatments

If you want to get ahead of the 8.8 rush, you may pre-load your cart at the Belo Shop [link to category page] here. Follow us on Instagram by clicking here to get the promo code in the coming days!

What’s In Store for Our Lucky Winners?

We can’t celebrate 30 years without making a few very lucky people happy! Social distancing makes it impossible to send each of you a cake slice right now, but we hope these special giveaways and prizes will more than make up for it. We can’t give you all the details just yet, but let’s just say that we’re about to make the beauty dreams of three lucky people come true! Excited? Be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Excited yet? We sure are. Now we wish we could turn 30 every day! But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so be sure to make the most of it—8.8 only lasts for 24 hours! Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you at shop.belomed.com then!

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10 Makeup-Free Celebs (and the Belo Treatments They Love!) https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-makeup-free-celebs-and-the-belo-treatments-they-love Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:19:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20944

This coming 8.8, we’ve got tons of surprises in store for you. From 30% off on amazing treatments and even surprise giveaways and prizes, there’s a lot to look forward to! But that’s not all. 

For those who miss getting their favorite Signature Facials at Belo, we’re offering a BUY 3 + TAKE 1 DEAL on Glass Skin Facial (with cleaning), Salt Facial (with cleaning), Hydrating Facial (with cleaning), and Obagi Oxygen Facial! You can now pre-load your cart by clicking the links above! But if you haven’t decided on which package to try, here are 10 Belo Babies who might be able to help…

1. Bianca Umali

At the tender age of 20, Bianca’s already taking great steps to keep her skin youthful and hydrated. And when it comes to anti-aging, your early 20s are actually the best place to start (Dr. Belo says that the aging process begins as early as 25 years old). When Bianca’s not cozying up to her BF (and fellow Belo Baby) Ruru Madrid, you can also spot her heading to Belo BGC for her fave treatment, the ultra-hydrating Glass Skin Facial.

2. Lovi Poe

Lovi was one of the first celebs to try the Salt Facial in late 2019, and she loved how her skin looked after the procedure sans makeup. Now, she can enjoy her time in quarantine (with her dog, Señor!) knowing her skin’s in tip-top shape. 

3. Julia Barretto

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Skin by @belobeauty 🤍

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

Julia’s glass skin is #goals, but she didn’t achieve it magically! With the help of numerous Glass Skin Facials and a dedicated routine with products from The Belo Shop, her skin’s looking better than ever. No wonder it was her beautiful face that graced our Glass Skin Facial billboards back in March!

4. Jane de Leon

Jane got to try the Salt Facial late last year, when long shoot days were taking a toll on her skin radiance. She got a fresh start with this facial, which allowed her to exfoliate and reveal her smooth, baby-soft skin underneath.

5. Liza Soberano

In this recent photo for one of Liza’s endorsements, Liza’s sporting a 100% bare face, fresh from the shower! We can only wish to emulate this woke-up-like-this (or should we say, got-out-of-the-shower-like-this?) freshness. One thing that’ll bring us one step closer? The Glass Skin Facial. Did you know that Liza was the first Belo Baby to try it?

6. Alden Richards

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Papunta na ko...sa kusina. Baka matraffic ako. ✌🏼

A post shared by Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) on

Look, the Glass Skin Facial is for men, too! It’s not just women who deserve to have luminous, brightened skin. Alden loves popping by our Tomas Morato branch to enjoy this ultra-relaxing treatment. 

7. Sue Ramirez

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Hey, baby! 🥰

A post shared by Sue Dodd (@sueannadoodles) on

Sue loves the beach (as evidenced by her many bikini photos), but that means she’s getting more sun exposure than the next gal. To combat sun damage and turn back the hands of Father Time, Sue heads to our Greenbelt clinic to do the Salt Facial. She’s particularly a fan of the exfoliation step, which involves natural sea salt crystals! Can’t get any more “Vitamin Sea” than that!

8. Kim Chiu

Kim’s rock-hard abs are the product of hard work, that’s for sure. But when it comes to maintaining her skin, luckily, all that takes is a couple sessions of her fave Glass Skin Facial. Her branch of choice? Our BGC Flagship, where she loves to catch up with Dr. Vicki Belo when they cross paths there.

9. Leila Alcasid

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during times like these it’s important to spend a little extra time being kind to yourself and your body. a simple act of kindness can be using products with no harsh chemicals 🌿 since we’re wearing masks quite often nowadays, our skin will be more prone to dehydration and irritation - even more so for our brave frontliners. so, to help them keep their skin healthy with kind ingredients, one hygiene kit will be donated with every purchase of the @simpleskincareph face wash 🤍 shop on @shopee_ph with up to 50% off, and use my code SIMPLELEILA10 for an extra 10% discount 🍃 even better Simple is giving away an Instax mini camera and all you need to do is upload a photo of yourself on your feed using Simple on instagram, tag @simpleskincareph and use the #SimpleKindnessWithCleanBeauty only from July 18-25, 2020!

A post shared by Leila (@leilalcasid) on

Did you know that during the ABS-CBN Ball 2019, Leila wore absolutely no foundation? The only thing you could credit for her wonderful skin that night was the Salt Facial she had done just a few hours before hitting the Ball carpet. Skin amazing enough to be photographed in—that’s the goal.

10. Gabbi Garcia

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bff since ‘07 🥰

A post shared by Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi) on

Our LuminoVitaGlow muse loves the Glass Skin Facial just as much! On her Belo Days, she troops to our Alabang, Bay Area, or S Maison clinics (she’s a Southie, after all) to maintain her glass skin.

Don’t forget: our  BUY 3 + TAKE 1 DEAL on Glass Skin Facial (with cleaning), Salt Facial (with cleaning), Hydrating Facial (with cleaning), and Obagi Oxygen Facial is happening this Saturday, 8.8! You can head to The Belo Shop now to pre-load your cart. 

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Your Belo Treatment Forecast, Based on Your Zodiac Sign https://www.belomed.com/blog/your-belo-treatment-forecast-based-on-your-zodiac-sign Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:39:16 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20957

Since maybe early 2016, astrology has enjoyed a modern reawakening as more millennials and Gen Z-ers flock to horoscope predictions for guidance and stability. It’s also really fun, not gonna lie. And the best part is uncovering thousands of articles that help you choose something based on your zodiac sign (the best pizza for your sign? The best handbag? We could go on and on). But in the spirit of our 8.8 SALE happening this Saturday (August 8, natch), we wanted to give you a guide on which treatments to add to cart, based on the position of stars on the exact moment you were born!

(If you’re not happy with the treatment assigned to your Sun sign, you can always go with your Moon or Ascendant sign. We won’t mind, promise.)

Aries (March 21 - April 19) 

Aries is at the top of her game, and she likes it that way. Don’t even try to get on their bad side! These “audacious rams” love immediate results that get noticed instantly, so it’s no surprise Thermage FLX is the one for you. Jawline? ASAP. Sculpting? ASAP.

Click here to preload Thermage FLX to your cart for 8.8.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Taurus is an earth sign, and in honor of the phrase “salt of the earth,” nothing would suit this sign more than the Salt Facial. What’s more, Taureans love serene and soothing environments, and an acne-prevention and exfoliation treatment that reminds them of the sea is definitely up their alley.

Click here to preload Salt Facial (with cleaning) to your cart for 8.8.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

This air sign is so very occupied in its many passions that it literally needed to clone itself. Naturally, Geminis need a double deal! And they’ll find that in BioNutriGlow + Botox. The NCTF content in BioNutriGlow contains over 50 vitamins and peptides to perk up the eyes, and the Botox will diminish expression lines, resulting in an overall younger look. 

Click here to preload BioNutriGlow + Botox to your cart for 8.8.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

So Cancers are pretty emotional. That’s because they’re intuitive--they can read a room, any room, like no one’s business. This can often take a toll on their mental health, though. They deserve to unwind with Skin Reboot: the thick, stem-cell rich cream used is absorbed by the skin via RF and microcurrent to address sagging skin, without pain at all. 1, 2, 3, asleep on the treatment bed.

Click here to preload Skin Reboot to your cart for 8.8.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) 

The haters will tell you Leos are full of themselves. But the admirers will tell you they’re just brimming with confidence! There’s no better way to boost that confidence than with a pain-free, movement-free workout: Myosculpt, which causes 30,000 muscle contractions in a single session! Now nothing’s going to stop them from showing off their abs. Oh, no? Oh, yes.

Click here to preload Myosculpt (Body) to your cart for 8.8.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Virgos have always been known to be systematic and practical. This means that many of them tend to be perfectionists. And they strive for perfection when it comes to beauty, so that’s why the Juvederm Filler + Botox combo is perfect for them. Virgos know that Botox and fillers aren’t just for those with ultra-visible wrinkles. It’s also for those who are looking to replace lost volume and smoothen lines that are just about to show. In essence, it’s a two-step road to perfection. (BTW: Kylie Jenner’s iconic lips? Juvederm fillers.)

Click here to preload Juvederm Filler (Volift) + Botox to your cart for 8.8.

Click here to preload Juvederm Filler (Voluma) + Botox to your cart for 8.8.

Click here to preload Juvederm Filler (Volbella) + Botox to your cart for 8.8.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Libras are a sucker for harmony and balance. That’s why they tend to be diplomatic, flirtatious, and charming (almost to a fault). No social situation is too overwhelming for a Libra. The Glass Skin Facial is their treatment twin, because its multi-serum infusion restores harmony and balance to the skin, too. 

Click here to preload Glass Skin Facial (with cleaning) to your cart for 8.8.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Who else thought Scorpio was a fire sign? They can be so passionate and vivacious, but they’re actually water signs: extremely emotional, often even primal. We hear they’re the best in bed, too, but that’s another story. Their sorry-not-sorry nature is suited to V-Contour Body, which is an injectable procedure that dissolves fat at the targeted area. It basically commands the fat to up and leave the body. How assertive. Just like a Scorpio. 

Click here to preload V-Contour (Body) to your cart for 8.8.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

When they’re not off at some silent retreat in Indochina or partying it up with their 7 (yes, 7) best friends, Sagittarians are constantly ~thirsty~ to learn more about life. They’re unapologetic, and they always strive for better, the same way Angel Whitening gives you better and better results after every session. It’s meant to be. 

Click here to preload Angel Whitening (Face and Neck) to your cart for 8.8.

Click here to preload Angel Whitening (Armpit) to your cart for 8.8.

Click here to preload Angel Whitening (Whole Body) to your cart for 8.8.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Don’t mess with no-nonsense Capricorns. They’re ambitious, relentless, and realistic, which means they make great leaders. Their treatment soulmate is one that can match their goal-oriented personality: Enerjet + Botox. Enerjet inserts hyaluronic acid into the skin swiftly and decisively, and Botox makes wrinkles disappear before you can even leave the treatment room. Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.

Click here to preload Enerjet + Botox to your cart for 8.8.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Aquarians: original, independent, humanitarian. They’re one of the most analytical signs on the zodiac, so the words Skin Genius would suit them well. Skin Genius combines RF and microneedling to repair skin texture and slim the face, all in a 40-minute treatment. Why Genius? It’s able to calculate the amount of energy and the needle depth needed to treat each square inch of skin precisely. If that machine could have a sign, it’d definitely be an Aquarius.

Click here to preload Skin Genius to your cart for 8.8.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Pisces, while adorable for the most part, often float between fantasy and reality. This makes them excellent artists and more likely to be optimists. Like Cancerians, they’re extremely emotional and intuitive, and they deserve to be protected! (#ProtectPisceans.) Another thing that needs protection? Their skin texture, which is where Fractional CO2 comes in. This laser treatment removes columns of skin tissue to encourage surrounding (untouched) skin columns to aid in healing, resulting in better skin texture, less pigmentation, and smoother skin.

Click here to preload Fractional C02 (Face) to your cart for 8.8.

Our 30th birthday (August—we’re Leos!) is coming up soon, so we hope this guide helped you figure out which treatments to try on our celebration this Saturday. May the stars guide you to a Belo Beautiful Future! See you on 8.8!

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Does Laser Treatment Really Work for Acne Scars? https://www.belomed.com/blog/does-laser-treatment-really-work-for-acne-scars Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:21:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=20983

When we think of banishing acne scars, our grandmothers might think of papaya soap. Our older titas, on the other hand, would advise you to try harsh astringents you can buy at the drugstore for cheap...but turn out to do more harm than good. Some will suggest a diamond peel, which is not only outdated, but also unsanitary (the crystals used to exfoliate your skin are reused)! Girl, it’s 2020. Modern technology has devised a number of methods, particularly in the arena of lasers, for removing acne scars. Here are several laser treatments you can try at Belo to diminish acne scars for good. The best part? ALL of these laser treatments will be offered at 30% OFF during our 8.8 sale at The Belo Shop this Saturday, August 8, 2020!

Angel Whitening

This is a favorite of stars like Liza Soberano, Marian Rivera, and more. It targets melanin deposits to effectively lighten skin and deliver a more even tone. Thanks to its breakthrough lasers, it’s capable of safely and precisely shattering pigment without injuring the surrounding skin—this way, there’s absolutely no downtime! This machine is actually called the Fotona Starwalker, but we chose to name our treatment after the machine’s popular Angel Whitening mode, which is ideal for dark spots (read: acne marks). It’s one of our best selling treatments.

Revlite

brighten promo

Loved by the likes of Regine Velasquez and Zsa Zsa Padilla, Revlite has been around for longer than Angel Whitening, but it’s still popular among our regular patients. It works by producing laser pulses to break down pigmented lesions into smaller particles. Like Angel Whitening, it’s able to do this without damaging the surrounding normal tissue. 

Fractional C02

This is one of Cristalle Belo-Pitt’s go-to treatments! It’s for patients with severe acne scars, especially those that have formed ice pick scars or “craters” on the skin. Fractional C02 is a fractional resurfacing laser that removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method—meaning, columns of skin are removed, leaving skin surrounding each column intact to aid healing—to improve skin’s laxity, reduce age-related pigmentation, and smoothen skin. Because it’s so intensive, you’ll only need a few sessions, and the intervals between sessions are much longer. 

Picosure

clarify promo

So you’ve heard of milliseconds. Maybe you’ve even heard of nanoseconds. Can it get any quicker than that? Yes! The PicoSure Laser delivers a shorter pulse of energy—in the pico-second range, rather than the nano-second range used by other lasers—making it safer, faster, and more effective. Because it breaks up pigment with shock waves rather than heat, your doctor can be more aggressive with treatment without having to worry about unwanted side effects on your part. It’s so powerful that our doctors at Belo Greenbelt used it to remove Dingdong Dantes’s wrist tattoo!

We’ve given you four options to get rid of acne scars for good. Now, all you have to do is make your choice at the Belo 8.8 Sale! You can buy multiple sessions and save them for later dates, since 8.8 treatments are redeemable until February 28, 2021. Say goodbye to acne scars...and say hello to unbelievable discounts on 8.8! 

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How to Get Rid of Face Mask Tan Lines https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-face-mask-tan-lines Fri, 07 Aug 2020 08:49:48 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21003

Face masks have now become an integral element of our OOTD. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to spread throughout the Philippines, establishments and offices have imposed no-mask-no-entry policies. You can’t even get in a cab or avail of a TNVS service without a mask. Long story short, it’s time to accept that masks are here to stay.

There are just a few problems, though. Sometimes masks can make it a little hard to breathe (take oxygen breaks in a private room). Or, they can itch and be uncomfortable, causing us to touch our faces to adjust them (uh, just don’t...or, at least, keep your hands clean). Unfortunately, with extended exposure to the sun, face masks can leave us with unsightly tan lines! Kudos to you for doing your part to protect yourself and others, but to solve that tan problem, we have a few solutions for you.

1. Continue to apply sunscreen to your entire face.

Your face mask might cover the lower half of your face, but SPF protection is not guaranteed. Experts have agreed that you still need to wear sunscreen underneath your mask. But use a different kind of SPF for your lower half than you would your upper half. Since your upper half is exposed, you can use a cream sunscreen. Your lower half will get moist throughout the day, so best to use something that doesn’t feel heavy: try the Belo SunExpert SPF 50 Transparent Mist. A few spritzes before putting on your mask, and you’re good to go. Click here to buy it on Shopee.

2. Whip out a face shield, sunglasses, and hat.

Sunscreen aside, you’ll achieve even more UV protection by covering up, especially if you’re one of the unlucky few who have to physically report to work. Pair your face mask with a face shield with UV protection (like the nopeet pair Coleen Garcia is wearing above). If your face shield isn’t UV-protected, you can go ahead and wear giant sunglasses underneath them (our friends at Sunnies Studios have amazing options). Then, a nice hat or cap (also with UV protection) to top it all off. 

...and an umbrella. You’ll basically no longer exist to the sun at this point. JK.

3. Use a reliable Vitamin C serum and skin brightener.

Incorporating skin brightening agents to your routine will help matters. The ZO Brightalive Skin Brightener evens out skin tone, reduces dark spots, and restores hydration while calming and soothing irritated skin. For sun spots, try the ZO 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum. This’ll brighten and redefine skin, plus minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Click the links to get them at The Belo Shop.

4. If you already have tan lines and want to tan the rest of your face:

If the damage has already been done, you can even out your face to match the tan using a little bit of self-tanner. Just be sure to apply it the right way: click here to see a step-by-step guide from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You have to cleanse and exfoliate the skin first, so be sure to have your cleanser and exfoliant ready (we recommend the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, available at The Belo Shop).

5. If you already have tan lines and want to restore your original skin tone:

If you’re looking to undo the tan lines, that’s going to take a while. Luckily, there are several treatments at Belo that just might help speed up the process. Lasers like Angel Whitening or Revlite will help with skin darkening. Our doctors will have to assess your skin, so be sure to book an appointment with us soon.

Even if we didn’t have a pandemic going on, UV protection is vital in the prevention of skin cancer development in the future. So be sure to stay proactive (instead of reactive) in keeping not only tan lines, but also sun damage, at bay. Stay safe from COVID-19, and stay protected from the sun!

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Do Glutathione Infusions Really Work? https://www.belomed.com/blog/do-glutathione-infusions-really-work Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:53:29 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21040

Intravenous (IV) infusions are nothing new—from here to Hollywood, celebs and skincare enthusiasts have undergone IV infusions to receive nutrients, induce a glow from the inside out, or even boost their immune system. Belo Infusions have been around for years, with options like the Athlete’s Drip, Enhanced Supervitamin Drip, Placenta AA Drip, and of course, the ever-popular Cinderella Drip. You’re probably aware of the reason the latter is so well-known. But why has the Cinderella Drip, and other glutathione drips like it, earned the unofficial nickname “gluta drip”? And do glutathione drips even really work?

(RELATED: How Can Belo Infusion Drips Help Boost Your Immunity?)

The study of glutathione as a skin lightening agent has been ongoing for a long time now, but it wasn’t until the last five years or so that the ingredient shot up to household fame. Now, you can pick up glutathione supplements at any drugstore, and billboards abound singing praises of glutathione’s many benefits. Because the ads about it often spoke of skin whitening, the identifier stuck. People began to shorten the term in casual conversation, calling it “gluta,” and the term became as ubiquitous as “paracetamol” and “ascorbic acid.” But it’s crucial to understand that glutathione is so much more than a “pampaputi.”

IV Glutathione and Cinderella Drip contain glutathione for a very good reason—the whitening effect is just icing on the cake. Some might not be aware that glutathione already occurs in the body naturally. The little guy is responsible for combatting free radical damage and improved immune response. It plays a critical role in the body for detoxification and inhibiting inflammation. So getting more of it is a good thing, for sure! 

That said, IV Glutathione contains only glutathione, but the Cinderella Drip also has Alpha Lipoic Acid and Ascorbic Acid (aka Vitamin C!). These ingredients work hand-in-hand to eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body, combat free radicals, and fight inflammation and fatigue. Glutathione also reduces cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and even improves insulin sensitivity

So, to answer the question posed above: Yes, glutathione infusions really work. But they also work in ways you might not have expected them to.

If you’re ready to book your IV Glutathione or Cinderella Drip session, you may call 8819-BELO.

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Why Putting Yourself First is Important in the Middle of a Pandemic https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-putting-yourself-first-is-important-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:45:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21058

When I welcomed the new year with my family eight months ago, I had high hopes for 2020. Little did we know that a global health crisis was afoot, waiting to claim the lives of over 720,000 people (and counting). Several months have passed, and the world (myself included) has, against all odds, managed to cobble together a false sense of normalcy. We call this time “the new normal,” but if we’re being honest, these circumstances are far from mundane. In simple terms: it’s a mess, and it’s overwhelming to begin to fathom.

Absorbing all this information on social media is taxing. Though a great many of us have the privilege of being quarantined safely at home, it’s all an illusion: on the outside, bad things are happening and will continue to happen. For the most part, you’re able to filter out the noise—but at some point, the dam has to give way, and the water has to go somewhere. As someone who’s bottled in their feelings for far too long, the proverbial dam is at its breaking point. And I’m sure many of you feel the same way.

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Sink or swim. . . . Shipping to Australia, NZ, the USA, Europe, Canada, the Uk, Brazil and most of Asia has resumed! You can visit my store to order mugs, tattoo tickets or a print of this or another drawing (please be aware that shipping is still delayed due to fewer flights - allow 3-4 weeks.) Please consider supporting me on Patreon or dropping me a one-off donation on PayPal! Right now those small things make a huge difference. Links in bio. . #headabovewater #floating #struggling #surviving #water #floaties #sea #ocean #sinkorswim #illustration #drawing #art #cartoon #sketch #illustrator #doodle #tattoo #baddrawing #comic #artistsoninstagram #femaleillustrator #contemporaryillustration #illustratorsofinstagram #webcomic #webtoon #illustrationoftheday #dailysketch #draweveryday #drawingaday

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Health organizations have reported that a second pandemic may well be underway: a mental health pandemic, that is. The stresses brought about by COVID-19 (and the ensuing quarantine period) have caused an unprecedented spike in mental health issues all over the world. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can arise from:

  • Loss of livelihood or sense of stability as a consequence of the pandemic
  • Difficulty managing intrusive thoughts (i.e. exposure to political issues surrounding the pandemic, fear of having COVID-19 or giving it to a family member)
  • Difficulty adjusting due to new routines (i.e. working from home, getting used to being around family 24/7)
  • Inability to access support systems and sources of fulfillment that are outside the home (i.e. being with friends, outdoor activities)
  • and more.

It starts with physical symptoms: trouble sleeping, lethargy, tired eyes from constant screen exposure. Then, worry and anxiety set in, giving way to feelings of hopelessness about your own situation or of others. When will MECQ end? Will I still get to keep my job? How long until things truly get back to normal? The whole world is asking these questions, but no one has definite answers. And that uncertainty can chip away at your mental health, causing you to find difficulty fulfilling your many roles in life. When you let too much of the outside in, you lose your inner peace, which could cause you to act negatively around the ones you love (whom you are most likely quarantined with right now).

You may also feel guilt in knowing that you have privileges others don’t. You might not feel that your issues are valid, especially as others seem to have it much worse. But trust us—they are. And you deserve to be cared for by you, so that you can better care for others.

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Sunday reminder 🌍 @np.illustrates

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You don’t have to force yourself to “think positive” or anything like that. All it takes is a few small, but good habits, to get your mental health on the right track.

  • Take regular breaks from the news. While it’s important to stay updated about the pandemic, spending excessive amounts of time reading the news can take a serious toll on your mental health. To get only the essential news, you can join the Telegram group PH Coronavirus Updates.
  • Use your free time mindfully. Have you ever wasted away a perfectly good Saturday just mindlessly scrolling through your phone? Try to stop and think about what you truly want to do with your day. It could be as simple as a shower! Living more mindfully will allow you to truly enjoy your weekends. No more “What?! It’s Sunday already?”
  • And speaking of mindfully, learn to meditate. Thousands of people have taken up meditation in quarantine to center themselves and find an oasis of peace in their mind. Don’t worry—you don’t have to touch your thumb to your index finger and hum “ommm” if that’s not your thing. Meditation, really, is just about being in the moment. A good place to start is the Headspace app, which has a great free version. Perfect for beginners.
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💖💖💖💖💖 YOUR ENERGY 💖💖💖💖💖 How is it only Wednesday? 💖 Anyone else or just me? 💖 This slapped me in the face this morning and I’m taking it as a sign 💖 So here’s to using energy on worthy things, always 🧡 BIG LOVE 🧡 [If you’re taking this as a sign also, they’re available as prints + postcards 💖 This design is like instant sunshine FYI] #ohverlee #ohverleegradient #ohverleehonest #ohverleerainbow #ohverleeselflove #ohverleewavy #ohverleeaugust #ohverleekind #bemoreohverlee #ohverleeintoselflove . . . . . #selfloveisthebestlove #feelingsquotes #lockdownlife #lockdownfeelings #lockingdownselflove #selfloveproject #selflovematters #selfcareisforeveryone #werebringingselfloveback #selflovequotes #kindnessalways #hellotokindness #bekindalways #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthquotes #believeinyourselfalways #bekindtoyourself #kindnesscounts #selfgrowthjourney •

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  • Be aware of what your body needs. Sometimes, we feel stressed because our body needs something without us realizing it. Maybe it’s been hours since we’ve had a glass of water. Or maybe our muscles feel tight, and it’s causing an unpleasant workday. Pause and pretend you’re a Sim (no, really). What “Need Bars” need addressing? Is it hunger? Comfort? Hygiene? Energy? Then, as you work on each need, imagine that bar slowly filling up.
  • Use this time to fall in love again with a hobby you’ve stopped doing. Work is work, and we all lose track of the things that used to bring us joy. Did you used to play the ukulele, just for fun? Maybe it’s time to pick the little guy up again. Have your plants succumbed to neglect? Look up an online store and be that plantita you used to be in 2017. Time to get back together with our ex...hobbies! Hobbies.
  • Reach out to your support system. This pandemic makes it feel like it’s every man for himself, but we need each other’s support now more than ever. Never feel weak for needing to cry on someone’s shoulder (albeit via FaceTime) or having to take a day off work just to regroup. It’s okay. Really, it is. Communicate with loved ones who will support you and help you figure out your next steps.
  • Show yourself you still care about yourself. Personally, a good skincare routine can help anyone feel saner. It’s the best way to signal that you love yourself. If you’ve run out of good skincare, The Belo Shop has plenty of options for every skin type.

And remember, there’s no rush towards feeling better. Take as many steps as you need to, and remember that your mental health journey is different from others’. Surround yourself with those who care, because that definitely helps, but the person who should be kindest to you right now is yourself. Only then will you have the capacity to help others get through these trying times. We’re rooting for you, always!

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The 2-Step Routine You Need to Try for Perfect Armpits https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-2-step-routine-you-need-to-try-for-perfect-armpits Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:28:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21078

Do you feel embarrassed about having dark underarms? It’s perfectly normal, and it’s not your fault. Pigmentation in the armpits can be caused by a number of reasons: shaving or plucking, excessive friction, buildup of dead skin, and more. Whatever the reason, dark underarms can stop you from feeling your best during swimsuit season...and that’s not ideal. Even though we’re all quarantined right now, we deserve to feel good in our skin (even if we’re just walking around in a tank top in our own home!). That’s why we’ve formulated the Belo Illuminating System: an easy two-step routine to lighten dark areas of the body, like your underarms, in no time!

Our perfect duo for at-home brightening skincare, the Belo Illuminating System is expertly curated to improve dark spots, uneven skin tones, and dull-looking skin all over the body. The best part? You can get it for only P3,900 at The Belo Shop

The Illuminating System contains one bar of Belo Illuminating Soap (135g). It’s a perfect blend of two powerful active skincare ingredients: Snail Mucin and Salicylic Acid. Snail mucin is an organic product that repairs skin damaged by free radicals. It hydrates and soothes the skin while reducing redness and inflammation. This works harmoniously with salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, revealing a smooth and healthy glow.

Secondly, the system contains one 250-gram jar of Belo Illuminating Cream. Containing powerful brightening agents like Alpha Arbutin and Liquorice, this product decreases the formation of melanin, which is responsible for skin darkening, in the body. Decreased melanin production equals brighter skin! Dr. Vicki Belo has been a fan of the Illuminating Cream since the beginning, and she makes it a regular part of her at-home beauty routine. 

Here’s how to do the routine.

1. Lather up with the Illuminating Soap.

Step into the shower (spa music totally optional, but highly encouraged). After you’ve wet your body, lather on the Illuminating Soap, applying an extra amount in areas where you want an even skin tone. Use gentle circular motions. Leave on for 2 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Continue with the rest of your regular bath routine.

2. Brighten up with the Illuminating Cream.

While skin is still damp post-shower, take a generous amount of the Belo Illuminating Cream and apply it to darkened areas like your armpits, inner thighs, and groin. 

And that’s it! You can do this routine up to two times a day daily. This combination treatment may cause drying of skin for some people. To prevent this, we recommend the use of a base oil to keep skin soft and smooth. You should see results in a few weeks, and they’ll get better if you keep up the routine for longer. 

Now, brightened skin is within your reach. No more hiding underneath oversized hoodies. Wear the tank tops and sleeveless shirts you deserve to wear! To jumpstart your journey to perfect pits, click here to buy the Belo Illuminating System.

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How Long Does It Take to Recover from Arm Liposuction? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-recover-from-arm-liposuction Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:31:53 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21096

When people think of liposuction, the first problem areas that come to mind are one’s stomach and thighs. But there’s one area where fat can gather and seriously impede your confidence. Your arms, especially your upper arms, might have some stubborn fat due to aging, slow metabolism, and other factors. So let’s say you’ve decided to take the plunge. You’ve done all you can in terms of diet and exercise, but it’s just not cutting it. Belo Arm Liposuction is now on your calendar! Exciting! But how long does the recovery take, exactly?

It’s best to hear it from people who have tried the procedure themselves (who better to ask, right?). Media practitioner Korina Sanchez tried the procedure in 2018, and here’s what she had to say about her recovery period: “You’ll be a little sore at the beginning, and it takes a while for it to subside. When you’re healing, don’t feel upset, because it’s going to look good. You really just have to heal for a while, and you’ll get the best results.”

Annabelle Lolong, the winner of our arm liposuction giveaway in 2018, also loved her results, but says it took about three to four months before the lumps on her arms subsided. “Manhid pa sa ibang parts ng braso ko, maga pa din at makirot minsan, pero worth the pain!” she shared in a September 2018 Instagram post. I’m so in love with my beautiful arms.” And as you can see in the photo above, her arms continued to improve, even two years later!

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After getting an arm liposuction, Doris, who’s in her early 40’s, says that she was definitely happier, adding “I went out to buy sleeveless clothes the day after my operation even if I was still wearing my binder.” 💪🏻 Swipe left to see her before and after up close 😉 ••• For more patients' testimonials and their stories about what it’s really like to get #BeloArmLiposuction, click the link in our bio! 💖
•••
⚡️Deal Alert⚡️ Belo's Great 888 Deal is back! When you avail any surgical procedure this 8th month of the year you get P8,000 worth of Belo Gift Certificate for selected non-surgical treatments and P8,000 worth of Belo Gift Certificate for Belo products. Terms and conditions apply. #armgoals #beforeandafter #liposuction #armsday #belotransformation #belo360liposuction

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Doris Jimenez, Belo Medical Group’s Communications Consultant, debunked a few arm lipo myths in a September 2018 interview. “It’s really not painful. At most, there is discomfort, like your muscles are just sore from exercising. You may also have bruises, but they eventually go away. The most difficult part will be the first 48 hours, because you have small incisions on certain areas of the body where the anesthesia leaks out. But after that, it’s easy-breezy! I was able to go to work the next day and start exercising again after a month.”

“I love my arms now!” she continued. “You’ll see the best results after three months or so. They’re perfectly shaped, and I don’t even have to exercise that hard anymore.”

Veronica “Vonic” Baluyut, our Corporate Affairs and Compliance Officer, finally took the plunge after feeling insecure about her arms. Her recovery went like this: “I went back to work a day after my surgery. My arms felt stiff and sore, and I also experienced some pain and swelling. But I was already expecting this, since my doctor explained this during my consultation. Everything was very tolerable. After the procedure, I had to take a round of meds and clean the incisions twice a day. I also had to wear a compression band.”

In the end, every single person we mentioned here has loved the results of their Belo Arm Liposuction. No regrets here! There will be some post-op care, and there will be some discomfort, but there will also be undeniable results. And we think that makes it all worth it!

Click here to book a virtual consultation for Belo Arm Liposuction to see if this procedure is right for you.

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How to Get a V-Shaped Chin Like Your Fave K-Drama Stars https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-get-a-v-shaped-chin-like-your-fave-k-drama-stars Wed, 12 Aug 2020 12:57:11 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21110

Were you a Korean drama fan prior to the quarantine period? If you were, congrats on the impeccable taste. But many who are newbies to the genre and discovered it while under lockdown are just now marveling at K-drama actors’ impossibly tiny faces. Not only are their faces small and sculpted, they also narrow at the bottom, creating a beautiful V-shape at the chin. Have you wondered whether that’s possible for you? The good news is, it totally is! And Belo has had these face-sculpting options for years, so you can trust that we know what we’re doing. From nonsurgical options to firming skincare products, you, too, can achieve that much-coveted V-shaped chin.

1. Draw attention to your chin by slimming down your jawline.

To achieve an overall “narrower” look, it’s necessary to sculpt the jawline so that your chin becomes the star of the show. If you’re struggling with a double chin, Thermage FLX will take care of that in 45 minutes. This RF treatment was actually our bestselling procedure during the 8.8 sale—it’s just that effective! As an added bonus, it’ll also give your brows and eyes a lift, and it'll reduce the sagging skin on your cheeks if you have it.

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Anne Curtis, Julia Barretto, Janine Gutierrez

2. Emphasize a V-shape by having your masseter muscles relaxed.

Your masseter muscle plays a major role in the chewing of food. That’s why people who are prone to grinding their teeth as a compulsion tend to look “wider” in the lower half of their face. By injecting Botox into the masseter muscles, your doctor can make them relax, and thus appear smaller. This will cause noticeable slimming right after the procedure. 

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Yeng Constantino, Martine Cajucom-Ho, Cole Hernandez

3. Improve overall facial contours using dissolvable threads.

Does the phrase “embedded protein threads” sound scary to you? Well, fear not, because this procedure merely involves the insertion of special threads into different points of the face. They will act as a sort of “scaffolding” to lift and tighten the skin where needed. (Our doctors can even use it to improve the bridge of your nose!) After about four to six months, the threads will safely dissolve on their own. This is a great solution for those who don’t want to go under the knife or endure the potential discomfort of an RF procedure. 

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Korina Sanchez, Camille Co, Grace Lee

4. Encourage stubborn facial fat to leave the face with an injectable procedure.

Have localized, stubborn fat on the face? You can mimic the effects of liposuction with V-Contour, an injectable procedure that dissolves fat in the targeted area and accelerates their natural release through the lymphatic system. This is really great for those who have a squarish jawline and want more of a V-shape (hence the name). This quick procedure only takes 15 minutes. You could literally do it over your lunch break!

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Liza Soberano, Georgina Wilson, Vice Ganda

5. Enlist the help of dermal fillers to enhance the chin area.

Sometimes, you could have a slim face, but the presence of a little double chin can make you look chubbier than you actually are. That’s where dermal chin fillers come in: by adding volume to the chin area, you can shape and define the chin...and dramatically improve the shape of your whole face!

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Sue Ramirez, Kim Domingo

There are many ways to achieve the V-shaped face you’ve always dreamed of, and we have various treatments that suit your budget, skin type, and beauty goals. To book your appointment, call 8819-BELO, or book a Belo Online Consultation (you can even schedule one with Dr. Belo herself here!).

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Korina Sanchez and Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-korina-sanchez-and-dr-vicki-belo Thu, 13 Aug 2020 12:11:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21130

Last night, Dra. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho caught up with Belo Thermage FLX and Belo Arm Liposuction endorser, Korina Sanchez, on Facebook Live. They definitely had a lot on their agenda, from learning how to care for your skin at home, to protecting yourself from online trolls. But by the end, a sweet surprise awaited a few of our lucky birthday giveaway participants! Missed the Live session? Here’s all you need to know.

1. Korina joined social media only four years ago.

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Yippeee, yahooo! Received my Silver Button from YouTube International for my swift target reach of 100,000 subscribers in my YouTube Channel Rated Korina. Palakpakaaaaan!👏👏👏👏👏👏 Actually got this since December last year but never had the time to open it! Our YT channel Rated Korina is now actually at more than 200,000 subscribers already and we are rearing to get to 500,000 and then a million! 💪👍 It is a triple celebration on our next episode of Rated Korina. I reached 2 Million followers on my Facebook Page Korina Sanchez Roxas and reached 1Million followers on my Instagram @korina💃🏻🥰💐💥🔥🍾🥂🍻🎉🥳 I share these milestones with you, guys! Click on the link in my bio to get to my Rated Korina episode on my social media milestones which I could have not done without YOUUUUUUUUU! Thanks for being with me on. Your journey towards my #BestLife💚 #Grateful

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“I was one of the latecomers in social media, because I’m very private,” Korina shared. She hopped on the social media bandwagon four years ago, around the time her husband Mar Roxas ran for the presidency. She had been taking classes at the Ateneo de Manila University as a graduate student (where, according to her, she was the oldest in her class) in 2016. There, she would protest against all forms of new technology, saying that news media would continue to stick to TV and newspapers. “And everybody said, ‘Korina, you’re being left behind by civilization!’ So true enough, I embraced it. Finally, I got into it.”

She was, however, very particular about the kind of content she would put out on social media. “I think we have to decide what we want to put out there, knowing that what we put out there is forever,” she explained. “It’s such a powerful tool that you cannot be irresponsible...I told myself, ‘My hashtag is going to be #BestLife.’ Because at my age...well, you know, whatever time I have left on this Earth, I’m gonna put out only the good stuff.” 

2. Korina has a dedicated digital team who mutes and blocks people who leave negative comments on her Instagram account.

Korina earned the moniker #ClapbackQueen in early May, when it was announced that Korina’s home network, ABS-CBN, would no longer receive a franchise renewal. She expressed her sadness and frustration about this on Instagram, and when the mean comments started rolling in, Korina surprised us all with her hilariously savage comments. (Her funniest one, by far, would have to be in response to IG user romelaigne, to whom Korina replied: “Please leave. Bruha ka.”) 

She responded to quite a few of these comments back then, but now, she’s asked her digital team to simply delete the negative comments instead. “My digital team, they are mandated to just delete, ignore, erase, block. I decided to make patol the trolls when they were attacking ABS-CBN. I’m not saying ABS-CBN is perfect. I know that for a fact. I’ve been with them since day one...but itong kompanya na ito ang gumawa ng paraan para magkaroon ng Korina Sanchez. And I just feel, for gratitude, as a family member, to defend them. But more than to defend ABS, I want to defend myself.” 

3. A lesser-known treatment that both Korina and Dr. Belo love? Belo Vita!

While not as popular as Thermage FLX or Ulthera Prime, you really shouldn’t sleep on Belo Vita! It’s an anti-aging treatment that infuses hyaluronic acid, glutathione, and other rejuvenating ingredients into the skin. Korina and Dr. Belo both love it! “I love Belo Vita because I just feel that its vitamin and hyaluronic acid infusion [is] deeper into the skin. So, alam ni Vicki ‘to, I put it on my kilikili, so my kilikili is smoother. I also put it on my knees,” Korina shared. She loves how she looks after the procedure! “After Belo Vita, give it three days, mukha akong diwata. Para talaga akong aparisyon! Ayan! Gustong-gusto ko ang Belo Vita na ‘yan.”

4. Korina struggles with some hair loss...so she turned to Belo HairTech MD.

If you follow Korina on IG, you’ll know that her favorite hairstyle is a tight ponytail. “I’m always looking at you. You love to wear your hair so back, and you tie it too tight,” Dr. Belo observed. “So you call this traction alopecia. When you pull back your hair and it’s tight, the hair gets broken in front. So that’s why people who have to have ponytails, you have to massage it paharap. Para hindi siya masyadong nababanat,” advised Dr. Belo.

So during quarantine, Korina started her Belo HairTech MD program. It’s a holistic three-month program designed to bring back hair volume and thickness, reduce hair fall, and fill up bald or thinning spots. “I’ve done it only twice. I know that I have to do it six times. But each week that I go there, hindi na ako nagfa-falling hair!” Korina gushed. “This is really an unspoken problem of so many women. Now, there is hope!”

You can begin your HairTech MD program at home by purchasing your hair rejuvenation kit here at the Belo Shop!

5. At the end of it all, our 8.8 Birthday Giveaway winners were announced!

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🎉 BIG GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉 We couldn’t let our 30th birthday go by without a treat! We’re giving away ANY treatment of choice for THREE lucky winners and two of their friends (total 9 winners), totally free! MECHANICS ⬇️ 1. FOLLOW @belobeauty. 2. TAG two (2) friends whom you want to experience your Belo pamper day with, and specify your chosen treatment in a HASHTAG. (EXAMPLE: “#BeloSkinReboot for me, [@Friend 1], and [@Friend 2]!” You may only choose ONE treatment for all three of you. 3. MAKE SURE that the friends you tagged are FOLLOWING @belobeauty, too! (We’ll check!) 4. You may post AS MANY COMMENTS AS YOU WANT and tag 2 different people each time! The more, the merrier! 5. Winner will be drawn via raffle and announced on Dr. @victoria_belo’s FB Live sesh with @korina on August 12 (8PM). 🎂 Good luck, and tag away! 🎂 #Belo88

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We promised last 8.8 that our nine Birthday Giveaway winners would be announced on this Facebook Live session. True enough, by the tail end of the program, nine (9) winners were drawn via electronic raffle! Visit our blog and look for our post with the list of winners to find out who they were. Congratulations to our lucky followers and their friends! To everyone else, don’t lose hope. Our next giveaway is coming much sooner than you think!

To see the full FB Live video, click here:

https://www.facebook.com/Belo.Medical/videos/675365959725859

Want to see our other FB Live sessions? Head to our YouTube channel. And follow us on Instagram for updates on our next FB Live sesh. Have a Belo Beautiful week ahead!

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FULL LIST OF WINNERS: Belo's 8.8 Birthday Giveaway! https://www.belomed.com/blog/full-list-of-winners-belos-8-8-birthday-giveaway Thu, 13 Aug 2020 04:21:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21164

As you know, we announced a big Birthday Giveaway last 8.8 (August 8, 2020) as a thank you to our followers who have supported us from day one. We asked you guys to name your dream Belo treatment, plus tag two friends whom you’d want to share your Belo pamper day with. In total, we received over 12,000 comments on our Instagram giveaway post! So before we announce the winners, we’d like to thank everyone who joined our giveaway, and for the overwhelming amount of love and support you’ve given us.

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🎉 BIG GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉 We couldn’t let our 30th birthday go by without a treat! We’re giving away ANY treatment of choice for THREE lucky winners and two of their friends (total 9 winners), totally free! MECHANICS ⬇️ 1. FOLLOW @belobeauty. 2. TAG two (2) friends whom you want to experience your Belo pamper day with, and specify your chosen treatment in a HASHTAG. (EXAMPLE: “#BeloSkinReboot for me, [@Friend 1], and [@Friend 2]!” You may only choose ONE treatment for all three of you. 3. MAKE SURE that the friends you tagged are FOLLOWING @belobeauty, too! (We’ll check!) 4. You may post AS MANY COMMENTS AS YOU WANT and tag 2 different people each time! The more, the merrier! 5. Winner will be drawn via raffle and announced on Dr. @victoria_belo’s FB Live sesh with @korina on August 12 (8PM). 🎂 Good luck, and tag away! 🎂 #Belo88

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During last night’s Facebook Live session with Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Hayden Kho, and Korina Sanchez, a total of 9 WINNERS were drawn via electronic raffle. Here’s the complete list in case you missed out:

  • ONE (1) session EACH of Belo ADVAClear 
    • Main winner: (No profile name) @blessedmilovelemon
    • Friend 1: Wella @tashasmom18
    • Friend 2: Alexander Casalme @xandreimax
  • ONE (1) session EACH of Belo Vita
    • Main winner: Apple Valenzuela @apolvalenzuela
    • Friend 1: Honeylett Valenzuela @honeylettvalenzuela
    • Friend 2: Mariel Valenzuela @val_yel
  • ONE (1) session EACH of Belo Glass Skin Facial
    • Main winner: Leigh @sltsugpatan
    • Friend 1: Aleiah Manalo @aleiahmanalo
    • Friend 2: Marla Tabelina @marlatabelina

Congratulations to our lucky winners! Please wait for us to send you a direct message on Instagram! We’ll be sending you an official certificate so you can redeem your prize at the Belo clinic of your choice (Please note that Belo ADVAClear is currently only available at our BGC flagship clinic, so our winners will have to visit us there to claim their free treatment).

Everyone, stay tuned for our next giveaway! It’ll be coming sooner than you think (wink, wink). Have a great week ahead!

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Say Bye-Bye to Unwanted Cheek Fat with These 3 Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/say-bye-bye-to-unwanted-cheek-fat-with-these-3-treatments Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:16:02 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21169

Some people have this very unique struggle: no matter how hard they work out and lose fat on their body, they can’t seem to lose it on their face. Alden Richards, our Ulthera Prime for Men endorser, opened up about this during a July 2019 interview: “My dad, brothers, and sisters have it. Regardless of how thin we get, we still get what we call ‘maga face.’ Meron kami lahat noon.” We know how frustrating it must be to work hard to drop the pounds, yet see no changes in one of the areas where it truly matters: your face. But unwanted cheek fat has a solution. Let us count the ways.

1. Your Nonsurgical Solution: Belo Thermage FLX

Our best selling treatment during the 8.8 sale? Belo Thermage FLX, by an absolute landslide. Our patients love its immediate skin-tightening effects, which you’ll notice even only halfway into the procedure. This non-invasive treatment uses patented radiofrequency to tighten skin and give you a more sculpted, contoured face shape. Goodbye, chubby cheeks (and double chin)!

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Jennylyn Mercado, Marian Rivera, Anne Curtis Smith-Heussaff

  1. Your Nutrient-Rich Alternative: Enerjet Kinetic Facelift

This treatment, no joke, mimics the effects of an actual facelift without your doctor needing to reach for a scalpel. A special firming and rejuvenating solution containing hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin. This tightens, lifts, and rejuvenates the skin immediately: you can contour the jawline, lift your cheeks and brows, and reduce facial jowling. You’ll look less round...and definitely more chiseled.

WHO ELSE HAS TRIED IT: Kim Chiu, Amy Perez-Castillo, Camille Co

  1. Your Under-The-Knife Option: Buccal Fat Removal

Also known as “cheek reduction surgery,” Buccal Fat Removal involves the removal of fat pads underneath the cheeks for a more contoured appearance. You will be under light sleep sedation, and post-surgery, expect to feel some soreness and tenderness in the area. After about two weeks, the swelling should subside, and you’ll be able to appreciate the results!

Want to consider other alternatives? Belo has several other ways to help you get rid of that unwanted cheek fat, so you can finally have the ~*standout cheekbones~* you’ve always wanted. To start mapping out your beauty plan, book an online consultation with us here, or call 8819-BELO.

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7 Ways to Look Cute While Wearing a Face Mask https://www.belomed.com/blog/7-ways-to-look-cute-while-wearing-a-face-mask Sun, 16 Aug 2020 08:05:48 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21206

Let’s face it—the face mask is now an integral part of our 2020 OOTD (and, according to government regulations, so will the face shield). Sigh...don’t you miss the days when ‘face mask’ meant a 10:00 PM hyaluronic acid mask after a long work week? Us, too. But the key to getting through difficult times is acceptance. We might be literally living through something historic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try and cheer ourselves up by looking cute. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a boost of confidence right now. So we’ve rounded up 7 ways that you can look cute while wearing that little piece of life-saving fabric:

1. Build a collection of cute and reusable cloth masks.

Soooo the fashion industry’s pretty much kept up with the overwhelming demand for cuter, more Instagram-friendly masks. From small online shops to designer fare, nearly everyone who sells clothing is selling their own version of a reusable cloth mask. Take your pick, make sure it has an insert for medical-grade filters (very important!) and add to cart!

2. Match your mask with your outfit.

Again, in keeping with new demands, brands have now created matching cloth masks for their existing pieces, so you can rock terno chic without looking tacky. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fun new patterns—we could all use a touch of bright these days.

3. Pair your mask with a fun face shield.

Starting tomorrow (August 15, 2020), face shields will now be mandatory for employees reporting to work. But they don’t have to look sad and hazmat-like. There are a wide variety of face shields out there (some even have cartoon characters printed on them, if that’s your thing). Some even come with UV protection, so we definitely recommend those!

4. Some sunglasses wouldn’t hurt either!

If your face shield’s got room for them, you could also wear a cute pair of sunglasses underneath to complete the look and add extra droplet and UV protection. 

5. Make up for half your face not being visible with eye makeup.

It’s great to no longer need to wear foundation, right? But if you want to perk yourself up, go crazy with the eye makeup to make those peepers pop even more. They’ll definitely be the center of attention now that they’re the only things other people can see. 

6. Get dressy.

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safety first ✌🏻

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Running a quick errand? Nix the usual big T-shirt and denim shorts combo and put on a casual but pretty dress. Chances are you haven’t put on a dress in a while, and we bet it’ll uplift your mood and make you feel like things are normal again, if only for a few hours. Don’t knock it ‘til ya try it.

7. Stay protected in style.

If you prefer the industrial look (and want full-body protection), pair your mask and face shield with the all-new Belo Genius Gear, now available for purchase at The Belo Shop. Made with diamond ripstop, this material is water-repellent, lightweight, and washable! Available in hot pink for women and army green for men. 

Even during a pandemic, you can still express your personal style while keeping yourself protected from the virus. Of course, the best way to keep safe is still to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to leave. But during the times you do have to leave, there’s no harm in going out in style. Stay safe!

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This P3800 Kit Will Give You Perfect Underarms https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-p3800-kit-will-give-you-perfect-underarms Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:33:05 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21218

Okay, so we might all be quarantined at home, but dark underarms can seriously undermine your confidence and prevent you from wearing the tank tops and sleeveless blouses you love. (And who doesn’t want to look cute in an arms-up selfie for IG, like Ivana Alawi? Well, Dr. Vicki Belo and the Belo team have curated the perfect affordable solution: the Belo Armpit Perfecting Kit, which you can get at The Belo Shop right now!

Dark underarms are most often caused by irritation, either from shaving or using a deodorant that is harsh on your particular skin type. Shaving, rubbing, and scratching can all irritate your delicate underarm skin, and that reaction can lead to an increase in melanin production causing hyperpigmentation. This easy-to-use two-step kit contains two beloved items from the Belo arsenal: 

  • a 10-gram tube of Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor Cream, which contains Arbutin, Kojic Acid, and Vitamin C—three of the most powerful brightening agents in skincare. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin (a.k.a. pigment). By inhibiting it, you can brighten the skin and dramatically reduce pigmentation.
  • A 250-gram jar of Belo Illuminating Cream, which contains Alpha Arbutin and Liquorice to help even out skin tone. This is one of Dr. Belo’s holy grails, and it’s a part of her daily skin care routine.

All you have to do is apply the Tyrosinase Inhibitor on the area after bathing and applying your antiperspirant. Wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed, then you can go in with your Illuminating Cream. Repeat this twice daily, and you’ll see results in a few weeks! Continue this routine for as long as you want to get brighter and brighter underarms. And all for P3800, so you won’t need laser whitening sessions anymore? We consider that a steal!

Get the Belo Armpit Perfecting Kit before it sells out by clicking here! And don’t forget to tag us when you finally get to take a photo that looks like this:

Enjoy your newly-perfect kilikili, Belo Beauties!

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4 Reasons You Should Consider Mesotherapy https://www.belomed.com/blog/4-reasons-you-should-consider-mesotherapy Wed, 19 Aug 2020 11:34:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21231

So, “mesotherapy.” Not a word you hear every day. Intimidating, even for some seasoned skincare buffs. But Belo has a multitude of mesotherapy treatments that can do wonders for your skin complexion, texture, and overall health. Mesotherapy, to put it simply, is a non-invasive procedure that involves microinjections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to the middle layer of the skin. That layer is called the mesoderm, hence the name! Different types of mesotherapy can be used to target different areas of the body. It’s able to deliver better results than a simple topical application, since the ingredients are injected directly into the target area. So in what ways can mesotherapy give you a beauty boost?

1. Tightens a tired-looking eye area

Needles to the eye area? We promise it’s not as scary as it sounds. MesoEyes is targeted to strategic areas around the eye to smoothen and tighten the skin, plus reduce eyebags and dark circles. A newer procedure, BioNutriGlow, infuses the famous ingredient New Cellular Treatment Factor to the eye area to give it a natural lift and a youthful glow.

2. Brightens and rejuvenates the skin

Another type of mesotherapy is called MesoIlluminate. And it does exactly what its name suggests: brighten you up! Microinjections of medications, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are able to correct underlying skin issues. This treatment will gradually improve your skin tone and appearance!

3. Banishes dark spots and pigmentation

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Hi. It’s been a minute. 🤱🏻👶🏻💖

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Have you struggled with brown acne scars, sun spots, or any sort of unwanted pigmentation? MesoWhite is designed for ultra-safe, but extra-intensive whitening. It’s conducted via the nappage technique, developed by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor in the 1950s—injections are spaced between 2mm and 4mm apart. The injected medications will break down pigment to allow dark areas to lighten.

4. Solve a receding hairline and stop hair from thinning

What would you say if we told you you could get your thick head of hair back with a simple series of painless procedures? That’s MesoHair for you. A hair rejuvenation medicine is injected into the scalp to create tiny ports for the medicine to be absorbed. The catch? You need to come every week and do about 10 sessions to see results. After 2-4 months, your diligence shall bear fruit, er, hair follicles! And it’s not just for men—Rhian Ramos came to our Greenbelt branch regularly to get her MesoHair sessions in.

Needless to say, needles aren’t so bad after all. To find out if mesotherapy is right for you, start with a consultation: either online via The Belo Shop or in-person via 8819-BELO.

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How to Give Yourself a Belo-Quality Facial at Home https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-give-yourself-a-belo-quality-facial-at-home Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:25:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21257

If you follow our Instagram account (it’s @belobeauty if you aren’t, BTW!), you might have noticed that every Monday, we post a Tip of the Week on our Instagram Stories to start the week right. Because the pandemic is showing no signs of ending anytime soon, we wanted to give you ways to enjoy a classic Belo Experience without ever having to leave home. That’s why we came up with the Belo-It Yourself Kits: easy-to-use starter packs for every skin concern, which you can buy at The Belo Shop and use at home. We know that many of you miss getting your regular facials, but are anxious to step foot outside of your homes. So we’re bringing the facial to you, thanks to our Belo Hydrating Facial Kit!

Hydration is a misunderstood process. Some slather on thick layers of moisturizer to compensate for the dryness they feel. But Dr. Vicki Belo doesn’t believe in using outside layers to moisturize; she recommends that you hydrate the skin from the inside out. Dehydrated skin lacks water, not sebum or oil. That’s why even oily skin can get dehydrated! The key is to use ingredients that naturally retain water, for real hydration—not the kind you have to scoop up from a jar.

The Belo Hydrating Facial Kit includes just three uncomplicated steps. Here’s how to work with them:

  1. Wash your face in gentle, upward circular motions with the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser. This cleanser will target surface oil and cleanse the skin without leaving it feeling dry. We’re looking for hydration here, not oiliness, so this is a crucial first step!
  2. Then you’ll go in with your ZO® Oil Control Pads. This is the number one bestselling product in our shop for a reason! It’s a master at removing oil, normalizing pore size, helping smooth the skin surface, and reducing irritation. Take one pad and dab gently on the face, taking care to avoid the eye area.
  3. Steps 1 and 2 are your AM Routine. Your PM routine will include this third step: the FillMed Hyaluronic Youth Mask. This is by no means your ordinary sheet mask. Hyaluronic acid, in particular, is known for its capacity to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water within the cells, making it an excellent moisturizer. Together with collagen and aloe vera, this mask nourishes, soothes and restores dry and irritated skin. It visibly reduces the appearance of dehydration, erases wrinkles, and plumps the skin.

Steps 1 and 2 are mainly to prep your skin for maximum absorption of the nutrients in the Hyaluronic Acid Mask. That’s it! A simple 2-3 step routine that will give you the well-hydrated glass skin you’ve always wanted.

To try your at-home Belo Hydrating Facial now, get the Belo Hydrating Facial Kit here at The Belo Shop.

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The Belo Shop Product for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-belo-shop-product-for-you-based-on-your-zodiac-sign Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:20:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=19757

Your first foray through the Belo Shop can be pretty overwhelming—after all, there are lots of skincare options to choose from. Choosing the right products for you can prove to be a daunting task. Well, look no further than the stars!

Your zodiac sign says a lot about your personality and preferences. While most people think that they only have one zodiac sign, each person actually has their own distinct birth chart. (You can discover your birth chart using the Co-Star app.) Your sun sign is the sign you’re probably familiar with, based on your birthday. It determines your ego and identity. But you also have a moon sign (representing your innermost self, and which rules your emotions), an ascendant or rising sign (which is a ‘mask’ that you present to people)...and more. This birth chart gives you a more comprehensive picture of your personality. If your sun sign horoscope doesn’t feel quite accurate, you may want to look at your moon or ascendant horoscope.

With that in mind, it’s time to dive into the Belo Shop products that are perfect for you, solely based on the characteristics of your zodiac sign. (Hint, hint: this just might come in handy during our upcoming 9.9 sale!)

(DISCLAIMER: We advise you to consult with our doctors first to see if the product/s mentioned are right for your skin condition. Luckily, Belo Live Consultations have made it possible to reach your fave MD via email or video call. You can even book a session with Dr. Vicki Belo herself — click here to make it happen!)

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

It’s no surprise that you’re on top—after all, you’re known for being bold, brave, and ambitious. For you, there’s no other way into a challenge but to dive headfirst. That’s why Dr. Belo's favorite Belo Illuminating Cream is right for you. (Seriously, she swears by it here and here.) With its blemish-fading properties, you’re guaranteed to be the standout in every room you walk into.

Fellow Aries: Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

This earth sign enjoys being soothed. You value relaxation, quiet and nurturing relationships, and is the most sensual sign in the zodiac. You’ll love the stability the ZO® Daily Power Defense gives you: it’s reliable for maintaining overall skin health, assuring you that everything will be alright.

Fellow Tauruses: Daniel Padilla, Maine Mendoza

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Named after the celestial twins, Geminis are playful and naturally inquisitive—and not to mention, they are social butterflies, adept at handling change. Just like you, the broad-spectrum ZO® Sunscreen + Primer has innate duality. And it’s your perfect partner for conquering busy days efficiently and effortlessly.

Fellow Gemini: Morissette Amon, Martine Ho

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancers are intuitive and protective, which means their sense of self-awareness is high. They’re also experts at caring for others and themselves. The Fillmed B3 Recovery Cream embodies self-care: its soothing properties and Vitamin B3 work to relieve discomfort and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

Fellow Cancers: Sue Ramirez, John Arcilla

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

There’s a reason you guys are named after the king of the jungle. Leos are passionate and a little bit theatrical, making them the perfect leaders. And boy, do they love to pamper themselves. The ZO® Brightalive Skin Brightener inhibits melanin production and restores moisture, so you can shine brighter than ever.

Fellow Leos: Sarah Geronimo, Iza Calzado

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Count on no one but a Virgo to get the job done. Their logical and systematic nature allows them to put out quality work and bring out the best in themselves. Perfectionists, you could call yourselves! Meet your match in the ZO® Wrinkle + Texture Repair, a high-potency retinol that refines texture and reduces wrinkles. Flawless, here you come.

Fellow Virgos: Amy Perez-Castillo, Ogie Alcasid

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Represented by the scales, Libras value harmony and balance. You are often pragmatic (sometimes indecisive) in dealing with conflict, and your chill nature naturally attracts everyone to you. And you like the best of everything, so here it is: The ZO® Exfoliating Polish gently exfoliates while promoting natural cell renewal and providing antioxidant protection.

Fellow Libras: Rhian Ramos, Janine Gutierrez

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Arguably the most misunderstood sign in the zodiac, Scorpios are unafraid to go after what they want. They can be very romantically passionate, but what draws people to them is their alluring, enigmatic nature. The ZO® Exfoliation Accelerator knows what it wants, too, and wants to get there fast—it sloughs off dead skin cells, soothes damaged skin, and makes it easier for your other skincare products to penetrate. 

Fellow Scorpios: Leila Alcasid, Jane de Leon

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Let’s put it this way: Sagittarians are always on a quest for knowledge. Whether it’s exploring new hobbies or traveling the world, their natural wanderlust inspires them to look further and dive deeper. The ZO® Hydrating Cleanser sets the stage for effective skin treatment, allowing those suffering from frequent dryness and irritation to finally unearth their healthy skin underneath. 

Fellow Sags: Gabbi Garcia, Derek Ramsay

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Caps forever have their eyes on the prize, thanks to their ability to take initiative and set clear goals. Their tunnel vision makes them a natural at achieving their goals. For this sign, work is the law of life...but they can play just as well. Channel your can-do spirit with the Fillmed Perfecting Solution, which uses a gentle gluconolactone acid to slowly but surely reduce irregularities and leave the skin fresh and clear.

Fellow Capricorns: Alex Gonzaga, Alden Richards

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Aquarians are rebels, big thinkers, and anything but traditional. Their ideas often intimidate others, but nobody else looks at the big picture quite like they do, making them perfect for roles that require leadership, innovation, and a little (OK, a lot) of risk-taking. The ZO® Oil Control Pads are just like you. This multitasker reduces oil, prevents the production of acne, and even reduces redness. Mission accomplished.

Fellow Aquarians: Dr. Vicki Belo, Anne Curtis

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

You are known to be one of the most empathetic, emotional, and compassionate zodiac signs. When you feel, you feel, and your wild imagination makes you the ideal candidate for careers in the arts. Your soulmate is none other than the ZO® Gentle Cleanser, which is considerate to sensitive skin without compromising on hydration. 

Fellow Pisceans: Isabelle Daza, Julia Barretto

We hope you found your perfect match. Again, we encourage you to speak with one of our doctors before using these products! But in the meantime, here’s a little prediction: you’re about to discover your best skin ever.

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Why Doesn't Dr. Belo Approve of Using Moisturizer? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-doesnt-dr-belo-approve-of-using-moisturizer Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:19:51 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21276

Dr. Belo doesn’t believe in moisturizer. A beginner’s skincare mantra might be “cleanse, tone, and moisturize,” but she’d advise that you nix the third step altogether. This has sparked a debate amongst skincare enthusiasts and casual fans alike—after all, how can we not use moisturizer? How do we hydrate, then? Water?!

But, as she’s explained in countless TV guestings, YouTube collabs, and magazine articles, if you live in the Philippines where it’s warm and humid, moisturizer is a no-no. Here’s why.

“I’m anti-moisturizer, because I totally believe that moisturization should come from inside your skin,” she explained to Ivana Alawi during a consultation last March 13.  See, moisturizers, in essence, are created to make the outermost layer of your skin feel softer. This layer is called the stratum corneum. It’s a series of layers of specialized skin cells that continuously shed. Funnily enough, it’s referred to as a “horny layer” (don’t laugh!) because the cells feel tougher, almost like an animal’s horn.

The stratum corneum is already designed to shed on its own. For children or babies, the skin sheds every 21 days, and that’s why they always look so perfect. But as we get older, cell turnover rates take longer, causing us to look dull and dry at times. “When you put moisturizer on your face, you’re telling your fibroblasts—the skin cells that make hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin—’Ay, I have so much already on the surface of my skin. Matulog muna kayo. ‘Wag muna kayong gumawa, because marami na ako.’ Pero fake ‘yun. Hindi sa’yo ‘yun, eh. It comes from a bottle,” Dr. Belo continued. 

In essence, you’re tricking your skin into thinking it’s already moisturized, thus impeding your skin’s natural ability to regenerate cells and moisturize itself. Moisturizers might seem to ‘fix’ the problem, but once you stop using them, your skin will only return to the state it was before. You don’t want your skin to be “dependent” on hydration that comes from a bottle. Instead, you want to use products that will encourage your skin to create its own natural collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. The key is to exfoliate, not moisturize. The key is to reveal the baby-soft skin you already have underneath, instead of piling on a faux layer of moisture that won’t really fix the problem.

So what does Dr. Belo suggest instead? 

AM Routine: Cleanse, exfoliate, apply a Vitamin C serum, and finish with sunscreen.

PM Routine: Cleanse, tone, then apply a Vitamin A (retinol) serum.

Exfoliate your skin without drying it out with the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser. For the next step, Dr. Belo personally loves the ZO® 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum. Vitamin C is an exfoliant that safely and gently removes old skin cells. That means it’ll also help remove surface discoloration and pigmentation. Then, you can go in with any sunscreen of your choice (we do recommend the ZO® Sunscreen + Primer, though!). 

For your night routine, replace the Vitamin C serum with ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener 1% Retinol, an ultra-powerful retinol serum that will even out your skin tone and restore the hydration your skin needs. How does it help with hydration? Well, retinol helps increase collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin, and helps preserve the collagen and elastin that’s already there. This serum also contains glycerin, which replenishes hydration to restore the moisture balance in your skin barrier. 

Once in a while, treat yourself to the FillMed Hyaluronic Youth Mask, which contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, and aloe vera. Hyaluronic acid is known to attract 1000 times its weight in water, so it’ll give your skin the hydration it’s craving.

Remember, exfoliation is the key, not moisturization. By improving your skin health and using products that push your body to create collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, you’ll get the smooth and supple skin you’ve always wanted. But don’t throw away your moisturizers! Dr. Belo advises that you save them for when you’re abroad, where climates may be cooler and you’ll actually need them. Now, go forth and exfoliate!

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What to Do If Your Hair Is Falling Out Due to Stress https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-hair-is-falling-out-due-to-stress Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:01:24 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21289

The idea of staying home for months on end used to be incredibly appealing. At least, to those of us who had to head out for work and brave traffic every day. But now, staying home while under quarantine comes with its own set of stresses. From uncertainties about community quarantine guidelines, to financial woes, to social unrest and the discussions that come with it, we’re all dealing with a lot right now. And this can manifest in hair loss or increased hair fall. Sounds superficial, but having your hair fall out when life’s already hard enough can be frustrating and annoying. So what can you do?

Lexi Mendiola, a lifestyle influencer and model, hasn’t been exempt from quarantine-related hair fall. “I have actually been suffering from extreme hair fall for a little bit over two months, and I’ve gotten worried about it already,” Lexi shared on Instagram Stories last August 11. “I got off a phone consultation with Doc Hayden, just to assess what the reason might be. He thinks it’s because of stress, and given the situation, I’m sure a lot of you can relate. If you’re going through the same thing, I wanted to share with you the recommendation.” 

Dr. Hayden Kho recommended that she start drinking the Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Melon Smoothie every day. Infused with high-absorption collagen, this advanced anti-aging formula helps decrease fine lines and wrinkles and aids in restoring skin elasticity and suppleness. It comes in a delicious melon flavor that’s perfect to be made into a milkshake. And one box gives you ten 16-gram sachets, so the value for money can’t be beat! 

According to Doc Hayden, this smoothie is the reason Dr. Vicki Belo’s hair is so thick. That’s right—collagen isn’t just for skin. It also strengthens brittle nails and helps hair grow longer and thicker! Bye-bye, hair fall. No more clogging that shower drain!

Get the Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Melon Smoothie here

Is your hair fall a little more severe? Do you have visible bald spots or thinning hair that doesn’t go unnoticed? Then you need a more professional and long-term solution. Enter Belo HairTech MD. This three-month program is for patients who want to prevent hair loss or thicken their hair. More importantly, it’s for those with very obvious bald or thinning spots that need a serious remedy. The program includes CYJ Hair Filler sessions, a Theradome laser helmet (that’s guaranteed to make you feel like a cool character from Tron), and a bottle each of Pelo Baum Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum.  

“I started this program with Belo for prevention of hair loss and to make my hair stronger,” explained Matteo Guidicelli in an IGTV video last April 24. “I put [the Theradome helmet] on my head for 20 minutes. Belo also gives you a shampoo, conditioner, and serum. It basically strengthens your hair follicles. It makes it thicker, healthier, and grow better. I’m very, very thankful. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I can really see the results.”

The before-and-after pictures don’t lie: visible, amazing results can be seen. Get your HairTech MD (with Theradome) at the Belo Shop here.

As you can see, Belo isn’t just about skin. We know that beauty is holistic, so we’ve created solutions for those who want their crowning glory to stand out, too. Remember to take it easy this quarantine to reduce stress and the ensuing hair fall. But know that, should things take a turn for the worrisome, we have multiple solutions at your fingertips.

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5 Face-Slimming Treatments To Get Rid of a Puffy Face https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-face-slimming-treatments-to-get-rid-of-a-puffy-face Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21299

Having large, puffy cheeks can be super cute...if you’re three years old. But maybe you’re in your mid-twenties or early 30s now, and you’re looking to get a more chiseled, sculpted appearance. Belo is the master at skin tightening and rejuvenation, so of course we’ve got solutions for you. If we’re being honest, our title’s actually pretty misleading, because we have more than just five solutions in our arsenal to reduce cheek puffiness. But here are our top five recommendations for your consideration...

1. The One Everyone Knows and Loves: Thermage FLX

From Anne Curtis to Alden Richards to Julia Barretto to Mayor Isko Moreno, a vast majority of our Belo Babies have sworn by this amazing skin-tightening treatment. That’s because its results are unbelievably immediate and hard to beat. It was our top-selling treatment at the 8.8 sale, and it continues to be one of our most requested services. Thermage FLX uses patented radiofrequency to tighten the skin and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. And months after stepping off the treatment bed, you’ll continue to see results. As they say, banat na banat!

2. The Promising New Kid on the Block: Skin Genius

Skin Genius might not be the prom queen quite yet, but she’s definitely one to watch: it boldly juxtaposes the precision of microneedling and the efficiency of RF to create a skin-tightening and skin texture-improving experience like nothing else. Isabelle Daza, Iza Calzado, Morissette, and more have had their jaws drop to the floor because of the amazing results. It even caused David Guison to stop using oil control film entirely, because he no longer needed them! So if you’re looking for more than just skin tightening—if you’re looking for something more holistic—then Skin Genius is the one.

3. The Gentle Giant: Skin Reboot

We’re not gonna lie—both Thermage and Skin Genius can come with a degree of discomfort or pain. But a pain-free RF experience is possible with Belo Skin Reboot. In this case, RF tech is combined with microcurrent to help absorb a vitamin- and stem cell-rich cream into the skin. This thick cream is then gently rubbed into the skin using relaxing circular motions. Lovers of the procedure include Maymay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Piolo Pascual...the list goes on. Several of our Belo Babies have fallen asleep during this procedure. It’s just that relaxing! You will, however, need four sessions spaced out weekly for a month to get the best results. 

4. The Surgical Dupe: Enerjet Kinetic Facelift

A facelift is a serious and expensive procedure. If you’re not quite ready for that kind of commitment (sounds like some of our exes, TBH), then the Enerjet Kinetic Facelift is your match. A special firming and rejuvenating solution (containing hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients) is injected into key areas of your face. It’s able to simulate the effects of a real facelift, without having to put you under! Amy Castillo and Dyan Castillejo are Enerjet fans. BTW, this doesn’t just de-puff the cheeks—it’s great for your jawline as well.

5. The No-Fail Solution: Ulthera Prime

Often compared to Thermage FLX, Ulthera Prime is amazing in its own right. After all, its special MFU-V technology is able to contract collagen and elastin by about 30%! Its ultrasound applicator delivers waves of energy that instantly tightens and lifts the skin. Alice Dixson, Alden Richards, and Camille Co have all been blown away by this treatment, and we know you will be, too.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing way to de-puff or a one-time big-time solution, there’s always something for you! Head to our Instagram feed @belobeauty to see more of our treatments in action...and their stunning results.

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Which Type of Sunblock Is Right for You? https://www.belomed.com/blog/which-type-of-sunblock-is-right-for-you Sun, 23 Aug 2020 13:18:18 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21314

If the Baz Luhrmann song hasn’t taught you yet, sunscreen is important. Not only does it protect you from harmful UV rays that cause sun damage (which could lead to cancer), keratosis, and liver spots⁠—it also protects you from pigmentation (sun spots) and darkened or leathery skin. When you’re younger, you tend to feel invincible from things like sun damage. But trust us, when you reach your 40s and above, you’ll facepalm yourself for not diligently wearing sunscreen like all the grownups told you to. If you could only keep one skincare step aside from basic cleansing, it has to be sunscreen. And that’s non-negotiable.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you need to make sure your sunscreen offers  both UVA and UVB protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. But the formulation of sunblock that’s right for you can depend on a number of factors. Let’s break down each one and see which is a perfect match:

Cream formulations are best for those with dry skin, and for those who intend to apply it to their face. According to Dr. Vicki Belo, you should still wear sunscreen even if you’re quarantined at home, so don’t skip the face! Your exposure to screens due to working from home can cause its own kind of damage. We recommend the Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50 for everyday use. (Thanks to its niacinamide content, it whitens as it protects!)

Gel formulations work best for hairy areas, so they’re ideal for men. Just because your BF has a beard or hair on his chest doesn’t mean that area of skin is “covered” from the sun! You need to get the SPF in there, so tell him to go hard with the gel. We recommend the Belo Prescriptives Sunscreen Gel. Its Uvinul® content makes it fantastic for protecting against free radicals and skin damage.

Mists or sprays are an option for those who want lightweight protection (like a quick spritz on the face before heading out to get groceries). They won’t feel thick or heavy, so they’ll be more “breathable.” They’re also great for energetic kids...you know, the ones you need to hurriedly spray before they break free from your grasp to jump into the pool. We recommend the Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50.

Sunscreen-primers are perfect for those who want a reliable multitasker. And what’s a more hardworking product than a sunscreen-slash-primer? Having protection from the sun and a good makeup base in one layer will mean having to put less layers on your skin altogether, making for breathability. It’ll also shorten your morning routine. We recommend the ZO® Sunscreen+Primer Broad Spectrum SPF30.

Tinted sunscreens are another great multitasker in the age of mandatory face masks. You get your routine UV protection and a flawless base in one step. Finish with a bit of setting powder and tinted lip balm, and you are good to go! We recommend the Belo SunExpert Tinted Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++.

Now that we’ve done our research, it’s time for you to find your match, stock up like crazy (you’ll never not need sunblock, after all!) and get back to us when you’re in your 50s and still looking amazing. You may not realize it *now*, but nothing looks better in your 50s than diligent sunblock application in your 20s. Trust us. You’ll thank us profusely, we promise!

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This Face-Brightening Routine Uses Kojic Acid! https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-face-brightening-routine-uses-kojic-acid Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:01:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21331

Kojic acid is an ingredient familiar to many—like glutathione and papaya soap, it’s made its merry way into drugstore and supermarket aisles, the new kid on the block turned prom queen. But don’t mistake its wide availability for inefficiency—kojic acid is one of the most powerful lightening agents in skincare. That’s why it’s the star of our all-new Belo Face Brightening Kit! This four-step lightening routine is only P3,555—can you believe it? Say bye-bye to expensive laser treatments!

Everyone’s got pigmentation of some kind. Whether it’s from 2019 afternoons at the beach or from a quarantine-related acne breakout, you’re bound to have some dark spots you’d rather not contend with. This kit is the perfect starter pack for those with mild to moderate skin pigmentation, and it’s so easy to use:

1. Cleanse and prepare

First things first—cleanse! Use the Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Face Wash to rid your skin of impurities and kickstart the lightening process. Its active ingredient, kojic acid, inhibits the formation of tyrosine. Tyrosine is an amino acid that your body needs to produce melanin (a.k.a. unwanted pigmentation!). By stopping the production of tyrosine, you can lighten your skin. 

2. Lighten and even out

View this post on Instagram

I miss home. I miss you 😶

A post shared by Ivana Alawi (@ivanaalawi) on

Next up, dab a generous amount of Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor to the face. Tyrosinase might sound a lot like tyrosine, but this time, what we’re talking about is an enzyme that uses tyrosine to catalyze the production of melanin. So by inhibiting both tyrosine and tyrosinase, we’re being pretty thorough, right? And if that’s not enough, the Tyrosinase Inhibitor cream also contains the brightening agents Vitamin C, arbutin, and even more kojic acid, just for good measure!

Once you’ve given that a minute to dry, you can go in with your Belo Kojic Acid Cream. Yep, more kojic acid! We’re slathering on all the brightening agents our skin can take, for maximum results!

3. Protect and prevent

Finally, so that our hard work doesn’t go to waste, we need a layer of protection in the AM. Your last step in the morning is to apply Belo Sunscreen Gel. This isn’t your ordinary sunscreen—our sunscreen gel is formulated with Uvinul®, which not only protects your skin from UV rays, but also provides outstanding protection from free radicals. It’s ultra-lightweight, so you can apply your base makeup afterwards without feeling heavy. And don’t worry—you won’t run out of sun protection quickly, because our Face Brightening Kit comes with two 20g tubes of the good stuff.

Do this routine every morning and night, and you’ll see results in just a few weeks! It’s the perfect way to begin your quarantine glowup, so that when you emerge, you’ll be as beautiful as a butterfly!

Purchase the Belo Face Brightening Kit for P3,555 here!

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Stay Protected in Style with Belo Genius Gear https://www.belomed.com/blog/stay-protected-in-style-with-belo-genius-gear Tue, 25 Aug 2020 09:18:48 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21352

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, we didn’t know that masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment (PPE) would become a permanent part of our OOTD. But right now, you can’t leave the house without making sure you’re COVID-proof. When MECQ rolled around in May, we outfitted our clinic staff with customized and functional Belo Genius Gear—a zipped hooded jacket and pants made of durable diamond ripstop—to protect both wearer and patient as we resumed normal operations. 

But as GCQ marches on, Dr. Vicki Belo didn’t want you to have to step out of your homes feeling frumpy in PPE. That’s why we’ve made our Belo Genius Gear available to everyone for purchase at The Belo Shop! Now, everyone can look as good as our doctors and staff do when they report for work. But what makes our gear different from the hundreds of options you’ve probably seen out there?

1. It has a special loop so you can attach portable hand sanitizers.

View this post on Instagram

In everything we think beauty and functionality .

A post shared by Vicki Belo, M.D. (@victoria_belo) on

To prevent the spread of COVID, it’s imperative that we sanitize regularly. And when we need a quick cleanup in the middle of our activities, it’s more convenient to have sanitizer on-hand (instead of having to fish it out of a bag, potentially contaminating your personal items). Our Genius Gear comes with a handy loop where you can attach a mini-bottle of sanitizer. Or maybe even your keys—anything you need to grab quick without having to touch anything else!

2. The pockets on the sleeves and pant legs are removable, so you can wash them more thoroughly. 

See that pocket on Dr. Belo’s upper sleeve? It’s attached with Velcro, so you can peel it off and wash it separately! “People have their phone, ballpen, and they can’t carry anything around the clinic, so it’s better to have pockets,” said Dr. Vicki Belo. And because high-touch items like your phone can collect lots of germs, it’s important to be able to reverse the pockets you store them in, just to be completely clean.

3. It’s water-repellent, lightweight, and washable.

We chose diamond ripstop because it’s an extremely durable fabric. Because it’s sewn together in a crosshatch pattern, they’re resistant to tearing and ripping (hence the name “ripstop”!). Despite this, it’s a lightweight and breathable fabric that allows for comfort. Genius Gear will last you a long time...and it’ll look good the whole time!

4. They can hold their own next to actual streetwear.

We’re going to let the pictures do the talking here.

That’s Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali, looking super-fly in the hall of our BGC flagship clinic.

There’s one of our BGC doctors, Dr. Denise Bries, standing next to Kim Chiu and looking every bit as good.

And finally, there’s Dr. Guada Santos-Capiz with Vice Ganda and Ion Perez at our Greenhills branch.

Definitely street style-worthy, right?

5. You can totally move around in them!

And if you thought Genius Gear would limit your mobility in any way, allow this TikTok by our Alabang staff to prove you wrong! We did design these for our staff originally after all, and they needed to go about their daily tasks without difficulty. So feel free to do errands, pick up your groceries, and even recreate TikToks in your Genius Gear.

Ready to look good for the next time you step out? Click here to order your Belo Genius Gear...and don’t forget to tag us @belobeauty in your outfit photos!

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10 Things Dr. Belo Did While Under Quarantine https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-things-dr-belo-did-while-under-quarantine Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:17:37 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21382

Quarantine, for many of us, is a chance to discover new things or rekindle old hobbies. Some of us are baking banana bread or brewing specialty coffee for the first time; others are rediscovering their love for Netflix medical dramas (sigh, McDreamy) and balcony gardening. But for Dr. Vicki Belo, she did all of that and everything in between! From the months of March to August, she has (and continues) to fill her days with activities that bring her joy. Here are 10 of the things she’s done while under quarantine:

1. She donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and free meals for medical frontliners.

When it became clear that COVID-19 was becoming a serious situation, Dr. Belo and the Belo Medical Group was the first aesthetic clinic in the country to immediately announce the closure of our clinics. We made our announcement on March 13, a full day before the government even announced the implementation of ECQ. But more than protecting her staff and patients, Dr. Belo wanted to extend a helping hand towards medical frontliners. Not only did she immediately request that all of Belo Medical Group’s PPE be donated to hospitals, she also partnered with various organizations to donate 1,000 meals to 20 different hospitals until the end of the quarantine period. Her youngest daughter, Scarlet Snow Belo, was always involved in her philanthropic activities: they went on to create homemade face shields and pack chocolate and candy bars for medical frontliners, too! Dr. Belo has always lived by her “people before profit” philosophy, and she set a great example for other business owners—and her daughter—in the early days of the quarantine period.

2. She continued to practice aesthetic medicine at home...with special members of her family!

Dr. Belo’s generosity extends to her family, including her beloved household helpers, so she decided to start an IGTV series titled #BelofyTheKasambahay last April. In the safety of her home, she diagnosed three of her kasambahay’s skincare concerns, and gave them the products and treatments they needed to get Belofied! 

You can search the hashtag on Instagram to view all three episodes. Rose, Jovy, and Mitch were very happy with their results!

View this post on Instagram

It’s been 2 weeks after we posted the ECQ Makeover, and I know you’ve been waiting patiently for the results . Remember Mitch who wanted to even out her skin tone ? Here are her partial results after using ZO Retinol Skin Brightener for 2 weeks . We still need to forge her skin with #BeloAngelWhitening or #BeloPicosure once the ECQ is lifted, but there is good improvement already . So if you have a similar problem , start with skin peeling using #ZORetinolSkinBrightener now by heading over to #TheBeloShop @belobeauty ( shop.belomed.com ) Next, I’ll be showing the results of Jovy whose main concerns were her dark circles and uneven skin tone . You definitely wouldn’t want to miss it !

A post shared by Vicki Belo, M.D. (@victoria_belo) on

3. She celebrated Mother’s Day at home.

View this post on Instagram

Being a mother is the worlds best job

A post shared by Vicki Belo, M.D. (@victoria_belo) on

Mother’s Day felt a little different this year, but in the end, all that matters is that you’re safe and together with your family. Dr. Belo received gifts from her husband, Dr. Hayden Kho, as well as daughters Cristalle Belo-Pitt and Scarlet Snow Belo.

4. She joined forces with international colleagues to publish a COVID-19 consensus.

Together with doctors from nine countries, Dr. Belo co-published a COVID-19 consensus last May. This paper, which was published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, includes detailed guidelines for the safe reopening of aesthetic clinics all over the world. You can read the paper in full right here.

5. She joined TikTok for the first time!

TikTok fever was bound to come for Dr. Belo, who loves engaging with her followers on social media. One of her first-ever TikToks was a #PassTheSerum challenge with her fellow Belo doctors, featuring the ultra-effective ZO® Firming Serum. (By the way, you can shop that here!)

Follow Dr. Belo on Tiktok: @vicki_belo.

6. She decided to try more recipes.

Lots of food crazes have kept us happy throughout quarantine: dalgona coffee, sushi bake, ube cheese pandesal, and more. But there’s nothing like a home-cooked treat! Now that she’s spending more time at home, Dr. Belo has decided to spend more time in the kitchen with Scarlet Snow. She’s begun to experiment with gourmet popcorn, animal cookies, and more! 

7. She got her DIY on for Father’s Day.

EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBx-wubjKoF/

Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day had to be spent at home, too. So last June 21, Dr. Belo and Scarlet surprised Dr. Hayden Kho with a special project: matching tie-dye T-shirts! During these difficult and saddening times, simple surprises can mean a lot.

8. She planted trees in Amanpulo with a very happy couple.

Last month, when GCQ was declared in Metro Manila, the Belo Family was able to take a quick trip to Amanpulo, Palawan. They were there to give back to the environment by planting coconut trees that will bear fruit in the coming years. And they were joined by none other than newlyweds Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli! They, too, planted their own coconut trees. 

9. She celebrated the birth of her newest granddaughter, Siena Victoria Pitt.

When Cristalle Belo and husband Justin Pitt welcomed a baby girl almost 5 months ago, Dr. Belo was ecstatic, even though she couldn’t personally be at the hospital when Cristalle gave birth (due to quarantine restrictions). “She’s so responsive and fun. Those Asian-shaped eyes with grey color are absolutely amazing,” she gushed in an Instagram post. This just proves that even during a global pandemic, you can still have pockets of love and joy.

10. She celebrated Belo Medical Group’s 30th anniversary!

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To my dearest @belobeauty family , Belo’s success stood the test of time through 30 years because of you — our brilliant , dedicated , and amazing team . We’ve grown together through all the challenges , and have emerged victorious as we became even stronger together . To all those who greeted us , thank you for all the messages of love and support . It really warms my heart to know we ‘ve been an inspiration to many . You say you’re grateful to have Belo in your lives . I say Belo is so grateful to have you . Our dream is to make people the best version of themselves... and just by being with us, you’re making our dreams come true . Thank you for 30 wonderful years . Here’s to 30 years of Belo beauty and beyond . Cheers ! Thank you also to @blloons_ for this beautiful balloon arrangement 🤍🎈

A post shared by Vicki Belo, M.D. (@victoria_belo) on

Dr. Belo decided to celebrate Belo’s 30th anniversary with the biggest sale ever—our 8.8 sale last August 8! We offered huge 30% discounts on our most requested treatments, plus some great 3+1 and 4+2 deals. And we also treated nine very lucky people to their dream Belo treatments (see the list of winners here). All the celebrations happened online at The Belo Shop and on our social media accounts, so everyone could stay safe! It may not have been a huge in-person celebration, but she wanted to make her patients happy nonetheless. And it was a huge success!

That makes ten! Follow Dr. Vicki Belo on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok to see her other quarantine shenanigans!

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Mayor Isko Moreno and Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-mayor-isko-moreno-and-dr-vicki-belo Wed, 26 Aug 2020 12:31:07 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21402

It’s been a while since we caught up with our January Belo Thermage FLX endorser, Mayor Isko Moreno. And who can blame him? We’re eight months into a global pandemic, and the man is neck-deep in responsibility as mayor of the country’s capital. Despite that, we were thrilled that he carved out a couple hours to spend with Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho, albeit virtually, to talk about Belofication—be it of the city, or of the face and body.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=640824533216307&extid=NfsxREflM2RwefvQ

If you missed our live session, here are the highlights:

1. Just as Belo gives face lifts, Mayor Isko Moreno is giving the City of Manila a facelift, too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8oEnzoHyCS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

From the Jones Bridge to the Lagusnilad Underpass to the Liwasang Bonifacio Dancing Fountain and more, the City of Manila’s efforts to “make Manila great again,” in Yorme’s words, are bearing beautiful fruit. The Instagram-worthy coffee shop nearby, which will feature Starbucks-quality drinks at affordable prices, remained unnamed...until Mayor Isko revealed the name right there in our Live session. It will be called “Kape-Tolyo,” both a pun on the Tagalog word for coffee and the fact that Manila is the capital city. Hilarious, right?

When asked by the doctors what inspired his decision to create a “Bagong Maynila,” Mayor Isko talked a little bit about his past. “Dati akong basurero. I grew up in the area, and it seems na parang walang gobyerno… Sabi ko, ‘Ano ang difference natin kung walang mangyayari? Para lang tayong nagdaan.’ There is chaos, there is too much obstruction. Let’s bring back the roads to the people,” he asserted. 

After clearing the obstructions, he ordered the construction of standardized vending stalls that do not block main roads, so as not to take away vendors’ livelihoods. “Vendor pa rin sila, but there is dignity. Tapos panatag ‘yung mamamayan. Tapos walang may siga. Pantay-pantay, walang malakas, walang mahina. Pare-pareho sila. They have equal opportunity. Kahit vendor pa rin sila, merong dignidad sa kalsada. ‘Yun ‘yung sinasabi ko na kahit mahirap tayo, hindi natin kailangan maging dugyot.”

Mayor Isko also has plans to replicate Singapore’s successful HDB housing projects, calling them the “Tondominium,” “Binondominium,” and more. We’ll stay tuned for that!

2. Mayor Isko’s secret to success? He never settles.

“Since time immemorial, when I entered into public service, [my mantra is] ‘What can I do today better than yesterday?’” Yorme said. Being the Mayor of Manila is by no means an easy feat, but he handles it by taking it one day at a time. “If you really want to change things, you have to change yourself also... ‘yun ang nakakagising ng dugo ko araw-araw. Okay, nakaraos kami kahapon. Salamat sa Diyos. May nagawa kami kahapon. Salamat sa Diyos. An inch of development that favors the public is [good enough]. We have to start somewhere. We really have to start walking, so that one way or another, with focus or perseverance, you will arrive at your destination.”

3. Yorme believes in the importance of self-care.

As a lover of Belo Thermage FLX, Yorme is always the first to point out that men shouldn’t be afraid of treating their skin well. “Pagka-kwarenta anyos ka na, lalaki ka, alam mo, eto ha. May misconception kasi. Akala nila dapat babae lang ang nagfe-feel good about themselves. By submitting to science [that is] tested and proven, and especially the professionals behind it...even men should go!” Mayor Isko stressed. 

“You have to feel good about yourself, because it adds up. One way or another, it may be superficial, but it adds to your confidence. And especially in public service...aura is one of the elements na kailangan. Na kahit na ngarag na ngarag ka na, psychologically, physically, kailangan hangga’t maari, kung kaya mo maging fresh, that would be better.” 

Yorme first tried Thermage FLX in November 2019, and he’s still enjoying its amazing results. Check out the video on YouTube here.

5. To boost his immunity, Mayor Isko regularly uses the supplements in the Formula VB Immunity Kit.

In the early months of the pandemic, we released a Formula VB Immunity Kit, a curated set of supplements designed to boost your body’s defense system against COVID-19. Mayor Isko uses them regularly, especially since he’s been working hard lately. “There are supplements that help us na tumaas ang ating immune system. It’s not a guarantee, but one way or another, it supplements our immune system. COVID-19 is about our health,” he said.

You can shop the Formula VB Immunity Kit here.

6. He ended the live session with wise words everyone can learn from.

Yorme knows how difficult it is to continue to have hope, but he encourages everyone to be thankful for the blessings they still have. “What matters most at the end of the day is that you continue to have a goal, a dream. Huwag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Right now, a lot of businesses are suffering. Don’t think that you’re alone, because your employees are also suffering… If you are facing problems, tingnan mo sa kabilang dako ng lipunan. Anong katatayuang meron ang ibang kapwa?” He said it’s important to check one’s privilege and realize we are still blessed in many more ways than we realize.

He also reminded us to not only lean on God for guidance, but to also do our part in making the world a better place for ourselves and for our loved ones. “We must learn how to survive. Survival nowadays is already a blessing… God is so busy addressing so many prayers, and God also taught us to take care of ourselves. While we pray and ask for guidance and blessings, we must do our share as human beings.”

You can watch the Live session in full here, and you can view our past sessions with other Belo Babies right here on our YouTube channel!

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You've Heard about the Skin. But What Can Collagen Do for Your Hair and Nails? https://www.belomed.com/blog/youve-heard-about-the-skin-but-what-can-collagen-do-for-your-hair-and-nails Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21430

According to Dr. Vicki Belo, we lose 20% of collagen by the age of 20, and several studies prove this. That means by the age of 50, you’ll have already lost half of your collagen, thanks to slowed-down collagen production and the body’s natural aging process. To address this, we’ve developed several options for restoring your collagen reserves, whether it’s collagen supplements (Collagen Melon Smoothie, anyone?) or treatments that stimulate collagen production, like Thermage FLX or Skin Genius. With continued use, collagen helps decrease fine lines and wrinkles and restores your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. But collagen has benefits on other parts of the body, too. What other birds can you hit with one collagen stone?

Collagen helps to build and strengthen your hair

Your hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin. And to build keratin, your body has to make use of several amino acids. These amino acids can actually be found in collagen. Your body can then break collagen down into amino acids that can be used to create hair! 

The Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Melon Smoothie is what Dr. Belo personally uses in her daily routine...that’s why her hair's so thick! She loves it so much that she even brings a few boxes during her trips abroad. “In order to keep my skin young, I always bring collagen,” she said in her YouTube TraBELOgue, as she was packing her bags to leave for Boston last year. “And because I’m of a certain age, I have to take two sachets a day.” 

Influencer Lexi Mendiola is following her lead after experiencing stress-related hair fall this quarantine. The best part? You can get creative with your Melon Collagen and mix it with other sippable sweets, like iced coffee, slushies, and even (non-alcoholic) mimosas!

Do your nails break easily? Collagen can help!

“Ouch, I broke a nail!” isn’t just a catchphrase uttered by kikay kontrabidas in American movies. Brittle nails can be a real problem for people who need to use their hands to work. Nails that crack easily can get caught in fabrics or other things, which can break them even more or cause them to look misshapen. Luckily, collagen can help strengthen nails, too! 

Nails are made of keratin, too, just like hair. So collagen’s effects on hair can work to improve your nails. In a 2013 study published by the journal Connective Tissue Research, people with brittle nails were studied for six months. Daily collagen supplements resulted in quicker nail growth and stronger, less brittle nails.

Because of collagen’s amazing benefits, we recommend that you begin taking collagen supplements in your mid-20s. According to Dr. Belo, the body begins the aging process at age 25, so it’s the perfect time to kickstart a good collagen habit. But remember, not even daily collagen supplements will stand a chance against an unhealthy lifestyle. You still have to do your best to eat well and work out regularly to get maximum results!

Ready to begin? Shop the Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Melon Smoothie here, and the Belo Nutraceuticals Glutathione + Collagen here.

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Why Does Dr. Belo Recommend Adding Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-does-dr-belo-recommend-adding-vitamin-c-to-your-skincare-routine Sat, 29 Aug 2020 12:33:19 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21451

Here in the Philippines, we know of Vitamin C as a fantastic immune booster. And it’s true: countless studies have proven that Vitamin C plays a role in the support of immune responses, repair of connective tissue, production of antibodies, and so much more. That’s why, in the time of COVID-19, you’d be hard pressed to find a fully-stocked shelf of Vitamin C. But did you know that this supervitamin brings amazing benefits for your skin, too? In fact, it’s one of Dr. Belo’s most highly-recommended ingredients. Read on to find out why you need a Vitamin C product in your skincare routine!

In a previous article, we discussed why Dr. Belo doesn’t approve of using moisturizer. (We suggest you read that article first before moving on to this one! Go on, we’ll wait.) Instead of slathering ‘fake moisture’ onto the skin, she recommends that you exfoliate instead to reveal your baby-soft skin underneath. 

“In the morning, I use a glycolic acid exfoliator and vitamin C,” Dr. Belo said in an August 2019 interview with Preview.ph. “I think every person is hiyang to certain medicine...I also love vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. I use those in the morning: glycolic to make sure my skin turnover is good and then the penetration of vitamin C is good. Vitamin C stops the free radicals from the sun, and then sunblock on top.” Dr. Belo’s favorite Vitamin C serum, ZO® 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating, has a host of skin-brightening benefits:

It helps remove surface discoloration

This serum contains 10% ascorbic acid to exfoliate skin surface pigmentation, for a brighter and more even complexion. While Vitamin C isn’t a chemical exfoliant like hydroxy acids are, it’s pretty powerful at fading unwanted spots and smoothing the skin’s surface. 

It minimizes redness

Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory, and studies show that it’s been able to treat a whole bunch of inflammatory skin conditions. Using this serum will help reduce unwanted redness.

It provides amazing antioxidant protection

Vitamin C, on its own, is chock-full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals, which are responsible for sun damage. But because ZO® 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating contains tocopheryl acetate & coenzyme-Q10, too, you get even more antioxidant (and sun damage) protection! (Of course, this doesn’t mean you can skip out on sunscreen!)

It helps accelerate cell turnover

If younger-looking skin is the goal, you definitely need to lean on Vitamin C. Studies show that it plays a role in quicker cell turnover. By using Vitamin C, your skin will be able to get rid of dead skin cells more efficiently than usual.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Vitamin C, click here to get your ZO® 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum! Just be sure to consult with one of our Belo MDs first, as Vitamin C can’t be mixed with certain active ingredients in a single routine. Click here to book your online consult.

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This P500 Soap Is Perfect for Acne-Prone Girls! https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-p500-soap-is-perfect-for-acne-prone-girls Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:51:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21468

If you’ve been a Belo patient for a long time, then you must be familiar with our Glycopeel Cleaning treatment, which uses glycolic acid to deep-clean, exfoliate, and boost your skin’s natural turnover process. Our popular Salt Facial also makes use of glycolic acid in the third step of the treatment, just to enhance the exfoliation effects of natural sea salt in the first step. And of course, our founder and CEO, Dr. Vicki Belo, is a huge fan: "In the morning, I use a glycolic acid exfoliator and vitamin C. I think every person is hiyang to certain medicine. What's very bagay to me is a little glycolic [acid] or any alpha-hydroxy acid, but glycolic in particular my skin loves,” she gushed in an August 2019 interview with Preview.ph. But if you’re being extra-careful this quarantine and don’t want to leave home, there’s a way to enjoy the amazing effects of glycolic acid in your at-home routine. 

The Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5% is only P500 on The Belo Shop, and it’s a must-have for those who want to prevent or correct breakouts! 

So why should you add this to your quarantine routine?

1. It sloughs off dead skin cells and dirt.

First off, glycolic acid is a type of chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be wiped away easily, revealing smooth, younger skin below. Dr. Belo recommends that we exfoliate, not moisturize, to achieve skin that is truly healthy. So chemical exfoliation is the way to go.

2. It removes and controls excess oil.

This ingredient is also a powerhouse for oil control. It prevents pores from getting clogged and regulates oil production, resulting in less breakouts! 

3. It refreshes skin without the visible peeling.

As mentioned, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant. Unlike physical exfoliants, which contain elements like microbeads or particles to literally scrub the skin smooth, chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to gently dissolve and loosen the cells. “Acids” sounds extreme, but once you remove your usual household-cleaner association with the word, you’ll realize that chemical exfoliation can be great for your skin (when used correctly and not overdone, of course!). And unlike harsher peels that will literally have clumps of your skin falling off, chemical exfoliants exfoliate without the ugly peeling!

4. It’s also available in 10% if you need a stronger concentration!

Need a little more than just 5%? If you’re no longer new to glycolic acid, and your Belo MD has given you the go-signal to try a higher percentage of the good stuff, you can get the Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 10% at The Belo Shop. (It’s only P600!)

Click here to shop Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5%. For just P500, you can add this powerful skincare staple to your routine. Pretty soon, your skin is going to start looking like this:

To be sure that glycolic acid is right for you, you can book a Belo Online Consultation by clicking here. Want to speak and consult with Dr. Vicki Belo herself to see what she thinks? You can book an online consultation with her here!

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Belo-It-Yourself with These At-Home Skincare Kits! https://www.belomed.com/blog/belo-it-yourself-with-these-at-home-skincare-kits Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:16:58 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21498

We may be under General Community Quarantine, but it’s still safer to still stay at home as much as possible, until the pandemic has truly come to an end. But that doesn’t mean you have to put self-care on the backburner. In fact, being at home 24/7 is the perfect time to get in touch with your beauty goals. That’s why we created the Belo-It-Yourself (BIY) kits: seven specially-made starter packs for every skin concern! From dark underarms to sun damage to rough, dull skin and more, there’s a BIY kit for you. Let’s get to know each of the eight kits below!

To lighten dark underarms: Belo Armpit Perfecting Kit

Dark underarms are most often caused by irritation, either from shaving or using a deodorant that is harsh on your particular skin type. Shaving, rubbing, and scratching can all irritate your delicate underarm skin, and that reaction can lead to an increase in melanin production causing hyperpigmentation. The easy-to-use Belo Armpit Perfecting Kit contains two beloved items from the Belo arsenal: 

All you have to do is apply the Tyrosinase Inhibitor on the area after bathing and applying your antiperspirant. Wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed, then you can go in with your Illuminating Cream. Repeat this twice daily, and you’ll see results in a few weeks! 

Get it for P3,800 here at The Belo Shop.

For baby-soft skin from head to toe: Belo Body Scrub On-The-Glow Kits (Illuminating and Radiance)

Aside from sheet masks or massages, there’s one more thing you can DIY while in GCQ: an exfoliating body scrub. And for that, nothing’s better than the Belo On-The-Glow Kits. This is the at-home version of the Body Scrub with Bleach that you’ve come to love at our clinics—we’re making it available to you so you can slough off the buildup of dead skin cells on your body. 

Your spa kit contains:

Just light a scented candle, put on some spa music, and mix the Sea Salt Scrub and Base Oil in a sealable container. Apply in gentle circular motions, then rinse off. While skin is damp post-shower, apply the Illuminating Cream or Body Radiance Cream...and you’re baby-smooth!

Get the Illuminating variant for P9,800 here at The Belo Shop.

Get the Radiance variant for P9,800 here at The Belo Shop.

To brighten pigmentation caused by acne scars and sun damage: Belo Face Brightening Kit 

Kojic acid is an ingredient familiar to many—like glutathione and papaya soap, it’s made its merry way into drugstore and supermarket aisles. But don’t mistake its wide availability for inefficiency—kojic acid is one of the most powerful lightening agents in skincare. That’s why it’s the star of our all-new Belo Face Brightening Kit! This four-step lightening routine contains:

Do this routine every morning and night, and you’ll see results in just a few weeks! It’s the perfect way to begin your quarantine glowup, so that when you emerge, you’ll be as beautiful as a butterfly!

Get it for P3,555 here at The Belo Shop.

For a Belo-quality facial at home: Belo Hydrating Facial Kit

Hydration is a misunderstood process. Some slather on thick layers of moisturizer to compensate for the dryness they feel. But Dr. Vicki Belo doesn’t believe in using outside layers to moisturize; she recommends that you hydrate the skin from the inside out. The key is to use ingredients that naturally retain water, for real hydration! That’s why we created the Belo Hydrating Facial Kit, which contains:

Steps 1 and 2 are mainly to prep your skin for maximum absorption of the nutrients in the Hyaluronic Acid Mask. That’s it! A simple 2-3 step routine that will give you the well-hydrated glass skin you’ve always wanted.

Get it for P7,770 here at The Belo Shop.

For stubborn dark spots like the groin, knees, armpits, and inner thighs: Belo Illuminating System

“Since I started my practice 30 years ago, my number one request [from patients] is...whitening of the armpits, the singit, and [to] have the same color throughout the body, you guessed right,” said Dr. Belo in an IGTV video. Her favorite kit from our BIY series is the Belo Illuminating System, which is expertly curated to improve dark spots, uneven skin tones, and dull-looking skin all over the body. Your kit contains:

  • one 135-g bar of Belo Illuminating Soap, which contains snail mucin and salicylic acid to repair and hydrate the skin while gently exfoliating
  • one 250-g jar of Belo Illuminating Cream, powered by brightening agents like Alpha Arbutin and Liquorice to decrease the formation of melanin in the body

You can do this routine up to two times a day during (for the soap) and after your shower (for the cream). This combination treatment may cause drying of skin for some people. To prevent this, we recommend the use of a base oil to keep skin soft and smooth. You should see results in a few weeks, and they’ll get better if you keep up the routine for longer!

Get it for P3,900 here at The Belo Shop.

To reverse early signs of aging: Belo Rx Signature Kit

EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEgngTgjdXH/

This particular kit is a product of 30 years of experience in treating Asian skin. This simple-to-use system is a must for skin that feels rough, looks dull, or is troubled by fine lines, age/sun spots, dullness, and other signs of aging. This results-oriented treatment plan includes:

DISCLAIMER: The Belo Rx Signature Kit requires a doctor’s prescription prior to purchase. Kindly book a Belo Online Consultation here before adding this product to cart!

Get it for P5,000 here at The Belo Shop.

Now that you’re armed with all the information you need, head to The Belo Shop to bring the Belo experience home to you! The starter packs are up to us...but now, it’s time to Belo-It-Yourself! 

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What's Retinol, and Why Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine? https://www.belomed.com/blog/whats-retinol-and-why-do-you-need-it-in-your-skincare-routine Tue, 01 Sep 2020 10:25:19 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21507

As is the case with many active ingredients, you can’t just add a new one to your skincare routine willy-nilly. Regardless of your skin type, your skin needs time to gradually transition and get used to a new ingredient. You probably did that for your Vitamin C integration. But there’s a lesser-known active ingredient out there that’s transformed the skin of men and women everywhere—retinol! What is it, and how do you incorporate it into your routine? Read on.

What is retinol?

First off, the umbrella term for retinol products is “retinoids,” AKA derivatives of Vitamin A, which is a key ingredient in boosting the turnover of cells. And when cells turn over quicker, dead skin and pigmentation goes away quicker, too, leading to overall clearer, healthier skin. Vitamin A is also a great antioxidant, which means it helps fight free radical damage to reduce the signs of aging.

Dr. Vicki Belo is a huge fan of the stuff. “Apply tretinoin or retinol every day!” she said in a September 2020 interview with The Philippine Tatler. “You should do this from the age of acne, all the way to your seventies, because it dries up oiliness, gets rid of bacteria and normalises skin turnover in your teens. As you get to your thirties, it increases collagen and elastin production.” 

Acne-prone? A retinoid called tretinoin is hailed all over the world for its acne-busting properties. It’s a concentration of pure retinoic acid, making it powerful for clearing moderate to severe acne. Because it’s so strong, it tends to be available via prescription only. Topical retinol products, on the other hand, are readily available in various concentrations and formulas on the market.

How do I include it in my routine?

After cleansing and exfoliating, Dr. Belo personally uses the ZO® Wrinkle + Texture Repair serum in her routine. This high-potency retinol that reactivates the process of skin renewal to restore natural hydration, visibly improving the appearance of wrinkles and refining skin texture. Jess Wilson used the same serum to help clear her quarantine breakout—you can view her routine in full here. This serum contains 0.5% retinol and contains oils and extracts to reduce irritation.

Should you need a stronger serum, the ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener 1% Retinol might be for you. This serum also contains Vitamins C and E to remove existing pigmentation.

How do I maximize its effects?

Dr. Belo (and any dermatologist worth their salt) would strongly advise you to be diligent with your sunscreen application if you have retinol in your routine. (Well, sunscreen should be a must no matter what, but you get it.) Retinoids themselves break down in sunlight, which can render them less effective. That’s why it’s better to apply retinol in the evening to make sure you get the best results. Dr. Belo only uses her retinol serum at night.

Retinol products don’t mix well with certain ingredients. Some people have been known to experience redness or excessive dryness when mixing retinol with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, for example. Before purchasing a ZO® retinol product on The Belo Shop, click here to book an appointment with one of our doctors (or have on IRL by calling 8819-BELO). Want to consult with Dr. Belo herself? You can do that too by clicking here!

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“Skin Hunger” Is a Real Thing—Here's What to Do About It https://www.belomed.com/blog/skin-hunger-is-a-real-thing-heres-what-to-do-about-it Wed, 02 Sep 2020 12:19:01 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21522

We now live in a world where unassuming skin-to-skin contact could cost you or your loved ones your health...or your life. Our days used to be peppered with music festivals, train rides, or trips abroad, where we brushed shoulders with complete strangers, not thinking anything of our encounters. Now, distance is imperative to keep a global death toll from rising. On the one hand, prudence is important in stopping the spread of COVID-19. But on the other, it’s forged a more removed, distanced, and ultimately lonely society—one that seeks the familiar comfort of human touch. A hug, a kiss on the cheek, or even a squeeze on the shoulder from a kind stranger who helped you find your way in a new city.

This inexplicable longing for human contact is called skin hunger, and it’s gaining popularity as much of the world remains under quarantine. “Similar to how one might experience hunger for food, when deprived of human contact our bodies will innately feel a sense of hunger for skin-to-skin touch,” reported Allure last April. The Washington Post invited experts to discuss skin hunger a few months ago, citing that it affects those who are living alone the hardest. Dr. Vicki Belo discussed it briefly during a Facebook Live session with The Philippine Star’s Career Guide: “With all this no-touching, there is a phenomenon now called skin hunger. Wanting to be touched, it’s almost a need...human beings need touch.”

Why do human beings need touch? 

In an article for University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, Dacher Keltner explains it best: “There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust. Basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. It activates the body's vagus nerve, which is intimately involved with our compassionate response, and a simple touch can trigger release of oxytocin, aka ‘the love hormone.’” 

We’re humans, after all, not robots. And as social beings, our need to feel closeness with others is evolutionary. In prehistoric times, humans needed to stick together to fend off predators. Now, humans need to remain apart to fend off a deadly disease. It’s no wonder, then, that in the May 18 release of Harry Styles“Watermelon Sugar” music video, he prefaced it with the words ‘This video is dedicated to touching.’ (Give that a watch, by the way. It’s sure to cheer you up.)

How do you cope with the lack of touch?

If you’re living alone and you literally haven’t touched another human being in months, now is the time to get to know yourself. You can set up a self-care night to figure out what types of touch you enjoy. Do you love massages? Do you like scrubbing away in the shower? Gently running your fingernails across your skin? It can even be something as simple as combing your hair. Put on some calming music, light a scented candle, and give yourself your favorite version of touch. It doesn’t have to be sexual at all! You can derive pleasure and relaxation from areas as innocuous as the crook of your neck. Sure, it won’t beat a night at the spa where someone else’s hands work their magic on your tired muscles, but hey—we work with what we’ve got. 

Little tip from us: you can try this DIY body scrub, complete with oils, natural sea salts, and thick, indulgent creams for that ultimate spa experience. No one may be able to see you in person right now, but feeling beautiful isn’t for the benefit of others. “I think people misunderstand. I think people think nagpapaganda ang tao for other people. It’s true naman that we want to be beautiful for other people, but we also want to be pampered and feel good,” Dr. Belo explains.

Another thing to try is connecting with friends more regularly than you did in the old normal. The stresses of COVID-19 may have made you more withdrawn (read: financial or job security concerns), so there’s no shame in relying on your support system. The Internet has facilitated so many ways to feel even more connected online. Whether it’s group listening sessions on Spotify, throwing a synchronized-playback Netflix Party, or Zoom calls with the extended family, there are tons of ways to pop your isolation bubble without feeling overwhelmed. No, it’s not the same as a warm hug, but it’s pretty darn close. Another great idea? Exchange food- or skincare-themed care packages with your friends via courier service to show them how much you love them.

If you’re lucky enough to be quarantined with a partner or with family, then human touch is completely possible for you. But these long quarantine months may have you on edge, and some might even be sick of mandatory “family time.” To feel connected with family again, you don’t have to all hang out in the same room all day. You can set up movie nights or board game nights on Fridays, when everyone’s done with their stressful WFH or school week. Order some family-sized sushi bake and homemade cookies from your favorite small businesses (now’s the best time to support local!) and make an occasion out of it. Bleak as the times may be, we are lucky to be alive and healthy and to be with our loved ones. And if COVID-19 hasn’t made it clear, that’s something to celebrate.

In the end, the sacrifices we make to keep our distance and observe routine sanitation measures can save us all from being severely affected by this pandemic. Let’s hold on to hope just a little longer...and be sure to prioritize our needs along the way. When we come out on the other side—and we will—let’s hope to have become more empathetic, grateful, and compassionate human beings.

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How Your Sunscreen Habits in Your 20s Can Affect How You Look in Your 50s https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-your-sunscreen-habits-in-your-20s-can-affect-how-you-look-in-your-50s Thu, 03 Sep 2020 10:50:02 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21541

When you’re in your teens and early 20s, it’s like your skin is invincible. Sure, your occasional beach trips with Mom and Dad would make you three or four shades darker, but you’d think nothing of it. Riding in the back of a pickup truck with no hat on a four-hour road trip? No biggie. Commuting to college in the April heat? No sweat. But according to Dr. Vicki Belo, the aging process begins as early as 25 years old. The habits you begin now will greatly inform the state of your skin in the decades to come. And the most important habit, by far, is sunscreen. Now, why is it important to begin sun protection habits in your 20s?

1. To protect your collagen reserves.

UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into your skin and can damage precious collagen fibers. The damage that UVA rays inflict can cause your skin to compensate by producing “abnormal elastin,” according to the US Skin Cancer Foundation. This results in wrinkled, leathery-looking skin. But I’m only going out to take out the trash or pick up a package, you might think. Even brief amounts of sun exposure can do damage! Says Joshua Zeichner of Mount Sinai Hospital in the United States, “Even grabbing coffee or lunch or being outside for five minutes a day can break down enough collagen in the skin to cause wrinkles in a few years.” Remember, Dr. Belo says that you lose 20% of your collagen by age 20, so you should do everything you can to slow down this process!

2. To keep your skin hydrated.

View this post on Instagram

Just like @janinegutierrez, practice self-care daily when you protect your skin from the sun with the #BeloSunExpert Tinted Sunscreen☀️ Regram from @janinegutierrez: "I don't feel 100 everyday but I discovered something recently. Don’t you just feel better when you take care of yourself? These days, that means staying indoors and still wearing sunscreen daily! 💛 Thankfully, @belosunexpert Tinted Sunscreen has got me covered! It provides my skin the protection it needs from Mr. Sun☀️, plus that fresh no-makeup makeup look that makes you feel nice and pretty even if you’re just at home. Try it too! Available online on Shopee, Lazada, and BeautyMNL.💛 Now time to do the laundry on the balcony! Take care everyone"

A post shared by Belo SunExpert (@belosunexpert) on

Ever noticed the skin of some pro surfers? They tend to be quite dry and flaky, which is ironic since they spend most of their time in the water. You see, skin that is constantly exposed to the sun without protection can lose moisture and much-needed essential oils, according to Harvard Health. This will result in drier-looking, flaky skin. You don’t want to look 48 when you’re only 28, so be generous with that SPF!

3. To protect your skin from UV rays inside your home.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to wear sunscreen at home, the answer is yes! “The source of UV rays is not only from the sun, but also from computer screens and the heat or radiation from cooking or baking. These stimulate your melanocytes,” Dr. Belo explains. (BTW, melanocytes are the cells in your skin that produce melanin.) Smartphones, laptops, and TVs are going to be part of our daily lives forever. And you definitely won’t ever stop cooking or baking. The only option is to protect yourself from their long-term harmful effects on your skin.

Now that we’ve established sunscreen is a must, the next step is to pick one for your daily routine. Dr. Belo recommends using a sunscreen with PA++++ protection, which stands for “Extremely High UVA protection. But you want one that’s broad spectrum and protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so the Belo SunExpert Face Cream SPF40 PA++++ is your best bet. You can also check out The Belo Shop’s Sun Protection line for options like gels, sunscreen/primers, and more.

Remember, nothing looks better in your 50s than sunscreen in your 20s. If you’re gonna do only one thing to take care of your skin, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. So double up, be sure to wear it indoors, and enjoy young-looking skin for decades to come.

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3 Exfoliation Practices You're Probably Doing Wrong https://www.belomed.com/blog/3-exfoliation-practices-youre-probably-doing-wrong Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:44:10 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21561

As you’ve heard from the beauty expert herself, Dr. Vicki Belo, it’s far more important to exfoliate than to moisturize. But there’s a right and wrong way to slough off dead skin cells from the body. Not all exfoliating products are created alike, and they’re not equally as effective either. Here are three exfoliation practices you need to stop doing, stat:

1. Using physical exfoliants that are too harsh.

Physical exfoliation uses certain ingredients or tools to physically scrub off dead or old skin from the surface. But some exfoliants can do more harm than good—in fact, a cult-favorite apricot scrub faced a United States lawsuit a few years ago when it was found that the scrub’s main exfoliant, crushed walnut powder, caused microtears in the skin. If you like the feeling of a freshly-scrubbed, newly-smoothed face, use a physical exfoliant with gentler ingredients. The jojoba esters in the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser are in the Goldilocks zone of exfoliation: gentle enough that they can be used as an emollient, but powerful enough to reveal your baby-soft skin underneath.

2. Not using the chemical exfoliant that’s right for you.

Unlike physical exfoliation, chemical exfoliation involves acids or enzymes that aid in cell turnover and remove built-up layers of dead skin cells. But there are *many* chemical exfoliants out there—AHAs, BHAs, PHAs—and you shouldn’t start using them right away without a go-signal from your Belo MD. Dr. Belo’s personal favorite is glycolic acid, a form of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA): “I [use] glycolic [acid] everyday or tretinoin to make the cycle faster,” she said at the 2018 Cosmo Beauty Block. “Because if not, some of the wrinkles, like let's say your expression wrinkles, on top of that, if the skin doesn't fall off, [your wrinkles] look thicker... deeper. But if you do exfoliation, then they're not so deep."

Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD to find out which chemical exfoliant suits your skin best.

3. Forgetting to exfoliate the body

When people hear “take care of your skin,” the assumption is that they’re referring to the skin on your face. But in a recent interview with Philippine Tatler, Dr. Belo emphasizes the importance of caring for the skin on your entire body. “Make sure you take care of your whole body’s skin. It is important to exfoliate the body. When you get older, your skin just keeps staying on your face, when it should fall off. Not like when you’re a baby, the turn-over is so fast. But when you get older, and you put moisturiser, you end up having layers… like 10 to 14 layers of dead skin!” she shared.

While we’re proud of you for making exfoliation a daily habit, it’s imperative that you do it right. We don’t want to be left with overly-irritated skin because of incorrect exfoliation habits. To perfect your routine and find your way to Baby Soft Skinville, head to the Belo Shop!

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Salicylic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid: What’s the Difference? https://www.belomed.com/blog/salicylic-acid-vs-glycolic-acid-whats-the-difference Sat, 05 Sep 2020 05:27:56 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21587

When the word “acid” comes to mind, you might be thinking of the lethal stuff we use to disinfect toilets. (Yikes.) But in skincare, acids can be found in a multitude of anti-aging and anti-acne products, from toners to serums and more. While not all of us are familiar with the “acid alphabet” (AHA, BHA...LMNO-PHA?), we’re sure you’ve heard of these two: salicylic and glycolic acid. That’s because you can find them in even the most rural of supermarket aisles. But for the baffled and acne-prone, you might ask...what’s the difference?

The difference between salicylic and glycolic acid

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), which means that two carbon atoms separate the hydroxy molecule from the acid. Two, hence the word “beta.” It’s derived from willow bark, which has been used in ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations to curb pain, fever, and (hint, hint!) inflammation. That also means it’s capable of being dissolved or liquefied in oil, which makes it great at penetrating deep into the pores of your skin. 

When it’s down in the war zone, er, your skin, it then breaks down the connections between cells to help unclog your pores. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to help pus-filled zits go down easy. Dr. Belo’s go-to recommendation for the acne-prone? A jar of powerful salicylic acid pads, which packs 2% salicylic acid for maximum acne prevention and treatment.

Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). It’s derived from sugar cane, and it has the smallest molecules, so it penetrates into the skin easily. It’s able to stimulate collagen and loosen the bonds between cells in your stratum corneum (AKA the top layer of your skin). By loosening those cells, it becomes easier for them to slough off, revealing the good skin you have underneath.

Which acid is Dr. Belo’s favorite?

Dr. Belo personally loves glycolic acid. "In the morning, I use a glycolic acid exfoliator and vitamin C. I think every person is hiyang to certain medicine. What's very bagay to me is a little glycolic [acid] or any alpha-hydroxy acid, but glycolic in particular my skin loves...to make sure my skin turnover is good,” she said in a 2019 interview with Preview.ph. It’s a relatively beginner-friendly acid, which is also why it’s one of the most popular.

Which of these acids is right for you?

Now, as for the question of which acid is the best for you, that all depends on your skin type. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who suffer from acne and inflammation, while glycolic acid caters to a wider variety of skin types. (One of our most sought-after basic facials is the Glycopeel Cleaning Facial.) 

Still, it’s best to have a consultation with one of our doctors first. Now that we’ve demystified two of the most lauded acids in skincare, you can click here to book an online consultation.

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This Ultra-Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Mask is Worth Every Cent https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-ultra-hydrating-hyaluronic-acid-mask-is-worth-every-cent Sun, 06 Sep 2020 04:45:45 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21599

Hyaluronic acid is a wildly popular skincare buzzword. That’s because this ingredient has a powerful ability: it’s able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it fantastic for hydration and suppleness. Dr. Vicki Belo explained it in her Facebook Live session with Grace Lee and Ryan Bang: “Oiliness is next to ugliness, right? But we want water. 'Pag nakita niyo 'yung mga bata, ang ganda ng skin nila. Hindi sila oily. Marami silang water sa mukha. So 'yung hyaluronic acid, may mask na from Paris that soaks your face in hyaluronic acid. This then absorbs 1000 times its weight in water, so sobrang hydrated 'yung face.”

Dr. Hayden Kho further explains it in layman’s terms: “Kaya ka nagkaka-glow is because pinupuno natin ng hyaluronic acid ‘yung skin. Now, if you shine light on a dark surface, ina-absorb ng dark ‘yung light. Pero ‘pag white, nire-reflect 'yung light. The hyaluronic acid is a water molecule that acts like a mirror. So ‘pag pinuno mo 'yung skin mo ng hyaluronic acid, ‘pag tumama 'yung light, nagba-bounce ‘yung light, kaya nagkakaroon ng glow,” he explained in the Facebook Live session. Amazing, right?

Naturally, this means the ingredient is widely available in drugstore skincare products. But if you’re looking for a step up—that is, if you’re looking for a rich, luxurious hyaluronic acid infusion—then we just might have something for you.

The FillMed Hyaluronic Youth Mask is unlike your typical sheet mask. This soothing bio-cellulose mask is packed with three ingredients, and we’ll break them down for you: hyaluronic acid (obvs), collagen, and aloe vera. When put all together, these ingredients nourish, soothe, and restore dry, irritated skin. Just pick a weekend night to wind down and try the mask, and after 25-30 minutes, remove the mask and notice visibly plumped skin! 

Over time, and as you use the mask more often, you’ll notice even more dramatic changes. A clinical study found that after 15 minutes of us, subjects enjoyed +27% hydration. And after eight applications, subjects were found to have had 19% less wrinkle volume, and a 16% decrease in wrinkle depth! We told you this wasn’t an ordinary sheet mask!

How often should you use the mask? Well, they aren’t meant for everyday use. In an interview with The Philippine Tatler, Dr. Belo mentioned that she uses this mask two times a week. She mentions that twice a week is enough, as over-hydrating can cause you to break out.

Head here to get yourself a FillMed Hyaluronic Youth Mask for P1,100! Your skin will drink it up and thank you profusely.

If you want to take your self-care night a step further, you can get the Hyaluronic Youth Mask as part of the Belo-It-Yourself Hydrating Facial Kit! The kit comes with the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser and ZO® Oil Control Pads, for a complete moisture-reviving routine.

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21599 0 0 0 The luxurious sheet mask of your dreams!]]>
Here's How to Be a Part of our 9.9 SECRET SALE! https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-how-to-be-a-part-of-our-9-9-secret-sale Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:54:01 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21625

During our wildly successful 8.8 celebration, some of you guys were wondering when we would have our next special treat. 8.8 was a time for our most sought-after treatments to shine. But as the quarantine period extends, we want to give you guys another way to stay beautiful, even while you’re at home. And that’s why we’re holding a 9.9 secret sale! 

You might be wondering: what’s going to be on sale? For how long? Do I need a promo code? Well, you’ll get all the details by ~*vibing*~ with us on our Viber Community!

We established our Viber community last May 29 to give you guys another way to get first dibs on our latest announcements. Whether it’s news on sales, upcoming giveaways, or snippets of our most sought-after treatments, our Viber community is the place to go for bite-sized Belo updates! And because we want to welcome more people to the community, the full details of our top-secret 9.9 sale will exclusively be released there! 

All you have to do now is join the Belo Beauty Viber Community. Tomorrow (September 8, 2020), we’ll be releasing an exclusive 9.9 promo code that you’ll only see if you join us on Viber. So click here to Vibe with us now, or manually type bit.ly/BeloViber on your browser to get the link! We’ll see you online on 9.9...happy shopping!

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, and Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-ogie-alcasid-regine-velasquez-and-dr-vicki-belo Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:34:55 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21647

Regine Velasquez was Dr. Vicki Belo’s first-ever celebrity patient, and she’s one of the reasons Belo Medical Group became a household name in the 1990s. So it was only fitting that Dr. Belo and Doc Hayden Kho hold their next Facebook Live session with Asia’s Songbird, together with her husband, the equally talented Ogie Alcasid. You could already tell that between these two couples, we were in for a night of praise and worship, love and life advice, and good old wholesome fun. So if you missed last night’s Facebook Live with #OgRe and #HayToria (yes, these are their ship names), read on!

https://www.facebook.com/Belo.Medical/videos/343464263457919

1. During this entire lockdown period so far, Ogie and Regine have only had one argument, and it involved an elevator.

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Thank you baba @ogiealcasid ❤️❤️❤️😃

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“This whole lockdown, parang one time lang kami nag-away talaga,” Ogie began. “First time niya akong napagtaasan ng boses after 10 years! Isang beses lang...tapos sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Akala ko ba sabi mo sa akin na hindi mo ako aawayin!’” Regine shared jokingly. “Nakulong ako sa elevator on my birthday dito sa bahay! Tapos hindi ako hinanap, tapos parang alam ko namang hindi niya kasalanan, but I just needed to blame someone, and I just blamed him.” As it turns out, Regine had turned on their home UV lights to sanitize their downstairs space, and so the elevator stayed closed as a precautionary measure. She was trapped for a good 30 minutes before she pried open the elevator doors herself! 

In his defense, Ogie replied that he had been upstairs reading a book and putting their son, Nate, to sleep. “I was reading a book, and Nate was saying, ‘I think I can hear Mom. I think Mom’s screaming!’ I knew she was about to turn on the UV, so I couldn’t go [downstairs]. Sabi ko, “‘Hon! Anong nangyayari diyan?’” Looks like an unfortunate misunderstanding is all...and the couple shared this story with lots of laughs!

2. They know that respect and forgiveness are key to making a modern family work.

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Dad’s home!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Fans know that Ogie was once married to Michelle van Eimeren. They have two daughters: Sarah and Leila Alcasid. Michelle and her husband, Mark Morrow, visit the Philippines often to bond with everyone. When asked by the doctors about how they navigate the ins and outs of being in a modern family, Ogie replied: “A lot of people would see us together—Michelle’s husband, myself, and all the kids, and we look really happy. We certainly are, but it’s not because of us that we are happy together. It really is by the grace of God.”

“As a second wife…” Regine began in jest, “Siguro ‘yung isang malaking factor for me is having forgiveness. [It’s] very, very important. Two is understanding each other...compassion.” When Dr. Belo asked if Regine ever had trouble forming a relationship with Leila, Regine replied, “Actually, hindi ako nahirapan with her, eh. She’s such a good girl din kasi. I figured, ang role ko sa life niya dito, although I am her stepmom, ayokong umarte na nanay ako ‘nung umpisa...kasi may nanay na siya, eh. ‘Nung umpisa, I just wanted to be friends with her, so our bonding before was to watch a series together. Every week, nandoon kami sa TV room, tapos nakahiga kami.” According to Regine, it was those fun post-show or post-movie discussions that actually brought them closer together.

3. They played a role in bringing their daughter Sarah closer to God.

“It was New Year’s Eve, and [my eldest daughter] said to me, ‘Hey, you know, Dad, I think I’m an atheist,’” Ogie recalled. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s surprising.’ Michelle was totally shocked. I asked the Lord, ‘God, if you’re going to make me the head of this family, I need to be able to reach out to my loved ones, for them to know you better.’

“Lo and behold, that year, my daughter just said to me that she wanted to stay [in the Philippines]. It was really His way of...from her being an atheist, getting her to fall in love with Christ. Obviously, it wasn’t easy...since she came three years ago until today, it was a rediscovery of sorts. I started getting to know my daughter in a way that I have never known her. It was also more special because I got to know her more because of her love for Christ.” 

4. Regine needs Ogie to hug her at least three times a day!

Even #OgRe isn’t exempt from quarantine-induced stress, but the couple have leaned on an easy (and completely free) way to feel better. “I have to say, being with my husband is such a blessing for me. Kung wala ‘yung asawa ko, siguro masisira ‘yung ulo ko. Everyday, kailangan niya akong i-hug at least three times. Kasi I feel safe, I feel relaxed,” she shared. They vowed to hold each other more during this quarantine season to help relieve stress. “A lot of times, he doesn’t even say anything, just ‘I love you.’ That’s it, and my day is good.” This prompted tons of our viewers to comment, “Sana all!”

5. They sang four beautiful songs throughout the session.

If you’ve missed seeing Ogie and Regine in concert, our Facebook Live session was filled with intimate song numbers by the couple. They sang four songs, to be exact: first was “Beautiful,” an original song by Ogie and Moira dela Torre about the beautiful love of Jesus Christ. Next, a classic from the Velasquez repertoire: “Pangako,” during which the couple pulled off the most beautiful harmonies. In honor of the doctors, they also sang Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless the Broken Road,” an emotional country song about two people who’ve overcome plenty of challenges to finally end up together. Finally, they ended the live session with a flawless rendition of Hillsong United’s “What a Beautiful Name,” and they even encouraged viewers who wanted to accept Jesus Christ in that very moment to do so. It was a beautiful way to close the session—a celebration of the faith that both couples fervently share.

Click here to watch the video in full, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to be a part of our next Live sessions!

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The Three Times Dr. Belo *Actually* Wants You to Use Moisturizer https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-three-times-dr-belo-actually-wants-you-to-use-moisturizer Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:40:09 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21661

Recently, we published an article titled “Why Doesn’t Dr. Belo Approve Of Using Moisturizer?” which made the rounds on social media. It sparked online discussions and Twitter threads anew. But Dr. Vicki Belo’s anti-moisturizer philosophy is nothing of a surprise—in fact, this has been her belief since the very early days of her practice. But despite the many magazine articles and YouTube videos in which she exclaims, “Don’t use moisturizer!” there are three instances in which the beauty expert actually wants you to use it. Read thoroughly, and take notes:

1. When abroad, especially in cooler climes.

“I really don’t advise the use of moisturizers here in the Philippines because it’s already quite hot and humid. Moisturizers are useful in cold countries, where you can actually feel your face drying up. But in a tropical country, a moisturizer will only make you more oily. It will clog your pores and could potentially cause breakouts,” Dr. Belo advised in a 2018 interview with Preview.ph

That means you should be packing a totally different skincare kit for April in Boracay and for November in New York City, naturally! It helps to have a dedicated pouch just for traveling, too, with your essentials already in your suitcase.

2. On your neck.

In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Belo answered “Yup!” to the question “Should I apply moisturizer on my neck to prevent wrinkles?” No room for doubt here!

But what makes the skin on your neck different from the skin on your face? “The neck doesn't really have a lot of oil glands, so you should really moisturize there,” she said at the 2018 Cosmopolitan Beauty Block. “But on the face, we have a lot of oil glands.” The skin on your neck is similar to the skin around your eyes—it’s thinner, so it’ll be one of the first areas to show signs of aging. As soon as you hit 25, begin treating your neck right! Future You will thank you.

3. On your body.

The same principle applies for the neck and body, according to Dr. Belo. “Put it on your elbows, put it on your knees. Your body needs it. It doesn’t have as many oil glands. The face doesn’t need it,” she said to Pep.ph at the 2018 Belo Beauty Suite. Use a double-duty product like the Belo Illuminating Cream, which contains alpha arbutin and liquorice to brighten.

We hope this settles everything! Moisturizer isn’t completely out in Dr. Belo’s book—it just needs to be applied in the correct areas and the right situations. If you have any more moisturizer-related questions, feel free to book an online consultation with Dr. Belo herself (you read that right!) by clicking here. Happy hydrating!

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Here’s the Secret to A Younger-Looking Face https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-the-secret-to-a-younger-looking-face Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:07:05 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21687

Dr. Vicki Belo has mentioned previously that quarantine is the perfect time to take care of yourself, so that you can come out of your “cocoon” looking like a beautiful butterfly! We’ve been giving you plenty of opportunities to get Belofied at a discount, from our 8.8 sale on treatments to our 9.9 sale on products at The Belo Shop. And now, we’re sharing another little secret to preserve that fountain of youth: a special price on Juvéderm Voluma fillers, from now until October 30, 2020!

The aging process begins at 25, according to Dr. Belo. And according to Juvéderm PH, this *really* sets in in your 30s: “Gravity begins to take a toll, especially in the brow area and around your chin. Skin may become less supple with broken capillaries. Fine lines may start to form around your mouth, which are known as ‘smile lines’,” says their official website. You also begin to lose your body’s natural hyaluronic acid content, which is crucial for looking young—hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, so when you lose it, you start to look less plump!

Enter Juvéderm Voluma, a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that is used to restore volume and enhance facial structures. It’s made by Allergan, the same geniuses behind that neurotoxin we all know and love—BOTOX®! Our doctors recommend that Voluma is placed in the cheeks, jaw, and chin to make your face look sculpted instead of saggy. 

“With Voluma, a contoured look with full cheeks, chin, and jawline can be easily achieved in only one hour,” says Juvéderm PH on Instagram. And it’s true—after one session with a Belo MD, you’ll immediately see results! Check out the amazing before-and-after results of patients who have tried Juvéderm here. (NOTE: Images are for illustrative purposes only, and the featured patients are not patients of Belo Medical Group.)

Chin fillers are also a great way to get rid of the illusion of a double chin. Just check out Sue Ramirez’ great results:

Of course, depending on factors like your age and skin type, you may need more sessions over the course of a few months

You have less than two months to avail of this amazing discount on Juvéderm Voluma! Next step: planning your beauty journey. A consultation with our doctors is crucial to craft the perfect treatment plan for you. Click here to book an online appointment with one of our doctors...or here to book one with Dr. Belo herself! You can also call 8819-BELO for a real-life consultation.

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Get Whipped Into Shape by Following These 4 Fitness Instructors https://www.belomed.com/blog/get-whipped-into-shape-by-following-these-4-fitness-youtubers Sat, 12 Sep 2020 14:19:09 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21697

From Chloe Ting to Pamela Reif and more, people everywhere are learning to get a good workout in at home. We’re all realizing that you don’t necessarily need a bulky squat rack to achieve your body goals—all it takes is minimal equipment, an internet connection, and the discipline to follow through. And to make that even easier for you, we’ve rounded up four local fitness gurus whose physiques will inspire and motivate you...and whose stories will push you to keep on going!

1. The Pilates Pioneer: Tanya Aguila

Tanya Aguila

Tanya Aguila is the #girlboss and co-founder of ONELIFE, a chain of boutique Pilates and Physical Therapy studios in Manila (the first of its kind). She is a multi-certified Pilates, Yoga, and movement professional. She was also one of the first Nike Training Club coaches for Manila, Philippines and is currently a mentor-in-training for internationally renowned Polestar Pilates. Tanya is a big champion of local businesses and brands and she strongly believes in two advocacies: self-care, and women empowerment. 

As a coach, she believes in sustainable fitness and compassionate coaching. She champions holistic and highly personalised self-care, which is why ONELIFE focuses on both Physical Therapy and Pilates, for injury management and rehabilitation, and one-on-one trainings, for at-your-own-pace fitness. For ONELIFE, fitness is not measured in inches or pounds, but in the ability to continue to do the things you love, free from pain, for life. 

2. The Yogi: Rianna Gatus

Rianna Gatus

Rianna Gatus has been teaching yoga for more than ten years. She teaches smart, dynamic, and intuitive yoga classes. Rianna found the mat through tough times of personal grief. As one of the founders of Beyond Yoga studios in Manila, she opened the space with the desire to share yoga to people around her.

She is trained in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Hot Yoga, with more than 1,000 hours of training and continuing education under her belt. Her goal as a teacher trainer is to train people with emphasis on skillful and precise sequencing, hands on assists that are connected and confident, and the ability to create an experience that brings people back to themselves. Her vision is a world with more yoga because everybody deserves it.

3. The Dancer: Sam Corrales

Sam Corrales

Sam Corrales is a dance fitness instructor of 808 Studio, Manila’s first boutique dance fitness studio. She is a former national team athlete who has won numerous awards in the local and international cheerleading scene. As an alumnus of the UP Pep Squad and with over a decade of training, Sam knows what it means to lead and inspire others to be confident in themselves through dance and movement.

Aside from this, Sam worked with ABS-CBN Sports+Action as the courtside reporter for the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 81. She is currently an ambassador of adidas Philippines and has partnered with many brands to advocate a healthy lifestyle. 

4. The Bikram Directress: Ollay Aninion

Ollay Aninion

With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Ollay Aninion is strictly bound to impart what she has been trained: how Bikram Yoga is scientifically proven to revitalize, reorganize, and re-energize the human body with a strong mind. As the directress of the first Bikram Yoga studio in Manila, she has established a strong brand of service and a solid community of practitioners who treat each other like family. As the local community is getting bigger and getting more serious about why and from whom they practice Bikram Yoga, she foresees a future in which Bikram yoga will become a daily necessity, everyday habit, and a way of life.

Make them a part of your fitness journey by joining the online classes of ONELIFE, Beyond Yoga, 808 Studio, and Bikram Yoga Manila. And guess what: members of these studios (and more!) get special Belo rewards! Click here for more details.

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10 Things You Can Do for a Better Night's Sleep https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-things-you-can-do-for-a-better-nights-sleep Mon, 14 Sep 2020 04:36:09 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21718

There are many things that would make it on the list of reasons for worsened sleep quality, but a global pandemic (and all its consequences) would no doubt soar to the top. You may be feeling heightened levels of stress and anxiety, or your new work schedule might be messing with your bedtime. Whatever the reason, here are 10 things you can try so you can sleep like a baby tonight.

1. Watch your caffeine window.

Good sleep habits actually begin in the early morning. Downing a double-shot at 6 AM is completely fine, but remember that “once in the body, caffeine will persist for several hours: it takes about 6 hours for one half of the caffeine to be eliminated,” according to the Sleep Foundation. That means you need to give your body 12 hours to completely eliminate the caffeine in your system. If your bedtime is 10 PM, that means no more coffee by 10 AM. 

2. Begin winding down one to two hours before bedtime.

As your bedtime approaches, begin to calm your mind by avoiding things that may trigger your brain. That means no more horror movies, distressing news programs, or even smartphone scrolling (this is hard, though!), as the blue light from your screens blocks the melatonin hormone from making you sleepy. Instead, try curling up with a book or magazine, cuddling your pet, or spending quiet time on the couch with loved ones. 

3. Invest in a good scented candle or aroma diffuser.

According to Michael J. Breus, PhD, essential oils can play a role in relaxation and calmness, which helps set an environment for better sleep. “Only smell moves directly to the brain’s emotion and memory center. That’s why those memories you associate with the scent of garden roses, or banana bread baking in the oven, come on so quickly and so strongly,” said Breus. Lavender oil is a popular choice, but you can also look into chamomile, “thieves” (a mix of five essential oils), and more. It totally depends on you! We’d recommend avoiding citrus scents, though, since those tend to induce alertness rather than relaxation

4. Practice meditation before bed.

A great way to take stock of the day that’s passed and bring it to a proper end is meditation. It helps you become aware of your true feelings and will help you live a more mindful existence. From free apps like Headspace to guided YouTube sessions, there are plenty of beginner-friendly ways for you to introduce meditation into your life. Oh, and rid yourself of the notion that you need to meditate while Indian sitting and humming “om.” According to Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe, you can meditate while lying down in bed.

5. Invest in better pillows…

Remove those pillowcases and check your pillows. Is the filling clumped? Is the outer covering yellowed? When you apply pressure with your fist, does the pillow no longer bounce back to its original shape? These are just some indicators that your pillows may no longer be working for you. If your pillow is too soft and your head sinks down too much, this means your neck isn’t aligned with your spine. If your pillow is too firm and your head is tilted too high, your neck isn’t aligned either. “Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back,” advises the University of Rochester Medical Center.

6. ..and a good sleep mask.

According to a 2011 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, exposure to light can suppress the onset of melatonin by about 90 minutes. A good sleep mask will block all light (even the tiniest slivers) and prevent sleep disruption. That means investing in a good one, not the novelty kind you can find at the checkout lane of an accessories store! It must properly fit your face, adjust to the contours of your nose, and be soft and comfortable.

7. Settle down with a nightcap.

A great way to look forward to bed is to assign a drink that you can only have at bedtime. For some, it might be their favorite Yogi tea. For others, it could be a golden milk mix. Over time, the smell and taste of this tea will signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Anything works, as long as it’s not alcohol- or caffeine-infused!

8. Strip down.

According to a study from the University of Amsterdam, lowering your skin temp helps to increase sleep quality and reduces wakeup times in the middle of the night. In a tropical country like ours, sleeping naked will *definitely* make a difference, moreso if you have the A/C on. Also, this means that you don’t need to fidget with too-tight waistbands, annoying buttons, or even underwear as you toss and turn your way into slumber. Just your skin against your soft sheets. Sounds amazing, right?

9. Wink, wink!

Well, you knew we’d end up here. Studies have shown that people who engage in sexual activity before bed may enjoy better sleep quality! It has to do with the hormones released when you orgasm, like oxytocin, which help you feel calm and relaxed. Now when you nudge the hubby for a little pre-slumber lovin’, you can say “It’s scientifically proven!”

10. Try some melatonin.

You may have heard of melatonin before: it’s the naturally-occurring hormone that’s responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. “As we get older, we lose melatonin, so we don’t sleep well at night. That’s the only time our body can regenerate and rejuvenate, so we really have to sleep well. But guess what? Melatonin really helps with immunity, [and] it’s anti-inflammatory. It’s important to take this usually about 30 minute to 1 hour before we want to sleep,” recommends Dr. Vicki Belo. You can easily get melatonin supplements from your local drugstore, or you can get it as part of the Formula VB Immunity Kit.

Whether you follow one or all 10 of these suggestions, we hope that you get your zzz’s in, and soon. After all, nothing assures you of a great day quite like a good night’s sleep. Good night and sleep tight, Belo Beauties!

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3 Reasons to Try Belo Myosculpt, AKA the Easiest Workout Ever https://www.belomed.com/blog/3-reasons-to-try-belo-myosculpt-aka-the-easiest-workout-ever Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:58:49 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21750

If we told you there existed a workout where you never had to lift a finger, would you believe us? Belo Myosculpt is a brand new body-sculpting treatment that doesn’t require you to move at all, and stars like Julia Barretto, Jennylyn Mercado, Rhian Ramos, and more are seriously impressed with the results. Here are three reasons you should try it, too!

1. It generates 30,000 muscle contractions in a single session.

This machine is equipped with unique electromagnetic technology that naturally activates muscle contractions. You can try it on your abs, butt, calves, arms, and thighs. It can generate as much as 30,000 contractions in a single 30-minute session. That’s like doing 30,000 situps if you’re going for the abs! 

2. All you have to do is lie down. 

Myosculpt burns fat and tones muscle without you having to move an inch. All you have to do is lay down, relax, and maybe even put on an audiobook or some good music. After 30 minutes, your “workout” is done, and you can proceed with the rest of your day as normal...the way you would with an old-fashioned sweat sesh! (BTW: you’re not allowed to work out for 24 hours after the procedure!)

3. It’s not painful.

Our Belo Babies who have tried the procedure describe it as an intense shaking sensation rather than a painful one. It’s a lot like Emsculpt in that sense (which Sue Ramirez found extremely ticklish!). So don’t worry about being in agony for 30 whole minutes—this is a totally tolerable procedure, especially if you’re young and already work out regularly.

Of course, Myosculpt isn’t meant to completely replace your usual workout. It’s just a great way to keep your fitness routine going on days (or weeks) when you can’t make it to the gym or are a bit too tired. The best results will arise from combining this with your regular cardio or weights sessions, as the treatment will enhance your muscle tone and burn those stubborn last inches of fat! Call 8819-BELO to book your session now.

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We Asked 5 People From the Belo HQ about Their Holy Grail Products https://www.belomed.com/blog/we-asked-5-people-from-the-belo-hq-about-their-holy-grail-products Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:33:44 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21773

There’s nothing better than an honest opinion. And when it comes to the products you put on your face, you need reviews you can trust. That’s why we’ve rounded up five reviews, each coming from members of the Belo HQ, to tell you guys about the Belo Shop products that have earned a special place in their heart (and skincare routine). 

Apple Valenzuela-Lim
Advertising and Promotions Manager

“My favorite product ever is the ZO® Oil Control Pads. It was recommended to me before by my Belo doctor, and I still use it up to now. This product helped me control my mask-related breakouts throughout the quarantine period!

“But the latest self-care treat I got from the Belo Shop was the Belo Illuminating System. I personally got so interested because of Dr. Belo...she personally uses it and loves it, [and] she even told us her skin remained fair all over, even after a trip to Amanpulo. It's definitely a plus factor when you hear THE Dr. Belo rave about a specific product or treatment. It's a two-part system, and I love the instant whitening effect of the cream. It smells nice too. But I mixed my favorite body oil with the cream to add a more relaxing scent to it. 

“I want to even out my skin tone, especially now that I'm indoors most of the time and I don't get too much sunlight exposure. I'm only into my first week of using the products, but I noticed that my skin’s started micro-peeling, which is a good sign. My skin looks better and healthier in general, too.”

Brei Garcia
Marketing Head

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Pasta girls 4ever 🍝

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“I developed freckles and melasma from years of extensive exposure to the sun due to surfing, plus my overall skin quality changed a lot postpartum. Since I was young, my mom’s always taught me the importance of skincare, but it wasn’t until my 30s that I started to listen and decide to invest in a solid skincare regimen (she’s a major fan of ZO®, and we know moms know best!).

“I’m trying to make up for all those years of neglect, and I’m so happy to find these easy-to-use products, especially for a low-maintenance girl like me (I can’t do a 10-step skincare regimen to save my life). I use ZO® Daily Power Defense, ZO® Brightalive, and ZO® Calming Toner, plus the Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Facial Wash. I started using these products just a few months ago, but I could see my skin glow and become flawless within days. I swear, ZO® works like magic! Go talk to a Belo doctor (Dr. Guada is my doctor, and one of the OGs) to find out which ones will work best for you.”

Chandra Pepino
Digital Marketing Officer

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Natuwa siya sa natural light eh.

A post shared by Chandra Pepino (@chandracucumber) on

“I first came to Belo when I was 13 years old. My mom took me to the Alabang branch because I was having the worst breakouts at such a young age. Back then (the year was 2010), my doctor prescribed me with the basics: the Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5% and the Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer. Glycolic acid is a great chemical exfoliant that Dr. Belo’s known to be a fan of, and the pore minimizer is a quintessential part of most Belo anti-acne routines. I’m now 24 years old, and these products are still in my routine! As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If something’s proven to work for you, your best bet is to stick to it.”

Paula Pangan
Digital Art Director

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The angel has landed.

A post shared by Paula Pangan (@paulapangan) on

“I love the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser. Doc Hayden recommended it [to me]. Before quarantine began, I used to walk and bike to work as my daily exercise. But due to Manila's pollution, my skin became oily, so much so that I thought I had the ‘glass skin glow.’ When I started using this cleanser, though, my skin reverted from oily to its natural, normal state. My skin feels refreshed every time I use it. Unlike other facial scrubs, it feels soft and gentle when applied to the face. I find that it pairs well with the ZO® Oil Control Pads for the best results, since the pads remove excess oil and dirt. What I learned this year is no matter how much makeup you slather on, it can’t cover up unhealthy skin. You have to take care of what’s underneath, so that makeup enhances, rather than conceals, your natural beauty.”

Anya Reyes
Digital Marketing Manager

“The Belo Illuminating Cream is one of my earliest product discoveries as a fairly new employee. What made it stand out among other products that were introduced to me was the promise of lightening darker areas of the body. I suffer from contact dermatitis, so I have random dark spots all over my body from scratch wounds. I love how the product is able to effectively even out my skin tone! I’m not planning on wearing a bikini anytime soon, but it gives me peace of mind and an extra boost of confidence that I’m able to fix my skin problems!”

To discover these products for yourself, check out The Belo Shop, but we recommend that you speak with one of our doctors first to see which ones are right for you. We’d love to hear what you think of our products, so feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Facebook, too!

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Why You Need to Add a Serum to Your Skincare Routine https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-you-need-to-add-a-serum-to-your-skincare-routine Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:13:40 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21792

So you’ve heard Dr. Belo’s skincare advice: cleanse, tone, exfoliate. (Yep, no moisturizer!) But there’s another crucial step she does that you shouldn’t miss, and it’s the workhorse of your entire skincare routine. Adding a serum ensures that your skin gets the active ingredients you need to improve your specific skin issues, like acne or sun spots.

Dr. Belo personally uses a retinol serum, because it’s fantastic for keeping skin clear and blemish-free. “The number one I've been using since I was 11 for acne and also for anti-aging 'cause it's totally good for everything is retinol, at one percent,” she said at the 2019 Cosmo BeautyCon. But serums of all kinds exist, from natural sources (containing aloe vera or green tea extract) to go-to active ingredients like glycolic acid, Vitamin C, and more. 

(READ: What’s Retinol, And Why Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine?)

Think of it this way: your serum is the star of your skincare routine. Your makeup remover and cleanser’s only purpose is to rid your skin of dirt and debris. You use toner to balance the pH of your skin....and to get your skin ready to better absorb all the ingredients it’s about to come in contact with. In other words, these steps merely set the stage for the real magic to happen: your serum, which should ideally contain the active ingredient that will take your skin from good to great. Maybe even perfect!

To know which type of serum is right for you, think about the skin issue you want to solve. If you have acne scars or sun spots, Dr. Belo recommends a Vitamin C serum, because it lightens pigmentation. For those who want to get rid of rough skin, niacinamide is your best friend. To fight free radicals and slow down aging, an antioxidant serum does the trick. There are even serums that will address skin laxity and make your skin look firm again. The list goes on and on! You can narrow down your options by speaking with a skin doctor who will prescribe the serum you need.

Your serum is likely to be the most expensive part of your routine. But trust us when we say it’s worth it! The best serums tend to be on the pricier side for a reason—they’re jam-packed with the ingredients your skin badly needs to look and feel its best. Once you see results, you’ll understand why investing in your skin was worth every cent.

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21792 0 0 0 It’s where all the magic happens!]]> What’s Retinol, and Why Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine?]]>
Is It *Really* Healthier to Sleep Naked? https://www.belomed.com/blog/is-it-really-healthier-to-sleep-naked Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:13:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21804

Back in April, we asked our Belo Baby Ivana Alawi about what she likes to wear in bed. Surprisingly enough, she let us in on a little secret: she doesn’t wear anything at all. “Honestly, I really don’t like wearing anything when I go to sleep,” she shared. “I like to sleep freely—unless I sleep with my family, or I’m with my friends and we have a sleepover...then I would usually wear [a] very loose cotton T-shirt.” 

I mean, she has a point, though. It’s much more comfortable to feel your bare skin against soft sheets than to have to battle with elastic, zippers, and uncomfortable layers. And in a tropical country like ours, it’s more than convenient to sleep in the nude. But you might be surprised to find out that sleeping naked has legitimate health benefits. Let us count the ways…

1. It helps you fall asleep more quickly.

According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, your thermal environment has a major effect on your sleep and circadian rhythm. The lower the temperature of your room, the easier it will be to drift off (remember that summer night when your air conditioner conked out? Yep—not your finest hour). Less layers means a lower likelihood of running too hot, which means you’ll be knocked out before you know it.

2. It promotes your “down there” health.

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Build me up, @heybuttercup.ph 😙✨

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Gynecologists have agreed that women with sensitive skin, rashes, or irritation in the vaginal area could benefit from a little, er, “airing out.” Your vagina regularly releases secretions that prevent microorganisms from entering your body. In other words, it’s good bacteria, but it can cause that gross moist feeling (you know the one). That said, it’s important to let that area breathe, because it’s also trapped in tight clothing or irritating panty liners or pads for most of the day. And since going commando at work is NOT a possibility, you can definitely do this in your sleep! As an added bonus, your SO’s going to love it for sure.

3. It helps promote closeness and intimacy.

And speaking of SOs, skin-to-skin contact with your guy can result in the release of happy hormones like oxytocin. In the same way that babies benefit from uninterrupted contact with their moms, adults in romantic relationships will experience the same feelings of safety, comfort, and closeness when snuggled up naked. It also may or may not lead to some pre-sleep lovin’, which is never a bad thing!

Sleeping naked also helps you save on laundry, LOL! Kidding aside, there’s no harm in trying it one of these nights, especially as temperatures continue to increase. It’s certainly not for everyone, but don’t knock it until you try it! Who knows—stripping down to your birthday suit just might be your new favorite nighttime ritual.

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21804 0 0 0 The many benefits of catching zzz’s in the nude.]]>
Ivana Alawi’s Top 3 Favorite Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/ivana-alawis-top-3-favorite-treatments Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:12:10 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21826

Did you know that Ivana Alawi has been coming to Belo long before she was in the public eye? Belo is definitely her go-to when it comes to making her beauty goals come true. No wonder the woman looks stunning from head to toe! But now that we’re able to follow her along on her beauty journey, here’s a peek at her three favorite treatments:

1. For an even complexion: Glycopeel Mask

Here’s an easy way to brighten up and even out your skin tone—the Glycopeel Mask only has to be left on for 10 minutes or so, and you’ll notice visibly brightened skin! This resurfacing mask restores tone & radiance to reveal younger-looking skin. It has glycolic acid (15%) for exfoliation, phytic acid (2%) for even complexion, and a soothing complex for sensitive skin. Ivana tried this on her face and knees before ECQ began. 

Staying at home? If you wanna try it yourself, there’s no need to come to us—just get the Fillmed Glycopeel Mask from the Belo Shop!

2. For all-over brightening: Belo Angel Whitening

This celeb fave was sure to make it to Ivana’s favorites list. The Fotona Starwalker, which is the name of the machine used for this treatment, is just that good at zapping away pigmentation and unwanted blemishes. Ivana made sure to prioritize this during her recent visit to our Greenhills clinic. 

Staying at home? If you’d like to shoot for the same results, there’s a Belo-It-Yourself face brightening kit that’ll do the trick!

3. For silky smoothness: Harmony Laser Hair Removal

There’s no need to be ashamed of baby hair on your body. Some of us may have fine hairs on our stomach, face, or back, and if you’ve ever attempted to wax it off, you’d know that removing that hair makes a HUGE difference in how smooth and bright your skin looks. Ivana has some baby hair on her back that she wanted to remove, so her Belo doctor recommended Harmony SHR laser hair removal. It’s a completely painless treatment that makes use of near-infrared light and a special gel for maximum comfort. Ivana even fell asleep a couple times during her treatment!

Despite the times, it’s clear that Ivana makes self-care a priority, and we think you should, too. Being in quarantine is no reason to feel less than your best self! Start your journey with an online consultation, then come see us when you’re ready by calling 8819-BELO. Can’t wait for your transformation!

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This P650 Tube Will Whiten Your Underarms, Inner Thighs, and More https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-p650-tube-will-whiten-your-underarms-inner-thighs-and-more Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:54:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21842

What if we told you that all you needed to brighten your underarms, inner thighs, and other pesky dark spots was a nifty tube worth P650? This is not a drill! One of the Belo pharmacy’s best-kept secrets is the Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor, and ever since we released it on The Belo Shop, it’s the site’s *top 4* bestselling product. Here are three reasons you need to add it to cart right now:

1. It inhibits the production of melanin.

OK, the name of this product can sound intimidating at first, so we’ll explain: Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin (a.k.a. pigment). By inhibiting it, you can brighten the skin and dramatically reduce pigmentation. What’s in this tube, anyway? The Tyrosinase Inhibitor contains Arbutin, Kojic Acid, and Vitamin C—three of the most powerful brightening agents in skincare. 

2. It’s ultra-versatile.

Now, you don’t need to find separate brightening solutions for your face, underarms, inner thighs, and groin. This tube works on dark areas on all parts of the body! (It’s for external use only, of course.) The Tyrosinase Inhibitor is a crucial part of our Belo-It-Yourself Armpit Perfecting Kit. One of the Belo HQ girls even used it after a bad bout with shingles last year, and it completely lightened all the dark spots that were left behind. Our doctors also tend to recommend this to patients who’ve just done a laser treatment (to prevent post-treatment pigmentation). Talk about a hard worker!

3. It’s only P650!

If you’ve been fooled by expensive “brightening creams” that did little to lighten those dark spots, your holy grail is here. And. It’s. Only. P650. For an all-over solution with guaranteed results. Don’t be fooled by its small size—a 10-gram tube goes a long way! 

Now, you don’t need to save up for a laser treatment that might be beyond your budget. Though the results may take a little longer, this product will get you there slowly but surely! Click here to shop the Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor.

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21842 0 0 0 Dr. Belo LOVES this product!]]>
Have Dark Circles? Here’s What to Do! https://www.belomed.com/blog/have-dark-circles-heres-what-to-do Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:36:56 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21859

Working from home isn’t without its perks, but it can be pretty. The demarcation line between office and home is all but gone, and it can be difficult to figure out when exactly your work day begins and ends. It’s no surprise that WFH-related exhaustion is rampant all over the world, resulting in dehydration, disturbed circadian rhythms, and *gulp* dark undereye circles! But as always, we have various solutions for you. Here’s what you can do to prevent (or correct) those dark circles.

PHASE 1: PREVENT

If you’re not saddled with those designer (undereye) bags just yet, here’s what you can do to keep them from ever appearing:

  • Easier said than done, but get enough sleep. You know this, so now it’s time to really do it. Eye strain from tiredness or sleep deprivation can result in the enlargement of the dark blood vessels around your eyes, causing the area to darken.
  • Drink enough water. To keep the thin and delicate skin under your eyes from looking sunken, make sure you’re hydrated at all times. Keep a double-walled bottle next to your computer so you can take sips in between meetings.
  • Wear sunscreen, even indoors. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again—sunscreen should be a daily habit! Excessive sun exposure can cause your skin to produce more melanin, which creates pigmentation (or darkens existing pigmentation).

PHASE 2: CORRECT

It’s not too late! There are more than a few fixes for pesky undereye circles.

  • The ultra-popular Belo Angel Whitening actually has a “panda eye” setting that’s specifically designed to get rid of dark undereye circles! Piolo Pascual has tried it:
  • The Fillmed Eye-Recover Mask targets dark circles, puffiness, and saggy eyelids. It’s chock-full of powerful active ingredients like collagen peptide and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe, hydrate, and refresh the eyes. Better results are seen throughout multiple uses!
  • For maximum regeneration, try the Fillmed HXR Eye Cream, which contains hexylresorcinol (hence the name HXR!) to diminish the appearance of dark circles. It also contains escin to reduce puffiness and bags, and peptides to smooth out wrinkles. Definitely a staple for anyone working the graveyard shift!

Your eyes are the first part of your face to show obvious signs of aging, so caring for them as early as possible will be worth it someday. We won’t let those peepers look any less beautiful than they already are! Plenty more solutions for dark circles are available to you—talk about them with a Belo MD during your online consultation (click here to book). Want to confer with the beauty expert herself? A virtual consult with Dr. Vicki Belo is possible, too! Just click here to make it happen.

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The Self-Care Habit You Should Try, Based on Your Zodiac Sign https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-self-care-habit-you-should-try-based-on-your-zodiac-sign Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:24:06 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21881

Quarantine season, for many, has become self-care season. Now that we’ve hit pause on our normal work and lifestyle, we’re beginning to reconsider our habits and the things we dedicate our time to. (As it turns out, spending four hours commuting to and from work was making us extremely unhappy.) But that doesn’t mean working from home is completely stress-free. Depending on your zodiac sign, you may be turning to different ways to help unwind after a long work day. Read on for new ideas...or just to say, “Yep, that’s so me!”

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

You’re brave and ambitious, and you’re always the first to try something new. That’s why you should give high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts a shot. For the headstrong Aries, pushing yourself to the limit is the epitome of loving yourself.

Fellow Aries: Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Taurus, there’s no bigger fan of relaxation and sensuality than you are. Your new self-care habit is meditation. You’ve learned to become aware of your thoughts and feelings...and realizing that you’re neither your thoughts nor your feelings. So whether you’re in line at the drugstore or in bed waiting to drift off, your mind and your body are at ease.

Fellow Tauruses: Daniel Padilla, Maine Mendoza

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Geminis are social butterflies, adept at handling change. That’s why you can try zhuzhing up your apartment, so it looks perfect for those Zoom meetings and e-numans. If the new normal involves staying home, making adjustments so it’s prettier and cozier is no skin off your back. Whether it’s a new desk setup or just pops of decor here and there, your place is getting a major facelift!

Fellow Gemini: Morissette Amon, Martine Ho

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

You’re one of the foremost experts on the zodiac when it comes to caring for yourself and others, so try caring for a plant (or five!) this quarantine. Your nurturing nature will make you excellent at keeping green babies alive. Not to mention how this new habit will improve the air quality for you and your loved ones at home!

Fellow Cancers: Sue Ramirez, John Arcilla

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Leos love themselves. A lot. More to the point, they love to pamper themselves. Your new habit is a spa experience at home, in the form of a luxurious body scrub routine. You deserve a 30-minute exfoliation session that leaves you feeling baby-smooth and gorgeous! 

Fellow Leos: Sarah Geronimo, Iza Calzado

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

You guys are perfectionists by nature, and you want to use the quarantine period to optimize your life and habits. Some of the other signs might balk at this, but you should try Marie Kondo-ing your apartment soon. Letting go of the things that no longer bring you joy—and creating a tidier, more organized space in the process—is definitely going to hit the spot.

Fellow Virgos: Amy Perez-Castillo, Ogie Alcasid

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Libras love harmony and balance, and they value that same level of equilibrium in their personal lives. Your new self-care habit to try is yoga and stretching. You’ve been feeling wound-up lately from long hours at your home office, and all that back pain is becoming untenable. Practicing basic yoga stretches and positions will help loosen you up and make you feel like yourself again.

Fellow Libras: Rhian Ramos, Janine Gutierrez

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

You are one of the most passionate signs in the zodiac, but with quarantine restrictions making dating difficult right now, we’ve got an alternative for you. Now’s the time to finally give romantic K-dramas a chance (if you haven’t already)! Plop yourself in front of the TV and give Crash Landing on You a chance already. We promise you won’t regret it!

Fellow Scorpios: Leila Alcasid, Jane de Leon

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

How’s that wanderlust, Sag? With travel being too difficult to do right now, your new quarantine habit is learning to make coffee at home. Buy beans sourced from various parts of the world, learn new brewing techniques, and let the tasting notes transport you to the fields of Kenya, Brazil, and even the northern Philippines (click these links for ideas on where to get your beans!). There’s a lot to discover in a cup!

Fellow Sags: Gabbi Garcia, Derek Ramsay

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Even when the normal world has come to a standstill, self-improvement is still your number one goal. Your self-care habit is scouring the Internet for free online courses by Ivy League schools...and acing them effortlessly. (This Yale course on the science of well-being is one of the most popular free courses this year). We’ve got nothing on you, Cap!

Fellow Capricorns: Alex Gonzaga, Alden Richards

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Fellow Aquarians: Dr. Vicki Belo, Anne Curtis

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

The Pisces loves to ~*feel*~. And we want you to stay in touch with your emotional side; after all, it’s what makes you you! Why don’t you create a special space in your home for scented candles, essential oils, or even sage and palo santo? Having a dedicated area for scents and smells will incite feelings of contentment and relaxation...and it’ll look super cute on your Instagram Story.

Fellow Pisceans: Isabelle Daza, Julia Barretto

In the end, we turn to the habits that make us happy. So whether or not you try our suggestions, what matters is that you’re doing what you truly want to do with your time. Just remember—you’re doing the best you can under difficult circumstances, so you deserve to feel happy and relaxed!

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What's the "Golden Ratio," and How Does It Determine Beauty? https://www.belomed.com/blog/whats-the-golden-ratio-and-how-does-it-determine-beauty Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:32:25 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21917

Ever heard of the “Golden Ratio” for beauty? Since the time of the ancient Greeks, the golden ratio or “phi” is a mathematical concept that was used by artists and city builders as the conceptual backbone for creating civilizations. Without getting too deep into the mathematics, it’s an irrational number: meaning, like “pi,” its decimal points can go on and on forever. It’s also very closely related to the Fibonacci sequence, which has been observed in great works of art like the Mona Lisa and Girl with the Pearl Earring.

How does that play into modern conceptions of beauty? In 2016, Julian de Silva, a cosmetic surgeon based in London, used this mathematical ratio to determine who possessed the most beautiful face in the world. He declared actress Amber Heard to be the world’s most beautiful woman, at least according to science...with 91.85 percent of the Greek ratio of phi. (Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, and Emily Ratajkowski came in after Heard.) 

In an updated 2019 version, de Silva declared that Bella Hadid had now taken the top spot, with a 94.35 accuracy to Phi. Beyoncé and Ariana Grande were in second and fourth place, respectively.

Mathematicians and historians have long debated the relevance of the golden ratio per se when it comes to determining beauty, but we know one thing for sure: facial symmetry is perceived as a biological signal of mate quality, and that’s why humans tend to find more symmetrical faces beautiful. So while the golden ratio isn’t the end-all and be-all of beauty, it can help a lot in mapping out your beauty journey.

Here’s a quick activity: Measure your face in three segments—from the hairline to between the eyes, from between the eyes to the bottom of the nose, and from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin. If the measurements are all equal, you pass the beauty equation. 

This shows how facial proportion and balance plays a big role when it comes to beauty, including a well-proportioned chin and jaw. A receding chin makes the nose look bigger and makes the appearance of area under the chin fuller (often looks like a double chin). Juvéderm Voluma, an injectable Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler, is a safe and quick procedure that can help address this without the need to go under the knife and give you noticeable results that can last for 1 to 2 years. Enhancing your chin and having a defined jawline, gives you an overall balanced profile. 

And if you’ve always wanted a face that rivals Renaissance art in its sharp and striking features, this is your lucky month! From now until October 30, we’re offering up to 25% off on Juvéderm Voluma fillers, so our Belo MDs can craft and sculpt the perfect chin and jawline for you. “With Voluma, a contoured look with full cheeks, chin, and jawline can be easily achieved in only one hour,” says Juvéderm PH on Instagram. 

Ready to bring yourself closer to phi? Call 8819-BELO to book your consultation (or click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD)!

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10 Small Indulgences That Will Make Bathtime More Relaxing https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-small-indulgences-that-will-make-bathtime-more-relaxing Wed, 23 Sep 2020 04:25:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21954

In today’s current circumstances, there’s not much room for R&R. Working from home just might have decimated that final boundary between office and home—and having kids or pets around doesn’t help matters. But there’s one untouchable oasis that we all have in our homes: the humble bathroom. We’ve conjured up to ways for you to enrich an otherwise ordinary human experience and turn it into the highlight of your day (or every other day...we won’t judge).

1. Set the mood.

We flock to spas for the ambiance—the dimmed lighting, aromatherapy, and relaxing music. Remind yourself of that feeling again by using scented candles and essential oil diffusers loaded with your favorite scents. If you have a bathtub, you could even bring a glass of wine to the mix. And lose the painful white lighting—try a warm white setup for added relaxation.

2. Invest in a shower speaker.

Waterproof shower speakers come in various colors, and they suction to your wall easily so you can be closer to your music.

3. Try a portable, foldable bathtub.

Is space a struggle? Not to worry—online shopping websites sell portable bathtubs that you can fill with hot water, sink into for half an hour, and then put away when you’re all done! If you’ve seen Crash Landing on You, you’ll remember that scene where the character Yoon Se-Ri sits in a makeshift bathtub. It’s kind of like that! It’s easy, space-saving, and oh-so-luxurious. 

4. Depot unsightly cleaning materials and hand soaps in amber bottles.

Cleaning materials and soaps tend to come in neon-bright bottles with obnoxiously emblazoned brand names. To keep everything in your bathroom ~*aesthetic*~ and conducive to relaxation, depot those bottles with amber bottles you can buy online. Now everything fits your color scheme!

5. Treat yourself to a twice-a-week body scrub experience.

According to Dr. Vicki Belo, you need to exfoliate two to three times a week to get rid of that uppermost layer of dead skin—and to feel baby-smooth again. So every Tuesday and Friday (or it’s up to you, really), give yourself a 30-minute scrub session, beginning with a brightening soap and ending with a radiance-boosting cream. Your body will thank you!

6. Get a phone or tablet mount.

If you’re like most people, you probably prop up your phone on a soap dish or on some dirty laundry when watching Netflix in the shower. It’s time to elevate your watching experience with a phone or tablet mount. Won’t it be nice to have a dedicated space for your gadget while you soap away? Just make sure your device is water-resistant!

7. Find a fluffy shower mat to dig your feet into.

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Stay peachy 🍑

A post shared by Sunday Home (@sundayhome_ph) on

There’s nothing that kills a spa mood like the cold. And stepping out of your shower to a freezing floor is sure to ruin the experience. Look for a shower mat that’s thick enough for your toes to wiggle into before you put on your house slippers to change. It’ll make a world of a difference!

8. Up your comfort level with a bathrobe.

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Almost XXIII

A post shared by ARIEL (@makeupbyariel) on

OK, so you already have a towel, you don’t need a bathrobe, yadda yadda yadda. But this article isn’t called “10 Small Indulgences That Will Make Bathtime a Boring, Practical Experience.” We’re zhuzhing it up here! Get yourself a soft, thick, terry cloth robe that you can laze around in before putting your actual clothes on. Or maybe just wear the bathrobe all day. It’s totally fine.

9. Splurge on a “special bath set” to save for extra-tiring days.

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Colors on colors (📸: @classyandkate)

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There aren’t many thrills to be had while under quarantine. A fun suggestion: buy that expensive shampoo, conditioner, and body wash set that you’ve never been able to justify buying. And save them for days when you’re particularly tired and drained, just as a little treat! That way, those pricey babies last longer, and you have a nice reward tucked away for those bad days.

 10. End with a special treat!

When all is said and done, the body still needs moisture. Cap off your relaxing bath experience with a luxurious body emulsion that exfoliates, nourishes, and restores hydration. 

Life these days is already stressful enough. We owe it to ourselves to savor everyday experiences at home—it’s good for our mental health and gives us something to look forward to. And your body does so much and works so hard for you; it deserves a treat every now and then. Enjoy your bath, Belo Beauties!  

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Why You Shouldn't Comment on Someone Else's Weight https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-comment-on-someone-elses-weight Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:23:59 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=21991

You’re not Filipino if you’ve never been to a dinner party and heard the dreaded “Tumaba ka na!” Or maybe an officemate made an innocuous comment about your cheeks getting “chubbier.” Point is, hardly any of us have gone through life without ever hearing somebody else make negative comments about our bodies. And, *deep breath*, we can’t believe we still even have to say this, but commenting on someone’s weight in this manner is NOT okay. Why? We’ll give you five very good reasons.

1. The person you’re talking to knows their body better than you.

It’s normal for weight to fluctuate from time to time. And nobody can see the changes in their body better than, wait for it, themselves. They probably already know they’ve gained or lost some weight, and you pointing it out to them doesn’t help matters. At all. If you gained a few pounds and felt bad about it, would you want somebody to point it out, too? We didn’t think so!

2. Some of the things you’re pointing out are actually perfectly normal.

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Positive Vibes Only 🦄

A post shared by Iza Calzado Wintle (@missizacalzado) on

Having stretch marks, cellulite, or tummy rolls when you’re sitting down is normal, too. There’s no need to shame anyone for having a human body. Even the most athletic people have cellulite on their thighs! When a troll commented about Iza Calzado’s cellulite on one of her Instagram posts, Iza took the comments in stride—and even cracked a few jokes along the way! Meanwhile, Lexi Mendiola proudly posted a photo of her tiger stripes in 2017...and got featured by People Magazine as a result.

3. You don’t know what they’re going through.

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It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣ ⁣ Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣ ⁣ A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. ⁣ ⁣ It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣ ⁣ He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣ ⁣ The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. ⁣ ⁣ Photo Credit: @samjonespictures

A post shared by Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) on

Many people lose and gain weight due to traumatic life events or illnesses. Over the quarantine period, hundreds of people bashed the late Chadwick Boseman for losing a significant amount of weight. Memes were created, and laughs were had. Little did everyone know, the Black Panther star was suffering from stage 4 colon cancer. The body-shaming that Chadwick experienced is a painful reminder to think twice before commenting on someone else’s weight changes. Because you truly never know what somebody is going through. (Rest in power, Chadwick.)

4. It might cause unnecessary pain...and it doesn’t benefit *you* at all.

Hearing negative comments about your body hurts. We didn’t need to tell you that—you know the feeling, so you shouldn’t ever make somebody else feel that way. You don’t gain anything from commenting on someone else’s body. It only results in hurt and shame for the other party. Golden rule: Unless it’s something they can change in 10 seconds (i.e. food stuck in their teeth, a stray lock of hair), don’t comment about it!

5. What a body looks like doesn’t reflect what it’s capable of.

OK, so everyone knows Lizzo. (Sing it with us: Why men great ‘til they gotta be great?) Some will take one look at her body and think, “This girl is so unhealthy.” But actually, the singer and performer does regular high-intensity workouts with battle ropes, weights, and resistance bands. She’s so fit, she can play the flute while twerking. But because her body doesn’t look it, she gets body-shamed every day and night. See the lesson here?

6. It is simply not your business.

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Down by the pool 💙

A post shared by Ivana Alawi (@ivanaalawi) on

Look, unless you’re someone’s doctor, you have no real reason to talk negatively about someone’s body. (Now that we think about it, even doctors don’t do that.) What you see on the outside is not a complete picture of someone’s health, and your comments don’t do anything to improve it, anyway. If someone wants to improve their body by working out or trying a muscle-toning treatment, great! If someone wants to treat themselves to a box of pizza, great! Not your body, not your business. Again, remember how you would feel if the comments were directed at *you.*

We’re all on our own journey towards self-love and body acceptance. Instead of putting others down, you can reach your goals together by being encouraging and supportive. Have a great day, Belo Beauties!

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All Your Questions about Chin and Jaw Fillers, Answered! https://www.belomed.com/blog/all-your-questions-about-chin-and-jaw-fillers-answered Fri, 25 Sep 2020 11:28:19 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22005

In the past week, we’ve talked about the ancient Golden Ratio and how it can determine your level of facial symmetry and beauty. We’ve *also* told you about a very special offer on a treatment that will help you achieve the sculpted, youthful visage of your dreams: up to 25% off on Juvéderm Voluma fillers! If you’re thinking about trying them, we’re sure you have a lot of questions. Read on to find our answers to the most frequently asked questions about chin and jaw fillers.

Q: What are Juvéderm fillers made of?

A: First off, Juvéderm fillers for the chin and jaw are designed to replenish lost hyaluronic acid (HA) content in the face. We naturally lose HA and collagen as we age, causing parts of our face to look sunken or saggy. These fillers are made of a modified form of HA, making them safe because it’s a naturally occurring component in the body. 

Q: What’s hyaluronic acid?

A: Hyaluronic acid is a substance in the body with the amazing ability to retain water. According to Dr. Vicki Belo, it’s able to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an ideal method for plumping the face and restoring much-needed volume. You can apply it topically with readily-available products like sheet masks and serums, but it’s also been used by doctors around the world as a dermal filler.

Q: How do I know if I need them?

A: Juvéderm Voluma is primarily used to shape the facial contours, such as the jawline, chin, lips, and cheeks. You might need them if your chin is lacking in volume, giving the illusion that it’s “connected” to your neck. Check out this before-and-after:

Does your chin look a little flat? This can result in your overall facial shape looking squarish. To elongate the face, this patient had chin fillers done as well:

As you can see, fillers make a noticeable difference in your facial structure, youthfulness, and demeanor. Ultimately, a consultation with one of our doctors is needed before you can try fillers. You can click here to book an online consult, or call 8819-BELO to book an IRL one.

Q: Are the results immediate?

Absolutely! One session takes less than 30 minutes, and the results are *instantaneous.* 

Q: Will I experience any side effects afterwards?

You may experience minimal swelling, redness, and discomfort, but these subside within a few days to a week after the treatment. 

Q: Are the results going to be permanent?

A: Because Juvéderm Voluma is made of hyaluronic acid, the body will break it down in around eight to 12 months using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. These enzymes serve as a catalyst for the dissolution of hyaluronic acid. Kylie Jenner has personally admitted to using Juvéderm fillers to plump her lips, but reports have shown that her lip size has become smaller over time, suggesting that her fillers are beginning to dissolve. In other words, it’s a perfectly natural and safe process!

We hope this answered all your questions! To move forward in your journey towards a more sculpted jaw and chin, the next step is a consultation!

Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD.

Click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

We’re offering up to 25% OFF on Juvéderm Voluma fillers until October 30, 2020! Call 8819-BELO to book your appointment. 

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The Treatment Maymay Entrata, Kim Chiu, and Julia Barretto Can't Get Enough Of https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-treatment-maymay-entrata-kim-chiu-and-julia-barretto-cant-get-enough-of Sat, 26 Sep 2020 13:28:20 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22023

You often hear us talking about Thermage FLX and Skin Genius at length, and while the results of these treatments are unparalleled, the treatment can be beyond the budget for some. For others, they may still be young enough to not need to make a major beauty investment. Luckily, Belo has another skin-tightening and collagen-boosting treatment that’s easier on the pocket: Belo Skin Reboot!

This treatment uses radiofrequency and microcurrent to address sagging, loose skin on the face and the body. This dual-energy approach allows a thick, stem cell-enriched cream to reach your skin cells more effectively. If you’ve seen our Instagram posts, you’ll notice that our patients are covered in a thick, white cream that’s massaged with a wand. That’s the stem cell cream!

It’s a completely painless experience that shows instant results! And at a minimum price of P15,000 per session for the face and P20,000 per session for the body, it’s a more affordable option for younger patients that just want that extra tightening effect!

Maymay Entrata considers it one of her most favorite treatments. “Isa ‘yun sa mga sinuggest [ni Ate Kim Chiu] sa akin. ‘Mag-Skin Reboot ka! Mas gaganda pa ‘yung skin mo.’ Isa po na gusto ko sa Skin Reboot, nakaka-hydrate siya,” she said in a 2019 interview.

Like Thermage FLX and Skin Genius, collagen and elastin formation can be stimulated by the Skin Reboot treatment—meaning that it not only slims the face, but also improves your skin tone and lessens fine lines. Bang for your buck, right?

Naturally, Kim Chiu, the face of our Skin Reboot campaign, is also a huge fan—it’s her go-to treatment for tightening up. Kim even shared in the 2019 Belo Beauty Suite that Dr. Vicki Belo had advised her to ease up on her treatments and try something new for a change; that’s how much she loved it!

Another Skin Reboot convert? Julia Barretto, who tried the treatment before ECQ began, loved how relaxing the treatment was. She even drifted off to sleep at one point! It’s the perfect treatment to try on a relaxing weekend pamper day.

Men can definitely line up to try it, too! None other than Piolo Pascual loves this treatment to liven up dull-looking skin and tone up the jawline.

Ready for your reboot? Call 8819-BELO to book your appointment ASAP!

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Why More Women Want to Try This Nonsurgical Chin-Sculpting Procedure https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-more-women-want-to-try-this-nonsurgical-chin-sculpting-procedure Sun, 27 Sep 2020 07:27:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22044

Upon hearing the words “Botox” or “fillers,” many tend to run for the hills. We think of excessively injected, overly-done faces that look statuesque, and not in a good way! And that’s in no small part due to the many botched procedures that improperly trained doctors have performed, which then go viral on the Internet and imprint themselves in popular culture. The infamous scene from Christmas with the Kranks might even come to mind:

When done by expert doctors and with just the right amount, however, dermal fillers like Juvéderm Voluma can do wonders for sculpting the face and adding needed volume and youthfulness, particularly in the chin and jaw. If you’ve ever had that annoying “double chin effect”—where it looks like you have a double chin, but you actually don’t—then fillers can help. Sue Ramirez had that exact same problem, and chin fillers fixed it in a jiffy:

It can also help sharpen a soft or rounded jawline. Here’s why women like Sue have been unashamed to admit that they’ve tried fillers...and why you should add it to your beauty wishlist:

1. The effects are instantaneous.

“With Voluma, a contoured look with full cheeks, chin, and jawline can be easily achieved in only one hour,” says Juvéderm PH on Instagram. And it’s true—after one session with a Belo MD, you’ll see results you can’t deny. Each session only takes 30 minutes, and as soon as your doctor hands you the mirror, you’ll see the changes for yourself. 

2. Our doctors are experts in the filler department.

When we talk about fillers, we know what we’re talking about. We know how to give you results that meet your beauty goals, without making you look overdone or obviously-treated. First off, we’ve been at it the longest: Did you know that Belo was the first-ever aesthetic clinic to introduce BOTOX® and fillers to the Philippines? Secondly, we’re one of the best: In 2019, Belo was established as 1 of only 20 Centers of Excellence for BOTOX® and fillers in Asia by Allergan Aesthetics, the company that invented BOTOX® and Juvéderm. 

To remain at the top of their game, our doctors are trained regularly by Allergan about new protocols and techniques for injecting fillers. (We update you about these training sessions on Instagram Stories.) When it comes to fillers, trust no one but Belo.

3. We’re offering it at up to 25% OFF until October 30!

If you’ve long been thinking about, er, popping your filler cherry, now’s the time—Juvéderm Voluma fillers are at up to 25% off from now until October 30, 2020! The appearance of your chin and jaw plays a big role in how young you look, so don’t hesitate to give your profile that much-needed update.

Your journey to a more sculpted face begins with a consultation. Click here to book an appointment with a Belo MD, or here to book one with Dr. Vicki Belo herself!

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Does Intermittent Fasting *Actually* Work? https://www.belomed.com/blog/does-intermittent-fasting-actually-work Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:35:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22064

It seems that every couple of years or so, the health and dieting circuit comes up with a new buzzword to get people excited over the prospect of weight loss: South Beach, Atkins, pescetarian, paleo, and keto are just some of them. You may have heard of intermittent fasting (IF), and how your officemate/neighbor/friend-of-a-friend managed to drop 15 pounds in time for their wedding...or how they felt healthier and more alert as a result. Today, we’re here to interrogate: does intermittent fasting *actually* work? And what benefits await you other than plain weight loss?

What is intermittent fasting?

First off, IF is a weight loss approach in which all eating is restricted to a certain window of the day. Depending on your experience level, this window can be as short as six hours to as long as 10. During your non-window hours, you’re only allowed to drink water, and—here’s the best part—there are usually no dietary restrictions with regard to what you can eat during your feeding window. Of course, if you’re on a diet mindset in the first place, you’ll naturally want to veer away from obviously unhealthy foods, but many IF-ers get away with eating small bags of chips or sweets. As long as you stick to your window, you’re good!

In an interview with Philippine Tatler earlier this month, Dr. Vicki Belo mentioned that she recommends the diet and does it herself. “It creates little stress for your system, just enough to wake you up. If you’re always comfortable, lying down, doing nothing, as usual, everything gets sluggish. But if you stress your system out a little bit, your body wakes up and repairs,” she explained. Dr. Belo’s pretty hardcore—she does 16-18 hours of fasting a day! If you’re a beginner, try a longer feeding window so you don’t get too overwhelmed.

How does intermittent fasting cause weight loss?

Monique Tello, MD, MPH explained it best in a Harvard Health article: “Between meals, as long as we don’t snack, our insulin levels will go down, and our fat cells can then release their stored sugar, to be used as energy. We lose weight if we let our insulin levels go down. The entire idea of IF is to allow the insulin levels to go down far enough and for long enough that we burn off our fat,” she said. Simpler than you thought, right?

Are there other forms of intermittent fasting?

Aside from varied feeding windows, intermittent fasting can vary in days and even meal frequency. There’s alternate-day fasting, which is pretty self-explanatory; there’s the 5:2 diet, in which you eat normally for 5 days but eat only 500-600 calories for 2; there’s the warrior diet, where you eat one large meal a day and only have small portions of fruits and vegetables the rest of the day...and many more.

What are its other benefits?

Circadian biology professor Dr. Satchin Panda conducted a study in 2015, in which subjects ate during 10- to 12-hour windows over a 16-week period. The subjects reported “reduced body weight, reported being energetic, and improved sleep,” and these benefits “persisted for a year.” In a time where working from home can make you feel lethargic and disrupt your sleep patterns, you just might find that IF works for you.

Which IF diet is right for me?

We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor before embarking on any new diet, as you may have conditions that aren’t compatible with the eating restrictions IF demands. But science has established that IF can do good things for your body, as long as you stick to the schedule!

So it looks like you no longer have to restrict entire food groups, completely swear off junk food, or embark on unrealistic caloric restrictions any longer. IF might just be a great way for you to enjoy the food you love, without letting those results reflect on the scale. Just remember: no IF diet can outrun a truly bad diet. If you’re spending your eating window gorging on solely unhealthy food, then you may be doing more harm than good. Balance (and good habits) is key!

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The Pain-Free Skin Tightening Treatment People in Their 20s Should Try https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-pain-free-skin-tightening-treatment-people-in-their-20s-should-try Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:00:16 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22074

OK, so picture this: you’ve lost an incredible amount of weight, and the 2016-era high-waist skirts can finally make a comeback in your outfit rotation. From the neck down, you look amazing...but from the chin up, your double chin and rounded jawline are stubborn as ever. What gives? For reasons we have yet to discover, the body has a way of retaining weight in ways—and areas—we can’t control. Luckily, a great diet and the occasional date with Chloe Ting have you covered RE body concerns. For the face, there’s always Belo Exilis. (Well, you can try it on your body, too, but we’ll get to that later.)

Most skin-tightening treatments come with an expected level of discomfort, thanks to radiofrequency or ultrasound working its magic. But Exilis is unlike other RF treatments in that it cools the skin as the treatment progresses, allowing you to drift off as it does all the hard work. Exilis liquefies fat and triggers the production of collagen, all to tighten up the skin—and without the need for surgery. So if you’re in your late 20s and only beginning to turn your attention towards preventative anti-aging measures, Exilis is a first-timer’s dream.

“The combination of sonography gel and wand offered a calming effect compared to the aforementioned minor pain caused by needles. Exilis reinforces the slimming effect...by sculpting the target areas until they are supple and firm. It also inadvertently made for quality nap time,” shared Preview.ph editor Owen Maddela after trying the procedure in July 2018. We told you it’s nap-friendly!

Lexi Mendiola’s obsessed with the treatment, and she recently took to Instagram to rave about the results: “My face has been feeling extra happy, firm, and tight the past few days [because] I just went back for my fave @belobeauty Exilis treatment—we love a good skin week!” she gushed.

Another twentysomething fan? Darren Espanto, who almost exclusively does Exilis to maintain his globally-famous jawline. He pairs this with Powerpeel to keep skin texture smooth, and just like that, he’s good to go.

Chie Filomeno set out to reduce cheek fat and make her jawline the star of the show, so the tried Exilis last February. As evidenced by her latest selfies, it’s clearly working.

Once you swing yourself off the treatment bed, you might notice some redness, but it should subside in a few minutes. You’ll see visible results after 1-2 treatments, but go for 3-4 sessions for ~*maximum*~ results! Soon enough, you’ll be posing for selfies at every angle, not just your tried-and-tested one. You’ll need to start clearing your camera roll to make room for all those feelin’ myself photos—don’t say we didn’t warn ya!

To book your Exilis appointment, call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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This Injectable Treatment Made My Face Look Slimmer in 5 Minutes https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-injectable-treatment-made-my-face-look-slimmer-in-5-minutes Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:50:45 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22097

Before a big trip abroad, we make ~*all*~ the preparations. We plan our outfits in advance and pack accordingly. We tick that one final work task (and heave a sigh of relief). We get that routine facial out of the way. We buy a cute new passport holder (cause, y’know, Instagram Stories). But if you want to take your vacation selfies a step up, here’s a little secret: chin fillers! Not only do they help distinguish your chin from your neck, but they also get rid of the illusion of a double chin (or, at least, make it look less prominent). Our patient, Trish, tried Juvéderm Voluma fillers on her chin—and it slimmed her face in just five minutes! Luckily, we’re offering up to 25% OFF on Juvéderm Voluma until October 30, 2020, so if you’ve been meaning to give it a try, here’s what Trish’s experience was like.

Where did you first hear about chin fillers?

Trish: Everywhere! It’s been a buzzword among celebrities, both locally and in Hollywood, like who did what to refresh their faces, or what they call ‘tweakments.’

When did you decide to try chin fillers?

One day, I was cosplaying [Sailor Moon character] Tuxedo Mask, felt cute, and took a selfie (I usually don’t take selfies). And boom, I just noticed I didn’t look like Tuxedo Mask...I looked like THE MOON. I mean, I’m fine with the full cheeks, but maybe a little definition on the chin area wouldn’t hurt. Maybe turn my full moon phase (face) into a more crescent face! 

What was your treatment process like?

Since I did other adjunct treatments (Botox Masseter and V-Contour) they put Emla [a topical anesthetic] on the treatment area. So it’s virtually painless! I had some very, very slight bruising, but concealer hid it just fine. One day after, the area felt slightly “ngalay” around the chin and tongue, but it wasn’t that bothering naman.

How did you feel about your results?

I had my chin fillers done a week before an out-of-the-country trip, and I’m happy I did it! It was natural-looking, it looked like I’d lost some weight (I didn’t!), and I lost the double chin to boot!

Trish loved the new look of her side profile and jawline. You can see it in her vacation photos, too!

And as you can see, even though she had her fillers done in September 2019, here’s a photo of Trish on a Batanes trip from March 2020 (pre-ECQ), where the results have clearly lasted. The effects of Juvéderm Voluma last around eight to 12 months, so it was worth it!

While we can’t exactly jet off to our dream destinations right now, chin fillers are a great way to “update your profile” and look great in your Zoom calls and at-home selfies. Plus, Dr. Belo has always believed that making yourself beautiful should be for yourself, not for others. Chin fillers are quick, easy, and give you immediate results. So take the chance to try it for less before our offer expires!

Juvéderm Voluma is up to 25% OFF until October 30, 2020. Click here for more details.

To book your chin fillers appointment, call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Julia Barretto and Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-julia-barretto-and-dr-vicki-belo Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:43:10 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22120

Last Tuesday (September 29), Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho had a very special guest on their latest Facebook Live session—Julia Barretto, who’s recently found herself the subject of a controversial (but totally false!) accusation. As we all know, Julia’s never been one to take such accusations lying down, so it was the perfect time to sit down with her and ask how she’s dealing with it all. Here are the highlights of their conversation:

1. Julia’s lived independently for a year now—and she’s loving it.

View this post on Instagram

☁️☕️

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

“It’s my anniversary in this house!” Julia realized. “I’ve been enjoying it so much, just being independent and learning a lot of things [about] running a household. I learned a lot about myself, just living on my own.” She says she became more aware of her electricity and water usage...and cleaning and maintaining her space. “When you live in your own house, you become more cautious of how much you spend. You’re just more careful because it’s your own space, and as much as possible, you want it fixed and clean.” Julia’s leaned into her inner interior designer and organizer in the past year, so much so that her sister Dani’s asked her for design tips! Her other sister Claudia even sought her help in redecorating the old bedroom they all used to share.

2. She opened up about her relationship with her mom, Marjorie.

“I can’t say that she’s strict. I think she gives us the right amount of freedom to learn for ourselves, but it’s because...what really guided us was our respect, our love, and the values she instilled in us,” Julia shared. “We love our mom so much [that] we just knew what she wouldn’t be happy about.”

3. She makes a mean pasta—or four.

View this post on Instagram

Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

But Julia has one easy, no-frills recipe: “It’s super simple. All I need is garlic, fresh tomatoes, butter, and parmesan cheese. That’s it.”

4. Julia doesn’t believe in playing hard-to-get.

Long-distance love might be the norm for many right now, but Julia believes in going for gold as long as you’re sure of your feelings. “Well,” Julia began (to laughter), “I don’t think I’m the type to play hard-to-get. I feel like if I like somebody, I let him feel it, and I let him know. I think it’s true when they say love or life is easy—it’s us people who make it complicated.” She asserted, however, that distance does make the heart grow fonder. “I do believe in the importance of making your other half miss you. You kind of have to make them...miss your presence.” Amen to that, Julia!

5. She broke out during the first few weeks of ECQ, too.

View this post on Instagram

Skin by @belobeauty 🤍

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

Seems like no one was exempt from the dreaded quarantine breakout! Julia struggled with it for a while, until she tried some ZO® products from The Belo Shop that changed the game. “The first few weeks of ECQ, I video called you guys, and I was so concerned about my skin. From really good skin, I started breaking out, and I didn’t know why.” Julia theorized that her adjustment from a fast-paced lifestyle to being sheltered in place caused her to stress out...and it manifested in her skin. But, as always, we came to her with solutions. “You guys sent me so [many] products that really helped me get back my glass skin.” Julia’s routine involves the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser, Oil Control Pads, Wrinkle + Texture Repair, and Brightalive Skin Brightener. Her absolute favorite, though? The Oil Control Pads, which she claims “saved her life.”

6. She deals with hate and fake news swiftly and decisively.

View this post on Instagram

FAKE NEWS :)

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

Last September 25, Julia filed a complaint against the broadcaster who spread the rumor that she was reportedly pregnant. Four days before that, though, she posted a defiant photo on Instagram with only two words in the caption: “FAKE NEWS,” punctuated with a smiley face. This isn’t Julia’s first time to go toe-to-toe with haters or fake news, so she was decisive about the actions she needed to take. She was asked by the doctors about how she deals with these situations. “The moment it begins, just put your foot down and put a stop to it,” Julia asserted. “The more you tolerate, the more people will continue doing what they do that you don’t like. For the first time, I was able to protect myself, and stand up for myself, and defend myself. The first person you should really learn to protect is yourself.”

To find out about our next Facebook Live sessions, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

To view our past Facebook Live sessions, head to our YouTube channel!

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8 Books to Line Up for Your October Reading List https://www.belomed.com/blog/8-books-to-line-up-for-your-october-reading-list Fri, 02 Oct 2020 10:25:31 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22136

The Synopsis: The sequel to the wildly popular Call Me By Your Name, this novel finds our beloved Oliver and Elio crossing paths once more. This time, they just may find love once again in France—where Elio is already entangled with a new lover. Juicy.

Ideal reading sitch: By the pool on a hot Saturday afternoon, for those European ~summer vibes~. We wish Armie Hammer would swing by, though.

1. All Adults Here - Emma Straub

The Synopsis: Astrid Strick, now a grandmother, witnesses a bus accident that reminds her of a disturbing memory from her earlier days as a mother. With three grown children having problems of their own, she grapples with how to tell them a hard truth from years past. It just may change their relationship forever.If you’re like most people, you’ve long forgotten about that 2020 Reading Challenge you planned to embark on this year. But because our world’s short of being turned upside down these days, we’ll give you a free pass. Luckily for you, there are still three good months left in 2020—long enough for you to catch up on those reading goals. Or you could just pick one. Here are our eight best recommendations:

2. Mrs. Everything - Jennifer Weiner

The Synopsis: Bethie and Jo Kaufman grow up in the same family in 1950s Detroit—yet they couldn’t be more different. But trauma brings people together in unexpected ways, and both women just may fight for the life they both deserve. Will they make it through?

Ideal reading sitch: Sneak away on Tuesday and Thursday nights to read this before heading to bed. Tea optional, but encouraged.

3. Find Me - Andre Aciman

Ideal reading sitch: This is no easy read—definitely involve liquor (and maybe a book club if your friends are game).

4. Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng

The Synopsis: A quiet Cleveland suburb is upended when mother-daughter duo Mia and Pearl Warren move in to rent a house from the affluent Richardson family. Neighborly tension—and chaos—ensues, and Elena Richardson just may be collateral damage. What secrets about Mia has she yet to discover?

Ideal reading sitch: During your commute to work (if you’re working at the office lately).

5. The Guest List - Lucy Foley

The Synopsis: It’s supposed to be a perfect wedding. On an island off the coast of Ireland, the bride, groom, and various guests celebrate a joyous union. Except, at some point during the night, somebody dies. Who is responsible?

Ideal reading sitch: Pass a copy between you and your SO, and discuss theories as you go along.

6. Midnight Sun - Stephenie Meyer

The Synopsis: It’s basically the iconic Twilight story from 2008, except this time, it’s written from Edward’s perspective. Bella and Edward meet at Forks High School after they’re paired in biology class...and it’s the beginning of a lovestruck (and extremely dangerous) journey to happily ever after.

Ideal reading sitch: Create a WhatsApp book club with your college buds who obsessed over Twilight back then with you, obvs!

7. Intimations - Zadie Smith

The Synopsis: This is an essay collection of what it’s like to live under quarantine in 2020—an extremely poignant and relevant work. A great read for those looking for commiseration and connection during this difficult time.

Ideal reading sitch: All by yourself, in quarantine, naturally.

8. Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

Eight unsuspecting strangers attend an open house to view an apartment that’s on the market. A dangerous man arrives to take everyone inside hostage. As police, TV crews, and negotiators rush to the scene outside, the trapped hostages begin to get to know each other...in the worst circumstances possible. 

Ideal reading sitch: Dedicate a Sunday afternoon for this entertaining read, which is sure to keep your attention away from your notifications for a good four hours.

Online shopping and new Netflix releases jostle for our attention more often than we realize. But nothing beats a good moment with a good book (bonus: no irritating blue light). Whether you get through one or all eight books on this list, we hope you rediscover your long-lost reading habit.

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Enjoy Up to 20% OFF on Products and Treatments This 10.10! https://www.belomed.com/blog/enjoy-up-to-20-off-on-products-and-treatments-this-10-10 Sat, 03 Oct 2020 02:49:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22151

From 8.8 to 9.9, we haven’t stopped giving you once-a-month exclusive discounts on products and treatments. We want you all to have a chance to try your dream Belo procedures and skincare goodies for less...and that’s why this 10.10, we’re getting the party started again with up to 20% OFF on ZO® products and select treatments!

On Saturday, October 10, you have 24 full hours to enjoy the following amazing discounts in our clinics and at The Belo Shop:

  • 20% OFF on individual ZO® products
  • 10% OFF on ZO® Kits (on top of discounted rate)
  • 20% OFF on these treatments:

READY: 20% OFF on all individual ZO® products

Are you a certified ZO® tita and can’t stop hoarding their cleansers and serums? Or are you a first-timer who wants to try Julia Barretto’s favorite Oil Control Pads or Jinkee Pacquiao’s go-to Brightalive serum? Now’s your chance! All individual ZO® products will be on sale for 20% off. That’s an amazing discount we don’t dole out very often!

SET: Additional 10% OFF on ZO® Kits

As an added treat, our ZO® Firming Kit, Restore and Protect Kit, Brilliance Kit, and Texture and Tone kit will also be available at 10% off (on top of their already discounted rate)! So whether you’re a skincare enthusiast that knows what ZO® can do...or a novice to the skincare game, ZO® Kits are the perfect starting point. 

SHOP: 20% OFF on select Belo treatments

Some of our best skin-tightening and slimming treatments are available at 20% off on 10.10! MyoSculpt is a favorite of Rhian Ramos and Jennylyn Mercado for toning the abs, butt, and more. Exilis is loved by youngsters like Chie Filomeno and Darren Espanto for an instantly slimmed face. Vivace can be used for clearing acne *and* contouring the face. And Skin Reboot, a go-to for Kim Chiu, Morrissette, and Piolo Pascual, is a painless RF skin-tightening treatment with immediate results. Take your pick—we’ve got plenty of options!

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and tell *ALL* your friends about 10.10! This is a sale you wouldn’t want to miss. Happy shopping!

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4 Common Myths about Weightlifting, Debunked https://www.belomed.com/blog/4-common-myths-about-weightlifting-debunked Sun, 04 Oct 2020 05:06:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22166

When we think of weightlifting, we think of massive, extremely muscular dudes standing on a multilevel podium, flexing their pecs and abs for all to see. That’s why most women tend to think that they can go without strength exercises and just stick to cardio. Wrong! You absolutely need strength training, not only to achieve your dream body, but also to maintain it. Here are four myths about weightlifting, and why you should stop believing them ASAP.

1. MYTH: Lifting weights will make you too muscular.

Boy, have we heard this one a million times before! Women want a slim-but-toned look (think Miranda Kerr or Alessandra Ambrosio), not an imposing bodybuilder physique. But it takes a whole lot more than lifting 10-pound dumbbells to put on too much muscle. According to Jacqueline Crockford, CSCS of the American Council on Exercise, “Gaining muscle mass comes from a combination of heavy weight training and an excess in calories. If you perform resistance training one to three days per week and you're not eating more calories than you expend in a day, you probably won't see a ton of muscle growth." 

And how did Miranda and Alessandra achieve those bodies anyway? You guessed it—strength training!

2. MYTH: Lifting weights won’t make you lose fat.

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Bending into the weekend ~

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(Surprise—Pilates is a strength workout!)

Running for hours or putting time in on the elliptical can be effective, but they take the wind out of you pretty quickly. Because of the effort we expend during such exercises, we’ve come to equate them as “more effective” than simply standing in place and lifting weights. But the secret to a great body isn’t just constant fat loss—it’s building a good muscle base. Muscle tissue burns more calories than body fat, so the more muscle tissue you have, the more you’ll burn—even when you’re at rest. And the more you increase your resting metabolic rate, the less effort you have to spend in reaching your goal weight.

3. MYTH: Lifting weights won’t improve your heart health.

(Ankle and wrist weights are a great way to integrate weights into your workout if you’re a beginner.)

Au contraire! A good strength workout plan—one that engages all muscle groups, and one that you do several times per week—can be just as good for your heart as a typical cardio workout. There’s more than one way to get your heart pumping. If jumps or burpees aren’t your thing, rejoice!

4. MYTH: Women aren’t built to lift heavy weights.

OK, we’re gonna stop you right there. Weightlifting can be done by anyone, regardless of gender. (And have you SEEN female bodybuilders? Jeez.) A woman’s body is built to do and withstand amazing things, just like men. So go easy on the weights, or go hard on ‘em—you can definitely do both!

So forget what you heard about weights from when you were a hapless teenager in PE class, and get with the program—the weight training program, that is. Get a lift and get lean...without worrying that you’re bringing yourself away from your dream body!

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The Difference Between Acne Scars and Dark Spots https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-difference-between-acne-scars-and-dark-spots Mon, 05 Oct 2020 03:03:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22191

Breakouts are never good—but what makes them insufferable is the marks they tend to leave behind. Acne scars can seriously get in the way of going makeup-free with confidence, and during a time when we all want to be bare-faced, this is not a problem we want to have. In researching your solutions, though, you’ve probably come across two terms: “acne scars” and “dark spots.” These terms, while used in similar contexts, are actually completely different! Here’s what you need to know about the difference between acne scars and dark spots.

What are dark spots?

When you think of “dark spots,” think “pigmentation.” And pigmentation is what happens when your body produces melanin, AKA the pigment that gives skin is color. When your skin becomes inflamed due to a pimple, your body responds to the irritation by producing melanin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH. So, dark spots can be caused by mild to moderate acne breakouts...but the key difference is that acne isn’t the only cause. Pigmentation can result from excessive sun exposure, resulting in sun spots. It can also result from hormonal changes, stress, or pregnancy, resulting in melasma (dark splotches of skin). Dark spots are usually just flat—they only alter the color of your skin, not its texture.

What are acne scars?

Unlike dark spots, acne scars can run deep. They tend to alter your skin texture, because the things that caused them have damaged your skin on a more critical level. 

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[SAVE FOR IMPORTANT INFO] ‼️⚠️We all scar differently and they form for different reasons. Picking at our skin does heighten our chances of scarring BUT it isn’t the only reason why we scar, let’s just start with that before the keyboard trolls come pointing the finger at us for having these scars🙄😬. Acne scars fall into two main categories: those caused by a loss of tissue (atrophic scars), and those caused by an excess of tissue (hypertrophic scars). Within these categories, there are four main types of acne scars: 1️⃣Ice-pick scars/ pitted scars – deep, narrow, pitted scars (these develop after deep inflamed zits get infected, destroying our skin tissue) 2️⃣Boxcar scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges (these develop when a breakout destroys collagen so the area is left without support) 3️⃣Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge (these develop when fibrous bands of tissue pull the epidermis) 4️⃣Hypertrophic / keloid scars – raised scars (these develop when there’s an overproduction of collagen; your skin doesn’t know that the wound has already healed so it continues to produce collagen) There are many ways to treat your acne scars (I’ll save this for another post) but know that you shouldn’t feel pressured to treat them just to be accepted. Also you can simultaneously embrace your skin while trying to improve it. It’s no one’s place to judge what you decide❤️ Thank you to my skin positivity babes @lew.mor @moniqueschreiber @mariah.x.o.x for allowing me to use their photos for this post. Hope you guys find this informative and please feel free to share because this brings more awareness. The more we talk about it, the more normalised acne scars are. Lots of love as always, xoxo Your gal, Liz ❤️❤️❤️ 🙈📸 Graphic designer: my handsome Italian bf 😜🤣 @andrea_gottardo_ ti amo 😌😘 #acnescars #skinpositivity #lasertreatment #fractionallaser #microneedling #derambrasion #laser #icepickscars #boxcarscars #rollingscars #hypertrophicscars #makeup #skinmap

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There are different types of acne scars. The good news is, you can usually tell what type you have just by looking at them.

Boxcar scars are depressed scars (meaning they sink deeper than the normal level of your skin) that usually form a boxy or rectangular shape, hence the name. They occur as a result of collagen loss or collagen underproduction, which explains why it seems like patches of skin have “gone missing.” 

At first, boxcar scars can look similar to ice pick scars. But ice pick scars, like the name, look like the skin has been damaged by an ice pick. They tend to be small but deep, like the holes left behind by a pin on a bulletin board. These result when a pimple is further infected by things like dirt and debris, resulting in the destruction of tissue. 

Rolling scars, on the other hand, don’t have the same defined edges as boxcar or ice pick scars. They tend to look like cellulite or orange peel. They occur when the epidermis (top layer of the skin) has been damaged.

Finally, hypertrophic scars or keloids are raised (meaning they are higher than the normal level of your skin). They occur when your body doesn’t realize the wound has already healed, so it continues to produce collagen. The overproduction of collagen results in the “extra skin.”

Luckily, acne scars and dark spots are treatable for the most part. Whether it’s laser resurfacing to bring back your skin texture, or serums and brightening treatments to fade dark spots, Belo has solutions for you. But you need to act fast—it’s always easier to treat acne scars and dark spots that have only recently appeared. The first step is, as always, a consultation!

To book an in-person appointment, call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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6 Daily Habits for Beautiful Skin, According to Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/6-daily-habits-for-beautiful-skin-according-to-dr-vicki-belo Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:12:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22217

It’s often easy to forget, but we’re still in the throes of a worldwide pandemic—one that has irreversibly changed the way we work and live. With everything that’s going on, the last thing you want to worry about is bad skin. Nobody wants to deal with an annoying chin breakout, or oiliness that gets in the way of you looking ~*fresh*~ during that Zoom meeting. So we’re giving you 6 habits, as advised by Dr. Vicki Belo, that you can try and integrate into your daily ritual for more beautiful skin. It’s the best time to embrace being bare-faced—and it starts with a perfect base.

1. Take collagen supplements.

Your serum may claim to contain collagen, but according to Dr. Belo, topical applications may not be enough. “Topical collagen does not have the same effects as the oral supplementation of collagen. Collagen is too large a molecule to penetrate the skin, which means topical collagen doesn’t stimulate collagen production on a cellular level the way collagen supplementation will,” she explained in an August 2019 interview with Cosmo.ph.

“Collagen is the most abundant substance in our body next to water. It makes up 75 percent of our skin, and is responsible for keeping it young and firm. It also gives strength and support to our bones, hair, and fingernails. It’s like the frame of a house that provides structure to different parts of our body. Without it, [our skin] becomes weak and it loses our form. So if you are serious about maintaining youthful skin, anti-aging topical products—even if they contain collagen—are not enough. Collagen supplementation is key.” 

You lose 20% of your collagen at age 20, so now is as good a time as any to begin. Try the Belo Collagen Melon Smoothie, available at The Belo Shop.

2. Wear sunscreen, even indoors.

“A sunscreen a day keeps the wrinkles away,” Dr. Belo said in the April 2020 article ‘Should You Wear Sunscreen, Even at Home?’ “To avoid the formation of wrinkles, the best thing to do is use sunscreen in the morning, even if you’re not going out...the best is SPF 5 PA++++, with Broad Spectrum Coverage, UVA [protection] to prevent wrinkles, and UVB [protection] to prevent sunburn.”

3. Use Dr. Belo’s personal secret for stopping pimples before they even appear.

Dr. Belo has a secret (well, not-so-secret, since she passed this tip on to Camille Co!) to thwart pimples before they wreak havoc on your skin. When she feels that dreaded bump coming on, she applies ZO® Exfoliation Accelerator on the affected area. The product’s glycolic acid and green tea content brings down inflammation, which keeps the bump from morphing into a full-blown pimple. Ta-da! Shop it here.

4. Switch up your treatments every once in a while.

"I believe in always rotating my treatments, because it's like planting things in the ground: if you keep planting the same crop eventually all the vitamins and the minerals for all that particular crop are gone. So it's good to change treatments often,” Dr. Belo explained in a 2019 interview with Preview.ph. One week, you’ll find Dr. Belo sticking to her fave Glycopeel Cleaning and Powerpeel combo; the next, she’ll try something different like the Contouring Facial, or the Madonna Oxylight Facial. “If you keep getting the same treatment every week, month, or three weeks, then it just shows that your skin isn't really evolving or getting better.”

5, Dr. Belo wants you to eat kimchi!

Both Dr. Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho believe in the importance of keeping your gut healthy—it has a lot to do with your skin health. "There’s no way you get [collagen] from food unless you eat the cartilage in between the chicken," she said in an October 2018 interview with Pep.ph. "Kimchi is a good way to do it. It's not because it creates collagen, but it does create a good bacterial environment in your gut that helps with the formation of collagen. Anything that's fermented is actually good. Then you need your omega-3 fatty acids, your omega-6, so you take your cold-water fishes. Hindi puwede bangus, lapu-lapu, tuna. You have to take cold-water fish like salmon [and] cod.” 

6. Despite the challenges, try to get enough sleep.

Working from home can take a toll on your circadian rhythm, especially as increasing work demands blur the line between office time and rest time. Dr. Belo recommends using a melatonin supplement to help smooth things over. “As we get older, we lose melatonin, so we don’t sleep well at night. That’s the only time our body can regenerate and rejuvenate, so we really have to sleep well. But guess what? Melatonin really helps with immunity, [and] it’s anti-inflammatory. It’s important to take this usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour before we want to sleep,” she recommended. You can get your melatonin from the Formula VB Immunity Booster Kit at The Belo Shop.

At first, these habits might seem frivolous. Maybe you’re not the type to remember to take collagen supplements. Or maybe kimchi just isn’t your thing. That’s okay—you can engage in a collaborative effort with your Belo MD to find ones that better suit your preferences. However, good habits take time to develop. They can be annoying to stick with at first, but once the results make themselves known, these tips will become lifelong rituals.

To book an in-clinic consultation, call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Boracay Is Open to Tourists Again—Here's What You Need to Know https://www.belomed.com/blog/boracay-is-open-to-tourists-again-heres-what-you-need-to-know Wed, 07 Oct 2020 13:10:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22231

One thing we haven’t been able to do since 2019? Hit the beach. We live in a strange new world, one that has severely limited our borders for rest and relaxation (not to mention, blurred the line between office and home). Luckily, thanks to a September 24 resolution by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), tourists are now welcome to return to the white sandy beaches of Boracay Island. Before you pack those bags, though, here’s everything you need to know!

1. Only residents of GCQ and MGCQ cities with prior booked accommodations will be allowed to visit the island.

This is per an announcement from the Department of Tourism, which means residents of Metro Manila and other GCQ/MGCQ areas will get to visit! Yay!

2. Only the Caticlan airport will be open for incoming passengers.

The Kalibo airport will not be open, so make the necessary travel arrangements for transport coming from the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan. 

3. You need to test negative on an RT-PCR test first.

This is a given, of course—any island-goers will need to pay for their own swab (RT-PCR) test, taken 48-72 hours beforehand, and receive a negative result before being allowed on the island. We know you want to frolic, but safety first!

4. It’s a family affair—no age restrictions!

It may have been a while before you’ve gotten to have some real bonding time with the fam—you know, not the kind that involves arguments about who’s hogging the bandwidth. Kids and senior citizens can join in on the Boracay fun, as long as they test negative, too. However, “restrictions as to persons with comorbidities will remain to be strictly enforced,” according to the IATF.

5. You will not need to quarantine upon arrival.

No need to budget for extra hotel accommodation expenses to account for quarantine days. Unless you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, you are free to roam the island as soon as you arrive.

6. You’re required to wear a mask on the beach.

No mask-less strolling just yet, though! A mask is required for entering establishments and walking along the beach where you’ll encounter others—just like you would in your home city. Social distancing will still be strictly observed.

That’s pretty much it! Once you’ve got your plane tickets, hotel bookings, and negative swab tests, you’re good to go. Take as many photos as you can, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

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Here's the Full List of Belo's Basic Facials—Which One Should You Try? https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-the-full-list-of-belos-basic-facials-which-one-should-you-try Thu, 08 Oct 2020 12:24:11 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22243

We’re here to quash a misconception that’s persisted for years—that a Belo skincare experience is completely inaccessible to those on a budget. Monthly facials should be the bedrock of your skin maintenance routine: they remove dirt and debris, refresh the skin, and allow you to have your pimples popped by a professional aesthetician, which prevents the risk of scarring. Skincare newbies, let it be known: you can have the Belo Experience for as low as P1,800. That’s the minimum price of our basic facials, so you can enjoy healthier, clearer skin for less! Here’s the full rundown of our basic facials and their prices:

For the Oily or Acne-Prone (Dr. Belo’s go-to!): Glycopeel Cleaning

Our most popular cleaning procedure for oily and acne-prone skin, this treatment uses different concentrations of natural fruit acids to unroof pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The glycolic acid used exfoliates dead skin and eliminates acne-causing bacteria, too! For those with moderate to severe acne, one session a week for 1 month is usually recommended, after which the frequency can be reduced to one session every 2 weeks, and finally, one session a month for maintenance.

Price: P1,800 (0.2 concentration) or P2,500 (0.7 concentration) per session

For Normal Skin: Botanicals Cleaning

This facial uses an all-natural exfoliating scrub to gently remove skin impurities and smoothen skin texture. It’s ideal for all skin types, and the 45-minute treatment can be done every 2 to 4 weeks to boost skin vitality.

Price: 2,500 per session

For Pampering Yourself (You Deserve It!): Honey Almond Cleaning

Treat yourself to this delightfully aromatic facial that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and revitalizes the skin, leaving behind a sumptuous and rejuvenated complexion. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

Price: 1,800 per session

For Dry Skin or Pigmentation: Micropeel Cleaning

This 45-minute treatments mechanically scrapes off the dead and dull top layer of the skin, followed by an application of glycolic acid to allow fresh, healthy skin underneath to emerge...and reveal a glowing complexion.

Price: 1,800 per session

For Acne-Prone, Damaged Skin: Retamax Cleaning

This intense facial makes use of retinol (a vitamin A derivative), which is known to stimulate the production of new skin cells, treat comedonal acne, and diminish dark sun spots, hyper pigmentation, and blemish scars. 

Price: 1,800 per session

Once you’ve consulted with a Belo MD to find out which facial is best for you, schedule regular facials to keep your skin quality up and to prevent nasty blackheads and zits from forming. Good skin starts with a clean and clear face—and with repeated good habits, you’ll soon be able to walk out of the house without a stitch of makeup!

To book your facial, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat with a doctor before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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How a "Fake Commute" Can Restore Your Mental Health This Quarantine https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-a-fake-commute-can-restore-your-mental-health-this-quarantine Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:54:34 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22255

Let’s take a brief journey to those hazy pre-pandemic days, back when we didn’t realize how convenient we had it—we were free to go out to dinner with friends, take weekend beach trips, or scurry excitedly to the office pantry, no social distancing necessary, because it was somebody’s birthday and there was cake. (Chocolate, to be exact.) But back then, we also dedicated 3-4 precious hours commuting to the office and back. We got stuck in traffic. We had to compete for empty bus seats. We had to wait 45 minutes for a rideshare. These were not great times.

Fast-forward to the present: Now, there are no punctuations between work and home. It seems most of us get out of bed and saunter right over to our computers, then head right back to bed when all is said and done. The morning commute that allows us to leave household worries behind, and the evening commute that signals to our brains that work is done for the day, is no longer available to us. That’s why people everywhere have come up with a solution: a “fake commute” to divide your day efficiently...and restore your mental health.

What’s a “fake commute”?

A “fake commute” is any ritual you do before your work day begins and after it ends. For Dr. Damien Lyons, a lecturer in Sydney, it means getting into his car—work clothes and all—and driving around his neighborhood for 10 minutes before going back home to start his day. For Marianna Hewitt, the co-founder of skincare brand Summer Fridays, it means taking a short walk in the morning and evening. And for Ian Silvera, account director of Newgate Communications, it means heading to the park and sitting on the bench to people-watch for a little bit. It’s completely up to you. Whether it means taking a 5-minute stroll around your condo complex or simply brewing a cup of tea in the morning with the same mug you used back at the office, as long as it signifies “ritual” to you, then that’s your fake commute.

What can a fake commute do for my mental health?

Let’s face it—spending 16 hours straight working at home while your children are running around can mess with your mind for a bit. Morning and evening rituals are important because they serve as mental bookends—they tell your mind when it’s time to switch gears between work and home. According to University of Melbourne associate professor Terry Bowles, “commuting provides an opportunity to adjust to a different role, for example from parent to worker, and the habit gives the brain a bit of a break.” 

In short, it’s great for compartmentalizing the mind and sharpening your focus. And this will help you not only become more productive, this will also ensure that work thoughts don’t encroach on your much-deserved rest hours.

With the way things are looking, we may all be working from home until mid- or end-2021. While we all take measures to protect our physical health, we shouldn’t let our mental health go by the wayside. And pandemic or no pandemic, morning walks are pretty nice. It couldn’t hurt to stretch our legs for a bit. ◼︎

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You're in Your 20s. So Why Would You Need Fillers? https://www.belomed.com/blog/youre-in-your-20s-so-why-would-you-need-fillers Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22270

When young, spry twentysomethings hear the words “Botox” or “fillers,” you might find that they run for the hills—after all, aren’t these things reserved for people with jowls, visible wrinkles, and deep smile lines? Before we begin, I’d encourage you to remove all negative associations society or the media may have taught you about fillers—and listen to three very good reasons why someone in their 20s could benefit greatly from a quick 30-minute session. And just in time—we happen to be offering a discount of up to 25% on Juvéderm Voluma until the end of October 2020. Whip out your Notes app and take notes:

1. Fillers can reduce the annoying illusion of a double chin.

Sometimes, loose skin underneath the chin (near the neck) can make it look like you have a double chin, when you really don’t. And when you’re trying to take that cute side-profile Boomerang for IG, it can really spoil the vibe. By adding chin filler, you can tighten up the loose skin and get rid of your “fake double chin.” Sue Ramirez had been struggling with that for a while, and voila—chin fillers made it go away!

2. They can elongate the chin and slim the face.

This patient has a squarish jaw, which prevents the face from looking slim and elongated. Our patient wanted a more V-shaped appearance, and with a combination of chin fillers and Botox to the masseter area (AKA her chewing muscles), she achieved it.

3. They can keep your chin and neck from looking “connected” to one another.

Not all of us have a perfectly-shaped chin that juts out in our side profile. For some, the chin can look “connected” to the neck, which can make our side profile look unflattering. To look more chiseled, this male patient tried out chin fillers, which made his chin stand out, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Checkmate! 

As you can see, fillers don’t necessarily have to bring about major, unsightly changes. Our expert Belo MDs know what they’re doing—they’ll be using just the right amount of fillers to give you that lift you need, without leaving you looking overly “retokada.” These little changes you see in our patients are called “tweakments,” and they take less than 30 minutes to do. It all starts with a consultation.

To book your appointment for fillers, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Here's Why Your Hair's Falling Out This Quarantine https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-why-your-hairs-falling-out-this-quarantine Sun, 11 Oct 2020 05:21:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22281

Let us take a stab at three things that may be true for you this quarantine: you’re showering less often, you’re cleaning up around the house more, and you’re under a lot of stress. And because you’re doing more cleaning, you’ve noticed a lot more hair ending up in your vacuum cleaner than usual. When you do step in for a shower, the clump of hair in your drain is a lot—and we mean A LOT—larger than it was pre-pandemic. What gives? Why are you losing hair? Could this already overwhelming year be any more stressful???

OK, don’t panic. Increased hair loss is happening to women all over the world right now—and under the circumstances, this is actually to be expected. Here are three reasons your hair might be falling out this quarantine (and some at-home solutions we know will work!).

1. You could be suffering from telogen effluvium, or stress-induced hair loss.

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My favorite new accessory...

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Those words sound serious, but TE isn’t uncommon at all—in fact, it’s happening to large swaths of men and women right now, thanks to the stress and traumatic events brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. The symptoms of TE tend to show up three to six months late, and since we’re about seven months into community quarantine right now, the timelines add up. 

While there’s nothing you can do to *stop* stressful situations from happening, what you can do is control and regulate your reaction to them. Breathing exercises like yoga and meditation, jotting down your feelings in a journal (from your stack of never-used cute notebooks), or even treating yourself to that tray of sushi bake will help keep your spirits up and remind you that there’s still much to be thankful for.

2. You’re lacking Vitamin D exposure.

We’re always arms akimbo about excessive sun exposure here at Belo, but a healthy level of sun exposure is beneficial for the body. More time indoors means less time out in the sun, which means many of us are likely suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency. And since Vitamin D is responsible for hair follicle growth...you know the drill. 

To restore your Vitamin D reserves, load up on fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon; dairy products like soy milk, cheese, and egg yolks; and greens like spinach, kale, and okra. You can also try a tasty collagen supplement: here’s a melon-flavored smoothie that will help strengthen your hair, too.

3. You’re washing your hair less often.

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Retro regimen (📸:whatwesaidpodcast)

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“If you cut down on your weekly washes, when you do wash, expect to see more lost hairs,” said trichologist Jane Mayhead in an interview with Cosmopolitan US. And it makes sense—because we’re staying in more, we’re showering and washing our hair less. That means more hair in your shower drain. HOWEVER! However, washing your hair less often isn’t a good thing. “Your scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead, and you wouldn't skip washing your face,” said trichologist Annabelle Kingsley in an interview with Shape

To resolve this, make sure you don’t go more than two days without washing. Choose shampoos with ingredients that naturally strengthen the hair, such as gugo, collagen, and biotin. That last ingredient, in particular, plays a huge role in the health of your hair and nails. To get your fix, try this biotin-enriched hair routine: you’ve got shampoo, conditioner, and solution covered—perfect for anyone suffering from TE or alopecia.

Hopefully, with your stress levels managed, diet changed, and hair routine revamped, you’ll start to see a decrease in the hair clogging up your drain (and stressing you out, thereby causing more hair loss—yikes). Take solace in the fact that you’re far from alone in this sitch, and that with time and consistency, you’ll be seeing a lush, healthy head of hair again.

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Why Do You Need an Eye Cream in Your Skincare Routine? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-do-you-need-an-eye-cream-in-your-skincare-routine Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:49:52 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22292

If you’ve been listening closely to Dr. Vicki Belo’s skincare advice, you’d know that her recommended basic routine involves cleansing, toning, exfoliation, and serum. But for those hitting their late 20s and beyond, there’s an extra step she strongly recommends you don’t go without. Eye cream may seem like a frivolous purchase, but taking special care of your eyes can prove extremely beneficial in the long run. (You’ll thank us when you’re 45 and have no crow’s feet. Trust.)

Why do I need eye cream?

An eye cream is any cream that is specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes. Why all the fanfare for eyes? It’s not like we have nose or chin creams, for instance. Well: “You must remember that the eye is the first part of your face to age. Why? Because we do so much to them and its skin is so thin and fragile. Applying makeup can tear on the elastic fibers. Squinting causes wrinkles. Rubbing your eyes can make dark circles appear. All these problems have been around for a long time,” warns Dr. Belo. 

Which eye cream is right for me?

Depending on your age group and skin needs, you’ll need a different kind of eye cream. Women in their 20s likely aren’t showing visible signs of eye aging, but they do need to maintain their collagen levels (20% of collagen is lost by age 20, according to Dr. Belo). An eye cream with sodium hyaluronate is great for beginners. If you’re in your 30s, you need to be more proactive about fighting the first few signs of aging—this is where eye creams with peptides and polysaccharides can help. And for women in their 40s and above, eye cream is straight-up nonnegotiable—eye creams with powerful anti-aging ingredients are a must. You can even go the extra mile with rejuvenating eye masks that supplement the effects of your current eye cream.

How often and when do I need to use eye cream?

Eye cream should be applied every day as a regular part of your skincare routine. But, says Dr. Belo, only in the AM! "Don't [apply your eye creams] at night,” she advised in a recent wellness webinar with Manulife. "If you apply your eye cream at night, you just wake up with little eye bags because [an eye cream] is moisturizing. It'll absorb oil and water, so you will only look like you cried."

TL;DR: You definitely need an eye cream in your routine. Your face could be getting the best care, but if your eyes don’t follow suit, then those dark circles and crow’s feet will still keep you from looking youthful. Look through our eye care options here, and don’t forget to pop by our clinics to talk to use about your eye beauty plan. 

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Why You *Shouldn't* Scrub Your Armpits, According to Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-scrub-your-armpits Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:22:01 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22317

It’s not uncommon to struggle with dark underarms—in fact, it’s probably rarer to see somebody with perfect, even-toned, chicken skin-less pits. And it has the rest of us wondering: what on God’s green earth could be their secret? Is it organic deodorant? Is it no deodorant? Well, we’ll tell you what it definitely isn’t. Perfect underarms can’t be achieved by scrubbing them, according to Dr. Vicki Belo. Today, we’ll tell you why.

In a 2019 Myth or Fact session at Belo Medical Plaza, Dr. Belo gave us her two cents. “Another thing people always ask me is, they try to scrub their armpits if they’re dark. The question is, is it good to use the rough side of the bimpo when taking a shower to make your armpits white?” (A bimpo, if you’re not aware, is a small face towel with a rough terry cloth surface meant to remove sweat.) 

Dr. Belo’s verdict? Don’t do it! “Rubbing your body is traumatic. It hurts your skin. And Asian skin is very, very unstable.”

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How tall are you? Me: With heels or without? 🤪

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Why is it bad to scrub your armpits?

She continued, “So if you’ve got an insect bite, let’s say from a mosquito...your skin will get dark, because Asian skin reacts that way. And if you use a bimpo and you rub it roughly, you’re also creating trauma.” And this goes for any type of vigorous scrubbing on the underarms, whether it’s with a towel, loofah, or bath salt. You’re doing your pits more harm than good.

Dr. Belo cites a very Pinoy example: “What you need to do is look at the jeepney drivers, because they’re always rubbing their necks with the towel. It’s so hot, and they perspire...a lot of them will have dark necks, because rubbing is bad. Much more for the armpit, because again, the armpit has very manipis na skin, very sensitive. So whatever effect it has on the other parts of the body, like the neck, it’s triple if it’s the armpits. So please, do not use a bimpo to rub your armpits. You cannot scrub away the dark area!” she said. 

How come scrubbing can’t lighten your underarms?

It’s true—pigmentation isn’t like dirt. It doesn’t go away when you exfoliate. Pigmentation is a result of melanin formation due to UV exposure, trauma, and other factors. (Related: The Difference Between Acne Scars and Dark Spots)

What should you try to lighten your underarms instead?

  • For slightly dark underarms: Dr. Belo’s favorite (and affordable) solution? The Belo Essentials Intense White Deo. “It’s really a beauty deodorant. That’s what it was made for. It stops perspiration, it stops smelling, it stops the chicken skin, [and] it’s anti-inflammatory.”
  • For more severe cases: It may be time to head to one of our clinics. “If you really have armpits that are already dark, then we have an Angel Whitening Laser,” Dr. Belo advised. “You have to do it once every three weeks, and you have to do 6-8 sessions. It’s the most effective thing that I’ve seen.” (Related: Angel Whitening vs. Revlite: What’s the Difference?)

With the bevy of solutions that are available to you, we strongly implore you to reconsider picking up that bimpo ever again! There’s a better way to whiten your underarms. All you have to do is take a cue from the Beauty Expert!

Click here to purchase the Belo Essentials Intense White Deo, and here to purchase the  Belo-It-Yourself Armpit Perfecting Kit.

To book your Angel Whitening appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Alden Richards' Top 3 Favorite Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/alden-richards-top-3-favorite-treatments Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:19:54 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22329

Any true Alden fangirl (*gingerly raises hand*) knows that the Belo Tomas Morato clinic is one of his happy places. And when he swings by, he’s likely to be doing one of the following three treatments—safe to say Alden’s found his faves, and he’s sticking to ‘em! If you want his signature chiseled look and flawless face, take a cue from Alden’s top 3 favorite Belo treatments:

1. For a jawline that can cut glass: Thermage FLX

Alden shared with us last year that his once-chubby face actually runs in the family: “My dad, brothers, and sisters have it. Regardless of how thin we get, we still get what we call ‘maga face.’” Thanks to Thermage FLX, he no longer has to worry! Once a year, Alden pops into the clinic to do this radiofrequency treatment, which tightens skin and increases collagen and elastin production. Jawline check! “Maganda talaga Thermage,” he mused after his recent treatment. We agree!

2. For a perfectly hydrated face: Glass Skin Facial

Everybody loves the Glass Skin Facial—from Julia Barretto to Bianca Umali, there’s no shortage of superfans for this Korean-inspired treatment. But did you know that men can totally do it, too? I mean, it’s the perfect way to channel Hyun Bin or Lee Min Ho! The ultra-hydrating treatment, when combined with basic cleaning, can give you the flawless, hydrated skin that you thought only K-drama stars could have. And Alden loves it! “My favorite treatment right here is the Glass Skin Facial,” he said in a video last June. And he has a little trick for enduring those painful extractions: “I usually ask for a mirror and watch the pimples get out of my face.” According to him, it actually lessens the pain! (You can always opt to have the Glass Skin Facial without cleaning if you’d prefer.)

3. For toning up those abs: Onda Coolwaves

Of course, it’s not all about the face—Alden’s got to take care of his body, too! He’s been working on his fitness lately, so he’s supplementing his diet and workouts with Onda Coolwaves. This body-contouring system diminishes cellulite and liquefies fat, pain-free! “Since I lost a lot of weight, medyo nagkaroon ako ng loose skin sa may love handle area [and] sa may stomach,” he shared in a November 2019 video. And he’s super-impressed with its immediate effects. “Nagulat ako sa effect niya, kasi right after n’ung treatment, doon ko naramdaman ‘yung warm feeling sa stomach. Nag-work ‘yung effect niya right after the session.” It’s no wonder that he looks like this:

When it comes to his treatment plan, Alden keeps it simple: something for slimming the face, something for hydrating it, and something to keep his body toned. As long as you’ve got everything covered, you’ll be good to go!

To book your Thermage FLX, Glass Skin Facial, or Onda Coolwaves appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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ICYMI: Facebook Live with Rhian Ramos, Dr. Hayden Kho, and Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/icymi-facebook-live-with-rhian-ramos-dr-hayden-kho-and-dr-vicki-belo Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:24:46 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22351

Heartbreak—we’ve all been there. The sober realization that a relationship is beyond repair has hit all of us like a truck, and we all cope in different ways. Rhian Ramos not only had to deal with the pain of a broken heart, but also the speculation and prejudice of many. Last Tuesday, Rhian chatted with Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho about all this and more. Here’s what you missed:

1. Rhian dispelled rumors that she was anorexic.

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Province life for a week. Can't complain 😌😊

A post shared by Rhian Ramos (@whianwamos) on

Last September 27, it was revealed that Rhian had broken up with her then-boyfriend, Israeli businessman Amit Borsok. She went on a weeklong social media detox, and returned to nasty rumors about the changes in her body. “As expected, people started commenting on my appearance. They noticed a big weight loss. I guess I also looked a little tired, because...I wasn’t really sleeping well at the time.” She decided that, to be an example to her followers, she needed to admit the truth instead of shy away from it. “Nothing in my life felt the same anymore...I was forgetting to eat, and I was trying to sleep, but I couldn’t...I’m trying to call it my off-season.” She posted a video on her YouTube channel in response to the assumptions, and she’s since taken control of the narrative.

Dr. Belo also cleared the air: “I want to get this out of the way. She is not anorexic. An anorexic person thinks she’s fat and cannot see herself the way she is. Just on that alone, Rhian did realize that she was thin, too thin—and she knew why she was thin, because her heart’s broken.” The doctors actually sent 

2. Before Dr. Belo and Doc Hayden were married, Dr. Belo’s breakup coping mechanism was to go to her clinic for treatments.

Human beings cope with heartbreak in seemingly universal ways. Most of us like to change up our look, just to properly bookend the relationship and signal a new era of singlehood. The same was true for the two doctors during their turbulent times long ago. “I noticed with Vicki, every time we [broke] up—we’re kind of experts in breakups already—from what I noticed with Vicki, when I see her again, she looks different!” Doc Hayden said in jest. “Either nagpagupit, nagpalagay ng filler, nagpa-Thermage…” he trails off. “Buti na lang ako ang may-ari ng Belo Medical Group!” Dr. Belo replied jokingly.

We also heard about how Doc Hayden tried to win her back during those times. “I really had a hard time with Hayden, because he loves me so much when we’re broken up. So when we’re broken up, my gosh, akala mo mamamatay na siya pag wala ako,” Dr. Belo shared with a laugh. (Premium tea!) “May flowers everyday? Nasa labas ng bahay ko from 10 in the evening until 5 in the morning, naghihintay na baka pagbigyan ko?!” It’s a good thing they’re now happily married!

3. Despite everything, Rhian was happy to have dealt with the breakup in a more introspective light, thanks to the quarantine season.

“It’s interesting to go through it in a very quiet, internal way. Also, the people that God has put in my life [have] really given me a lot of guidance and comfort...this is the first time that I just kind of decided to switch my focus away from the idea of losing things. I have so much to be grateful for and be happy about. Whereas before, I would probably just distract myself.”

4. Doc Hayden explained the difference between fighting for a relationship and fighting for a marriage.

“There’s really a difference when you’re married and when you’re not married. The reason why you’re dating is you want to see if...this is a person that you would want to willfully love forever. Love is a matter of the heart as it is of the will. And if you will to love a person, you can. So there’s this “love,” a feeling, and there’s this “will,” a verb. Love of the will. So when you fall in love with somebody, you form a bond of love, and that bond is built because of good times together. But when it’s time to break up, then you break up.” Doc Hayden then stresses the importance of giving yourself time to be weaned from that now-broken love bond, so that someday when you’re ready again, you are healthy enough to form a new bond with someone else.

“But it’s different when you’re married. Before, if you’re not yet married, ‘pag ayaw ka ipaglaban ng tao, then OK, you walk out. But if you’re married, you’re now in a commitment. And a commitment means you honor your word. You’re there—you use your will to stay there. This time, you have to fight for it, even if sometimes, you don’t feel like loving the person. You have to still love the person.”

5. Rhian came to Belo for that post-breakup glowup.

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Me, when you're holding a champorado

A post shared by Rhian Ramos (@whianwamos) on

There’s no better way to bounce back than to give yourself a pamper day and a makeover, and Rhian did just that. “I did Skin Genius on my face, just because whenever people lose weight...parang it didn’t feel like my skin was stuck to my face anymore. I don’t know if that’s a weird way to explain it. But, yeah. Now it feels good.”

She also came back to do the treatment on her tummy. “When I saw your tummy, parang the skin was so loose also. Parang she’s right about the skin not fitting anymore. Parang her body, her frame had become so small that there was a lot of—I would pull her face and be able to pull it this far,” Dr. Belo gestured. Weeks later, Rhian’s enjoying her new tightened skin, and she’s on her way to feeling like herself again. Go, Rhi!

To watch more of our Facebook Live sessions, head to our YouTube channel.

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This Is The Belo Facial I've Been Doing Since My Teen Acne Years https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-is-the-belo-facial-ive-been-doing-since-my-teen-acne-years Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:34:35 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22367

When I was 13 years old, I had my first breakout ever. At the time, I was well into my second year of high school, and the concept of insecurities, while new, figured highly in my day-to-day life. Pus-filled bumps lined my forehead and upper cheeks, prompting me to ask my mother if I could get bangs. The oil from my hair did nothing but make things worse. So, at 13, my mom took me with her to Belo Alabang, where I had my very first consultation with a dermatologist—and my first brush with the simple facial treatment that changed my life.

Here’s a photo of me from 2010 (featuring the bangs that worsened my breakouts). You can see that my pimples were spreading to the lower half of my face, too.

The year was 2010. My Belo MD took one look at my greasy, bursting forehead and recommended that I try the Glycopeel Cleaning. It’s a facial that uses glycolic acid to exfoliate oily, acne-prone skin like mine. Naturally, it also includes a blackhead and comedone extraction to get rid of the nasty bumps that would make me cry every time I looked in the mirror. I entered the treatment room nervous, and I came out looking red and raw, what with the amount of pimples they needed to take care of. I was in pain, but I was feeling positive, knowing I was on the right track.

The Belo staff sent me home with this take-home routine:

Remember what I said about my bangs making my acne worse? My hunch was right (high-five, 13-year-old me). According to my Belo doctor, my current hair routine, which is packed with Vitamin E, was making my hair oilier and caused the pores on my forehead to clog. So I switched to a fragrance-free baby shampoo to seal the deal. 

I started off doing one treatment a week for four weeks, then lowered the frequency to two treatments per month, and finally, one treatment per month for maintenance. After three months of religiously following this routine (plus the skincare), my acne was clear!

Me, circa December 2010. Much better!

Fast-forward to six years later—I had become complacent with my skincare, and I stopped going to Belo for my regular facials. I had been on birth control, but decided to stop after a full year of using it. Three months after getting off of birth control, my hormones freaked out from the sudden imbalance...resulting in the worst breakouts of my life. 

This time, the pimples were bigger, nastier, and came out nonstop. I tried a 10-step Korean skincare routine, but the ingredient overload just made it worse. I would pop my pimples out of frustration, only for new ones to appear in their place. I felt depressed and helpless. Nothing I was doing worked.

And now, me from October 2016. As you can see, not even a filter could conceal just how bad my pimples had gotten again.

I stopped and realized—what worked for me when this happened for the first time, when I was 13? I reached for my phone so fast, you’d think I had been struck by lightning. I booked an appointment for Glycopeel Cleaning, and for the next few months after that, I followed my Belo doctor’s orders obediently. Just like old times, I had to come in for frequent facials until the breakouts subsided. By April 2017, my pimples (and acne scars!) had finally cleared:

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♐️

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And now that I’ve never strayed from the treatments and products that work for me, this is what my skin looks like now:

I’m 24 years old today, but one thing hasn’t changed since I was 13: Belo is the best place to go if you want to get rid of your acne for good. However, as with any glowup routine, the solutions will only work if you cooperate and stay the course (unlike me!). Once you find something that works for you, don’t bother searching far and wide for something new. Your best bet is to stick to what’s proven and tested. 

Follow Chandra Pepino on Instagram.

Click here to purchase the Belo Prescriptives Pore Minimizer, and here to purchase the  Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5%.

To book your Glycopeel Cleaning appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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A Beginner's Guide to Building Your First Skincare Routine https://www.belomed.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-building-your-first-skincare-routine Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:25:06 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22383

Having a skincare routine should be as obvious as the need to brush your teeth. It’s not solely about vanity—your skin is the largest organ in your body, and since aging technically begins at 25—and substantial collagen loss begins at 20—you need to take care of it as early as possible. Here are some of the basics you need in your routine, especially if you’re a first-timer:

Invest in a good cleanser to remove impurities

“I would [use] wash, exfoliate, every single day...and then I would put toner and a Vitamin C [serum], and in the evening I would put Vitamin A,” advised Dr. Belo during a collab with Camille Co last year. But let’s start with cleanser, which will vary depending on your skin type. According to Dr. Belo, even if your oiliness is limited to the T-zone only, you still need a cleanser for oily skin. 

And don’t forget to properly rinse off after cleansing to prevent breakouts! “One of the things I see that causes a lot of acne are people who don’t wash their face well. So when you wash your face, you tend to put a lot under the neck that you don’t wash off after,” Dr. Belo said, gesturing to the area that separates your face from your neck. “And you gather a lot of soap or cleanser down here, and then it will cause acne. So if you get acne around the jawline, around the hair, that might be the reason.”

Save: Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Face Wash (50ml), P1,300

Splurge: ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser (200ml), P3,700 (only P3,300 until the end of the year!)

Use toner to balance your skin’s pH

“We have a toner that's good and not too strong, so it doesn't destroy the acid mantle of the face. When your skin is prepared, you can now put on your creams,” she said in an interview with Preview.ph

Save: Belo AcnePro Treatment Toner (60ml), P90

Splurge: ZO® Calming Toner pH Balancer (180ml), P3,250 (only P2,925 until the end of the year!)

Instead of moisturizer, use an exfoliant for baby-soft skin

Even skincare beginners must know that Dr. Belo highly discourages the use of moisturizer. (Related: Why Doesn’t Dr. Belo Approve of Using Moisturizer?)

Instead of slathering a thick layer of fake moisture on your skin, she recommends that you exfoliate to reveal your true, baby-soft skin underneath. "You can either do it physically or with chemicals,” she said in a Facebook Live session with Preview.ph. "If you don’t want to use a physical way to slough off your dead skin cells, then you can do a chemical one. The natural way would be something like alpha hydroxy acid; it’s made up of sugar and it breaks the bonds between the skin cells.

"It’s not a toner, by the way, when you use alpha hydroxy acids. It’s not putting it on cotton and cleaning [your face]. It’s patting it in. There’s also papaya soap, which we have a new one of, and then there’s kojic soap, these are things that will slough off your skin. The thing is you have to leave it on for two minutes. It’s not a, you put it on and you wash it off, because it has to kind of ‘work.’ So you have to leave it for a while so you can sing Happy Birthday twice and then you rinse it off."

Save: Belo Essentials Papaya Soap (135g), P131.50 (Buy 2, Get 1 Free); Belo Essentials Kojic+Tranexamic Acid Soap (65g), P120.00 (Buy 2, Get 1 Free)

Splurge: ZO® Exfoliating Polish (65g), P5,200 (only P4,680 until the end of the year!) 

Apply Vitamin C serum or cream in the morning

As we age, it becomes easier to develop dark spots. That’s why Dr. Belo recommends that you use a Vitamin C serum daily. “It’s an antioxidant which will also protect [you] from the sun and environmental triggers, brightens up the skin, promotes more even skin tone, and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles,” she said in an interview with Philippine Tatler.

Save: Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor (10g), P650

Splurge: ZO® 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating (50ml), P6,300

Apply Vitamin A/retinol serum or cream at night

Dr. Belo is a huge fan of the stuff. “Apply tretinoin or retinol every day!” she said in her Tatler interview. “You should do this from the age of acne, all the way to your seventies, because it dries up oiliness, gets rid of bacteria and normalises skin turnover in your teens. As you get to your thirties, it increases collagen and elastin production.” 

Save: Dermese-A Cream (10g), P900 (Note: Like retinol, tretinoin is a Vitamin A derivative. However, it is prescription-only as it is a stronger form of Vitamin A, used for moderate to severe acne.)

Splurge: ZO® Wrinkle + Texture Repair (50ml), P11,000 (only P9,900 until the end of the year!)

Nail these five steps—along with a daily application of sunscreen, of course—and you’re on your way to your best skin ever!

Click here to purchase these items at The Belo Shop. Belo Essentials and Belo AcnePro products can be purchased at BeautyMnl, Lazada, Shopee, and at leading drugstores and supermarkets. 

To book an appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22383 0 0 0 Featuring expert advice from Dr. Vicki Belo!]]>
This Slimming Treatment Comes With Music—No, Really https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-slimming-treatment-comes-with-music-no-really Sat, 17 Oct 2020 08:51:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22402

We’ve been known for our many, many fat-liquefying, muscle-toning, super-slimming treatments. But have you ever heard of a treatment that includes music as part of the process? No, we’re not talking about the music that pipes through the speakers of our clinic—we’re talking about music that comes from the machine itself, as a holistic and inseparable part of your treatment. That’s what you get when you try Tempsure!

What is TempSure?

TempSure is an ultra-powerful machine that uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to tighten and contour the face and body. Its specialized hand pieces penetrate deep into the skin to promote collagen growth, which improves skin firmness and elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That makes it perfect for those with loose, sagging skin, both on the face and on the body.

Is TempSure safe?

TempSure uses Therapeutic Logic Control (TLC) technology, which activates a timer when tissue has reached effective therapeutic temperature, allowing for the safe delivery of RF. That means it’s never going to allow tissue to overheat, resulting in a comfortable procedure. In an interview with The Aesthetic Guide, Dr. Raminder Saluja says: “Primarily, I like that TempSure is temperature controlled. This means that as I am treating a patient, the device is reading the real-time temperature at the treatment site to ensure that appropriate temperatures are achieved for optimal results.”

Why does TempSure include music?

TempSure can be done both on the face and on the body.

It’s all in the name of relaxation. With other RF treatments, you’ll often hear distracting or repetitive beeping noises, which prevents you from being able to chill out and enjoy the experience. Tempsure features soothing spa tones, which help you tune out worrisome thoughts and stay in the moment. You might even fall asleep!

How many sessions do I need?

Four to six sessions are recommended, to be done 2-4 weeks apart. There is no downtime—only minimal redness in some cases, which should subside in a few hours.

Your first RF treatment can be intimidating—people get nervous because they don’t know what to expect. With TempSure, you can be assured that your experience will not only be comfortable, but also relaxing. Whisk yourself away to a remote island in your mind as the soothing music distracts you from the machine’s ultra-powerful slimming effects. Then, when all is said and done, open your eyes and marvel at the instant results. 

To book your TempSure appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22402 0 0 0 It helps you relax while you tone up!]]>
Here's What It's Like to Get Nose Threads at Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-what-its-like-to-get-nose-threads-at-belo Sat, 17 Oct 2020 11:57:16 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22415

Have you ever noticed how changing the shape of the nose can drastically change a person’s look? The thing is, I didn’t really wanna change my look—I just wanted to subtly enhance it. And after watching so many K-dramas over the quarantine period, I couldn’t help but admire the nose of Korean leading ladies like Son Ye-jin and Kwon Nara. Their tall nose bridges and cute noses were things I thought I could only dream of, as I was too scared of the downtime that comes with an actual nose job. So can you imagine how glad I was when I found about the Nose Threadlift at Belo? 

Photo by Angela Romero via Instagram/@nicole.taj

I made my appointment right away. And that same day, I was able to get the procedure done. Let me walk you through the process as someone who was completely clueless: I walked into the beautiful Belo BGC flagship clinic quite nervous, but the tropical spa-like interiors helped me relax. The doctor reassured me and explained the procedure to me in detail. I was sold when I learned that the threads that they would insert in my nose would eventually fully dissolve after 6 months, yet maintain the tallness and 'pointiness' for a few more months to a year after the procedure. In addition, the threads would even stimulate collagen production, and even provide nourishment to my skin. The benefits just kept adding up! There was really nothing to lose, yet so much to gain. 

After my nose area was sterilized, the doctor started injecting local anesthesia to my cheeks. Surprisingly, my nose area was numb right away. This was the only pain I felt during the procedure, and even that was minimal. For the rest of it, I was completely comfortable, and all I could feel was pressure on my nose. 

Next, the doctor inserted a thin cannula to help insert the threads better. Then, she inserted the threads one by one until we got the nose profile I desired. The procedure only took about 30 minutes. No wonder they call it a “lunchtime nose job”! It was so quick, and the results were instant. When I first saw my nose in the mirror, I couldn’t be happier. I still looked like myself —which was the best part—but I finally had a taller nose bridge, and an even more pointy tip. The doctor told me that it would continue to improve over time. She prescribed me topical and oral medicines to help speed up my recovery. Now that that part is covered, here’s what my recovery process was like.

The next day, my nose was a little swollen which is completely normal since my body was still adjusting to the threads. And then I went on with my day just like how I would on a regular day. My nose subsided after a week, and there was slight bruising which was easily covered with makeup. As an added bonus, I noticed my glasses wouldn’t fall to my cheeks anymore because of my taller nose bridge that supports my glasses better. I didn’t have to contour my nose anymore, because my nose had that naturally-contoured look, and that saved me a lot of time getting ready.

What did the people around me think when I had my nose thread lift? Amazingly, they didn’t even notice! They just noticed that I looked better, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it. For anyone thinking of trying it yourself, I say go for it. 

Follow Nicole Tajanlangit on Instagram.

To book your Nose Threadlift appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22415 0 0 0 Fast, easy, and basically painless!]]>
5 Spots You Shouldn't Miss When Applying Sunscreen https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-spots-you-shouldnt-miss-when-applying-sunscreen Sun, 18 Oct 2020 07:45:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22428

HERE’S A NOT-so-fun fact: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people only use 20 to 25 percent of the sunscreen needed for complete and proper protection. That’s like only getting two hours of sleep instead of eight, or drinking only two glasses of water instead of eight...you get the drill. We’re! Not! Wearing! Enough! Sunscreen! And we’re not wearing it in all the places. This has implications for our health down the line, from sunspots that are difficult (and expensive) to remove to a higher risk of skin cancer. Here are the five spots people commonly miss when applying sunscreen, from top to bottom:

1. Your scalp

“WHAT?” you mutter incredulously. “You have to put sunscreen on your SCALP?!” There’s no getting around it—the top of your head gets an extensive amount of sun exposure, especially when you’re at the beach. Use a stick or spray sunscreen to cover the part of your scalp where your hair parts. Or, better yet, wear a hat with UV protection.

Try: Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist, P500

2. Your eyelids

In a study at the University of Liverpool, people asked to apply sunscreen to their own faces would miss 10% of coverage. You can guess where they didn’t apply. We’re told to not place sunscreen directly on the eyes (no explanation necessary), but because the skin around our eyes is so thin and delicate, it needs UV protection the most. And yet, it’s the spot we miss most often. Don’t forget to dab a thin layer on your eyelids, being extra-careful not to penetrate your actual eyeballs.

Try: Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40 PA++++, P350

3. Your ears

Another oft-missed spot? Those ears, and for good reason. We don’t really think they count as “skin,” but the fact is, they’re the third most common location for skin cancer. So unless you plan to walk around in earmuffs, slather on that SPF!

Try: Belo Prescriptives Sun Protection Cream, P1,200

4. Your lips

OK, we know what this sounds like. But we’re not asking you to apply cream sunscreen on your lips. Choose a lip balm with SPF protection to keep those puckers protected instead.

5. Your feet

Ever gotten those unsightly flip-flop tan lines? People often forget to wear SPF on the tops of their feet, but that area gets just as much exposure as your face! (Don’t forget your toes.)

Try: Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen, P375

The next time you step out for a quick errand in the blistering 2 P.M. heat, you’ll be protected, as long as you keep these spots adequately covered. To seal the deal, look for light parkas that offer UV protection, and wear sunglasses underneath that face shield. Stay safe!

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Play Put a Finger Down: 5 Love Languages Edition! https://www.belomed.com/blog/play-put-a-finger-down-5-love-languages-edition Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:07:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22441

Let’s play a little game! Have you seen our recent post where Dr. Vicki Belo caught up with blooming new mommy, Anne Curtis-Smith and played “Put A Finger Down”? There is only one rule to this game—put down a finger when your answer is YES to our set of questions. 

According to Dr. Gary Chapman’s bestselling book The 5 Love Languages®, there are five universal love languages that can indicate how a person expresses his or her love for another. Your prize by the end of this game? You get to discover how you prefer to give and receive love. Ready? 

Question #1

Do you always use words to affirm your love to other people? 

Question #2

Do you strongly believe that action speaks louder than words? 

Question #3

Do you express your love through gifts and surprises? 

Question #4

Do you like spending (a lot of) time with them? 

Question #5

Do you prefer physical expressions of love? 

Answers:

If you put down a finger for question 1: Your love language is words of affirmation. You always tell people you care about that you appreciate them. You compliment them, and you never let the day end without telling them you love them.

If you put down a finger for question 2: Your love language is acts of service. You like doing things for them, and with them. You enjoy prepping their coffee in the morning just as much as drinking it together. Something as simple as cooking their favorite pasta meal after a long day, or working out with them (even if you are not an active person!) can give you tons of fulfillment.

If you put down a finger for question 3: Your love language is giving/receiving gifts. No matter how small or big, with or without an occasion, you go out of your way to get them something. Maybe it’s a surprise delivery because you knew their cravings or a box of chocolates simply because you miss them. Anything...just because!

If you put down a finger for question 4: Your love language is quality time. You prefer being with them and giving them your full attention. You set date nights with them, weekend getaways, or even go to the grocery store, just to have more time together.

If you put down a finger for question 5: Your love language is physical touch. This is not just about physical intimacy—you like giving tight hugs after a long time of not being together. A quick squeeze of their hand to remind them that you are there for them, or even a pat on the back to celebrate small wins, is how you show love.

Do you still have fingers left up? Or do you express your love in all five languages? Whatever your results are, it pays to know and understand how you or your partner prefers to show and receive love in order to appreciate them better and to make any relationship work. 

Hope you enjoyed this quick game! You can visit their site here if you want to take a more comprehensive quiz about The 5 Love Languages®.

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5 Common Myths about Fillers, Debunked https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-common-myths-about-fillers-debunked Mon, 19 Oct 2020 09:09:26 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22456

Some believe that fillers are only for people in their 50s, or that they're harmful to the body, or that they'll make you look “fake.” Spoiler alert: None of these are true.

Today, we’re clearing up the most common misconceptions about dermal fillers, starting with these five myths. 

Fillers will make you look “fake” or overly “retokada.”

Not when done right! For any cosmetic procedure, it’s very important that you go to a well-trained and experienced practitioner with extensive knowledge of the treatment. Three out of eight Allergan Medical Institute trainers in the Philippines for Fillers and BOTOX® treatments are Belo doctors, and Belo has been the earliest user of these treatments in the country. Last 2019, we were awarded No. 1 user of BOTOX® and Fillers in the Singapore-Malaysia-Philippines region. Choose wisely! *wink*

Botox and fillers are the same.

Wrong. They are both injectable treatments, but they are entirely different. BOTOX® is a treatment done to relax expression muscles and help lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It can also make the face less angular when injected into the masseter muscles (AKA the jaw area). Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are done to add or restore volume where you need it. Fillers can be done to plump up lips, cheeks, or reshape an area such as nose or chin. BOTOX® and fillers cannot replace one other, but they work well together to achieve an overall profile upgrade.

The more, the merrier.

Big NO! If it won’t harmonize well with your overall facial features, your doctor’s responsibility is to give you only the right amount of filler, even if you beg for overly-plumped lips à la Kylie Jenner. This is why it’s important to choose a doctor that is not only a qualified practitioner for fillers, but also has proven aesthetic sensibilities and can provide you the best results. At Belo, we always aim for natural-looking results, so you can leave our clinic still looking like yourself—just more refreshed and rejuvenated. When it comes to fillers, subtle changes with big impact are better. (Most of our patients are into baby lip fillers!)

One filler is all-purpose.

Wrong. There are several types of dermal fillers for different concerns and areas. “In the past, we used to inject fillers [that are] silicone-based or foil. But now, there are different types of hyaluronic acid [fillers] depending on the needs. For example, the type of hyaluronic acid we use for lip injection is softer compared to the type of hyaluronic acid that we would use for the temple or cheeks.” said the late Dr. March Babaran in a 2018 article. Belo has different types of fillers for different skin concerns. Check them out here.

Fillers are very painful.

Wrong again. Minimal swelling, redness, and discomfort may be experienced, but the pain is definitely tolerable. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area before the treatment to ensure patient comfort while injecting the filler. And patients can return to their normal routine right after the procedure!

If you’re considering having Dermal Fillers done, now is the best time. Update and upgrade your profile for less and get up to 25% off on Juvéderm Voluma fillers. Don’t delay!

Juvederm Voluma fillers are up to 25% off until October 30, 2020.

To book your dermal fillers appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22456 0 0 0 There are *a lot* of misconceptions!]]>
Is Laser Hair Removal *Really* Permanent? https://www.belomed.com/blog/is-laser-hair-removal-really-permanent Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:36:54 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22468

Just like most women out there, we’ve explored different ways to remove unwanted hair on our bodies: plucking stray eyebrow hairs, shaving our armpits, using depilatory cream on our legs, or going to a waxing salon before an upcoming beach trip. Whatever method we’ve tried or stuck with, one thing remains true: the hair always grows back. If we’re so keen on keeping our legs and armpits hair-free, is laser hair removal the answer? 

Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses light to target the pigment in individual hairs. The heat emitted by the light destroys hair follicle, preventing hair from growing back. Sounds promising, right? But before booking an online appointment, let’s take a look at a number of facts to consider:

You might need more than one session.

Some hairs may be in the ‘resting phase’ during your current session, so the laser won’t be able to detect it, and you’ll notice hair growth a few days later. Each person’s hair type and growth cycle is unique, which is why some have thicker, darker strands...and some people grow their hair faster than others.

Hairs in some areas might grow back.

Some hair follicles may only be damaged in the process and not fully destroyed, which allows hair to grow back. But, it will be lighter and less noticeable. Any hair regrowth after sessions is usually shaved, because it allows the hair to grow back thicker, making it easier for the laser to detect.

Who wants a skincare consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo? Ready your questions, CGs—she’ll be sharing tips on how to deal with all your beauty concerns during our FB Live Q&A!

Posted by Cosmopolitan Philippines on Friday, May 15, 2020

There are different types of laser treatments. 

If you have good pain tolerance and a few days to spare to deal with bit of redness or swelling, try Light Sheer, a treatment specifically designed for hair removal and considered the “gold standard” in Diode laser or CoolGlide Laser, especially if you have a darker complexion or if you just want to see results in just one session. If you prefer the pain-free route, Harmony SHR is your best bet—results can be seen around your third session. 

While it is possible to eliminate *all* of the hair, it really depends on the type of hair you have and your body’s ability to grow it back. According to Dr. Belo, it generally lasts for about 20 years before you need to go back and have another couple of sessions.

So which hair removal treatment is for you? Trust no one but Belo to help you kickstart your hair-free journey.

To book your laser hair removal appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22468 0 0 0 Dr. Belo says it “hardly ever comes back.”]]>
The Treatments That Give Vice Ganda Her “Hugis Bigas” Look https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-treatments-that-give-vice-ganda-her-hugis-bigas-look Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:44:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22481

Vice Ganda is a pretty elusive presence when it comes to skincare—she comes by our clinic rarely, but when she does, she only goes for treatments with long-term results. She’s got a very specific blueprint in mind: the “hugis bigas” look. And for years, the treatment she trusts to achieve that look is Belo V-Contour.

What does “hugis bigas” mean?

“Everytime na nagpopost ako ng selfie, ginagamit ko ‘yung hashtag na #HugisBigas,” Vice said in a 2018 interview with us. “‘Yun ‘yung shape ng face na matagal ko nang gustong magkaroon. ‘Yung manipis na mahaba na hindi chubby ‘yung cheeks. ‘Yun ang gusto ko.” As explained by Vice, “hugis bigas” takes inspiration from a grain of rice—slim and elongated, sans the chubby cheeks and square chin.

How does Vice achieve it?

“Dahil tapos na ang New Year...hindi na ako hugis bigas. Hugis rice cooker na ako ngayon, kaya kailangang manumbalik ang hugis bigas kong face. Kailangan ko nang mag-V-Contour,” Vice exclaimed last January at our Greenhills clinic. “Ang laki na ng face ko. Mga bakas ng lechon at street food sa Taiwan, bumalik. Sa tulong ng kanyang mahiwagang kamay at ng V-Contour, isang pikitan, tapos, payat ulit ang face ko.”

How does Belo V-Contour work?

Belo V-Contour is an injectable procedure that helps the targeted area slim down by dissolving fat and accelerating their natural release through the lymphatic system. In other words, it’s completely non-surgical. Apart from being ideal for those who wish to slim down their facial features, it’s also recommended for those with a square jawline or too-high cheeks.

How do I know if Belo V-Contour is for me?

Three words: stubborn, localized fat. If you’re trying and failing to get rid of the last five pounds, or have a double chin that just won’t budge, V-Contour is for you. Because it’s injectable, it can be targeted to super-specific parts of your body, giving you noticeable results. Check this out!

Who else has tried V-Contour?

Our very own Cristalle Belo had V-Contour done on her back to prepare for her 2016 wedding in Italy. Fellow #BeloBride Georgina Wilson tried V-Contour to bounce back post-partum in 2017. Yeng Constantino, Sunshine Dizon, and Vern Enciso are also big fans.

“Yung Thermage and V-Contour sa Belo, ‘yung mga procedures nila, sobrang bilis ng effect. Di ka masasaktan. Tapos ‘yung effect niya, right away, makikita mo. Looking good has to be your vice, everyday,” Vice said.

After this 10- to 15-minute procedure, there may be some minor swelling, but that should subside quickly! Otherwise, you can resume normal activities. So it’s safe to say you’ve finally found your solution! Goodbye, double chin. Goodbye, stubborn back fat. Goodbye, annoying belly. And hello, hugis bigas!

To book your V-Contour appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Retinol vs. Tretinoin: What’s the Difference? https://www.belomed.com/blog/retinol-vs-tretinoin-whats-the-difference Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:27:15 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22510

Like Vitamin C and niacinamide, Vitamin A is another skincare ingredient that even the greenest of skincare beginners have some cursory knowledge of. It’s readily available in department store aisles and drugstores, primarily because it’s fantastic for cellular turnover and promoting natural moisturization. But in speaking about Vitamin A, two words often surface: retinol and tretinoin. They sound alike, but where do they differ, and which one is better for you?

What is Retinol?

The umbrella term for retinol products is “retinoids,” AKA derivatives of Vitamin A, which is a key ingredient in boosting the turnover of cells. Quicker cell turnover translates to less dead skin and  pigmentation, which results in overall clearer, brighter skin. And since Vitamin A is a great antioxidant, it helps fight free radical damage and helps reduce the signs of aging. For retinol to work, it needs to be converted by your body with the use of special enzymes first. Once they have been converted into the active metabolite, retinoic acid, you’ll start to see its effects. Topical retinol products can be found in various concentrations and formulas on the market, but stronger formulations may only be available via prescription. (Related: What’s Retinol, and Why Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine?)

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is hailed all over the world for its acne-busting properties. It’s also a retinoid, but unlike retinol, it’s a concentration of pure retinoic acid, making it powerful for clearing moderate to severe acne. Because it’s *already* retinoic acid, it works significantly faster than retinol, because no conversion in the skin needs to take place—it starts working in the skin right away. Because it’s so strong, it tends to be available via prescription only. The patient you see in the photo above was prescribed 0.05% tretinoin, which helped clear her severe acne (swipe on the photo to see the results).

Does Dr. Belo use Retinol or Tretinoin?

Dr. Vicki Belo is a huge fan of the stuff. When asked by The Philippine Tatler about the best skin care advice she could give someone, she replied, “Apply tretinoin or retinol every day! You should do this from the age of acne, all the way to your seventies, because it dries up oiliness, gets rid of bacteria and normalises skin turnover in your teens. As you get to your thirties, it increases collagen and elastin production.”

However, now that Dr. Belo’s in her sixties, she’s stopped using tretinoin. “"My skincare philosophy has evolved. I used to be more aggressive, wanting to put a lot of tretinoin because I know it's anti-aging, anti-acne,” she shared with Preview.ph. Now that her bout with adult acne is over, she only uses retinol daily for maintenance, as it’s less intense.

Which one is right for me?

If you’re suffering from a rogue quarantine breakout, retinol can help get rid of those pimples (and the scars they leave behind) right away, when combined with other anti-acne products. Jess Wilson was prescribed retinol for a quarantine breakout last May, and her skin cleared in just weeks. It’s also good to use as a regular part of your routine, just for hydration and refining skin texture. (Related: The Belo Shop Products Jess Wilson Used to Clear Her Quarantine Breakouts)

For more severe cases of acne, our Belo MD may recommend that you start adding tretinoin to your routine. The first thing it’ll do is clear up your active breakouts (though this will take some time), and with continued use, it’ll clear acne scars and improve your overall skin quality. Win, win, win.

Use these links to view the ZO® Wrinkle + Texture Repair (contains retinol), ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5% Retinol, and the Dermese-A 0.05% Tretinoin cream at The Belo Shop.

If you’d like to get a prescription for retinol or tretinoin, click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Here's What It's Like to Get Chin Fillers at Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-what-its-like-to-get-chin-fillers-at-belo Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:36:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22533

As someone in her mid-30s, I’m always on the lookout for fast and easy anti-aging treatments that don’t require me to lay on an operating table. I first heard about Belo Chin Fillers when I saw Sue Ramirez' chin fillers on the @belobeauty Instagram account last year. Her face changed—real quick. It became more elongated, you'd think she just lost weight. 

My goal was to rest my skin from makeup and for me to look natural and effortless, especially when facing different clients during Zoom calls. I wanted to improve the contour and shape of my face, because it’s a bit squarish, making my chin look flat. Even though I work out regularly and I’ve lost weight this year, the shape of my face remains unchanged. I just wanted to add volume to specific areas without having to go under the knife. (Related: This Injectable Treatment Made My Face Look Slimmer in 5 Minutes)

View this post on Instagram

Just the same 1080x1080 New Year's resolution

A post shared by Paula Pangan (@paulapangan) on

I went to my Belo MD at the Greenhills clinic, Dr. Aron Go, and he prepped me with the basics. “The great thing about fillers is the results are instant,” he explained. “So the moment you walk out of the clinic, you’re already able to appreciate and enjoy the results. In terms of the expected possible downtime, as with any injectable treatment, fillers can result [in] a bit of bruising and a bit of swelling. But it’s actually something that can naturally go away in the next few days.”

After just 10 minutes of mild discomfort, it was all over! What helped my face slim down even further was a previous Belo Botox Masseter session, which relaxed my chewing muscles and narrowed my face shape even more. Check it out:

I noticed the quick results right away, making me feel more confident to show my face during Zoom calls. A lot of people didn't notice it—which was my goal. I just want subtle changes, and Belo made it happen.

The best thing about chin fillers is that they’re not permanent, so it’s perfect for people with commitment issues. But I really liked the results the first time I did it last year, so I started adding it to my annual beauty plan or just whenever I feel like doing it again.

View this post on Instagram

Sometimes

A post shared by Paula Pangan (@paulapangan) on

As an artist, I’m very particular with aesthetics. Same goes with the Belo doctors—they’re well-versed with proportions, so they gave me just the right amount of filler to improve my overall look, without going overboard. That’s what I love about coming to Belo: they don’t give you more units of filler just to make a quick buck; they really care about your specific beauty goals and will only give you what you truly need to achieve them. 

Follow Paula Pangan on Instagram.

Juvéderm Voluma is up to 25% OFF until October 30, 2020. Click here for more details.

To book your chin fillers appointment, call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Long-Distance Date Ideas to Try With Your SO https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-long-distance-date-ideas-to-try-with-your-so Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:30:07 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22545

The quarantine has tested a lot of relationships, especially couples who have had to go months without seeing each other face to face. Some couples continue to go long-distance, even today, especially if they live with people highly vulnerable to COVID-19 or it’s logistically hard to meet up with their SO since they live in another city. It’s important to spend time with one another—even if it’s just in silence—so having to spend long periods of time away from each other can take a toll. Luckily, with the help of technology, there are a lot of long-distance date ideas that you can try to still get that quality time with your partner.

1. Play two-player games together.

If you and your boo prefer low-key bonding moments, like Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, there are a lot of online two-player mobile games you can play while staying long-distance. Why not test your vocabulary and strategy with Words With Friends? Facebook also has a lot of free options to choose from. It’s all a matter of finding one that suits both your tastes.

2. Netflix… and Skype!

While some movie theaters have already reopened, it’s still best to stay at home unless it’s for essentials. Instead of movie dates at the cinema, a long-distance date idea couples can try are watching Netflix shows and movies. You can share your screens, pop some popcorn, and get in your cosiest clothes (like Camille Co and Joni Koro) for a chill movie night at home.

3. Exchange or try out new recipes.

Are you and your SO foodies like Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo? Then maybe it’s time to start your own couples recipe book. You can try cooking the same recipe or switch between making a main dish and your partner handles the dessert. Just remember to make an extra serving so you can send it over to them to try it too. Then, compare notes of your fave dishes or other recipes you’d like to try.

4. Keep up with your fitness goals through virtual workouts.

For the couple that likes to stay fit together, like Belo couple Derek Ramsay and Andrea Torres, why not keep each other accountable for your individual fitness goals? Be each other’s #fitspiration and exercise coach by turning your video calls into workout sessions. If you don’t want to go back to exercising in the gym, then it’s best to stick to at-home workouts to stay in shape. Just follow along with a YouTube fitness guru and make it a daily thing.

5. Treat yourselves to fancy online dinner dates.

Why not take your dinner dates online? Order from your fave restaurant, set up a romantic dinner setting including your laptop, and dress up in your best date outfit. Then, spend the night sharing everything that’s keeping you busy lately and cap it off with some sweet dessert. To make it extra special, send your girl a beautiful bouquet like Dingdong Dantes often does for Marian Rivera.

Remember, just because we’re social distancing, doesn’t mean we have to be emotionally disconnected. What matters is that you and your SO both make the effort to further strengthen your relationship despite these trying times.

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5 Fitness YouTubers to Subscribe to for Your Next Home Workout https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-fitness-youtubers-to-subscribe-to-for-your-next-home-workout Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:13:41 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22558

Have you been keeping up with your fitness goals this year? Or have you, like many of us, been taking it easy on exercising while in quarantine? Don’t feel guilty if you are. We’ve all had to make adjustments in the “new normal,” after all. But for those who are looking to get back to exercising—or even just looking to switch it up from their usual routine—here are some fitness YouTubers you should subscribe to right now to change up your home workouts. No thanks needed!

1. Blogilates

Blogilates, or Cassey Ho, is one of the most well-known fitness YouTubers on the platform. The certified Pilates and Fitness instructor has a whole library of pilates exercises that target every part of your body. Toned abs? Check. Slimmer thighs? Yup. A full-body workout? She has it. While her videos are very challenging at any level, her engaging personality and helpful instructions help encourage you to push through every set. Not only will you get fit, but your spirits will also get a boost, too.

2. Nicole Kastoun

If you’re a yoga, barre, or HIIT fanatic, you need to check out fitness YouTuber Nicole Kastoun’s channel. The Barre and Pilates Instructor makes full-body workouts seem soothing and relaxing while simultaneously helping you work up a sweat. Her pilates-yoga fusion exercises will stretch and strengthen your body. Each video only lasts 30 minutes max, but you will definitely feel relaxed and loose by the end of the half-hour.

3. The Fitness Marshall

If you prefer to dance it out instead, then Caleb Marshall of The Fitness Marshall is a fitness YouTuber you should get to know. He picks out the catchiest, trendiest tunes of the moment and adds energetic choreography (and a whole lot of sass, too) that will make you sweat within minutes. It won’t feel like a workout, but it’s actually intense cardio disguised in the form of a dance party. Trust us—you will feel the burn.

4. FitnessBlender

Now if you like a more dedicated workout program, then FitnessBlender would be your go-to. Run by IRL husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Kelli, this channel has easy-to-follow videos for almost every type of exercise imaginable. If you want to add resistance to your at-home gym sesh, or even have your own basic weight training set-up, FitnessBlender’s content frequently includes these options.

5. POPSUGAR Fitness

EMBED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsAj_olnoOs

Finally, if you really want a variety of workout options, head over to the POPSUGAR Fitness YouTube channel. They offer guided workout videos on barre, yoga, dance, Zumba, boxing, and more. Some of these exercises are led by Hollywood’s most in-demand celebrity trainers, so you’ll get to experience top-notch tutorials...all for free.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner to home workouts or a seasoned gym dweller. All that matters is you’re taking the step to living a more active lifestyle. So pull up your laptop, slip into your workout clothes, and get ready to sweat it out!

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This Iconic "Emily in Paris" Scene is Where Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho Got Married https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-iconic-emily-in-paris-scene-is-where-dr-vicki-belo-and-dr-hayden-kho-got-married Thu, 22 Oct 2020 03:32:23 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22571

At the 22:40-minute mark of Emily in Parissixth episode, we see Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) walking towards a massive, imposing opera house. Inside, along the beautiful Grand Staircase, she meets—and (SPOILERS AHEAD–skip to the next paragraph if you haven't seen episode 6!) promptly abandons—her date, Professor Thomas (Julien Floreancig), with whom she was supposed to attend the Swan Lake ballet. We don’t blame her for leaving him—he was a pretentious wet blanket, after all!

The iconic Grand Staircase.

But if you’re wondering why that setting looked familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen it before. The Palais Garnier is where Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho got married last September 2, 2017!

The iconic opera house, also known as the Opéra Garnier, was chosen by the doctors because Paris is “their favorite city.” To be clear, the pair had their actual wedding ceremony in the American Church in Paris, but according to Doc Hayden, the idea of hosting their reception at the opera house came from Dr. Belo’s sister and eventual maid of honor, Karen Cancio-Litre. “Vicki thought, ‘Teka, if we’re going to do a wedding in Paris in a hotel, in another ballroom, why not do it in Manila na lang? It looks the same.’ So we had to find a new venue. Her sister suggested, about a thousand times, to do it in Palais Garnier.” And so, the celebration that would soon be known as the “fairytale wedding of the year” became a reality.

250 guests attended their wedding, flying in from the Philippines and all over the world. “I just felt it was a beautiful wedding. People in the Philippines concentrated on the venue and the grandness of it all, but for us, it was because we finally got married in front of the Lord. We could feel all the love from everyone. It was magical,” Dr. Belo mused. 

The couple’s first dance happened on the very same staircase where Emily met up with Professor Thomas, and from there, guests were brought to the Grand Foyer for dinner. “From this day on, may there be no more Team Vicki and Team Hayden. Help us to stay united in love. Pray for us. Guide us, ‘cause we need your love. And lastly—and this is the most important—if you found any encouragement from what you witnessed today in your union, Vicki and I would like you to know that it’s really because of Jesus,” said Doc Hayden in his wedding speech. It’s no secret that the couple have faced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in the past, but their wedding was the amazing celebration of a new era: one filled with love and forgiveness, and centered in their unwavering Christian faith.

Thanks, Emily in Paris, for reminding us of one of the greatest real-life love stories of our time!

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22571 0 0 0 Remember the ballet scene?]]>
Julia Barretto’s Favorite Belo Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/julia-barrettos-favorite-belo-treatments Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:44:38 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22587

It’s no question that Julia Barretto is one of the most sought-after artists of her generation. She’s always at late night tapings and under harsh lights, all while in makeup. But take one look at her Insta, and you might wonder how she constantly manages to look fresh and glowing. Her secret? Carving a little bit of me-time at her favorite Belo clinic, of course!

Here’s a rundown of her go-to treatments:

For that effortless glow: Glass Skin Facial

After hours in makeup during tapings, Julia gives her skin some TLC with our Glass Skin Facial. Its multi-step deep cleansing helps remove excess dirt, and the ultrasound treatment with Hyaluronic Acid gel gives a boost of hydration that her skin needs. Dull and dry skin? We don’t know her.

For a tighter, slimmer face: Thermage FLX

In her recent online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo, she expressed her need to slim down her face for an upcoming shoot. Dr. Belo recommended Thermage FLX, a treatment that will contour her face and tighten her skin without any downtime. And as you can see, she’s very happy with how it turned out:

For a collagen boost: Skin Reboot

Prolonged exposure to lights can speed up your skin’s aging process, so Julia slows it down by getting her Skin Reboot treatment regularly. She loves how this non-invasive treatment effectively tightens her skin without any downtime because frankly, she has very little of that.

https://www.facebook.com/Belo.Medical/videos/426404765424972 

She mentioned at the 30:28 mark that she did her Skin Reboot for her birthday. Talk about a birthday treat!

To keep her abs toned: Myosculpt

On days when a full workout is just not possible, she hits two birds with one stone by getting a Myosculpt treatment at her favorite Belo clinic. Its unique electromagnetic technology activates the contraction of her abdominal muscles, making you feel like you did 30,000 crunches after one session!

Miss going to the gym? We do, too—but a quick way to get back on your feet fitness-wise is #BeloMyosculpt! This 30-minute treatment can yield up to 30,000 muscle contractions. 😱 Try our #BeloLiveConsultations to see if Myosculpt is right for you 🤍 in the meantime, here’s Julia’s first time with this amazing treatment ⬇️

Posted by Belo Medical Group Philippines on Thursday, April 30, 2020

To book your Belo Day and try all of Julia’s favorite treatments, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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How to Build a Quarantine Morning and Evening Ritual https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-build-a-quarantine-morning-and-evening-ritual Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:13:32 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22602

We’re many, many months into a global pandemic, but for the most part, we’ve cobbled together some sense of normalcy: cultivating potted plants, finally learning to use the oven, making necessary furniture upgrades, etcetera, etcetera. 

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officially a plant momma 🌿

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But working from home comes with its challenges, chief among them the loss of any demarcation between work and home. Creating morning and evening rituals can help signal a day’s beginning and end, allowing you to focus when you need to focus—and most of all, help you make the most of your time off. Here’s how to do just that.

Building a morning routine is all about preparation.

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Nothing beats fresh fruit! ♡ . @fruitelle_

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When you wake up, you should be doing everything to gear you up for the day ahead. That means treating it like any normal day...and not sauntering over to your desk in the same clothes you wore in bed. There has to be a clear indication that bedtime is over and work is beginning. A sample routine: wake up, wash face, change into “work outfit,” brew coffee, prepare and eat breakfast, take vitamins, put on sunscreen...and only then should you sit down to begin work. In the absence of a morning commute, a fixed, multi-step routine will get you out of that hazy 8 AM rut. (Related: How a “Fake Commute” Can Restore Your Mental Health This Quarantine)

Building an evening routine, on the other hand, is about winding down.

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☁️☕️

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

The pandemic has exacerbated an always-on work culture, which makes it difficult for you to step back and decide, “OK, that’s enough work for today.” People are overworked, stressed, and eager to go back to the office, according to a report by Bloomberg. That’s why it’s imperative that you take charge of your mental health. As important as it is to prep your mind for work time, you must be decisive about your rest time, too. (Related: How to Protect Your Mental Health During a Quarantine)

At the office, you clocked out at a certain time, right? Make it exactly the same at home. At 5 or 6 PM, fold that laptop closed and refrain from replying to work-related messages—even if you feel the urge to. Remember, what you do on your own time is your business, and there’s no shame in clocking out down to the exact minute. 

Then, craft a wind-down routine of your choice. Have you ever lost track of time during a workday? You decide to take an extra hour to get some more work out of the way, and before you know it, it’s 10 PM and you have to go to bed. To avoid this, be mindful of your free time and enjoy it unapologetically. Does it involve cooking a great dinner, or ordering in? Hot shower, or quick sheet mask? Scented candles, or essential oil diffuser? Golden milk, or herbal tea? Netflix or YouTube? Completely up to you, as long as it’s what you wanna do with your free time. (Just don’t forget to stay consistent with your skincare routine—we have a few easy-to-use kits that can help.)

Living in the new normal can be rough. By creating little corners of peace and quiet for yourself, you can keep your mental health intact—and cultivate feelings of gratitude and contentment, despite the circumstances. Breathe, remind yourself that you’ll make it out OK, and you’ll be just fine. We’re rooting for you.

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22602 0 0 0 It’ll make working from home a *lot* easier.]]>
Why Aren't Crunches Effective For Building Abs? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-arent-crunches-effective-for-building-abs Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22613

When it comes to achieving the chiseled abs of our dreams, the types of exercise that always come to mind are sit-ups and crunches. After all, those repetitions are going to take effect eventually, right? Well, not exactly. Here are some reasons crunches aren’t the most effective for building abs.

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Morning mood be like...swipe left.

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1. Genetics play a big factor.

‘Tis true! Some people are just really lucky to be born with the genetic makeup for visibly toned abs. The six-pack we see is actually the rectus abdominis muscle, which has bands of connective tissue that appear as “packs” of muscle along your abdomen. Here’s where genetics comes in: you’re born with a set number of these connective tissues, which is why some people have four-, six-, and even 10-pack abs. Genetics also determine how even and big these packs might be.

2. Doing more repetitions won’t do anything.

A common misconception is that doing a hundred situps and crunches everyday will lead to a sculpted stomach. In reality, muscle definition will not become visible unless you have leaner muscles. Meaning, you need to have less belly fat on your body. But as a 2011 study shows, abdominal exercises like situps and crunches do not necessarily lead to a smaller waist or less fat in your abdomen.

3. It doesn’t engage all of your core muscles.

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Hustle for the muscle 💪🏼 #LoviYourBody

A post shared by Lovi Poe (@lovipoe) on

Ideally, improving abdominal muscle tone and strength requires engaging a majority—if not all—of your core muscles. For a long time, sit-ups and crunches were thought to be a good way of engaging and strengthening your core. However, a 2014 study showed that planks are actually more effective in engaging the abdominal muscles and, therefore, better for muscle building. 

4. The wrong form can render your efforts useless.

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😰

A post shared by Lexi Mendiola (@leximendi) on

Any form of effective exercise requires executing the correct form. According to Harvard Health, sit-ups “push your curved spine against the floor and work your hip flexors, the muscles that run from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. When the hip flexors are too strong or too tight, they tug on the lower spine, which can create lower back discomfort.” Engaging your hips and glutes, rather than your core, can also lead to developing a “bulge” rather than the toned tummy you’re going for.

5. You can’t rely on sit-ups and exercise alone.

While exercise is very important in meeting your fitness goals, it’s simply not enough to achieve the toned bod you want. You have to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. This means adding more “fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and high protein sources in your daily diet,” according to Healthline, to go with your workouts. After all, the end goal is not only to look good, but also to feel you’re at your best physically.

But if you do want to attain that toned tummy sooner rather than later, then a non-invasive procedure like the Emsculpt will be the answer to your six-pack prayers. A 30-minute session is equivalent to 20,000 crunches. Amazing, right?

To book your Emsculpt appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Times Belo Babies Responded to Body Shamers https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-times-belo-babies-responded-to-body-shamers Sat, 24 Oct 2020 12:56:28 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22625

Have you ever gotten this kind of greeting? “Uy! Nagkakalaman ka na!” or “Bakit parang tumataba ka?” Even if someone tries to say it positively, it *can* be annoying—and uncalled for, especially if you haven’t seen them in a long time. Why do you have to look “payat” or sexy for people to greet you nicely and sincerely? 

On Instagram, many use filters to slim their face down or use different apps to make them look thinner. But when we post photos of our body featuring the things that make us human—stretch marks, a double chin, or a little belly fat—people say negative things. With the situation we have in the world today, isn’t it just better if we see things in a positive way? Whether thin or thick, body shaming is body shaming. Let’s put a stop to this, once and for all.

Everyone wants to have a perfect body – the sexy curves, thigh gaps, defined collar bones. But what does it mean to love yourself? Well first, loving yourself is about accepting who you are. It is better said than done, yes. But let’s take it one step at a time. Start by accepting your flaws inside and out. We women should learn to stand up for ourselves and not be belittled by other people. 

Let’s focus on Belo Babies who have set a good example:

Iza Calzado

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Positive Vibes Only 🦄

A post shared by Iza Calzado Wintle (@missizacalzado) on

When people commented on Iza’s thighs and visible cellulite in this photo from December 2017, she took it in stride. 

See how she responds to bashers? Good vibes lang! It doesn’t matter what other people say. What matters is you’re being you, whether people love it or not.

Sue Ramirez

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Dagat na tayo pls ☀️🌊

A post shared by Sue Dodd (@sueannadoodles) on

Sue is no stranger to people making inappropriate comments on her body on her Instagram account. In an interview with ABS-CBN, Sue was quoted as saying, "Whatever state your body is in, you should learn to embrace that. Everybody should be [comfortable in] their own skin. Don’t feel insecure. You’re beautiful in your own way. It’s normal to have stretch marks, it’s normal to have a double chin. Bilbil—it really doesn’t really matter. If you’re a bit chubby, it’s okay! Chubby girls cuddle better, baby. If you’re skinny, that’s beautiful, too."

Very well said, Sue! No matter what shape, size, or color you are in, we are all beautiful. After all, God created each one of us to be uniquely beautiful in our own skin.

Dani Barretto

In a March 2018 photo with sister Julia Barretto, Dani got ahead of the bashers she was sure would swarm her post. She added a footnote to her caption, saying “Tumaba ako, I know. Wag na kayong nega. Masarap kumain, eh.” It’s sad that we live in a world where we have to make disclaimers about our own bodies. That’s why we applaud the tweet she wrote to defend herself afterwards!

You go, girl! She’s confident in her own shape and skin, and there’s nothing wrong with that. People should worry less about others’ weight and body.

These women set a good example to anyone out there who might feel ashamed of their bodies. It’s the modern age, ladies and gentlemen! This world needs more peace, love, and acceptance. Everyone knows about the golden rule, right? “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.” So the next time you think of reacting negatively about someone’s body, whether in public or in private, always think: “Is that how I would want them to treat me?” You’ll definitely know the answer right then and there.

We all feel insecure once in a while, but let’s not put others down as a result. Stand tall, be proud, and love yourself. Acceptance is key to living a beautiful life.

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22625 0 0 0 It’s 2020—why are we still body shaming people?]]>
Can Birth Control Pills Really Get Rid of Acne? https://www.belomed.com/blog/can-birth-control-pills-really-get-rid-of-acne Sat, 24 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22636

You probably have a friend or two who was prescribed birth control by their OB-GYN...but for reasons totally unrelated to birth control. They probably excitedly confided in you about how clear their skin has gotten, or how they’re not as oily as before. And that made you wonder: can the Pill really help control acne?

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When you think of contraception, you may immediately think of the oral contraceptive pill (around since 1961 in Australia!) 💊 BUT there are a myriad other alternatives: Hormonal e.g. ✅ Hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena IUD) ✅ Contraceptive patch ✅ Contraceptive injection ✅ Contraceptive implant (the rod) Non-hormonal e.g. ✅ Copper IUD ✅ Condoms ✅ Fertility Awareness Method In the case of hormonal forms of contraception, some will affect our mood, behavior, and wellbeing quite differently compared to others. An exciting new citizen science project at the University of Melbourne provides women with a tool to gain greater clarity on how our choice of contraception might affect us. Click the link in our bio to sign up and read more about the effect of the contraceptive pill on our neural pathways 🧠 📸 @natkringoudis

A post shared by Caia (@askcaia) on

Well, we come bearing very good news. “Combined oral contraceptive pills (cOCPs) are often used in the treatment of acne in females. They are effective, safe, and easy to use in appropriate patients in combination with more conventional acne therapies,” says a 2010 study on the efficacy of birth control for acne

How does birth control get rid of acne?

Acne is caused, or even exacerbated, by your hormones, and because birth control pills are able to regulate those hormones, that results in less (or no!) breakouts for you. Pills containing estrogen and progestin are key to battling acne; some birth control pills only contain progestin, which doesn’t improve acne.

To be more specific, birth control pills decrease the circulation of androgens in the body. Higher androgen levels are known to wreak havoc, from excessive hair growth to increased oil production (which leads to, you guessed it, acne). So the lower your androgen levels, the clearer your skin is poised to be. More and more Filipina women are braving the stigma to get a birth control pill prescription, as seen in this article by Cosmo.ph—you’ll find real-life stories there of women whose acne problems have completely disappeared. “My acne disappeared after three months. The scars faded after a year, and now I have incredibly clear skin even with minimal skin care,” one even mentioned.

Is birth control an accessible solution? 

Not necessarily. Factors like your age and your medical condition may prevent you from getting a prescription, so be sure to speak with an OB you trust so you can see if it’s truly right for you.

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Ready, Set, Contraception! There’s a lot to unpack here so I’m going to break it down from long acting reversible contraceptives like Intrauterine devices (IUD) all the way to condoms (no bananas I promise). ⁠ ⁠ Like the post above from @happyvulvaclub says, finding the right contraception for you is a bit like finding the right partner, it can take time! But it is also important that you do what is best for you, so that you are comfortable, confident, and in control of YOUR reproduction. So follow along to get the low down on all things birth control. ⁠ ⁠ If you have any questions or specific things you want us to cover, feel free to drop them in our stories or in the comments below! ⁠ ⁠ #vivalavulva #betweentulips #womenshealth #bodypositivity #womxn #bodylove #bodyconfidence #selflove #menstruation #menstrualcycle #girlpower #womenshealthmatters #factsmatter #vagina #vulva #condom #healthclass #sexeducation #period #birthcontrol #girltalk #obgyn #obgyntips #periodpower #femininecare #femininehygiene #sex #iud #birthcontrol #contraception⁠

A post shared by Between Tulips (@betweentulips) on

Keep in mind, though, that going on birth control is a huge responsibility. It’s something to consider budget-wise and commitment-wise (you shouldn’t miss pills). Also, you can’t just stop and start whenever you feel like it, as that will further mess up your hormone levels. It’s best to exhaust all your other options first, like including tretinoin in your routine or beginning an acne program that’s tailored for you by a Belo MD. 

Having acne can take an emotional toll, and we know you might want to take the quickest, easiest solution. However, even birth control takes time. Trust us when we say don’t despair—there are plenty of solutions available to you.

To book your consultation for the Belo Acne Program, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22636 0 0 0 Short answer: with the right prescription, yes!]]>
3 Cute Hairstyles to Try For Your Next Zoom Meeting https://www.belomed.com/blog/3-cute-hairstyles-to-try-for-your-next-zoom-meeting Sun, 25 Oct 2020 02:29:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22646

It’s proven that maintaining a daily beauty routine helps improve our overall mood, especially during this quarantine season. That’s why you can’t blame people for dabbing on a little lip and cheek tint when attending their online meetings, while others plan their OOTDs ahead. But aside from your “no makeup” makeup look and cute loungewear, another mood-lifting trick you can do is to do your hair...even when you're home all day. 

Here are 3 easy hair hacks you can try for some extra positive vibes (and cuteness!) on your next Zoom meeting:

Straight with Ear Tuck

Even if it’s simple and classic, this look that will definitely show you mean serious business. Straighten your hair and tuck it nicely behind your ear—perfect for those with long, full locks just like Queen Catriona Gray here.

A Low Knot Bun

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Happy about today. 🖤

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This is THE go-to hairstyle when you’re in a rush but don’t want to look like you just got out of the bed (even if you did!) Messy or polished, sided or centered, a low knot bun will give you that confidence and feeling of professionalism in no time. Our babe, Julia Barretto, loves this look!

Quick and Casual Curls

Yes. You can curl your hair for a conference call because, why not? Not only will this style frame your face nicely on the screen, but this will also make you look instantly presentable without going over-the-top. Just productive and pretty-like Anne Curtis-Smith!

Now you can pop on to that meeting with amazing hair and a happy mood! Say hi and tag @belobeauty on your next Zoom call look!

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10 Quotable Quotes from Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-quotable-quotes-from-dr-vicki-belo Mon, 26 Oct 2020 09:20:58 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22669

Dr. Belo was only in her early 30s when she founded Belo Medical Group. 30 years and many, many hardships later, she has learned a lot about the ins and outs of her field, as well as love and life. Here are ten of Dr. Belo’s most memorable quotes over the years—take what you need, whether it’s motivation, upliftment, or just a laugh...and move along!

1. On loving yourself:

2. On materialism:

Instead of trying to find satisfaction from the outside, like when you feel bad because you don’t have all the designer clothing or shoes or whatever your friends have, it drove me to earn money so I could buy those things, but they won’t fill up the empty hole inside you. Only God can fill it, and once you realize that, everything else is just palabok.

3. On making the Philippines a beauty destination:

Filipinos are very magaling. Our hands are so artistic and our quality of service, the nurses all over the world are Pinoy, and the doctors are very good.

"So my dream has always been to have medical tourism as a factor in the Philippines, that people will actually make the Philippines a destination place for their beauty needs...I wanna see [the] Philippines up there with Bangkok, Thailand."

4. On being a mother:

“The only difference between a child born of the biological mom and an adopted child is that one goes through the belly and the other one comes from the heart. Now that I have Scarlet and she didn’t grow in my belly, I know that I love her every bit as much as I love Cristalle.”

5. On unwavering determination:

“I decided at that point that I’d be a horse with blinders, that I’ll put myself out there and keep going forward. Whatever my critics threw at me, I learned to look forward and not keep on looking around. Because if I kept on looking around and feeling, I’d lose focus. That was how Belo Medical Group came about.”

6. On being bullied:

“Know that there will come a time when you have to let go of all the negativity because it won’t work for you anymore. Sometimes it will work for you when you’re younger—the things that push you, like bad skin and being fat, but when you’ve conquered it, you can’t live in that space anymore. You have to move forward.”

7. On truly understanding her patients:

“I can identify with my patients; I feel their pain. That's another difference. The men doctors, when I talk to them, they kind of laugh at women. We have a little scar, parang it bothers us, the thing we see in the mirror. And I always say a millimeter scar on the face is a kilometer scar in the heart. We understand that. Men don't get it. They think we're so overacting—parang ‘'Yan lang, it bothers you? Okay fine, I'll fix it.’ Pero walang heart. So I think I always turn a negative into a positive!”

8. On hardships:

"Life is not easy, but it's exciting. Learn to embrance both the good and bad. In the end, God loves you, and everything hapens for a reason."

9. On her eternal love for her husband, Dr. Hayden Kho:

“When I was at my ugliest and when I could not even look in the mirror because I was so ugly in my mind I would look at my reflection in your eyes and you would always make me feel beautiful and desirable, so thank you for that. I promised to be the wife that God made me to be.”

10. On regrets:

“What I want is at the end of my life, when I look back, I don’t have any what-ifs. I don’t want to have regrets, the ‘I shouldn’t have done that.’ But you’ll never know unless you try. I don’t like the ‘I should haves.’ I never entertain the ‘should have.’”

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I Tried Dr. Belo's Favorite Illuminating Soap—And Loved It https://www.belomed.com/blog/i-tried-dr-belos-favorite-illuminating-soap-and-loved-it Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:59:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22700

I started being a Belo patient during the 6th grade because of my acne (big thanks to my mom for bringing me!). 14 years later post-puberty, Belo is still my go-to clinic when it comes to taking care of my skin.

After dealing with my acne, I started addressing acne marks and dark spots. I did Spanish Peel, Angel Whitening Laser, supplemented with take-home ZO® products—not realizing that I focused too much on my face, it became fairer compared to my neck and body

Andrea Lim

I started doing Revlite for my body earlier this year, but we all know how the pandemic got all of us house-arrested. So  I couldn’t be any happier when I saw this post from Dr. Vicki Belo:

This was when she introduced her newest at-home full body whitening kit, which she obviously uses and loves. It’s one thing when you hear THE Dr. Belo rave about a product, and it’s another when you see how effective it is (look at how even skin toned she is all over on that video!) All I could think of after watching her video is: Okay. I. Want. That.

Now that I’m indoors most of the time and don’t get too much sunlight exposure, I thought this is the best time to try out the Belo Illuminating System. I love how simple this two-step system is. After a week of using the Belo Illuminating Soap, my skin started micro-peeling, which for me is a good sign because the exfoliation preps my skin and allows better absorption of the illuminating cream’s benefits. Both the soap and cream smell good—I just mixed my favorite body oil on the cream for added moisture and scent.

I also love that this kit is very affordable—I feel like I’m having Revlite at home, for only P3,900! After a month of using it, I noticed how my overall skin tone improved and I actually started getting compliments that I look fairer. Yay! I’m glad that this kit helped me even out my skin tone during this quarantine season. My skin’s best friend during the lockdown, indeed!

Follow Apple Valenzuela on Instagram.

Click here to purchase the Belo Illuminating System.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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How Often Should You Clean or Reuse Your Face Mask? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-often-should-you-clean-or-reuse-your-face-mask Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:36:55 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22726

We’re pretty sure you’ve asked yourself this question a couple of times. And we’re also sure you’ve reused your disposable face masks without finding out the answer. You just decided when you deemed it necessary. So, let us help you out a little bit here. Yes, you can reuse your disposable face masks...but under certain conditions only.

According to the Department of Emergency Health Services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, the goal is really not to reuse disposable face masks (i.e. N95 and surgical masks). They advised that the best practice would be single-use. But given the environmental repercussions of disposing face masks after one use, not to mention the dwindling supply for our brave frontliners, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued some guidelines when we can reuse disposable face masks.

First, put on and take off your mask very carefully. This means, washing your hands before putting it on, before taking it off, and after you take it off. According to the CDC, as much as possible do not touch the front of the mask. The front of the mask is the most contaminated part. When taking off your mask, take off the straps first then remove without touching the front. A nurse educator from the Biocontainment Unit at Johns Hopkins Medicine advises to put the masks in paper bags with good ventilation after taking it off. This way, the masks can be aired out.

If you want to reuse your disposable mask, you can try putting it in an oven for about 30 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius. Just make sure the material of the mask is not flammable. You can also hang it above a pot of boiling water to kill the virus.

If you’re using cloth masks, make sure to wash it every after use. Do not reuse cloth masks without washing. According to a 2015 study, cloth masks have a higher moisture retention and poor filtration compared to disposable ones. Reusing cloth masks will only increase your risk of infection.

Once you’ve decided that you cannot reuse your disposable or cloth masks, discard them properly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you should discard your masks in a closed bin and wash your hands with soap and water right after.

To know more information on how to properly put on, use, take off, and dispose of a face mask, you may check the WHO’s infographic here.

Stay safe, Belo Beauties!

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Emsculpt vs. Myosculpt: Which One Should You Try? https://www.belomed.com/blog/emsculpt-vs-myosculpt-which-one-should-you-try Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:03:30 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22747

Even if you’re religious about getting your daily exercise, sometimes you just need a little extra help to achieve your dream physique. There are a lot of promising weight management and non-surgical slimming treatments that offer to give you  that added push, but it never hurts to do your due research before booking that appointment. Let’s break down the factors you should consider in choosing between the Emsculpt and Myosculpt treatments.

Choosing based on the overall look

Slimming and toning treatments usually target the same areas of the body, which are the body parts where fat is naturally easier to gain. These are the abdomen, thighs, bum, calves, and arms. So to find the right process, you need to know what look you’re going for.

If you want an all-around slimming and toning process, then the Myosculpt would be the ideal treatment. As Dr. Belo explained, Myosculpt “firms up the muscle and also makes the size of the [individual] muscle [cells] get bigger.”

Emsculpt, on the other hand, is great as an add-on to your workout routine. It further amplifies the fruits of your workout, especially if you want a naturally lifted bum like Sue Ramirez.

Choosing based on your pain tolerance

Since pain tolerance differs from person to person, some slimming treatments are more tolerable than others. Since the Myosculpt really feels like you’re doing crunches while lying down—as Belo Baby Julia Barretto described it—there will be some discomfort from the muscle contractions.

Have a low pain tolerance? Then it’s Emsculpt for you! It uses HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology to induce muscle contractions that are typically unachievable during regular workouts. It’s all of the gains, with none of the pain. But don’t just take our word for it, let Coleen Garcia Crawford walk you through what it’s like during an Emsculpt session.

Choosing based on the downtime

And lastly, you’ll need to consider the downtime. While you can go about your day as usual after an Emsculpt session, Myosculpt would require you to not exercise for the next 24 hours after a session. Despite this small drawback, it’s a favourite of Belo couple Matteo Guidecelli and Sarah Geronimo.

Both treatments require several sessions for the results to visibly appear. The results of Emsculpt are best observed when you have the extra time once a week for five consecutive weeks. So if you don’t always have the time to go to the gym, Emsculpt can do the work for you.

Either way, you can rest easy that our doctors will ease you into the highest intensity you can manage. Remember, we’re here to be your trusted companions on your fitness journey. Take the first step by booking an appointment today.

To book your Emsculpt or Myosculpt appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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3 Ways To Brighten Your Inner Thighs At Home https://www.belomed.com/blog/3-ways-to-brighten-your-inner-thighs-at-home Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:48:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22763

Dark inner thighs are a common skin problem that most Filipinos encounter. It is often caused by factors such as chafing, hormonal imbalance, or friction from tight clothes. While it’s not a particularly severe skin condition, it can easily erode your confidence. Simple things like flaunting a new swimsuit at the beach or wearing a pair of shorts outside on hot summer days are next to impossible when you’re feeling dyahe about your singit. Luckily, even during a pandemic, Belo makes it easy for you to address the problem in the safety of your home:

If it’s caused by hormonal imbalance: Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor (5%)

Pregnancy or the use of birth control pills tends to increase the production of melanin due to hormonal imbalances. The Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor packs a powerful combination of arbutin, kojic acid, and vitamin C in one little tube, which can help by decreasing the formation of melanin on your skin. When used twice daily, you’ll be able to even out your inner thighs in no time! 

If it’s caused by dry skin: Belo On-The-Glow Body Scrub Kit

Revealing brighter inner things may be as simple as removing dry skin. Enjoy a classic Belo treatment from the comforts of your own home with the On-The-Glow Body Scrub Kit, starting off by combining our base oil and sea salt scrub to slough away the dry skin. After rinsing with our Belo Essentials Whitening Bar and topping it off with our Illuminating Cream, you might be tempted to sleep with nothing on because of how smooth and supple your skin feels.

If it’s caused by other factors such as friction or sun exposure: Belo Illuminating System

If you’ve been wearing tight underwear or exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, you might need a mild peeling agent like salicylic acid to reveal lighter skin. Our best-selling Belo Illuminating System includes our Illuminating Soap that does just that, and it’s complemented by the Illuminating Cream that includes Alpha Arbutin and Liquorice to help brighten the area. Since these two ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some people, it’s best to book an online consultation with your Belo doctor prior to purchasing this kit.

After you’ve achieved brighter inner thighs with any of these products, here are some tips to maintain it:

  1. Choose the right size of underwear, making sure the fit is comfortable and not too tight.
  2. Wear nylon shorts or stockings under a skirt to prevent chafing.
  3. Keep your inner thighs clean to avoid the buildup of dead skin.

Brighter skin is within your reach! Head to the Belo Shop and check out the best Belo product for you.

Click here to browse our brightening selection at The Belo Shop

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Why Are Collagen Supplements More Effective Than Topical Collagen? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-are-collagen-supplements-more-effective-than-topical-collagen Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:08:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22780

When we think of beautiful, youthful, and glowing skin, we always think of the numerous skincare products available in the market. Our topical creams and gels are infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen that give our complexions a plump and healthy appearance. Collagen is especially good for this since it “makes up 75 percent of our skin and is responsible for keeping it young and firm,” according to Dr. Vicki Belo

But another way you can maintain that youthful glow is by watching what you eat. Here’s where collagen supplements come in. Simply put, you get more of the benefits from collagen by ingesting it compared to topical application. We’ll break it down more for you below. 

1. Collagen is too big to be effectively absorbed by the skin.

Collagen is one of the holy grail ingredients of anti-aging skincare products. But according to Dr. Belo in a 2019 interview with Cosmo.ph, this is not enough. “Topical collagen does not have the same effects as the oral supplementation of collagen. Collagen is too large a molecule to penetrate the skin, which means topical collagen doesn’t stimulate collagen production on a cellular level the way collagen supplementation will.”

2. Not all of the collagen we apply and eat is fully absorbed.

In addition to that, collagen needs to be delivered in small enough molecules for it to be truly beneficial to your skin. “Otherwise, we will just excrete them, as what happens when we eat even popular collagen-rich food,” Dr. Belo said in the same interview. This is why hydrolyzed collagen is the ideal form of collagen as this form can easily be absorbed and utilized by the body.

3. Collagen supplements show faster results.

While there’s nothing wrong with the “slow but steady route” of skincare, it’s been proven that the effects of taking collagen supplements can show in as fast as eight weeks. A 2013 study showed that women experienced less dryness and increased elasticity by drinking collagen supplements with 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen daily for two months, compared to those who didn’t.

4. It has more benefits aside from slowing down skin ageing.

View this post on Instagram

I've decided to level up my skincare routine 'cos I'm serious with keeping my skin young and healthy. I'm on my 8th day now and I documented myself for the first 5 days to show REAL DAILY PROGRESS as I take the best selling premium collagen drink sourced from Japan, the Belo Collagen Drink. It's worth the try! I've already noticed my skin glowing! Watch the video to see it for yourself! It's the best time to try it out 'cos it's on promo on Lazada! When you buy 5 sachets you get 2 free sachets, that's instant 7 days for you to try it out. Get the #belocollagen Melon Smoothie for only 700 Php and #belocollagen Unflavored Powder drink for only 568.75 Php! Make sure to shop #belocollagen Powder Drink via LAZADA NOW! CLICK HERE: https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.1ClO?intent=false&fallback=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fbelo-nutraceuticals-collagen-melon-smoothie-buy-5-sachets-get-2-free-i334130570-s736822226.html%3Fspm%3Da2o4l.10450891.0.0.46b415f8X844Gb%26mp%3D3 #belocollagen @belonutra

A post shared by Angel Yeo - Liu | Lifestyle (@imangelyeo) on

Aside from a youthful appearance, collagen supplements also have added benefits for the rest of your body. Since collagen is also present in our muscles and ligaments, some studies suggest that collagen supplements may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and joint pain.

5. It offers more variety.

View this post on Instagram

Make this super easy collagen-infused peachy, bubbly refresher you can share with your family or enjoy by yourself. ✨ INGREDIENTS: 💖1 c. sugar 💖2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger 💖2 ripe peaches 💖2 liter Seltzer 💖Fresh mint leaves 💖1 sachet unflavored #BeloCollagen Powder Drink INSTRUCTIONS: 💖Make syrup by simmering 1 cup water, sugar, and ginger in over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. 💖Remove simple syrup from heat, cover, and steep for about 30 minutes. 💖Extract flavor of minced ginger by pressing against fine-mesh sieve. Refrigerate until chilled. 💖Pour about 2 tablespoons of chilled syrup into a glass and add sliced peaches and seltzer. 💖Add #BeloCollagen Powder Drink 💖 Add mint leaves to garnish.

A post shared by Belo Nutraceuticals (@belonutra) on

While collagen skincare can only be applied according to its instructions, you can drink your collagen supplements in different ways. Dr. Belo shared in a 2015 interview with Preview.ph that she takes her collagen supplements twice a day to increase their collagen levels. You can try it with your morning smoothie, as it has also been shown to be an effective way of administering collagen to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase skin hydration over time.

If you’re keen on weighing the benefits of collagen supplements yourself, why not try them yourself? The Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Powder Drink and Belo Nutra Collagen Melon Smoothie have been tried and tested by Dr. Belo, and as you can see, she looks glowing and younger than ever.

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How to Start Meditating for Better Mental Health https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-start-meditating-for-better-mental-health Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:32:40 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22793

When you think of meditation, the first image that comes to mind might be that of a Buddhist monk, Indian-sitting with the tips of his pointer fingers touching the tips of his thumbs. And of course, the proverbial sound (reportedly the first sound the universe ever made), “Om.” But meditation doesn’t have to be so stuffy and traditional. In fact, this mindfulness exercise has been adapted over the years to become easy for people of all ages to do. And if you’ve been overwhelmed or stressed this quarantine, meditation just might be the key to finding your groove again. 

Meditation helps to calm the mind because it trains you to become more self-aware. It gently nudges you to filter away distractions, but it also trains you to be forgiving when the mind wanders. Our brains are restless beings—we don’t become calmer by forcing them to shut down. We become calmer when we acknowledge what captures our attention, then let it go.

View this post on Instagram

#MindfulMoments

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If you’re a beginner, the app Headspace is a great place to start. They’ve repeatedly touted the science-backed benefits of meditation, from better sleep to improved focus, reduced job strain, higher levels of compassion, and more. Once you’ve downloaded the app, all you have to do is choose a meditation course, then follow the guidelines (whispered by the app’s soft-spoken founder and former Buddhist monk, Andy Puddicombe). Here are some tips for you to get the most out of your meditation session.

Find a quiet spot.

Pick a place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed. It could be your bed, on a chair on your condo’s balcony, or even outdoors if that’s what you prefer. Meditating can take a little as three minutes or as long as 20, so make sure you’ve got a place you can sit undisturbed for that long.

Accept that your mind will wander.

Back when humans were cavemen who had to forage for food and evade predators, having a wandering mind was key to survival. It allowed us to be instinctive and think on our feet. But now, that same wandering mind can stop us from being one with ourselves during meditation. However, it’s important to accept that that’s just the way the mind works. “Mindfulness isn’t about stopping these unique and remarkable cognitive processes through sheer force of will,” says Dr. David Cox. “What mindfulness teaches you to do is spot when your mind has wandered off down one path or another, and be able to bring it back to the here and now. The more you practice doing this, the quicker you’ll notice when it’s wandered, and the easier it will become to get back to experiencing the present moment.”

So when you’re meditating and catch yourself thinking about your to-do list, or fixating on a work thing, stop, acknowledge the thought, then let it go. Then return to focus on your breathing.

Focus on your breathing.

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#mindfulmoments

A post shared by Headspace (@headspace) on

Speaking of focusing on your breathing…well, that’s the main exercise you’ll be practicing during a meditation. By focusing on your breath, you allow thoughts and emotions to take a backseat, all so you can savor the present moment. It’s a little unnerving to be doing nothing—and that’s exactly the point. Humans have become so overstimulated that the idea of not doing anything can often be foreign and undesirable. But the effects of taking time for yourself everyday, as one would do in meditation, are well-recorded.

As your eyes are closed, you can count the breaths as they pass, counting only from 1 to 10 each time. This will help filter out thoughts if you’re a beginner. You don’t have to breathe deeply or in any special way. Just breathe normally, count your breaths, and keep going.

Be gentle with yourself.

You might be pressured to make sure your meditation goes a certain way. If you spent your entire session thinking about work, you might be hard on yourself for “not doing it right.” But it’s okay. That’s why meditation is referred to as a practice—you are forever learning to train the mind, so of course it won’t come easy. “So, when your mind keeps wandering, don’t beat yourself up about not seeing any improvement—you are improving, precisely because you’re noticing that it’s happening. You’ve already taken the first step on the journey to a healthier happier life,” says Dr. Cox.

Stay consistent.

For the long-term results of meditation to take effect, you’ll need to carve out time to do it every day. With every session, you’ll become more at ease with the quiet and more masterful at focusing on your breathing. And the ensuing calm you feel after every meditation? That’s going to extend to your everyday life, making you a happier, calmer person. Meditation, you see, also benefits the people around you. The more calm and centered you are, the better of a human being you can be for others.

Download Headspace on Google Play or the App Store.

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The Exfoliating Cleanser Celebs Can't Get Enough Of https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-exfoliating-cleanser-celebs-cant-get-enough-of Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:01:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22810

If you’re oily or acne-prone, you might be hard-pressed to find the perfect cleanser: one that gets rid of oil without drying you out, uses gentle, dissolvable exfoliants, and also soothes the skin. Well, let’s just say you might meet your match in the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser! Containing jojoba esters for exfoliation and encapsulated Vitamin E to act as antioxidant, it’s a skincare savior for many Belo Babies. If there’s one common denominator when it comes to these Belo Babies’ daily skincare fix, then it’s definitely this cleanser—and here are the reasons why:

Julia Barretto shared during her live consultation with Dr. Belo that the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser is part of the kit which helped her get an acne-free skin, complemented by other products from the 

ZO® Skin Health line, including ZO® Oil Control Pads (which is also a crowd favorite!) Now, Julia’s ready for any close up shot!

View this post on Instagram

Skin by @belobeauty 🤍

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on

If you like your cleansers leaving your skin looking AND smelling fresh, then you’ll love the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser. Jess Wilson once said that “It smells really good” when she told us about her acne breakout during the quarantine. Other products she swears by? ZO® Brightalive Skin Brightener and ZO® Wrinkle + Texture Repair. Find out why in her video:

Camille Co, on the other hand, gives the credits to ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser when she finally achieved that dewy, luminous skin without being too oily. Together with ZO® Oil Control Pads and ZO® Calming Toner, Camille shared an honest review about this trio saying “They were so awesome. My skin has never felt this good”.

Even Dr. Hayden Kho, too, approves of this and declared that he doesn't use any other cleansers but ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser. (Remember when Dr. Belo revealed his skincare routine?) It was also Dr. Belo who introduced this cleanser to Ivana Alawi and she was an instant believer- confessing that she even converted to ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser over some other (more expensive) cleanser and thinks that “it’s the best cleanser, ever!” 

Now it’s YOUR turn to know why these Belo Babies are raving about this cleanser. Get the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser at 10% OFF today until December 29, 2020! This bestselling product is available in all Belo clinics and at the Belo Shop.

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This P750 Acne Astringent Will Get Rid of Breakouts For Good https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-p750-acne-astringent-will-get-rid-of-breakouts-for-good Thu, 29 Oct 2020 16:33:22 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22818

Thanks to the many patients we’ve encountered over the years, we know how frustrating it can be to have acne that just won’t seem to go away. You’ve tried product after product, changed your diet, and even invested in expensive treatments to try and clear your skin...but nothing is working. Luckily, the whole reason Dr. Vicki Belo started Belo Medical Group was because she herself dealt with acne that crushed her self-esteem. And it’s one of the skin issues she’s been determined to help her patients with for the last 30 years. That’s why she developed the Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent. At only P750, it’s a staple in every Belo patient’s acne control regimen.

The Acne Astringent contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that slows and stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also decreases inflammation. It’s an ingredient that is widely used around the world in the prevention and control of acne, so its benefits have been clinically proven time and time again.

Steph Ongkiko, Belo Medical Group’s PR Manager, shared with Cosmo.ph the secret to her now-clear face. As it turns out, she herself had a bad bout with acne in 2014, and the Acne Astringent was a key part of her skincare routine.

When we asked her last April about the one item she can’t live without, she said without hesitation, “...the Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent. It’s like my all-around solution for pimples. I use it as toner, I use it as a substitute when I don’t have the Belo Acne Pro Gel….simply put, I use it to get rid of my breakouts and more.”

Alodia Gosiengfiao is also a big fan of the astringent, citing that it was a part of her routine from a post in June 2012. “Using a small cotton ball, I apply the Belo Acne Astringent [by] dabbing. And finally, if I get zits or I feel like one is starting to appear, I apply a very small spot of Belo Acne Drying Cream over it. This prevents it from growing and helps scars disappear by gradual peeling,” she shared. “This is very effective and it has saved me many many times before an event or a shoot!” As you can see, Alodia’s skin remains clear and acne-free to this day!

The Acne Astringent works best when used as a part of a full acne routine, so you’ll need to come in for a consultation with a Belo MD—or do one online—to figure out your beauty plan. We can accommodate you based on the severity of your acne and your budget. 

Click here to purchase the Belo Prescriptives Acne Astringent.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Everything You Need to Know about the Belo 11.11 SALE! https://www.belomed.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-belo-11-11-sale Sat, 31 Oct 2020 14:41:13 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22831

We know how much you loved our 8.8 birthday sale and giveaway, 9.9 ~secret~ sale, and 10.10 extravaganza. And now, just in time for the Christmas season that’s fast approaching, we’re giving you another treat this 11.11! Here’s everything you need to know before you add to cart.

This is our BIGGEST SALE of the year!

The Belo treatments you’ve always wanted are now available at extra-special discounts! Stock up for your 2021 treatments, or purchase a few sessions as a well-deserved gift for a loved one. There’s nothing like the gift of Belo, after all!

Buy One, Get One!

For the first time ever, we’re offering BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals on select treatments, so don’t miss this chance to get two for the price of one! Here’s the full list of 11.11 treatments:

11K deals all around!

And in the spirit of the lucky number 11 (make a wish!), we’ve made these treatment bundles available for the fixed price of P11,000.00. Sweet, right? Here are all your amazing options:

11% off on select kits!

Some of our most sought-after product kits will be on sale, too! From Belo-It-Yourself Kits to hair restoration systems, there’s sure to be something for everyone—and we mean *everyone*—on your Christmas list. Get a whopping 11% off on the following:

Belo-It-Yourself (BIY) Kits (except Rx Signature Kit)

Hair Restoration Kits

During these unpredictable times, the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-care. Now more than ever, *you* should be your number-one investment. And who doesn’t deserve to look and feel more beautiful? So set your alarms for 12 midnight of November 11, because this sale is happening for 24 hours only! Happy shopping, and happy holidays, Belo Beauties!

The Belo 11.11 sale, happening on November 11, 2020, applies to online and in-clinic purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

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ALL of Scarlet Snow Belo's Halloween Costumes Over the Years https://www.belomed.com/blog/all-of-scarlet-snow-belos-halloween-costumes-over-the-years Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:40:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22859

Halloween may have been a little different this year—no trick-or-treating, no big parties—but even stay-at-home orders can’t stop anyone from putting on a costume and still feeling the Halloween spirit. Scarlet Snow Belo, in particular, is always dressed up for the occasion! Here’s a collection of ALL her Halloween looks over the years:

1. Her first-ever Halloween costume: a ready-to-cook lobster at 6 months old!

Yaya Anita in her matching chef’s outfit has us LOLing!

2. Now that she can walk—an angel at one year old!

3. Here, she’s an adorable Snow White sitting on the pavement.

4. Hey Siri, play “Colors of the Wind”!

5. We can totally imagine a grown-up Scarlet correcting a fellow wizard on their pronunciation of “Wingardium Leviosa.”

6. Scarlet’s 2 now, so it’s time to channel a great woman of history—Audrey Hepburn!

7. This Ariel looks like something stressful’s on her mind!

8. Another Disney Princess—this time, she’s Belle, with her friend Seve Gonzaga Soriano as Cogsworth!

And here she is surrounded by grownup princesses!

9. Scarlet makes a great Sailor Mars, together with her cousin Lacey as Sailor Moon!

10. Scarlet’s finally 3! Here she is with mom Dr. Vicki, dressed in matching butterfly costumes in the garden.

Isn’t she adorable?

11. She’s once again with her cousin Lacey, dressed as Frozen’s Anna and Elsa. ADORBS.

12. Here’s Scarlet enjoying herself at a children’s party in a masked costume.

13. At four years old, Scarlet joined forces with the country’s most popular female streamer and cosplayer, Alodia Gosiengfiao!

This is the cutest May and Pikachu pairing we’ve ever seen, NGL.

14. *All* the stops were pulled so Scarlet could be the ICONIC Frida Kahlo.

View this post on Instagram

I heaven you, peoples. See you in your dreams.🖤

A post shared by Scarlet Snow Belo (@scarletsnowbelo) on

15. This year, at five years old, Scarlet teamed up with her parents for a truly memorable portrayal of the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter, and Knave of Hearts.

We’re. On. The. FLOOR.

16. And finally, she paired up with Mommy to be Wonder Women, together!

Happy Halloween, Belo Beauties!

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Gabbi Garcia Has An Underarm Skincare Routine—Here's Why You Should Have One, Too https://www.belomed.com/blog/gabbi-garcia-has-an-underarm-skincare-routine-heres-why-you-should-have-one-too Sat, 31 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22898

When it comes to skin- and bodycare, we always focus on the face and extremities. Basically, the parts of our bodies that are always seen by other people. But have you ever wondered if you’re giving your whole body the TLC it needs? For example, when was the last time you took care of your underarms beyond putting on deodorant after your bath? We thought so.

Take your cues from Belo Baby Gabbi Garcia and learn why you should start an underarm skincare routine, stat.

1. The underarm skin is super thin and sensitive.

Just like our eye area, our underarm skin is very thin. This is why it’s more prone to darkening. This can be due to using harsh antiperspirants, friction from wearing dark and tight-fitting clothes, or using acidic “natural” treatments like calamansi and tawas as Dr. Belo pointed out. So similar to how we take good care of our facial skin, we also need an underarm skincare routine to maintain its healthy and flawless appearance.

2. Shaving, plucking, or waxing your underarms takes a toll.

It’s common knowledge, but these hair removal procedures can make your underarms darker and uneven. Chicken skin, or that bumpy texture you get after doing these hair removal methods, is also a common underarm skin problem for women. To prevent these from happening, or worsening further, you can use a beauty deodorant like Belo’s which will rejuvenate your underarm skin. It contains ingredients, similar to your skincare creams, that nourish and renew your underarms.

3. You will feel more confident if you don’t have to worry about it.

Dark and uneven underarms are a source of insecurity for a lot of women. They think that they can’t wear sleeveless tops or raise their arms confidently if they have dark underarms. But did you know that there are a lot of ways to improve your underarm complexion? Gabbi Garcia’s go-to Belo treatments for her underarms are the Angel Whitening Laser and Skin Master Underarm.

4. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

While we love the multi-step skincare routines, you don’t have to go to such lengths when it comes to your underarms. Aside from her Belo appointments, Gabbi also uses the Belo Underarm Whitening Cream to even out and brighten her underarms. You simply apply it in the evening before you go to bed, so your skin can fully absorb all the nutrient goodness in its formula as you sleep. No 10-step skincare required!

5. Exfoliating is also an option.

Because our underarms function just like any other part of our skin, you need to get rid of the dirt, debris, and dead skin cells to reveal the new layer of skin underneath. A gentle exfoliation on your underarms every now and then will do wonders for your kili-kili, trust us! But Dr. Belo says no to harsh physical exfoliation—instead, go with chemical exfoliants like kojic acid or pigmentation zappers like Vitamin C, both of which can be found in the Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor.

So yes, an underarm skincare routine is an extra step in your already extensive skincare routine. But there’s nothing wrong with pampering and taking care of yourself. If it makes you feel good and empowered, you should definitely give it a try.

To book your Angel Whitening or Skin Master Underarm appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22898 0 0 0 The skincare routine you’re missing out on.]]>
Get Rid of Dark Underarms and Chicken Skin with These 2 Treatments https://www.belomed.com/blog/get-rid-of-dark-underarms-and-chicken-skin-with-these-2-treatments Sun, 01 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22920

As you know, our much-awaited Belo 11.11 sale is happening next Wednesday, November 11! And there are two treatments we’re sure people are going to hoard like crazy: Angel Whitening Underarms and Skin Master Botanicals Underarms. Why? We all know the struggle of unwanted underarm pigmentation and chicken skin. They can really put a damper on a much-awaited beach day or a strapless, sleeveless moment. Luckily, 11.11 is your chance to get Buy One Get One deals on both treatments!

Belo 11.11 Make a wish sale buy 1 get 1 session
Belo 11.11 Make a wish sale buy 1 get 1 session on us

Angel Whitening Underarms is a celeb go-to, and for very good reason. Known globally as the Fotona Starwalker laser machine, it targets melanin deposits to lighten skin and even out skin tone, all without damaging the skin surrounding the pigment. 

During the quick procedure, you’ll experience gentle warm snaps on the skin as the device is glided over the treatment area. There’s no downtime, but you may experience mild redness, which only lasts for a few minutes. Then, enjoy your new even-tone underarms!

Skin Master Botanicals, on the other hand, uses targeted mechanical and electrical energy to exfoliate, moisturize, clear, and invigorate underarms. With the use of technologies like ultrasonic waves, Lotti microcurrent, and micro diode laser, it addresses pesky chicken skin in as short as six sessions! During your treatment, expect dead skin cells and excess oil to be removed cleanly, only to be left with hydrated, deeply cleansed, and soothed underarm skin. As they say, it’s what she deserves.

It’s 2020—don’t waste another second being ashamed of dark, chicken-skinned underarms. With our special BOGO deals on Angel Whitening and Skin Master Botanicals for that delicate area, you can go sleeveless confidently in weeks. See you on 11.11!

Click here to learn more about our 11.11 sale!

After you’ve purchased your Angel Whitening and Skin Master Botanicals treatments at shop.belomed.com on 11.11, you can call 8819-BELO or email info@belomed.com to finalize your appointment.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Angel Dei Shows Off Her New Nose in a Twitter Post https://www.belomed.com/blog/angel-dei-shows-off-her-new-nose-in-a-twitter-post Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:01:01 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22926

Lifestyle and beauty blogger Angel Dei made an on-the-nose decision early last year—she decided to get a nose job (rhinoplasty), and she had it done with none other than Belo Medical Group. She vlogged about the experience last May 2019, and according to her, “If there’s something I can do to improve my confidence, my physical appearance, why not, diba? Wala naman akong pakialam kung anong sasabihin ng ibang tao. It’s my body, it’s my choice.” And to this day, she’s still raving about the results!

Last weekend, Angel excitedly tweeted this:

https://twitter.com/_angeldei/status/1319891646696222721

Look at the stark difference between her 2013 nose, and her fully-healed late-2020 nose. Amazing, right? 

You see, the full, final results of rhinoplasty don’t happen overnight. While the initial swelling subsides after a couple of weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nose to be fully healed. And that’s why Angel’s nose took some time before its final form began to show. (Related: 5 Questions About Getting A Nose Job You’ve Always Wanted to Know)

Check out this photo from mid-2019:

And compare it to this photo from 2020:

If you think about it, quarantine is the perfect time to get a nose job. Nobody will see you, you can recover at home because you’re working from home, and when the swelling has gone down, you can still hide behind a mask as your nose heals even more!

To book your pre-surgery consultation for Belo Rhinoplasty, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo surgeon. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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22926 0 0 0 Same Angel, new nose!]]>
What Liza Soberano, Maymay Entrata, and More Wore for Halloween This Year https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-liza-soberano-maymay-entrata-and-more-wore-for-halloween-this-year Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:32:46 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22947

Halloween may feel a little different this year—no huge parties, no trick-or-treating—but that didn’t stop any of our Belo Babies from dressing for the occasion! Whether they went the spooky, sexy, or downright inventive route, everybody’s Halloween OOTDs were stylish and well thought-out. Here are 14 of our favorites:

1. Coleen Garcia and Billy Crawford

The new fam dressed up as Tigger, Piglet, and Pooh from Winnie the Pooh. 

2. Liza Soberano

Jinkies! Liza is a dead ringer for the classic Scooby-Doo! Character in this outfit.

3. Daniel Padilla

View this post on Instagram

R U N

A post shared by DP (@supremo_dp) on

Daniel captioned this photo with just one word: “Run.” Yep, we’re outta here! Even mom Karla Estrada was horrified!

4. Sue Ramirez

View this post on Instagram

Happy Halloween! 💀 I partnered with @houseofgiveawaysph this week in giving away an iPhone 11 Pro Max or Php 50,000 cash! Guess what? It’s absolutely free to join! Are you ready, fam? To join, follow these steps: ⠀ 🎃 FoIIow @houseofgiveawaysph. ⠀ 🎃 FoIIow all the accounts @houseofgiveawaysph is following. ⠀ 🎃 Like this photo! ⠀ 🎃 Mention (1) friend on @houseofgiveawaysph’s main giveaway post (1 mention = 1 comment). The more comments you make, the better chance of winning! ⠀ 🕸 🕸 🕸 🕸 🕸 ⠀ This giveaway is open internationally and will end on November 10, 6PM. Winners will be drawn live on November 10, 7PM. Consolation prizes will also be given to those who will watch the live draw. Good luck! #houseofgiveawaysph 💀

A post shared by Sue Dodd (@sueannadoodles) on

Here’s Sue’s sexy take on a skeleton.

5. Maymay Entrata

Maymay originally wanted to be Catwoman for Halloween, but she went with pop queen Ariana Grande instead!

6. Katrina Razon

Kat is a terrifying lady in white, just like in those scary Balete Drive tales. Shook.

7. Lovi Poe

View this post on Instagram

Dark angel. Happy Halloween, Witches! ♥️

A post shared by Lovi Poe (@lovipoe) on

We’d wear Lovi’s ‘dark angel’ ensemble out to dinner, TBH! This just screams fierce.

8. Andrea Brillantes

View this post on Instagram

Shhhh!!

A post shared by Andrea Brillantes (@blythe) on

White looks sus. Andrea dressed up as a murderer from the popular mobile game Among Us.

View this post on Instagram

A pair of star crossed lovers.. 🤍

A post shared by Andrea Brillantes (@blythe) on

She also dressed up as the Shakespearean Juliet Capulet, with Seth Fedelin as Romeo Montague.

9. Michelle Dy

This is, by far, the sexiest corpse bride lewk we’ve seen this year. Looks like it’s straight to the honeymoon for this one!

10. Mac Puckett

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only 35 spools

A post shared by mac puckett (@mac.puckett) on

Mac dressed up as Cousin Itt from The Addams Family—reportedly, it took 35 spools of string to put this outfit together. The hilarious results make it well worth it!

11. Gabbi Garcia

Gabbi is pictured with Khalil Ramos as a skeleton bride and zombie, respectively. Are we invited to the reception?

12. Camille Co

She and husband Joni Koro portrayed the humble, potassium-rich banana.

13. Jennylyn Mercado

Who else binged Tiger King this quarantine? Jen and Dennis Trillo definitely did. And to play the tigers? None other than their many, many cats!

14. The Belo Family

Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Hayden Kho, and Scarlet Snow Belo dressed up as the Mad Hatter, the Knave of Hearts, and the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. We’re still speechless, NGL! They went above and beyond over here.

And just when we thought they were done wowing us, Dr. Belo and Scarlet came out the next day as two versions of Diana Prince, AKA Wonder Woman! Dr. Belo is in the Golden Eagle Armor from Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), while Scarlet is in the classic WW outfit we saw Gal Gadot wear in Wonder Woman (2017).

We hope you enjoyed the Halloween season, Belo Beauties!

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22947 0 0 0 Spooky szn was still pretty memorable!]]>
Dr. Belo Has a Brand-New YouTube Channel! https://www.belomed.com/blog/dr-belo-has-a-brand-new-youtube-channel Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:40:47 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22969

Dr. Vicki Belo has had a YouTube channel for a while now—in fact, her first-ever video dates back to August 2017. But it wasn’t until recently that Dr. Belo decided to go full-on vlogger and revamp her YouTube channel to showcase her world travels, fun times with friends, and of course, to share expert skin advice to all her subscribers. Dr. Belo’s YouTube shenanigans are exciting, and here’s what you’ll find on her channel so far!

She embarked on a sexy Car Wash Challenge with none other than Ivana Alawi! At one point, Scarlet Snow Belo joined in on the fun.

Dr. Belo’s always up for a challenge. This time, it was a Street Food Challenge with Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco. They also did an English Only and Who’s More Likely To challenge, so buckle up!

Here’s a goodie from last year—the Belo Family went on the Pasig River Cruise with Mayor Isko Moreno, DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat, and more! Spoiler: Scarlet gets really upset about the waste being thrown into the Pasig River. Attagirl, Scarlet! 

Have you been to Havana, Cuba before? If you haven’t, just click play on the video above to live vicariously through the Belo Fam’s 2019 trip. They had a grand old time in the North American locale. They even joined in on a Cuban salsa class!

Missing what the holidays used to be like pre-quarantine? Here’s a throwback video of the Belo Family in Beverly Hills, as they spent Christmas with Small Laude and her family. The whole affair looked cozy and cuddly—but not without a few laughs.

Want more? Click here to subscribe to Dr. Belo’s YouTube channel, and don’t forget to click on that bell to be the first to be reminded when a new video premieres! Expect new uploads every Thursday at 6 PM. Happy binging, Belo Beauties!

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Here’s Your Cheat Sheet for the Belo 11.11 Sale! https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-your-cheat-sheet-for-the-belo-11-11-sale Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:54:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22980

After the success of our 8.8 birthday sale and giveaway, 9.9 ~secret~ sale, and 10.10 extravaganza, we decided to welcome the 2020 holiday season with yet another treat—the 11.11 sale! But with all the promos available, it can be hard to choose which Belo treatments and products to try. Here’s your cheat sheet—keep this bookmarked!

If you want: Brighter, more even-toned skin

Enjoy Buy One, Get One deals on these pigmentation-zapping treatments:

Or, get 11% off on the following Belo-It-Yourself Kits:

You can also get 2 sessions of Belo Infusions (Cinderella Drip, Enhanced Placenta Drip) for 11K only!

If you want: Tighter, younger-looking skin

BOGO deals are available for Belo Vita, the popular anti-aging treatment:

  • Belo Vita (choice between Face, Neck, Face & Neck, Knees, or Hands)
  • Belo Vita (choice between Butt or Arms & Wings)

What about 11K for a session of Skin Reboot Face and Neck? That’s a P4,000 discount!

If you want: Radiant, smooth, and more luminous skin

You’ll get your fix with BOGO deals on these skin quality-improving treatments!

Want silky-smooth, hair-free skin? We got you covered! BOGO deals for:

What about 11% off on a radiance-boosting kit for the whole body?

For 11K, you can also score two sessions of:

If you want: To slim and tone

Want to lose inches in preparation for the holiday season? For only 11K, you can enjoy one of the following options:

  • 11K for 2 sessions of Myosculpt 
  • 11K for 2 sessions of Belo Infusions (Cinderella Drip, Double Defense Drip, Enhanced Placenta Drip, or Enhanced Athlete’s Drip)
  • 11K for 1 session of V-Contour Face

If you want: To boost your immunity

If you want: Thicker, healthier hair

The 11% off deal extends to our sought-after HairTechMD kits, too!

During these unpredictable times, the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-care. Now more than ever, *you* should be your number-one investment. And who doesn’t deserve to look and feel more beautiful? So set your alarms for 12 midnight of November 11, because this sale is happening for 24 hours only! Happy shopping, and happy holidays, Belo Beauties!

The Belo 11.11 sale, happening on November 11, 2020, applies to online and in-clinic purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

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10 Interesting Podcasts to Check Out This Week https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-interesting-podcasts-to-check-out-this-week Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:17:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=22986

You gotta admit: this quarantine, you’re probably getting more screen time than you care to admit. With both work and relaxation happening on your phone or laptop, it may be time to consider a new entertainment option—the humble podcast. Reminiscent of your early-aughts iPod days, podcasts allow you to learn and be entertained, without the toxic screen exposure. Here are 10 podcasts filled with insights and lessons we think you’ll love.

1. In Your Feelings

Love Thought Catalog’s heart-wrenching material? Then you’ll love their podcast, which is centered on what it’s like to be a ~*sensitive*~ human being. 

Listen here.

2. The Financial Confessions

Money’s still a taboo topic in the Philippines, but it’s something we all need to talk about. Brought to you by The Financial Diet—yep, the super-cute Instagram account that gives young people no-nonsense money advice—this podcast consults experts from all fields of finance to help twenty- and thirtysomethings navigate things like credit card bills, emergency funds, and more.

Listen here.

3. Sleeping Pill with Inka

If you were bitten by the TikTok bug this quarantine, you’re no doubt familiar with Inka Magnaye—the voice behind the Philippine Airlines in-flight messages and so many iconic commercials. It only makes sense that she’s a natural at ASMR. Play this as you drift off to bed, and you’ll be in REM sleep sooner rather than later.

Listen here.

4. Modern Love

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Like most of y’all, I am obsessed with romance novels. They’re my favorite genre. I started listening to the Modern Love podcast awhile ago, which is compiled of stories selected for the NYT column and read by famous celebs, as a way to break up my true crime listening. There’s really only so much a normal person should listen to stories about murders. This podcast was a good break from that. I then loved the adaptation on Prime, and finally picked up the book that contains many of the actual essays themselves. . These stories are about love. Love of oneself, of others, of family, of friends. My favorite one is called “How Bibliophiles Flirt” which had to be the most relatable and also have one of the sweetest aspects to it. I totally recommend listening to it; not to spoil it, but it involved some great advice from the writer about reading and collecting books without reading them. And while you’re listening, take a listen to “He’s Playing Our Song,” “The Doorman,” and “Your Dog Has Seen Me Naked,” all of which also are part of my list of favorites. . I generally don’t read essays or short stories, but these are an exception, and I love how these writers invite us into a very personal aspect into their lives. . Do you listen or read Modern Love? What is your favorite essay? . . . #newbookstagram #newbookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #essays #modernlovepodcast #modernlove #unitedbyromcoms

A post shared by Mandy l ReadsWithMandy (@readswithmandy) on

For over a decade, the New York TimesModern Love section has “given readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people.” Its podcast is equally kilig-inducing, sometimes poignant and even heartbreaking—but the stories are unapologetically human. Perfect for those lazy Saturday nights.

Listen here.

5. Adulting with Joyce Pring

Sometimes being in your 20s and being friends with other people in their 20s can feel like the blind leading the blind (like, we’re all clueless, who are we kidding here). But with Joyce Pring-Triviño as your voice of reason for things like finances, travel, interpersonal relationships and more, you’re sure to feel like you’ve got a reliable buddy in your pocket. 

Listen here.

6. Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Helmed by sex & relationships psychotherapist Esther Perel, who authored the famously controversial book The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity, her eponymous podcast finds her counseling real couples with real problems. Listen in if you’re having trouble in paradise, too—you may just walk away with a lesson (or ten).

Listen here.

7. Creepsilog

Halloween may be over, but horror is forever. Listen to buddies Gideon Mendoza and Glenn Tabarejos talk about the strangest supernatural events, both real and fictional—with a touch of classic Pinoy humor (hence the name, which is a play on the word creepypasta).

Listen here.

8. My Brother, My Brother and Me

View this post on Instagram

The McElroy Brothers!

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“The McElroy brothers are not experts, and their advice should never be followed,” chirps the podcast’s hilarious intro. But their lack of expertise is precisely what makes them experts at navigating their listeners’ most mundane of problems. Who knew a trio of brothers from Huntington, West Virginia could be so funny?

Listen here.

9. Bodies

Can’t get enough of Grey’s Anatomy? Then you’ll love this. Each episode of Bodies begins with a medical mystery: a young woman for whom sex becomes painful, a girl with thick hairs growing out of her cheeks, a newborn baby who just won’t eat. The only way to find out what happens next? Keep on listening.

Listen here.

10. The Beauty Authority

What happens when the country’s most popular dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon teams up with a yoga instructor/holistic health coach and starts a podcast? On this series hosted by none other than Dr. Vicki Belo (with co-host Katrina Razon), tune in to explore more on the realm of beauty and wellness—with topics that run the gamut from acne to clean beauty and the origin of the ‘beauty doctor.’

Listen here.

Queue these podcasts up for your morning run, or listen to them casually while doing chores at home. Enjoy, and never stop learning, Belo Beauties!

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22986 0 0 0 Lots to listen to for your morning commute.]]>
Now Might Be a Good Time to Start a Quarantine Journal https://www.belomed.com/blog/now-might-be-a-good-time-to-start-a-quarantine-journal Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:33:53 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23008

When it comes to having good things to say about the year of our Lord 2020, most of us are likely to come up short. After all, this year began with the eruption of a long-dormant volcano, and it’s ending with a holiday season with a beleaguered populace entering over 300 days in community quarantine. Because of a virus that’s gripped the world and brought it to its knees. Yeah. That’s 2020. 

But what we often forget is that we’re living in some pretty historic times—the last time a pandemic of such proportions seized the world was in 1918, when the Spanish influenza infected 500 million people...and killed around 50 million of them. This is the type of thing people who live to tell the tale tell their grandchildren about. So, now might be a good time to start a quarantine journal.

Do you remember how you felt during the day of September 9, 2015? That’s a totally random day, BTW. Nothing extraordinary happened then (at least, not to our knowledge). That’s because humans forget easily. You may think you’ll *always* remember how 2020 made you feel, but someday, this time in our lives is going to be (hopefully) a distant, not-so-fond memory. So to provide yourself with a time capsule, here are a few tips for keeping a quarantine journal:

1. Write down the habits that have kept you busy.

You must have picked up a new hobby (or five) this quarantine—with all this time spent at home, we all had to broaden our horizons. Remind Future You of all the things you did to keep yourself entertained (or wind down from the post-WFH shift exhaustion) with a nifty and colorful list.

2. Doodle reminders to keep your mental health in check.

The person you’ll be spending not only the rest of quarantine, but also the rest of your life with, is yourself. That’s why you should be your own best friend and cheerleader. Jot down your favorite inspirational quotes as a reminder that this, too, shall pass.

3. Fill it up with photos.

Treat your quarantine journal like a storybook for Future You to wistfully flip through...and all storybooks need photos. Whether it’s a silly pic of your cat or your proudest homemade meal from April, document this time as best you can!

4. Be accountable to yourself.

Allow us to preface this with a gentle affirmation: it’s OK if you didn’t meet any of your 2020 goals. This year threw the whole Earth in for a loop, after all. But if you’re determined to hit at least some of your targets this year, you can use a quarantine journal to take account of your progress (it may be nearing mid-November, but it’s not too late!). 

Journaling may sound silly, and you may not have picked up some good ol’ pen and paper in a while. But going back to this simple ritual might just be what you need to get through the rest of this truly crazy year. And, 10 years from now, you’ll have a piece of history in your hands. Your story, at least.

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10 Super Cute Self-Care IG Accounts You Should Follow https://www.belomed.com/blog/10-super-cute-self-care-ig-accounts-you-should-follow Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:36:25 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23026

It’s hard to catch a break these days. With most people working from home feeling burnout at unprecedented global levels, humanity just might be headed for one collective mental breakdown. We all need a reminder to take a break, be good to ourselves, or even indulge a little. To make sure you keep your mental health in check, follow these 10 IG accounts:

1. @morganharpernichols

Morgan is a graphic artist whose minimalist, seemingly handwritten images give off an authentic look and feel. She reminds you to be gentle with yourself, even if the world is hard on you right now.

2. @mynames_ellen

Ellen creates cute and whimsical illustrations that will either make you laugh or make you think. Either way, every graphic on her feed is like a hot meal for your tired, rain-soaked brain. (Bonus: She posts the cutest selfies and outfit photos, too.)

3. @sun_keep

Filled with mantras that evoke existentialism and oneness with your spiritual self, this neutral-toned account is perfect for yogis and meditation practitioners.

4. @gottmaninstitute

View this post on Instagram

Every loving action—turning towards bids, checking in with each other, sharing a dream for the future—acts as a “deposit” to your relationships Emotional Bank Account. ⁠ ⁠ So what can you do when prolonged periods of stress, conflict, or anxiety have you feeling overdrawn? What can you do if you don’t feel like you have that cushion of kindness to fall back on?⁠ ⁠ 1. Notice the good. ⁠ 2. Express appreciation. ⁠ 3. Talk about your issues and listen to your partner's. ⁠ ⁠ Take a deeper look at the three things you can do to get your balance back on track and start making deposits to your Emotional Bank Account together when you take The Art and Science of Love Online. Get 25% off with code 25ASL2020. Link in bio.

A post shared by The Gottman Institute (@gottmaninstitute) on

The Gottman Institute is a leading and reputable resource for relational psychology, so you can be assured that all the info on their official IG feed is verified by legitimate professionals. They provide practical tips for people who are low on their emotional tank, as well as those who are struggling with interpersonal relationships.

5. @selfcarespotlight

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It’s the self-care solar system ☺️ Planets were an idea from a follower so thank you so much!!! I’m actually going to try to do all of these today (besides work boundaries because I do that consistently during the week!). Anyone else want to join? ☺️ 🌎🌕⭐️🪐☄️🌞 #mentalhealth #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthadvice #mentalhealthawarenessweek #mentalhealthadvocacy #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthisimportant #helpmentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthweek #mentalhealthissues #mentalhealthcounseling #mentalhealth2020 #selfcare #mentalhealthjourney #selfcarechallenge

A post shared by self-care spotlight (@selfcarespotlight) on

Reminiscent of childhood storybooks, this account is filled with daily affirmations and mental health reminders so that you can—as its username suggests—put self-care in the spotlight.

6. @haveanicedayy_

Steffi Lynn is an NYC-based graphic designer who creates the cutest (the CUTEST!) illustrations that anyone would fall in love with. Think of her posts as a much-needed pop of color to remind you to slow down in the middle of an impossible workday.

7. @bumblebizz

Who would’ve thought that a dating app could help you sort out an overworked, overtired brain? Bumble’s business-oriented IG account isn’t *actually* about business—their feed is filled with gentle encouragement, sweet self-love reminders, and practical tips that truly work.

8. @justgirlproject

View this post on Instagram

Comment 💙 if you want more.

A post shared by The Just Girl Project Official (@justgirlproject) on

This account was made to inspire, as their bio reads—and the mix of pastels and neons may be fun to look at, but all their posts serve either A) soft reminders we need to hear, or B) hard truths we also need to hear. Either way, like a plate of steamed broccoli, it’s all for our own good.

9. @thefabstory

This is the official account of the Fabulous app, a self-care app made to help you “build better habits and achieve your goals.” It’s only natural that their IG feed follows suit—all posts are filled with science-backed tidbits, as well as practical tips for reclaiming your peace.

10. @sophia.joan.short

Sophia describes herself as “a human writing things to brighten your day.” She scribbles on everyday things, like tiled brick walls, mirrors, fruits, and even her own leg, to remind people that their work doesn’t define their worth. Her posts are definitely a breath of fresh air in our current workaholic WFH culture.

All these posts may come off as meaninglessly cute at first glance, but they carry with them the very real reminder that, despite the pandemic, we’re all still human. We deserve to take breaks, love ourselves, and carve time out for the things that make us truly happy. Stay healthy inside and out, Belo Beauties!

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Catriona Gray and Piolo Pascual Are Seeing the World with New Eyes https://www.belomed.com/blog/catriona-gray-and-piolo-pascual-are-seeing-the-world-with-new-eyes Fri, 06 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23078

In this brave new world, just one look can say a thousand words. And with the lower half of our faces covered, this is the best time to focus on what is visible and seen: our eyes. That’s why we tapped two of the most recognizable pairs of eyes in the country, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and renowned actor Piolo Pascual, to be the faces—or should we say eyes—of our newest BelofEYE campaign.

Our increased time at home has resulted in more screen time, resulting in eye strain, puffiness, dark circles, and more. “[Our eyes are] probably the biggest communicator that we have, other than our ability to speak,” Catriona said. “So it’s definitely important to take care of our eyes, especially now that [the] emphasis is there not to touch or tug our eyes. With our sleep routines changing during quarantine and work routines being disrupted…I know that when I’m tired, I have a tendency to rub my eyes and neglect skincare when I get too busy.”

On the outside, our eyes need a fresh burst of rejuvenation to allow all of us to look bright and happy again, despite the circumstances. Belo has a comprehensive line of eye treatments and a hardworking at-home kit, for brighter, more youthful eyes. 

First off, there’s BioNutriGlow, a mesotherapy procedure that infuses the vitamin-rich New Cellular Treatment Factor® into the eye area to boost collagen and help the eyes look more youthful. “I particularly like BioNutriGlow, especially for people that stay up late, spend more time on your phone, or [watch a lot of] TV,” Piolo shared. “Our eyes get exhausted, and it really takes its toll. So it kind of rehydrates the skin, and it lifts it to make it wider. For people my age, there’s a tendency for the lid to kind of droop, so it’s important to make sure that the circles of the eyes get enough nutrients for [them] to stay healthy.” 

Other treatments under the BelofEYE umbrella include Angel Whitening, which has a special Panda Eyes setting specifically created to zap undereye circles. (Click here to see Piolo trying it.) There are also neurotoxin or injectable wrinkle removers, commonly known as BOTOX® and Xeomin, which relax the muscles, resulting in overlying skin that appear smooth and unwrinkled—perfect for crow’s feet. Dermal fillers and embedded protein threads (EPT) are used strategically and precisely by Belo MDs to give patients a “fox eye” look (check the procedure out here). And finally, Thermage Eyes tightens loose, sagging skin to banish eyebags and hooded lids for up to a year or more.

The BelofEYE routine continues with at-home care. Catriona is a huge fan of the BelofEYE Kit, a DIY eye care kit for those days when your eyes are extra strained. “I love it, ‘cause it’s just two steps. It’s easy to use, it’s easy to follow, and it’s easy to incorporate into your routine,” she gushed. What’s inside? Only two of the most powerful eye care products from renowned French aesthetics brand, FILLMED®️. The FILLMED®️ HXR-Eye Cream contains hexylresorcinol (hence the name HXR) to address dark circles, escin to reduce puffiness and eye bags, and arg-lys peptide completes these superstar ingredients as it smoothes the appearance of eye wrinkles. This powerful cream is complemented by a hydrogel-based mask, the FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask, which releases 3-Peptides and collagen into the eye area for an instant refreshing effect.

“It feels like you’re pampering yourself [by] using the eye mask and the eye cream. When I’ve had long days and feel tired, I always feel it first in my eyes. The BelofEYE Kit has just allowed my eye area to be really hydrated, and I feel like I’m looking after them well,” shared Cat.

All’s well and good on the outside thanks to BelofEYE, but for our perspectives to truly change for the better, growth needs to happen from the inside, too. During the quarantine period, Catriona realized just how caught up she had been in work—and how she had forgotten to stop and smell the roses. “I was caught up in the hustle and bustle of [work],” Catriona shared. “When we’re forced to slow down, we’re confronted with the reality of things that we might have been neglecting…simple things: going out for meals, going to church, being able to travel. When it’s taken away from you, you realize just how wonderful the opportunity is. So I think we’re all seeing the world with new eyes.”

Piolo, on the other hand, had a shift in perspective this quarantine when he embraced a simple, farm-to-table lifestyle in Batangas. “It’s nice to not just live healthy, but to also save money by not buying a lot of stuff, and planting your own food or raising your own chickens or fish. These are all easy things to do right now, especially since we have so much time. Nakakatipid ka na ng pera, healthy ka pa,” he explained.

It’s easy to see how the world has changed because of the global pandemic, but it would be better if we looked at it with “new eyes”—that is, with a better perspective and more optimism. Then, this new world will surely look brighter, too.

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5 Celebs Who Love the Belo Glass Skin Facial https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-celebs-who-love-the-belo-glass-skin-facial Fri, 06 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23109

You may have heard about our amazing BOGO deals for the upcoming 11.11 sale next week. It’s going to be an amazing pre-holiday shopping spree, and we’re excited for you to try your fave Belo treatments at a discount! But there’s one Buy One Get One treatment you really shouldn’t miss, and tons of celebs have sung its praises. We’re talking about none other than the ultra-hydrating Glass Skin Facial (with cleaning)! Here are five Belo Babies who love this relaxing serum infusion treatment.

1. Bianca Umali

All you have to do is be mesmerized by this 1-minute IGTV video to see why the Glass Skin Facial induces relaxation like no other. First off, the relaxing circular motions our aestheticians do with the serum-infusing handpiece allows you to close your eyes and forget your troubles. And then, you get to wake up with instantly refreshed and hydrated skin. Bianca knows it and loves it!

2. Catriona Gray

If it’s Miss Universe-approved, no doubt it’s a no-brainer. The Glass Skin Facial “is one of my favorites...because it really allows the moisture to penetrate deep into the skin. It also clears up the buildup of dead skin cells,” Catriona said. Yes and yes! 

3. Rhian Ramos

We have YET to see a single flaw on Rhian’s gorgeous face. One reason for that is, surprise, surprise, the Glass Skin Facial. She treks to our BGC flagship clinic regularly to get this done, and it’s become a permanent part of her beauty plan.

4. Liza Soberano

Liza loves the Glass Skin Facial so much, she’s actually drifted off to sleep a couple of times during this procedure. It’s just that relaxing. (We told ya!) “It just helps make life easier for you, doing things that you know already work for you,” Liza shared last January. “That’s why I wanted to make the Glass Skin Facial a part of my skincare routine.”

5. Kim Chiu

EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_U8Dcp6z5/

Another Glass Skin superfan—and by no means the last—is Kim Chiu. Along with her regular Angel Whitening sessions, she turns to this much-loved facial to restore the hydration she loses during long work days.

Now, you can try two sessions of the celeb-fave Glass Skin Facial for the price of one! Just head to our clinics or to the Belo Shop on 11.11, and we guarantee you’ll get the most bang for your buck! Happy shopping, and happy holidays, Belo Beauties!

The Belo 11.11 sale, happening on November 11, 2020, applies to online and in-clinic purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

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Can You Win These Staring Contests with Piolo Pascual and Catriona Gray on TikTok? https://www.belomed.com/blog/can-you-win-these-staring-contests-with-piolo-pascual-and-catriona-gray-on-tiktok Sat, 07 Nov 2020 10:02:07 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23325

Ah, TikTok, everyone’s quarantine guilty pleasure. Even our founder, Dr. Vicki Belo, has created an account—she’s currently clocked in at over 200K followers thus far. We hopped on the platform ourselves a few months ago, but it wasn’t until recently that we decided to join the popular ‘staring contest’ game...with none other than our BelofEYE endorsers, Catriona Gray and Piolo Pascual!

So now, we’re challenging you to a staring contest with two of the most popular pairs of eyes in the country. Can you handle it? Duet these TikToks and share your results with everyone!

Round 1: Piolo Pascual

@belo_beauty

Duet this. How many seconds can you last? 👀 @piolopascual_ph #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #StaringChallengeWithPiolo

♬ Tadow - Masego & FKJ

Round 2: Catriona Gray

@belo_beauty

Stare with me! How many seconds can you last? 👀 #StaringChallengeWithCatriona #fyp #foryoupage

♬ Catriona - Matthaios

Now, rest your eyes and tell us how you did—feel free to tag us @belo_beauty on TikTok or @belobeauty on Instagram so we can see!

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5 Botox Myths, Debunked! https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-botox-myths-debunked Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:29:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=16505

Let’s start with this quick fact: Did you know that it was Dr. Vicki Belo who first introduced BOTOX® in the Philippines back in 1995? Yes, that’s right. Back when people thought that it was “toxic” for the body. Fast forward to 2020, BOTOX® is still one of the most in-demand anti-aging treatments in Belo Medical Group, and last year, Belo was chosen by Allergan, the distributor of BOTOX® and top fillers brand Juvederm, to be the only “Center of Excellence” in the region of Singapore-Malaysia-Philippines.

Overtime, people have become more open to injectable wrinkle remover treatments like Botox. So trust us when we say that these Botox misconceptions are so 2000 and late:

1. Botox makes you look “frozen” or expressionless.

Not when done right, with an expert practitioner. It’s important to have your Botox treatment done with an experienced and well-trained doctor. At Belo, we make sure to do it with just the right amount of dosage so you’ll still look like your natural self, just more relaxed and youthful. If you need proof, you can take it from Belo Ambassador Nicole Hernandez herself, when she shared her very first Belo Botox experience (above).

2. Botox gives permanent results.

Wrong. Botox is not a permanent solution to lines and wrinkles. Results are just temporary, which can last for 4 to 6 months varying per patient. The good news is you can do it again once movement in your muscles begins to return and when lines start appearing again.

3. Botox is just for lines and wrinkles.

False! This treatment solves more beauty issues than just lines and wrinkles. At Belo, we also use Neurotoxin or Botox to relax the Masseter (the chewing muscles found in the jaw area) to make one’s features less angular and more of a v-shaped face. Botox also treats Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles. Robi Donmingo enjoys sweat-free underarms, thanks to this treatment!

In order to feel constantly confident and avoid wet underarms, do Botox of the armpits like Robi Domingo. Your armpits will stop sweating for 4 to 6 months. 🙌 PM us for inquiries!

Posted by Belo Medical Group Philippines on Thursday, August 20, 2015

4. Botox is only for people in their 40s or over.

Definitely not. If you are looking for the best preventive treatments to delay skin aging, then Botox should be on your list. As soon as you start noticing hints of lines in your face that don't go away (even when you’re not smiling anymore), then it’s time to ask your Doctor about a treatment that can help you prevent it from progressing. Just remember how the saying goes- “Prevention is always better than cure.” (Must read: I Got Baby Botox in My 30s for Younger-Looking Skin)

5. Botox shows instant results.

No. You will not see the full effect of the treatment right after doing it. Instead of instantaneous effects, Botox gradually and subtly takes effect on the treated area once injected. Results can be seen 3 to 5 days after the treatment, but full effect can be appreciated after 7 to 10 days. 

Bonus Tip: According to Dr. Belo, our eyes are the first to show signs of aging, “We do so much to [our eyes], and its skin is so thin and fragile. Applying makeup can tear on the elastic fibers. Squinting causes wrinkles.” she said. So if you are considering getting a Botox treatment done, try to check your eyes. Now that masks are part of the “new normal”, your eyes would be the perfect way to start!

To book your BOTOX® appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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The Netflix Movie You Should Watch Next, Based on Your Fave Belo Baby https://www.belomed.com/blog/the-netflix-movie-you-should-watch-next-based-on-your-fave-belo-baby Sun, 08 Nov 2020 09:41:27 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23355

Stuck at home this weekend and not sure what to do (because we’ve been stuck at home for months now)? Make the most of your Netflix subscription and watch these Filipino films starring no other than our beloved Belo Babies.

Find out which movie you should watch by choosing your favorite Belo Baby below.

If you love: Anne Curtis

You should watch: BuyBust

While we’ve fallen in love with Anne Curtis’ perky and bubbly personality, we know she can transform into any character when it comes to the silver screen. But her portrayal of PDEA police officer Nina Manigan shows a different side of Anne that we’ve never seen before – tough, gritty, and an absolute badass. Her three-minute, no-cuts fight scene on the rickety roof of Brgy. Gracia ni Maria is a definite must-see. 

If you love intense action, captivating storytelling, and strong female leads taking down drug rings, you gotta see director Erik Matti’s award-winning movie BuyBust with friends. 

If you love: Daniel Padilla

You should watch: The Hows Of Us

View this post on Instagram

How do we save us? #TheHowsOfUs

A post shared by Kathryn Bernardo 🐘 (@bernardokath) on

This award-winning movie shows real-life couple Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo in more mature roles. Directed by veteran filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Molina, The Hows Of Us tells the story of young couple Primo (Daniel Padilla) and George (Kathryn Bernardo) who are deeply in love but struggling to make sense of their relationship in the midst of life and its challenges. Daniel Padilla shows a deeper acting range and a different side of himself aside from the “bad boy” we’ve seen and loved. The duo did so well that they won several awards that year, including the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award, the highest honor given by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

If you love classic love stories overcoming odds, make sure to watch The Hows of Us with your loved ones. 

If you love: Rhian Ramos

You should watch: Saving Sally

If you like love stories with a hint of playful fantasy, you’ll definitely enjoy Saving Sally. It’s the first Filipino film of its kind when it was released in 2016. This live-action animated movie stars Rhian Ramos, Enzo Marcos, and TJ Trinidad. In the movie, Rhian brings to life the character of Sally, a quiet young inventor who meets Marty (Marcos) and the two team up to fight off the so-called monsters in Sally’s life, like her abusive parents and her annoying boyfriend, Nick (Trinidad). 

If you enjoy movies full of funny antics but also touching slightly serious themes such as loneliness and troublesome relationships, watch this film with close friends and family.  

If you love: Sue Ramirez

You should watch: Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa WiFi

By just looking at the title, this could be all of us! But this Jun Lana rom-com follows social media-obsessed Norma played beautifully by Sue Ramirez. Her quirky and quite natural portrayal makes Norma ever-so-endearing. So when she gets diagnosed with electromagnetic hypersensitivity, a condition that makes it dangerous for her to be around gadgets that use WiFi, she had to be sent to a far-flung place without any network signal and discovers true love the old fashioned way: without Instagram, without Facebook, without WiFi. 

If you love quirky characters, make sure to watch this movie with your special someone (it could give them a few ideas on how to show their love without using digital likes and @’s). 

If you love: Liza Soberano

You should watch: My Ex And Whys

In this 2017 romantic comedy by Cathy Garcia-Molina, Liza Soberano stars as famous blogger Cali with her real life beau Enrique Gil, who plays womanizer heartthrob Gio. While the movie explores their characters’ lives after the break-up, the wounds and memories of feelings-past are recalled as they spend more time working together while Gio does his best to convince Cali that he’s changed for the better. Liza Soberano delivers a powerful performance in this movie, perhaps one of the reasons why this movie is reportedly the highest grossing film of LizQuen to date.

If you love bittersweet romance with lots of comedic relief, watch My Ex And Whys with your best friend or (if you’re feeling brave) your ex. 

If you love: Alden Richards

You should watch: Imagine You & Me

View this post on Instagram

Tara akyat...

A post shared by Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) on

After converting all of us into devoted supporters of “AlDub Nation” in 2016, Kapuso matinee idol Alden Richards starred in his first leading role with Maine Mendoza in Mike Tuviera’s Imagine You & Me. This bittersweet rom-com follows Andrew (Richards), a no-nonsense medical student in Italy who was recently heartbroken and has abandoned all notions of love and destiny. His character is the polar opposite of Gara (Mendoza), an OFW who believes in true love and the power of fate. Despite being opposites, these two find out they have more things in common than they first imagined. 

If you love lighthearted movies with picturesque views of Italy, this film is for you and your S/O or BFF. 

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How to Pose for Photos, According to Camille Co https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-pose-for-photos-according-to-camille-co Sun, 08 Nov 2020 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23361

Ever had a bangin’ OOTD but never knew how to show it off properly? Models and influencers make posing for photos look easy, but for us regular folks it can still be a lil’ bit awkward at times. As a former fashion designer and a certified fashionista in her own right, Belo Baby Camille Co knows how to flaunt your threads in the best way possible. Here are some tried-and-tested posing tips that will always give you feed-worthy photos.

1. Mind your lines.

The most important tip you’ll need to remember is you always need to keep the line of your body in mind. As Camille shows in her posing video hacks, always make a gap and keep your front arm away from your body. Pressing it against your torso makes your arm bigger than it really is, so keep that in mind!

2. Show off your accessories.

If you want to bring focus to your accessories, like your jewellery or bag, the best way of doing so is with your hands. For example, bringing your hand close to your face will accentuate your ring or watch. Meanwhile, casually holding your bag or putting it in front of your body closer to the camera will draw the viewer’s eyes to it.

3. Elongate your legs.

According to Camille, the simple act of extending one foot forward is a fool-proof way of posing for a photo and a go-to of our fave fashion bloggers. It not only makes you look taller, especially when you’re sitting down, but it also draws the eye to your shoes. Another way is by crouching down in front of your mirror, but also keeping your outer leg extended in front.

4. Use your outfit!

For girly gals that love long and flowy dresses, perfecting that twirling shot may seem impossible IRL. Au contraire! Camille recommends ditching the full twirls and instead try swaying from side to side while letting the natural movement of your dress do its thing.

5. Nail the walking pose.

Another in-action pose you should know is the walking pose Another fave pose of fashion bloggers, especially when shooting in public, this is an easy way of looking effortless in your photos. First, place one foot forward and pop your hip in the same direction. Then, “swing” the opposite arm to mimic how you naturally walk. Voila, a ‘gram-worthy photo!

6. Frame your face.

Now if you do want to draw attention to your lovely face, there are several ways to do this and it all involves the strategic placement of your hands. Try faux fixing your hair and holding your hand next to your head or clasping your hands together and resting your chin on top of them. These are genius methods to show off your makeup or glowing bare skin in a photo, without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Now that you know these handy tricks, get to posing and posting those amazing photos. And remember, a bright and confident aura is the only accessory you’ll ever need. Snap away!

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You HAVE to See This Kilig Video of Catriona Gray and Piolo Pascual https://www.belomed.com/blog/you-have-to-see-this-kilig-video-of-catriona-gray-and-piolo-pascual Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23391

So by now, you’re probably aware that Catriona Gray and Piolo Pascual are the twin endorsers of our newest campaign, #BelofEYE

What’s BelofEYE, you ask? One, it’s a play on the popular Belo verb “Belofy,” except this time it’s focused on the eyes. Two, it’s a comprehensive set of treatments designed specifically for your delicate eye area—which is likely taking the toll of your increased screen time, erratic sleep schedule, and more.

Anyways. You can learn more about our campaign here. Right now, what we want to tell you about is this super kilig video featuring Catriona and Piolo—with a twist. All you’re going to see is their eyes! See their “eye conversation” here:

What was the idea behind the video?

It’s a modern interpretation of the classic Western trope, where two cowboys about to engage in a gunfight look one another in the eye. The camera zooms to the protagonist’s eye area as an ominous country song begins to play its first notes. We wanted to pay homage to that in a more loving and human way, between two human beings feeling melancholy because of the pandemic.

Why the focus on the eyes?

As Piolo mentions in the video, you can infer a lot from the eyes. So even in the world where our primary mode of expression—our mouth—is covered, there’s still a lot of emotion that you can get from someone’s eyes.

Why is it so important to care for your eyes?

Your eyes, and possibly your hair, are the only things that distinguish you from a masked crowd these days. And quarantine has brought with it a unique set of stresses, most of which leave bad effects on the eyes. Now, more than ever, your eyes should be the focus.

Learn more about the BelofEYE range here.

To book your eye care consultation and appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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BTS' Secrets for Clear, Glowing Skin—and How You Can Try Them https://www.belomed.com/blog/bts-secrets-for-clear-glowing-skin-and-how-you-can-try-them Sun, 08 Nov 2020 21:42:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23408

It was in June 2017, the day a K-pop group took home the prize for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, that BTS became more than just an Asian sensation. That award was their first significant mark on a Western populace that was just getting to know the many imports of Korean culture—from entertainment to food to skincare. Fast-forward to 2020, and everyone and their mother is at least vaguely familiar with the boy group, thanks to their hit song “Dynamite,” which made them the first all-South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100.

But more than their impossibly-synchronized dance moves and their ability to produce earworm after earworm, one thing BTS is known for is their flawless skin. Back when they were still on a high from their Top Social Artist win, BTS sat down with Allure to share their skincare secrets. Here’s how you can copy them and make them a part of your routine.

Jung Hoseok (J-Hope) and Jeon Jungkook 

J-Hope and Jungkook shared that they both use toner and face cream in the morning. Pretty simple routine, right? Dr. Belo agrees with simplicity, citing that you actually don’t need dozens of products to have an efficient skincare routine. For Dr. Belo, it’s important to cleanse, tone, and use a serum (in the morning, best to use Vitamin C). So the boys are on point!

Here’s another good-boy habit from J-Hope: “I try to go to the dermatologist when I have some free time after work." Woo-hoo! It’s important to squeeze in trips to your skin doctor whenever you can. Once a month is ideal!

Kim Namjoon (RM)

When asked if they consider skincare to be a form of self-care, the group’s charismatic leader said yes. “I totally agree. My favorite brand...has a variety of sheet masks you can choose from after a long day of work,” he shared. 

Dr. Belo echoed this in a Facebook Live session with Grace Lee and Ryan Bang. She couldn’t stop raving about the FILLMED® Hyaluronic Youth Mask. “Oiliness is next to ugliness, right? But we want water. ‘Pag nakita niyo ‘yung mga bata, ang ganda ng skin nila. Hindi sila oily. Marami silang water sa mukha. So ‘yung hyaluronic acid, may mask na from Paris that soaks your face in hyaluronic acid. This then absorbs 1000 times its weight in water, so sobrang hydrated ‘yung face.” Safe to say sheet masks are both BTS- and Belo-approved!

Park Jimin

Jimin mentioned that he “tries to clear his mind” by cleaning his face after performances. Slow clap! Cleansing is the one step you should never skip, even when you’re dead tired. And if Jimin can find the time to do it after an exhausting performance, so can you! There are cleansers for every skin type, so be sure to consult with a Belo MD about which one is the best for you.

The group’s resident mochi also shared that on long plane rides, he “tries to drink as much water as possible." Dr. Belo agrees, saying it’s still “the cheapest and best way to keep your body healthy” in a 2018 interview with Pep.ph.

Kim Taehyung (V)

V got honest in his Allure interview, admitting that “I’m worried about my skin having lack of elasticity. How can I prevent this?” If you’re worried about this too, Belo has so. Many. Options. So don’t you worry! From more affordable options like Exilis and Skin Reboot, to procedures with long-term results like Thermage FLX and Skin Genius, there’s a skin-tightening treatment for every budget.

Min Yoongi (Suga)

OK, this one has us thrown for a loop. When asked about any bad skincare habits, Yoongi replied: "My bad habit is that I don’t take care of my skin." But—but how? His skin is just as perfect as everybody else’s in the group. Maybe Suga’s just being secretive. We refuse to believe he doesn’t take care of his skin, even a little! 

Kim Seokjin

Allure referred to this BTS FESTA video from 2017, where Jin says, “If you behave young, your face becomes young, too.” And we completely agree—youth is all about the mindset. If you feel young, you’ll be more likely to take care of yourself in order to preserve your youthfulness. As the adage goes, age is just a number.

So, to summarize: cleanse, use sheet masks, have a simple routine, try a skin-tightening treatment, and exude youth from the inside out. Easy-peasy, right? By being consistent with your routine and keeping up good habits, you’ll be sporting Bangtan-level glass skin in no time.

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You Can Get Kylie Jenner's *Exact* Same Lip Fillers at Belo! https://www.belomed.com/blog/you-can-get-kylie-jenners-exact-same-lip-fillers-at-belo Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23426

Kylie Jenner, reality-star-turned-billionaire-and-mom-of-one, founded Kylie Cosmetics in 2015, which shot its way to global fame with the eponymous Kylie Lip Kit. She claimed that her full-looking lips were a result of overlining—a makeup technique in which one applies lipliner way beyond the natural lip line to create the illusion of larger lips. But fans and haters alike weren’t having it. (In the meantime, a dangerous Kylie Lip Challenge had made the rounds on social media.) 

In May 2015, Kylie finally put the rumors to rest in a voiceover for the now-defunct Keeping Up with the Kardashians. "I have temporary lip fillers. It's just an insecurity of mine and it's what I wanted to do," Jenner said. "I want to admit to the lips, but people are so quick to judge me on everything, so I might have tiptoed around the truth—but I didn't lie."

Kylie Jenner Before and After

In an 2017 episode of Life of Kylie, she opened up even more about the reason she began to feel insecure about her lips. "It was, like, one of my first kisses and a guy was like, 'I didn't think you would be a good kisser because you have such small lips.' But I took that really hard. Just when a guy you like says that, I don't know, it just really affected me. I just didn't feel desirable or pretty. I really wanted bigger lips. I would overline my lips with lip liner just to create the illusion of bigger lips. And then finally I was like, 'This lip liner isn't doing it.' I ended up getting my lips done,” she confessed.

Later on, Refinery29 had the chance to speak with Pawnta Abrahimi, registered nurse, owner of Pawnta Cosmetic Dermatology in Beverly Hills, and licensed Allergan trainer. Allergan, if you weren’t aware, is the inventor of BOTOX® and Juvéderm...and the latter happens to be what she used for Kylie’s famous pout.

Said Pawnta, “I like to use Juvéderm for the lips because it’s made from hyaluronic acid. That means it retains and absorbs water, so it’s specifically great for lips.” And guess what—Juvéderm fillers are readily available at Belo, so you can literally have Kylie Jenner lips without having to fly out to Beverly Hills! 

Here it is in action on influencer Angel Dei:

Juvéderm is generally used for wrinkle correction around the eyes and lips, as well as in lip enhancement. Whether you want baby lip fillers for a minor enhancement or want to go all the way like Kylie, you can speak with our Belo MDs to figure out just how much Juvéderm filler is right for your face shape and beauty goals.

OMG, Bible, you’re on your way to keeping up with the Kardashians! All it takes is a quick 15-minute procedure.

To book your appointment for Juvéderm fillers, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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8 Hours of Sleep, 8 Glasses of Water—Do These Rules Apply to Everyone? https://www.belomed.com/blog/8-hours-of-sleep-8-glasses-of-water-do-these-rules-apply-to-everyone Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:21:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23456

Since we were kids we’ve been told to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and make sure to sleep at least eight hours every night, but is it the same advice for all of us? 

If you’re curious, keep reading because we’re breaking down these two health “rules” to see if it’s still applicable to everyone.

Should I drink 8 glasses of water every day?

The importance of water in our diet is unquestionable, but experts say the amount of water you should drink depends on several factors.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the best hospitals in the United States, “water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly.” 

The Mayo Clinic mentioned that the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has determined that an “average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate” will need about 2.7 liters (for women) to 3.7 liters (for men) of fluids a day.

For athletes, according to Exercise Science professor Tamara Hew-Butler at Oakland University, drinking water could just be a matter of when your body tells you to do so. “Our bodies already possess an extremely sensitive measure of dehydration. It’s called thirst. As long as we drink whenever we feel thirsty, we really won’t dehydrate. That’s how humans have done it for millions of years and it’s worked out fine,” she tells TruTV host Adam Conover in the hydration episode of “Adam Ruins Everything”

In a 2015 article for The New York Times, Indiana University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics Aaron E. Carroll called this age-old advice as a myth and that the recommended amount of water one needs will depend on several factors like your age, location, overall health, diet, and level of physical activity.

“There is no formal recommendation for a daily amount of water people need. That amount obviously differs by what people eat, where they live, how big they are and what they are doing,” he wrote. “But as people in this country live longer than ever before, and have arguably freer access to beverages than at almost any time in human history, it’s just not true that we’re all dehydrated.”

Our very own Dr. Vicki Belo points out that water is still “the cheapest and best way to keep your body healthy”.

"Drink ten glasses of water a day, because if you think about how big our body is and how little we drink, right? … It’s like a river. Our body becomes stagnant with the dirt and the toxins if we don’t flush it out with water," Dr. Belo shared in an interview with PEP.ph in 2018.

Should I sleep at least 8 hours every night?

The short answer is yes, most adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night. But experts also point out that the quality of sleep – not just the length of sleep – is important.

In the same PEP.ph article, Dr. Belo said sleeping late is one of the main culprits in weight gain and unhealthy skin.

"Sleeping late is really bad… You’ll notice that if you don’t sleep, you will gain weight, you will have dark circles, you will not feel as healthy. You will always feel tired,” she explained. “You have to remember when we are up right now, we are very active. We are spending our energy. It's only when you sleep that you repair.” 

She goes on to explain that during sleep, the body secretes necessary hormones to repair the body and it starts two hours after you fall asleep. Any delays in your bedtime means delay in the release of the repair hormones, which could signal problems within the body.

“Usually 8 to 9 p.m. you should be ready to sleep. It’s more important the time you sleep than how many hours of sleep, although of course 7 to 8 hours is really a good number," she concludes.

Dr. Belo’s statement is supported by a 2015 study by the Sleep Health Journal of the National Sleep Foundation, where it states that young adults (ages 18 to 25) and adults (ages 26 to 64) need around 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep, while older adults (ages 65 and above) need a little less at 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

According to neuroscientist and sleep specialist Chelsie Rohrscheib in a Quartz article in 2018, “While humans need, on average, eight hours of sleep each night, the exact length of time it takes to accomplish these sleep functions is highly dictated by an individual’s genes… It’s extremely rare for a person to require less than six hours of sleep per night... The exception to this rule are individuals with a genetic variant that allows the brain to function more efficiently on less than six hours of sleep, but this is extremely rare and very few people actually have this gene.”

Lastly, it’s also important to take note of the role of sleep in keeping our bodies healthy. In a study published by Nature Reviews Immunology in 2004, adequate sleep helps build up our immune response, which is especially important now that we are in the middle of a global pandemic. 

“There is increasing evidence that sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on the immune response, indicating that sleep should be considered a vital part of the immune system and that there is a reciprocal relationship between sleep and immunity… The concept that lack of sleep might be compromising immunity in the population has far-reaching public-health implications for both individuals and society.”

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Can "Face Workouts" Really Make You Look Younger? https://www.belomed.com/blog/can-face-workouts-really-make-you-look-younger Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23474

When we think of staying fit and toned, we think of physical exercises like going to the gym or doing Pilates. But did you know that there’s a thing called “face workouts” which exercise your facial muscles? Dr. Vicki Belo is actually a fan of facial exercises and recently demonstrated a series of face workouts on her YouTube channel.

In her video, Dr. Belo explained that the facial muscles start off as tight and round and, with age and time, eventually become longer and thinner. Other factors, like water retention and gravity, can also add on to loosening of muscles and the sagging appearance of the skin. In order to tone-up these muscles, you need to constantly exercise them similar to other muscle groups.

Since there currently isn’t a machine available that can do it for us, we need to do it ourselves. She recommends doing facial exercises everyday or at least three to four times a week to maintain a lifted, youthful appearance. She’s not alone in this: a 2018 study observed that 30-minutes of daily face workouts—also referred to as face yoga—over a period of 20 weeks can make one look two to three years younger than before doing face exercises. Did we convince you of their anti-ageing benefits? Here are three exercises you can try.

Toning Exercise For A Defined Jawline

Who wouldn’t want to flaunt a defined jawline in their photos? We certainly do. To say goodbye to double-chinned moments and hello to a killer side profile, here’s a simple exercise you could do every other day.

  1. Put your upper and lower lips over your teeth, covering it, while leaving your mouth slightly open.
  2. Try closing your mouth, imagining some resistance in the pockets of your cheeks, while lifting your chin slightly as you close your mouth without your lips touching.
  3. Repeat this at least 20 to 40 times, twice a day (Dr. Belo recommends doing it in the morning and evening).

Balloon-Bursting Exercise For Cheeks

A lot of factors, including water retention, can make your cheeks appear rounder than usually. If you want to achieve the look of a slimmer face, try this cheek exercise that Dr. Belo recommended. As a bonus, it can help reduce the appearance of laughlines around your mouth. Win-win!

  1. Start by trapping some air on one side in the pockets of your cheeks.
  2. Gently transfer that air pocket to the other cheek, either on your own or with the help of your kiddo, essentially “popping” the balloon.
  3. Do this for 10 rounds on each cheek, a total of 20 times per session.

Stretching Exercise For A Longer Neck

Here’s another face workout that’s easy to fit in to your schedule. For that long, swan-like neck (perfect for photos!), try this simple neck stretching exercise.

  1. Gently put your hands on the sides of your neck.
  2. With your feet planted solidly on the ground, carefully extend your chin forward to stretch your neck muscles.
  3. Hold it for 10 counts.
  4. Repeat for four more sets.

Another neck exercise you could do is simply tilting your head back and pointing your chin up to the ceiling, as it also stretches the neck muscles.

Do these face workouts daily and watch as your facial muscles feel more firm and toned, while achieving that lifted appearance. It’s easy-peasy, and it’s all for free!

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AHA, BHA, PHA: What’s the Difference? https://www.belomed.com/blog/aha-bha-pha-whats-the-difference Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23484

“Acid” sounds like the most horrible thing you could put on your face. But when you remove the association with words like “muriatic” and “radioactive,” acids in the right formulations can work wonders for beleaguered, acne-prone, blemished skin. But first, there’s the question of which one is right for you. You may have walked out of a skincare department store aisle feeling more confused than enlightened—what the heck is the difference between AHA, BHA, and PHA anyway? Never fear; the confusion ends here.

Before anything else, you should know that the “HA” in all three of these words stands for “hydroxy acid.” There’s AHA for alpha hydroxy acid, BHA for beta hydroxy acid, and PHA for polyhydroxy acid. We’ll explain everything down below. 

What is AHA?

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) is derived from sugar cane, and it has the smallest molecules, so it penetrates into the skin very easily. It’s also able to stimulate collagen and loosen the bonds between cells in your stratum corneum (AKA the top layer of your skin). By loosening those cells, it becomes easier for them to slough off, revealing the good skin you have underneath.  (Related: Salicylic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid: What’s the Difference?)

Look into your skincare stash, and you’re likely to already have an AHA burrowed there, working its magic without you realizing it—glycolic acids and lactic acids are the most commonly-used AHAs. (Shop: Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5%, P500)

What is BHA?

BHAs mean that two carbon atoms separate the hydroxy molecule from the acid. Two, hence the word “beta.” It’s derived from willow bark, which has been used in ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations to curb pain, fever, and (hint, hint!) inflammation. That also means it’s capable of being dissolved or liquefied in oil, which makes it great at penetrating deep into the pores of your skin. And naturally, its oil-solubility makes it very ideal for those with oily skin types!

Salicylic acid is a popular BHA, and it’s often used as a spot treatment or acne treatment, with extremely effective results. (Shop: ZO® Oil Control Pads with salicylic acid, P4,050 until December 30, 2020)

What is PHA?

People with sensitive skin types might not fare well with AHAs or BHAs, which can come off too strong. For that, there’s PHA. Because it has a larger molecular structure than AHA, its penetration into the skin is slower, thus decreasing the risk of irritation and the intensity of exfoliation. Its antioxidant properties also protect your collagen from breaking down, making PHAs perfect for women in their 40s and above. 

Gluconolactone is a popular PHA—it encourages exfoliation and reduces irregularities without actually causing visible peeling. (Shop: FILLMED® Perfecting Solution with gluconolactone, P2,000)

Which one is right for me?

That depends on a variety of factors. While AHAs cater to a greater variety of skin types, BHAs may be better for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Finally, PHAs are best for sensitive or mature skin. Still, the best way to go is a consultation. You don’t want to use the wrong acids and end up exacerbating your skin condition. Certain acids shouldn’t be mixed with certain ingredients, so the insight of a Belo MD is a must!

Click here to purchase the Belo Prescriptives Glycolic Soap 5%, here to purchase the ZO® Oil Control Pads, and here to purchase the FILLMED® Perfecting Solution

To book your in-person consultation, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Hair-Washing Habits You're Probably Doing Wrong https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-hair-washing-habits-youre-probably-doing-wrong Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:41:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23511

Just like brushing your teeth, there’s a right and wrong way to wash your hair. It’s not as simple as squeezing a dollop of shampoo into your hand, making sure your scalp bubbles up, and then rinsing off! If you want to avoid dandruff, residue, excessive oiliness and more, you’ll need to wash your hair properly. Here are 5 hair-washing habits you’re probably doing wrong—and how to correct them.

1. DO NOT use too much shampoo.

We know it’s nice to feel and see a great big lather, but there is such a thing as using too much shampoo. To prevent product buildup on your roots, just use a dollop the size of a 5-peso coin. Short-haired gals can get away with much less.

2. DO NOT use shampoo on the entire length of your hair.

Shampoo was made to cleanse your *scalp* of dirt and impurities, not your actual hair strands! When you shampoo, apply the product directly onto your scalp, and make sure it covers your entire head, but there’s no need for you to deliberately spread it to the tips of your hair strands.

3. DO NOT use conditioner on your roots.

Now, if shampoo was made for your scalp, conditioner was made for the rest of your hair—particularly to nourish dried-out, lifeless tips. So don’t apply it to the roots of your hair—that can cause excessive oil buildup. Besides, you should only be applying conditioner where it matters (aka where it tangles).

4. DO NOT comb through tangles in the shower.

Your hair is already brittle enough while dry—when it’s wet, even more so! As tempting as it may be to step out of the shower with tangle-free hair, you should refrain from forcefully combing through stubborn tangles until your hair is fully dry. And even then, do so carefully, with a wide-toothed comb.

5. DO NOT use shampoo every single day.

Overwashing your hair can cause your scalp to dry out, as it prevents the production of natural oils from spreading down to your tips where oil is needed the most. Try to limit shampooing to every other day—you’re probably working from home anyway, so nobody’s going to notice!

Aside from your eyes, your hair is one of the last few features that can distinguish you in a crowd these days. It’s important to give it the utmost care, especially since hairfall is an issue for many this quarantine. Treat your hair right, and it’ll stay healthy and Belo Beautiful! 

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Snag These Anti-Acne Must-Haves at 10% OFF! https://www.belomed.com/blog/snag-these-anti-acne-must-haves-at-10-off Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:01:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23526

Clearer, brighter skin is now even easier to achieve, thanks to the holiday sale on all ZO® Skin Health products at The Belo Shop! Enjoy 10% off on any ZO® product and 5% off on ZO® Kits if you purchase from The Belo Shop until December 29, 2020.

ZO® Skin Health is developed by world-famous dermatologist, researcher, and author Dr. Zein Obagi. ZO®’s promise is to help create and maintain healthy skin for everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, skin type, or even skin condition through its holistic approach—changing the landscape of traditional skincare as we know it. In fact, Drs. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho are such huge fans of ZO® and have been using their products as part of their personal skincare regimen for years. With the two top dermatologists in the country vouching for its effectiveness, Belo Medical Group (through The Belo Shop) is the exclusive and official distributor of ZO® Skin Health products in the Philippines.

Want to achieve clear and glowing skin but not sure which ZO® product to get? Here’s a quick rundown of these skincare must-haves.

ZO® Oil Control Pads

Discounted from P4,500 to P4,050 for 60 pads

Formerly known as Cebatrol, these easy-to-use oil control pads will remove oil and dirt from the pores, normalize pore size, help smoothen your skin’s surface using mandelic and glycolic acid, and reduce irritation through its cooling effect. It contains 2% salicylic acid to help prevent acne. It’s especially effective when used with an acne treatment program, just like what Sunnies co-founder Jess Wilson did to get smoother, clearer skin before her wedding!

ZO® Hydrating Cleanser

Discounted from P3,700 to P3,330 for 200ml

This ZO® product doesn’t just remove dirt from the skin. It also retains your skin’s moisture with a blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Panthenol, and Urea, which prevents dryness and delivers a calming effect against irritation using Allantoin, which is a god-send for those with sensitive skin. It also removes make-up without leaving a greasy residue after rinsing.

ZO® Gentle Cleanser

Discounted from P3,700 to P 3,330 for 200ml

This is one of The Belo Shop’s best-sellers because it’s ideal for all skin types. Formerly known as Foamacleanse, its gentle cleansing action removes impurities (like oil and make-up) from the skin while keeping it hydrated. It contains sodium lauroyl oat amino acids, which restores the natural skin barrier and cleanses without drying; glycerin, which keeps the skin hydrated; and a proprietary blend of botanical extracts to give the cleanser antioxidant and anti-irritant properties the natural way. 

ZO® Calming Toner pH Balancer

Discounted from P3,250 to P2,925

This dual-action toner (formerly known as Balatone) works two ways to give the skin the TLC it deserves: It visibly reduces pore size using Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), which gives the skins a smoother, clearer look and feel; and it cools, soothes, and hydrates treated skin in a gentle way using an exclusive blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, and Sodium PCA.

ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener

Discounted from P7,000 to P6,300

In an interview with Philippine Tatler in September 2020, Dr. Belo shared an important skincare hack: “Apply tretinoin or retinol every day…it dries up oiliness, gets rid of bacteria, and normalizes skin turnover in your teens. As you get to your thirties, it increases collagen and elastin production.” This product brightens the skin with high-potency retinol (Vitamin E) and ascorbic acid-2 Glucosamine (Vitamin C), which helps support natural cellular turnover, and it also evens out the skin tone by targeting discoloration using glutathione, soy isoflavones, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine, which also prevents new age spots.

ZO® Brightalive Skin Brightener

Discounted from P7,800 to P7,020

This product is an important part of both Dr. Vicki and Dr. Hayden’s daily skincare routine. From its name alone, this ZO® product (formerly known as "Ossential" Brightalive Non-Retinol Skin Brightener) aims to even out skin tone by reducing dark spots using Papain (a natural enzyme from papaya, which exfoliates and removes dead skin cells to reveal new, brighter skin) and Glycerin (which hydrates the skin and restores its natural moisture). Another benefit of using Brightalive is calming and soothing irritated skin using a combination of natural plant extracts from Hedgenettle (Stachys officinalis), Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

ZO® Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum

Discounted from P3,900 to P3,510 for a 30ml bottle

This product is a terrific addition to any make-up kit. As an excellent SPF 30 sunscreen, it protects the skin from the damaging effects of UVA/YVB, IR-A rays from the sun and even high-energy visible (HEV or HEVIS) light from gadgets and screens using Titanium dioxide. As a primer, it infuses the skin with Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and uses silicones to prime the skin to give it a silky finish and make it the perfect canvas for any make-up (pro-tip: it also helps make-up last a lot longer to lessen the need for touch-ups). It also helps lessen the appearance of fine lines. The best part about the ZO® Sunscreen + Primer is that it can be used by itself for days when you don’t feel like wearing make-up but you still want to pamper your skin and get maximum protection from the sun at the same time.

ZO® Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum

Discounted from P5,000 to P4,500

Just like the ZO® Sunscreen + Primer, this is an excellent addition to your make-up kit especially for people on the go. The ZO® Sunscreen + Powder comes in a compact tube with an ultra-soft brush to make application easier anytime, anywhere for those quick touch-ups. 

This SPF 40 Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun using Triple-Spectrum Protection® and exclusive ZO® antioxidant technology. Meanwhile, the Powder absorbs surface oil to minimize unnecessary shine while keeping the skin hydrated and feeling smooth. It contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, and fractionated melanin, which provides protection against blue light (HEV/HEVIS light). Dr. Zein Obagi’s signature ZOX12® complex contains Vitamins A, C, and E to protect skin from free radical damage and IR-A rays. The ZO® Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum comes in Light and Medium variants to match most Asian skin tones.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on to The Belo Shop, stock up on these revolutionary ZO® products, and be on your way to healthier, clearer skin!

Want to know more about finding the right skincare regimen for you? Get in touch with us and book a live consultation with a Belo MD – absolutely free! Just email info@belomed.com

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Dry Skin? This P500 Soap Is A Must-Have https://www.belomed.com/blog/dry-skin-this-p500-soap-is-a-must-have Thu, 12 Nov 2020 15:35:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23554

If you constantly find your skin feeling dry and tight, despite being strict about taking good care of your skin, then maybe it’s time to change something in your skincare routine. Perhaps you’re using a product that’s not appropriate for your skin type. Note: this could lead to more skin problems in the future. You can start by switching to another cleanser, one that’s gentle but effective in getting rid of the dirt and debris from the skin surface and pores.

Cue in the Belo Prescriptives TOG (Tincture of Green) Soap, a gentle and moisturizing facial soap formulated especially for folks with dry and sensitive skin. And at only P500 at The Belo Shop, it’s certainly a steal and a must-have! Ahead, we break down its ingredients that make it the ultimate dry skin savior.

1. It’s a gentle cleanser.

Cleansing is a staple in a basic skincare routine. But when it comes to choosing one,  your cleanser should always be gentle and non-stripping. Luckily, the Belo Prescriptives TOG Soap is here to be your skin savior. This facial soap is made with stearic acid, a natural cleansing agent, that lifts away impurities from your skin.

2. It also leaves the skin feeling moisturized.

Our CEO and founder Dr. Vicki Belo is an avid believer of skipping moisturizer altogether, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find other skincare products with hydrating ingredients. Stearic acid is also an emollient, a fatty acid that fills in the cracks on a dry and dehydrated skin surface. It also has vegetable oil, which is known to contain phytochemicals and nutrients that help moisturize, protect and strengthen your skin.

3. It can help protect your skin from further damage.

TOG Soap also has glycerine, an ingredient that when used in skincare is capable of hydrating the outer layer of the skin, protecting it against skin irritants, and speeding up wound-healing according to a 2008 study. Meanwhile, a 2016 study considers this ingredient as “the most effective humectant”—meaning it draws in water from the outermost layer of the skin and pulls it deep into the deeper skin layers, therefore hydrating the skin from within.

4. It’s made with purified water.

Did you know that the tap water you use to rinse your face can be too harsh and damaging for your skin? No worries, Belo solves that problem and takes the skin-loving goodness even further by formulating the TOG Soap with purified water (an ingredient also found in micellar water) so it’s free of chemicals and other impurities that can harm your skin.

5. It’s hypoallergenic.

Unless you have a specific allergy to any of the ingredients we mentioned above, this budget facial soap can be used by anyone with any skin type—but most especially by those with dry skin.

Click here to purchase the Belo Prescriptives TOG Soap.

Still not convinced? For the best results, you can book an online consultation with a Belo branch doctor here. Want to know what else Dr. Belo would recommend for your dry skin problems? You can find out by clicking here.

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I'm in My 50s, and This Is My Holy Grail Lotion https://www.belomed.com/blog/im-in-my-50s-and-this-is-my-holy-grail-lotion Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:26:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23599

It’s easy to care for your skin when you’re 16 and basically poreless. But as you approach your 40s and beyond, your high school drugstore finds may no longer do the trick. You need high-performance, proven-and-tested products to up your collagen levels, slow down aging, and keep you looking healthy and youthful. And this doesn’t just go for the skin on your face—after all, the skin on your body ages along with you, too. That’s why for Rosa Corrales, it was a huge relief to find her perfect body care product. Read on.

“At this age (golden na), I feel that my skin has seen it all. And by all, I mean it’s been through different climates, temperature, skin burns from both the natural and unnatural way of tanning, [and all kinds of] abuse,” she confessed. “So more than ever, I needed to take exceptionally good care of my skin—not just on my face but for the rest of my body parts.”

Rosa Corrales at 50s

Rosa discovered the ZO® Body Emulsion while under quarantine, when Dr. Hayden Kho posted about how much he loved it on Instagram. She immediately got herself a bottle, and she fell in love with it just as quickly. “The Body Emulsion [gives] my skin the hydration it needs to keep my skin soft and smooth...like, silky smooth!” 

It’s easy to see why: this body hydrator actually contains a 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex that protects the skin, even long after you’ve applied it. It also contains retinol for increased collagen production and cellular turnover, papain for exfoliation, glycerin and algae extract for hydration, and much, much more. You can view the full ingredient list here. (Related: What’s Retinol, and Why Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine?)

“Beach trips and trips to the province [have left] my skin feeling weird and super dry. Thank God for my saving grace. This Body Emulsion really helped with my skin issues—I know I’m just hysterical when it comes to anything that involves the skin. Applying this lotion in rough areas, elbows, knees can instantly leave my skin hydrated. I feel and think it really penetrates the moisture, deeply. It’s my body’s AGUA,” she raved.

Rosa Corrales eating some food

“[I’m] so happy to have discovered the ZO® Body Emulsion. Every time I apply this, it gets me excited. It’s like the feeling of knowing that I get to treat my skin with so much love and respect, you know what I mean?”

Rosa Corrales with no makeup

Click here to purchase the ZO® Body Emulsion.

To book an in-person consultation, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Why Are Our Eyes the First to Age? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-are-our-eyes-the-first-to-age Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:44:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23617

In case you didn’t know, the skin around our eyes is thinner and more fragile compared to that on the rest of our face and body. That’s because this sensitive part lacks elements like fat and muscle that make the skin naturally strong. Add to that our daily exposure to UV rays from digital screens like phones and laptops, and we get an area that is not only delicate, but also prone to aging. Other factors like lack of sleep, stress, and constant tugging or rubbing of the eyes also play a part in the premature aging of the eye area.

The good news is that there are preventive and corrective treatments for our delicate eyes. Here’s a rundown of solutions for common eye problems:

For dark undereye circles

If you’ve been stressed and anxiety is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, you’re sure to wake up with dark circles under your eyes. Our Angel Whitening Eyes treatment is our best-selling laser procedure that has a nifty Panda Eyes setting to address the stubborn darkness with no down time at all.

For tired and puffy eyes

For those of us staying up late binge-watching on Netflix movies or generally having more screen time than usual, BioNutriGlow can help refresh your eyes through infusing the vitamin-rich New Cellular Treatment Factor into the eye area. This helps hydrate the skin and reverse the signs of aging and photodamage for that youthful glow.

For drooping eyelids

If you’re guilty of neglecting your eye skin care routine in your 20’s and 30’s and are now seeing signs of aging in your 40’s or 50’s, Thermage Eyes is our best non-surgical solution for that much-needed lift and skin tightening. 

For fine lines and wrinkles

Our daily expressions through our eyes and mouths contribute to the development of wrinkles over time, apart from those that naturally occur as our skin ages. It’s a good thing that our wide array of Injectable Wrinkle Removers can control the appearance of these fine lines and wrinkles.

For sagging skin and loss of volume

If you’re in dire need of an extra lift around the eye area, our Fox Eyes treatment can help address the issue. It uses embedded protein threads in varying lengths and are inserted using thin needles in different points of the skin depending on where tightening and contouring is needed. 

For preventive care

If you’re looking for a routine to start with, we recommend our BelofEYE kit. It’s a simple two-step system that helps prevent and address signs of aging. The kit includes the FillMed®️ HXR-Eye Cream that addresses dark circles and reduces puffiness and eye bags, and the FillMed Eye-Recover Mask, a hydrogel-based mask that releases 3-Peptides and Collagen onto the skin for a refreshing effect.

If you prefer a more detailed beauty plan for eye care, click here to book an online consultation with a Belo doctor or here if you want to chat with Dr. Vicki Belo herself. 

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5 Ways to Be a Better Listener https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-ways-to-be-a-better-listener Sat, 14 Nov 2020 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23637

One of the most important things we’ve learned since the start of the pandemic is the importance of good communication. Now that we mostly resort to online means of communication to stay connected, we can no longer rely on visual cues to add context to what the other party is trying to convey. Even video calls are sometimes not enough. Closer to home, where we try our best to communicate effectively with our quarantine buddies, it’s also important to know to be able to clearly express ourselves.

One of the ways of doing so is by listening. While being able to translate your thoughts into words is certainly an important skill to develop, good communication also involves mindfully listening and absorbing the message you’re receiving.

1. Avoid flooding and stonewalling.

According to The Gottman Institute, “flooding” happens when one experiences a “heightened physiological arousal during conflict discussions” where an individual can “feel overwhelmed and intensely stressed”. They may also have an increased heart rate to over 100 beats per minute. This limits their ability to hear and understand another person and can lead to them saying something they’d regret or didn’t really mean. Flooding can also lead to stonewalling or “disengaging and emotionally withdrawing from the interaction” by lapsing into silence. To prevent this, renowned relationships therapist Dr. John Gottman recommends finding helpful coping methods when you feel the onset of flooding.

2. Give yourself time to calm down.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the conversation, it’s is perfectly alright to ask for a pause in the conversation. Practice some breathing exercises or go into another room – anything that can distract you from negative thoughts and help calm your nervous system.

3. Listen to understand rather than to respond.

We’re all human. Instinct would tell you to “react first and think later” but a good listener would do that in reverse.  In a September 2020 blog post, The Gottman Institute recommends listening to understand, or coming from a place of curiosity and openness “to seeing where another person is coming from”. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re agreeing with them, but rather, validating their point of view and understanding the thought process behind it.

4. Know your triggers and boundaries.

It may be difficult, but it helps to let the other person finish explaining themselves before reacting. Certain topics or statements may leave you feeling defensive and push you to interject before they’ve even finished. On the other hand, a conversation can take a turn for the worse and end up being disrespectful. Being fully aware of these two things will help you become a better listener in the long run. 

5. Be mindful of your love and respect for the other person.

At the end of the day, the other person is someone you love and/or respect. Remembering this will help “separate your relationship from the hurt and anger” you feel about your current situation.

These are just some tips you can adapt in order to become a better listener. What matters the most is your willingness to keep strengthening and deepening your bond with the other person – listening is just the beginning of doing so.

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How to Convince Your Boyfriend to Have a Skincare Routine https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-convince-your-boyfriend-to-have-a-skincare-routine Sat, 14 Nov 2020 16:50:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23646

Once you go long-term with a new person, there’s often a tendency to borrow habits from one another. If they hit the gym on the reg, you just might pick up a dumbbell more often. If they love Korean barbecue, then you’re down, too. But if you’ve noticed your boyfriend taking a gander at your side of the medicine cabinet lately (and borrowing your face wash every once in a while), here are a few ways you can get him to have a fully-fledged skincare routine.

1. Bring it up in passing more often.

The next time you two are prepping for bed together—he’s brushing his teeth, you’re doing your skincare—you could say something casual like, “Ugh, I really love this toner. Natatanggal talaga yung dumi,” or “My face wash smells so good, no?” This won’t be enough to convince him just yet, but you’re planting the seeds and laying the groundwork here. Be patient!

2. Leave him a little gift.

At Belo, our male patients often come as a result of their girlfriends or wives convincing them to give it a try. You can do the exact same thing at home! You can browse online shops and find something for your man. Then, leave it on his side of the bathroom sink with a note, and he’ll surely get the message.

3. Lovingly point out a skin issue of his—and the product that can solve it.

If you’ve been dating him for a while (or if you’re already married), there’s nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism. You can lovingly point out that, say, he’s been looking a little oilier lately, and that you have something that could really help. So long as it’s brought up nicely or playfully enough, you won’t hurt his feelings.

4. Talk about other men who care for their skin.

Vince Vaughn wears Balm Dotcom in Original. Via MUA/groomer @spygirlmo

Posted by Glossier on Friday, September 29, 2017

Some men are dyahe to have a skincare routine because it’s seen by some as unmanly. But the world has changed, and caring for yourself shouldn’t be defined by archaic gender roles. If men like David Beckham, The Rock, John Mayer, and Vince Vaughn can admit to having skincare routines, so can your SO! Do with that information what you will. (We’re still not over the fact that Vince Vaughn uses Glossier products in his routine. ADORBS.)

5. Let your skin do the talking.

If all else fails, lead by example! If you keep your skin clear and healthy, he’s bound to take notice—especially if you’ve overcome a skin issue recently and he sees the results for himself. All you have to do is wait for his curiosity to pique!

Men tend to have oilier, rougher skin than women, so it’s actually more important for them to have a proper skincare routine. You can nudge him in the right direction with a little patience and affection—just be sure to point him to the experts. Once you’ve got him convinced, the next step is a consultation.

To book an in-person consultation, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Does your man want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want him to get to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Can You Really Laser Away the Fat Under Your Eyes? https://www.belomed.com/blog/can-you-really-laser-away-the-fat-under-your-eyes Sun, 15 Nov 2020 15:04:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23666

It’s been eight months since the country was placed under quarantine due to COVID-19. For most of us, our current situation introduced new levels of stress we didn’t even think were possible. In fact, if you’ve been having trouble sleeping, know that you are not alone. But these sleepless nights are taking its toll on our bodies and after eight long months, it might be starting to manifest on our face. 

As we age, the skin and muscles supporting our eyelids tend to weaken and excess fat may gather around the eyes causing it to droop or sag, which we call eyebags. But this condition can also be aggravated by poor sleeping patterns and general lack of sleep.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eyebags are more than just a “beauty” concern. “Besides making you look older, severely sagging skin around your eyes can reduce your side vision (peripheral vision), especially the upper and outer parts of your field of vision.”

If you’ve been noticing more puffiness under or around the eyes and it’s starting to bother you, you might want to consider Laser Blepharoplasty. Depending on your concerns, this procedure can help lift up drooping eyelids, remove eyebags, and even give you an “eye slit” (which is a popular procedure for Asian patients). This out-patient procedure tightens the skin around the eye area in a non-invasive way. Yes, no knives or scalpels needed! At the Belo Medical Group, our experts use a carbon dioxide laser instead of scalpels, in order to remove the fat deposits around the eyes and get rid of eyebags and tighten the skin around the eye area. This option is perfect if you’re anxious about getting stuff done to your eyes, especially if it involves sharp objects.

Since lasers make almost microscopic incisions, the post-surgery recovery period is much shorter. There’s very minimal swelling or bruising on the first week but usually mellows down once the fine sutures are removed five to seven days after the procedure. It’s an out-patient procedure, but patients can choose to stay in our facilities overnight. 

Laser Blepharoplasty (upper or lower) starts at P50,000 depending on the extent of work required per patient.

To book your pre-surgery appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo surgeon. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Rhian Ramos' Fave Treatment Is Like a Spa For Your Eye Area https://www.belomed.com/blog/rhian-ramos-fave-treatment-is-like-a-spa-for-your-eye-area Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:24:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23678

Last October 16, Rhian Ramos took to Instagram to share a pretty unusual photo of herself. Netizens were left wondering about the strange things surrounding her eye area. Scroll down to see them for yourself:

If you’re like most people, you must have been like, WHOA. What are those?

What you’re seeing here, folks, are the papules that are left behind by a Belo BioNutriGlow® treatment!

What is BioNutriGlow®?

It’s a mesotherapy procedure that infuses New Cellular Treatment Factor (NCTF®) into the skin surface using intradermal needling. It’s part of our BelofEYE series, a comprehensive line of treatments for brighter, more youthful eyes.

What makes BioNutriGlow® so special?

This beauty activator contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin and gives it a youthful glow, plus 59 other essential nutrients that help to reverse signs of aging and photodamage—that’s essentially what NCTF® is. Created by Laboratoires Fillmed in France, this globally-renowned rejuvenation solution is perfect for livening up delicate areas like the eyes, neck, and décolletage. It’s known colloquially and unofficially among skincare buffs as the Chanel injection, and people are willing to pay top dollar for it. 

What is BioNutriGlow® perfect for?

BNG, as we like to call it, is perfect for skin issues such as dullness, dehydration, lack of density, fine lines and wrinkles, and imperfections. If your eye area has been looking puffy, saggy, pigmented, or tired lately, then BioNutriGlow is the key! However, the treatment can also be done on other areas, such as the underarms.

How many sessions of BioNutriGlow® do I need?

One session of BioNutriGlow will give you immediate visible results, but 4 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart is ideal for optimal results.

Need a lift around the eyes...without the surgery? Belo BioNutriGlow just might be perfect for you.

To book your BioNutriGlow® appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Why Shouldn't You Rub Your Eyes? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-shouldnt-you-rub-your-eyes Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:49:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23689

Since our grade-school textbooks of old, we’ve been told not to rub our eyes. While the reasons seem obvious, we often find ourselves rubbing our eyes anyway, especially when we’re exhausted (or couldn’t care less). But our eyeballs themselves are sensitive to infection and foreign objects, and the skin around our eyes is just as delicate. Despite probably knowing all that, you might still wonder: is it really such a big deal if I rub my eyes once in a while?

We’re sorry to scare you like this, but we believe the pros outweigh the cons. Look what happens when you rub your eyes, as illustrated by an MRI scan:

Yeah. Not pretty.

Now that we have your attention, here are three reasons you should refrain from rubbing your eyes.

1. It can damage your cornea.

Says the Cleveland Clinic, you can accidentally scratch your cornea with your nail while rubbing. Rubbing can also cause your eyelashes to be misdirected towards your eyeball, causing even more unwanted friction. Finally, corneal astigmatism is also a risk.

2. You could end up needing glasses.

The Atlantic Eye Institute has had its share of patients who have developed keratoconus due to excessive eye rubbing! “The cornea can become thin and may also begin to change shape, bulging out to form more of a cone shape than a round one. This condition is called keratoconus and is typically the result of genetics, oxidative stress, or eye disease,” they explained. Keratoconus can cause blurry, distorted vision, resulting in you needing to get eyeglasses or contacts. So if you don’t want those eye care expenses to rack up, hands off!

3. It causes unsightly dark circles.

According to the Vision Eye Institute in Australia, “rubbing your eyes can play havoc with your appearance! It causes tiny blood vessels to break, resulting in blood-shot eyes and those dark, unsightly circles that everyone is always trying to avoid.”

4. It highly increases your risk of contracting COVID-19.

“When a sick person coughs or talks, they can release virus droplets from their mouth, right into another person’s face,” explains the University of Utah. We contract droplets through our mucous membranes, particularly in our mouth, nose, and most importantly, in the membranes protecting our eyes (also known as the conjunctiva). “That means the virus can be spread if someone rubs an infected eye and then touches someone else.” To keep you and your family safe from the coronavirus, be sure to quit the eye rubbing!

We hope we’ve given you enough of a healthy scare to keep you from rubbing your eyes again! If, however, the damage has been done in the form of dark circles, puffiness, and more, don’t worry—our Belo MDs can BelofEYE you right back!

To book your BelofEYE appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 of the Best Eye Care Products at the Belo Shop https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-of-the-best-eye-care-products-at-the-belo-shop Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23702

We know, we know. The past couple of months have been extra stressful—and you’re finding it harder and harder to get some much needed shut-eye. And while we wait for science to develop an effective replacement for sleep (or a COVID-19 vaccine–whichever comes first), we at the Belo Shop have a curated selection of must-try eye care products to make you look alert, alive, awake, enthusiastic for your next Zoom meeting.

Check out this list to find out which Belo Shop swag best fits your eyes’ needs.

BelofEYE Kit

P6,560

Time to get Belo-fied with the new BeloEYE Kit! It features two Belo Shop best-sellers from French aesthetic medicine company, FILLMED®️. The company has been specializing in anti-aging aesthetic and cosmetic solutions for over 40 years, which speaks volumes for their products’ effectiveness.

Each kit contains one (1) FILLMED®️ HXR-Eye Cream and two (2) sets of the FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask. The Eye Cream addresses and then prevents all signs of aging around the eye area using a combination of Arg-lys peptide (smoothens eye wrinkles), Hexylresorcinol (to remove dark circles), and Escin (which helps to reduce puffiness and eyebags); while the hydrogel Eye-Recover Mask is best used with the Eye Cream for a winning combo or 3-Peptides and Collagen which gives the skin an instant refresh.

This BelofEYE Kit gives you expert-quality results in the comfort of your home any time.

FILLMED®️ HXR-Eye Cream

P5,310 (15ml)

This eye cream from FILLMED®️ has been proven to address signs of aging around the eye area by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles (using Arg-lys Peptide), removing dark circles and discoloration (using Hexylresorcinol), and getting rid of eyebags (using Escin, which is a mixture of compounds extracted from the Horse Chestnut seed, Aesculus hippocastanum) for a more youthful look.

(For best results, use together with FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask.)

FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask

P3,800 (pack of 4 masks)

For quick and fuss-free relief for puffy eyes and sagging eyelids, this Eye-Recover Mask contains 3-Peptides, Provitamin B5, HMW Polysaccharides, and Collagen, which revitalizes the skin for a quick perk-up. It’s like giving your skin a much-needed drink to make it glow. The hydrogel also helps soothe tired eyes while leaving the skin visibly refreshed.

(For better and longer lasting results, use it with FILLMED®️ Eye Cream regularly. This mask is recommended to be used twice a week.)

FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask

P990 (per mask)

You can also purchase the FILLMED®️ Eye-Recover Mask per piece, which would be perfect for your travel kit, so you can relax your tired eyes anytime, anywhere.

Frezyderm Eye Cream

P2,800 (15ml)

This anti-wrinkle eye cream regenerates the skin around the eye area through hydration (with sodium hyaluronate) and increasing collagen generation and elasticity (using phospholipids) by up to 111%! Coming from the best dermacosmetics company in Greece, FrezyDerm Eye Cream contains Argan extract (Argania spinosa), which is known as nature’s way of fighting off wrinkles. It is also free from parabens, so you’re only using nature’s best on your skin.

For more eye care and skincare must-haves, visit the Belo Shop today.

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Too Tired From Work? Here are 5 Easy Workout Videos to Try https://www.belomed.com/blog/too-tired-from-work-here-are-5-easy-workout-videos-to-try Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23714

Feeling swamped with work or school and don’t have the time to squeeze in a high-intensity workout? No worries! According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in the US, adults need to meet a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts per week (or 30 minutes per day). It also has to be a combination of two types of physical activity: aerobic activity and muscle strengthening. Below are some easy workout videos you can try, even when you’re too tired from work.

1. Do some stretching exercises.

Just feel drained from your workday? Even minimal exercises like stretching could be enough! Stretching helps improve your flexibility and mobility, which is important if you work a desk job and sit for hours on end. This 15-minute stretching exercise by MadFit is super easy to do and squeeze in before going to bed. You just need a soft surface like a yoga mat or soft rug to cushion you as you go through the movements.

2. Try a 5-minute yoga routine.

If you want something more intensive but still motivating to do at the end of the day, then a yoga routine would be another easy workout you could do. Yoga With Adriene has a lot of 30-minute yoga routines, but this Vinyasa routine is the perfect way to end the day on a positive note. All you’ll need is a yoga mat and comfy, stretchy clothes for this one! 

3. Pop in a dance class.

Want to get your heart rate up? The Fitness Marshall’s dance workouts will do the trick! Most songs last five to seven minutes, so it’s a quick way of fitting in a workout whenever you can. Plus, you can choose from a variety of songs to suit your mood. No equipment needed, just your willingness to bop to beats like Ariana Grande’s new song “positions”. You might even end up going for two or more songs in the end.

4. Add some weights.

Now, for those whose fitness goals include muscle-building and toning, there are some weighted exercises you could try too. Women’s Health previously uploaded a 5-minute total-body workout that uses just one dumbbell. It also shows some modified movements you could opt to follow depending on the level of difficulty you’re looking for.

5. Do this 7-minute full-body workout.

While this workout by Vicky Justiz says it’s for lazy girls, don’t let it fool you! The shorter time means you’ll need to do more repetitions for each set. But it’s mostly comprised of floor exercises where you lie on your side or back as well as sit, finishing off with some calf raises, lunges, and squats. No weights, no jumping, just focusing on exercising every part of your body in under 10 minutes.

Just keep this in mind: a little bit of exercise each day is better than none at all! So if you can muster up even just a little bit of energy to fit in these workout videos at the end of the day, you’re already doing a great job.

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Why Braless is Better, According to Dr. Vicki Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-braless-is-better-according-to-dr-vicki-belo Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:34:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23734

We’re all familiar with that satisfying feeling of coming home after a long day, and finally removing our ‘boob jail’ a.k.a. our bra. There’s nothing quite like moving much more freely with our chests not being constrained. Many even argue that wearing a bra is merely a societal norm, designed to enhance the shape of the breasts. But medically, could there be benefits in going braless? Dr. Vicki Belo gives us 3 medical reasons on why skipping the bra may just be good for you:

1. Improved blood circulation 

According to Dr. Vicki Belo, “I think it’s better to not wear a bra if you’re just lounging around the house” because “not wearing a bra allows for better blood circulation especially in the lung and breast area”. Since the quarantine has turned many of our homes into our offices, this may be a good time to #LetTheBreastsBreathe.

2. May relieve neck pain

If you are experiencing neck pain, wearing a bra may be one culprit you should consider. She continued, “Bra straps can be pressing on the area between the shoulder and the neck leading to neck pain”. A 5-year study by Dr. Edward L. Ryan, published in The Clinical Journal of Pain (2000), reported that 79% of patients who removed weight of their breasts from their shoulders by not wearing a bra decided to do this permanently because they felt symptom free of their neck pain. 

(Although, let’s not try to pin everything down on the bra. It’s still best to consult your doctor to make sure there aren’t other underlying issues behind this.)

3. May prevent your breasts from sagging

Dr. Vicki Belo also shared on her Instagram Stories and Twitter a study that showed how women who wore bras resulted in having saggier boobs compared to those who opted to go braless. This is quite contrary to popular belief that bras provide support for the breasts. The 15-year study by Jean-Denis Rouillon, a sports science expert from the University of Franche-Comté, claims that this is because wearing bras weaken the muscles that hold up the breasts. This is why the group who went braless maintained the shape of their breasts in the long term.

So there you have it, ladies! Should you still wear a bra? That’s entirely up to you! We, the Belo HQ gals, can definitely agree that it is much more comfortable to go on with our day without it, especially if you’re home the whole day. Another great alternative is to wear the trendy bralettes (bras without the underwires, linings, and paddings) all over Instagram. 

We spotted many of our Belo Babies like Julia Barretto, Lovi Poe, and Leila Alcasid rocking these stylish “bralettes”. Check them out!

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HELP: Why Are There Pimples on My Scalp? https://www.belomed.com/blog/help-why-are-there-pimples-on-my-scalp Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:45:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23742

As if facial acne isn’t enough, did you know that there’s such a thing called scalp acne? Scalp acne is primarily caused by the congestion of oil and dead skin cells around your hair follicles. While there are a lot of factors that may cause this condition, it’s a common problem that a lot of people face. Here are some reasons why your scalp is breaking out.

1. Your scalp produces a lot of excess oil.

If you have oily hair, the excess oils produced by your scalp’s oil glands can become trapped in your hair follicles. And similar to oily and acne-prone skin, this could result in developing pimples on your scalp. After all, the scalp is but an extension of the skin on your face.  Practicing good personal hygiene and thorough hair rinsing can do a lot to control an oily scalp.

2. It’s hormonal.

Similar to how women experience breakouts during that time of the month, scalp acne can also be caused by hormonal changes. According to Healthline, hormonal changes can lead to your skin’s increase in oil production especially in teenagers and young adults. If so, it’s time to visit a dermatologist to diagnose if the scalp acne you’re experiencing is hormonal in order for them to prescribe the proper medicated treatment.

3. Your hair products contain oil.

A lot of hair care products—from your shampoo and conditioner to hair masks—contain moisturising oils. While these provide a beautiful sheen to your mane, it could also clog your hair follicles and pores according to the American Association of Dermatologists. It’s not just your scalp that gets affected, you may also notice some whiteheads appearing along your hairline, upper forehead, and neck.

4. You may not be washing your hair often enough.

If you’ve developed the habit of not washing your hair everyday, this could cause pimples to appear on your scalp according to trichologist Anabel Kingsley in an August 2020 interview with Glamour. Wet shampoos help cleanse the scalp and hair of dirt and debris that cause scalp issues. If you use a lot of hair products, like pomades, gels, and sprays, you should be thoroughly washing your hair daily. For workout buffs, showering after a sweat-inducing exercise can also help prevent scalp acne from arising.

5. It’s actually scalp folliculitis.

When our hair follicles get damaged, it allows germs to get inside and cause an infection. The infection will appear in acne-like breakouts, often creating an itching or stinging sensation. Scalp folliculitis often appears along the hairline and commonly caused by constantly wearing tight hairstyles or caps. It could also be a build-up of hair products over time. Usually, mild cases of scalp folliculitis can be treated at home. But if your condition worsens or persists, especially when these pimples have a similar appearance to cysts, then it’s best to consult a doctor for proper treatment.

If you’re currently dealing with scalp acne, don’t panic. Sometimes all it takes is a change in your hair routine, such as by switching shampoos or exfoliating your scalp. For a thorough diagnosis, it’s best to consult a doctor.

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What It’s Like to Get a Belo Facial During GCQ https://www.belomed.com/blog/what-its-like-to-get-a-belo-facial-during-gcq Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:41:36 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23759

Because of the quarantine and all the stresses we’ve all had to endure with it, you can’t blame yourself for being wary of stepping outside your home. But businesses big and small have gone above and beyond to provide you with a safe and sanitized experience, in spite of our quarantine limitations. Belo is one of them. We have adapted to the new normal and invested in effective safety measures to provide you with the same Belo experience you know and love. But if you don’t take our word for it, here’s a firsthand account from a real patient, Apple Valenzuela, on what it’s really like to get a Belo facial done during GCQ. 

When did you come to Belo for your facial?

I was one of the acne and "maskne" breakout victims during lockdown period. So when Belo announced that they are back to business during the last week of May, I immediately planned my visit. I was lucky enough to secure a slot on the afternoon of June 11 at the Belo S Maison branch. That's when I first had my facial during the quarantine period.

What did you observe when you entered the clinic?

Belo announced their safety guidelines and protocols online when they opened post-lockdown, and this was well implemented in the clinics. After I booked my schedule through a phone call, I got a text message from the branch confirming my schedule and reminding me of the new clinic requirements: to wear a mask and face shield, to bring my own water tumbler, and for me to come alone as much as possible (no companions allowed). They also sent me a link so I can fill-out the patient information sheet and health declaration form in advance.

During my visit, everyone was in their PPE. The doormen were outside, ready for a non-contact temperature check. Plus sanitizers and disinfectant foot baths on the entrance. 

Inside, you can see safety signages and social distancing reminders everywhere. Waiting time was also minimized. Since I was already able to answer the patient information sheet and covid screening form ahead, all I had to do was (digitally) sign the form in the recep area. After that, I was already asked to proceed to the treatment room.

What about when you entered the treatment room?

Apple Lim Wearing Black Face mask

Belo treatment rooms have always been neat and clean, but after the lockdown it felt even cleaner. I loved that every treatment (and almost every corner of the clinic) room had Intellipure air purifiers, it made me feel more protected and secured. Another notable addition to their safety protocol is that they asked me to gargle an antiseptic mouthwash prior to my treatments.

How safe did you feel during your treatment?

I've always trusted Belo's standards, not just their machines or treatments, but the overall standards that they live by and deliver. One of the things that made me confident to go was when Belo showed that they conducted swab testing for all employees prior to opening. That made me feel safe to go, plus the thorough safety protocols implemented inside the clinic.

Any advice for those thinking about heading out for a quick pamper session at Belo?

Apple Lim at Belo Medical Group Clinic

I think it's okay and normal to be afraid, but going to Belo for me somehow gives me a break from all the pandemic-induced stress I am experiencing. That quick visit is a breather for me, to help me cope with everything that has been happening. That wasn't just pampering, it's my way of self-care during this pandemic—which we all need to do. If you want to have that sanity break too, I suggest you go for it. Go to your most trusted clinic, salon, or restaurant. Just be extra careful in everything you do, and always keep safety in mind. We all deserve to take a deep breath, a time off, and to treat ourselves a little. 

Follow Apple on Instagram.

To book your Belo facial, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Ways to Reclaim Your Personal Space in a Shared Household https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-ways-to-reclaim-your-personal-space-in-a-shared-household Thu, 19 Nov 2020 15:02:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23775

Working from home used to be everyone’s dream arrangement. Imagine: no traffic, no nosey co-workers, no waking up three hours early to give enough time for lining up at the MRT. But now that almost everyone’s staying in because of the pandemic, we’re confronted with the realities of sheltering from home. When homes turn into the office, the school, the gym, and even a restaurant all at once, a problem with space arises. How do you maintain your personal space in a shared household when privacy is in short supply?

Whether you’re living with a big family, a couple of roommates, or your significant other, we’ve got some practical tips for you to reclaim your personal space.

1. Set expectations.

Architect and author of the Not So Big House Sarah Susanka specializes in the combination of architecture and psychology or how people transform any structure into a home. In an article from The Atlantic earlier this year, “Susanka proposed a non-architectural solution to problems of home design: Communicate.” This means clearly sharing and setting expectations with your family or roommates about how your group can cooperate to give each other the space and support everyone needs now that you’re sharing the same space almost 24/7. Clearly communicating your needs will also lessen misinterpretation and conflicts. It could be as simple as putting up an “I’m on a Zoom meeting” sign on your bedroom door, creating schedules for the household (especially when you want to divide the additional chores with roommates or when gadget-sharing is involved), or giving your kids the space they need to do their homework without any distractions. Every household is unique, so it’s best to talk with each other so you’ll know how to best deal with your situation. 

2. Eliminate noise.

This doesn’t mean shutting out everyone completely. It means enriching the space you have now so you can retreat to it when you need to. Never be ashamed to close your bedroom door when you need time to be alone (even for non-work reasons). Invest in good quality noise-cancelling headphones, so when you need it (like when your roommate is watching something you don’t like or when the kids are just having lessons too loudly), you can just get lost in your favorite jams, podcast, movie, or series. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even spend a weekend soundproofing your room using various materials that are pretty easy to get.

3. Turn your bedroom into a sanctuary.

Now more than ever, our bedrooms are pulling double duty as a resting place and a workplace. Invest in comfy sheets if you can afford it or you might even want to try those weighted blankets for added stress-relief. According to New York Times columnist Ronda Kaysen, there are several ways to make your room cozier, like  adding layered textures to your room, like a shaggy area rug or a giant knitted blanket. In the same article, Massachusetts-based interior designer Liz Caan suggests using natural materials because it ages well and adds character to the space over time. Light is also an important factor when it comes to making your room more cozy. Creative director for Urban Electric Company Michael Amato recommends using dimmers or avoiding fixtures with exposed bulbs, so you can achieve a warmer tone in any room.

4. Create a designated work space.

Most of us have turned our bedrooms into our office or classroom, so it’s best to designate an efficient and practical work station so you can still treat the rest of your bedroom as the sanctuary that it is and it should be. 

In an interview with My Move writer Danika Miller, professional organizer Shalae Price recommends the following: “You need a clutter-free space in order to focus. Use vertical space to store things whenever possible. Keep only the essential items on your desk. Wall pockets can be hung on the wall to store files and papers. Paper sorters on a desktop keep things separated and vertical, eliminating visual clutter and freeing up space to work.”

5. Declutter.

Now that you have more time at home (which used to be spent stuck in traffic), you can dedicate some time to declutter your home to literally create more space. Divide the collected clutter into items that you’d like to sell, barter, or throw away. Some items can even be repurposed to give it new life and new function in your home. Now that we’ve experienced back-to-back disasters aside from the pandemic, this might also be a good time to consider donating to good causes for the victims of Supertyphoon Rolly and Ulysses. Always remember that one man’s clutter is another man’s treasure, so don’t be quick to throw things away when decluttering. For a list of organizations to send donations, click here.  

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How to Reconnect When You Feel Disconnected from Your Partner https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-reconnect-when-you-feel-disconnected-from-your-partner Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:24:40 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23791

If you feel like you are starting to simply co-exist with your partner, then know that you are not alone. After 8 months of quarantine, many can surely relate that the pandemic has taken their romantic relationships to a whole new level, too. Some couples may not be used to being together almost 24/7 for too long during the stay-at-home order, while long-distance lovers may already have feelings of separation. But whether you are together or not, you can always do something to reconnect with your partner and revive your relationship.

Here are some simple things you can do to breathe life back into your love life:

Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

Cliché, but this is one of the golden rules when it comes to relationships: Communicate with each other. Reconnecting with your partner will be a lot easier when you know the reason why your relationship went stale in the first place. Talk about it and address it together. When both of you learn to speak up and listen to each other, you will be amazed at how much this simple act can revive that lost connection. 

Show and tell...your appreciation.

A little appreciation goes a long way. Acknowledge your partner’s efforts, and make sure that they know you appreciate them. A simple thank you when he or she cooks dinner for you, or a shoutout post just to show the world how lucky you are to have them. Nothing beats receiving sweet and sincere appreciation from the one you love! Take it from our newlyweds, Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo.

Make time for each other.

When was the last time you had an actual romantic date? While still keeping safety in mind and a priority, you and your partner can do something different instead of your usual “Netflix and chill” night at home. After working hard throughout the week, we’re quite sure that you and your love deserve a weekend treat. You both earned it. Do something new or do something you haven’t done together in a while now. You can even improvise if you want. Saw how Dr. Vicki Belo arranged an outdoor “stargazing” session with Dr. Hayden Kho?

Travel back in time together.

Travelling is one of the quality time defaults for couples, but the pandemic made us cancel a lot of plans including that upcoming vacation with our special someone. Don’t fret, you and your boo will be able to travel once again when this is over. What you can do for now is relive those memories by looking at the photos together, talk about the best moments of the trip, or even post a throwback about it. Be creative about it. Why not post your very first trip together, like Lovi Poe did for her beau?

The pandemic may have taken its toll on all aspects of our well-being, but we can always do something about it. Always remember, you fell in love with that person once upon a time-- and happily ever after is the plan!

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This Brand-New Yellow Laser Wipes Out Acne, Oiliness, and Acne Scars https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-brand-new-yellow-laser-wipes-out-acne-oiliness-and-acne-scars Sat, 21 Nov 2020 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23803

Acne has always been a common skin problem among Filipinos, and breakouts have gotten worse during quarantine because of our constant use of face masks (hello, maskne!). If you’re the one who’s tried it all, from DIY home remedies to drugstore brands to prescription medicine, but is still suffering from stubborn pimples, we’ve got just the thing for you. 

Introducing ADVAClear, the Philippines’ first and only pure yellow and high powered infrared laser energy that eliminates rosacea, acne, acne, acne scars and undesired vascular abnormalities, restoring your skin to a more youthful and healthy state. 

How does the treatment work?

ADVAClear treatment combines two types of laser wavelengths to address acne. The first one targets rosacea, scars, and even bacteria that causes acne. It also helps manage the redness in both active acne and acne scars. The second laser then treats your overactive sebaceous glands, which helps in controlling your skin’s oil production. See it in action here:

Does it hurt? 

Not at all! Take it from our Belo baby Piolo Pascual:

What about downtime? 

You may experience mild redness after your ADVAClear session, which will subside in a few hours. Direct sun exposure and makeup should be avoided within the first 24 hours after treatment, but you may continue with your regular skin care regimen after that.

How many sessions do I need to see results?

You can actually see results after your first session, but your Belo doctor would recommend the right number of sessions depending on your skin’s needs. We highly suggest booking an online consultation prior to booking your treatment.

Where can I get this done?

Belo Medical Group is the first to bring this advanced yellow laser here in the Philippines, and it’s currently available in our BGC and Alabang branches at our introductory price of PHP 18,000.00 per session.

Ready to say #HelloBeloYellow? Call our BGC branch at 7-621-4030 or 31/(0917) 840 9268/(0999) 885 7731 or our Alabang branch at 8-771-2350 or 53/(0999) 885 7736 to book an appointment today.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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What's Hexylresorcinol, and How Can It Brighten Dark Undereyes? https://www.belomed.com/blog/whats-hexylresorcinol-and-how-can-it-brighten-dark-undereyes Fri, 20 Nov 2020 10:10:05 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23816

Very early on in the skincare zeitgeist, scientists and aestheticians alike realized that our eyes are the first to age. That’s why in any drugstore aisle or skincare e-commerce website, you’ll find no shortage of eye care products packed with powerful actives, running the gamut from retinol, peptides, and more. But there’s a little-known kid on the block that boasts of amazing anti-aging benefits around the eyes as well. Be ready, because this is going to be a little hard to pronounce: hexylresorcinol. So what can this mystery ingredient do to brighten dark undereyes?

What is Hexylresorcinol (HXR)?

According to L’Oréal Paris, hexylresorcinol—let’s call it HXR for short—is “an alkylresorcinol (AR), a type of phenolic lipid, that can be found naturally in whole grain wheat and rye.” It’s more commonly found in the form of topical creams for small skin infections, or as an ingredient in throat lozenges. 

In a September 2015 journal article, Dr. Ratan Chaudhuri reported on the wondrous germ-killing powers of HXR in a Johns Hopkins study by Dr. Veader Leonard. “Dr. Leonard and his associates were looking for a ‘perfect’ antiseptic that was deadly to germs but harmless to man. In the course of their efforts, they found that HR possessed over 50 times the germ-killing power of pure carbolic acid.” 

What skin issues does Hexylresorcinol (HXR) address?

In skincare, hexylresorcinol has been known to be an effective skin brightener. Its antioxidant and astringent properties also make it perfect for those looking to even out their complexion. So let’s break that down.

Antioxidants stop free radicals from wreaking havoc on your skin (free radicals come most often from excessive sun exposure). On the other hand, astringents help to cleanse skin and tighten pores. Because HXR has both, then you can enjoy double the skin benefits!

A 2011 study published in the American Academy of Dermatology also found that HXR has stimulating effects on collagen and elastin production, which could help offset the first signs of aging. 

What makes Hexylresorcinol (HXR) perfect for my eye area?

Think of hexylresorcinol as the superhero your eyes never knew they needed. Its skin-brightening properties can get rid of those panda eyes you earned from countless late nights this quarantine. Its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin helps with anti-aging. Its antioxidant properties prevent free radical damage, and its role as an astringent helps to cleanse and purify. 

Where can I get a Hexylresorcinol (HXR) eye cream?

At the Belo Shop, of course! The FILLMED® HXR-Eye Cream contains 0.1% hexylresorcinol, combined with hyaluronic acid, arg-lys peptide, and 0.5% escin to nourish and revive your eye area. One pump goes a long way—and Dr. Vicki Belo advises that you put eye cream on in the morning to prevent puffiness. She personally uses the HXR-Eye Cream, too, as mentioned in this September 2020 interview with the Philippine Tatler. At P5,310, it may be pricier than your usual eye creams, but trust us—it’s worth every cent.

You can also get the FILLMED® HXR-Eye Cream as part of our newest BelofEYE Kit—you’d also get the FILLMED® Eye-Recover Mask to boot, making for a holistic eye care routine that even beginners will get down pat.

So if you’re tired of eye creams that tout amazing results but fall flat—and leave you puffy to boot—the FILLMED® HXR-Eye Cream just might be your next favorite product.

Click here to purchase the FILLMED® HXR-Eye Cream for P5,310 at the Belo Shop.

To book your BelofEYE appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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This Little-Known Belo Treatment Tightens Your Vagina. Yep, You Read That Right. https://www.belomed.com/blog/belo-treatment-tightens-your-vagina Fri, 20 Nov 2020 16:37:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23832

We know why you clicked on this story, so we’re diving right in. 

Ever heard of Thermiva? Long-time supporters of the Belo Medical Group might have an idea, but it might be new to some people. Our very own Dr. Vicki Belo best describes it in one sentence: “It’s really like Thermage for your face–Thermage for your vagina.”

Belo Thermiva is a pain-free, non-surgical reconstructive procedure that’s meant to rejuvenate your vagina by tightening the tissues. It heats up the vagina, like Thermage, and it causes contractions to tighten and lift up the vaginal floor. It’s perfect for women of a certain age or those who’ve had four or more children.

In a 7-minute interview with Cosmo.ph, Dr. Belo explains the science behind Thermiva as well as its benefits.

“First of all, it’s really non-surgical, that’s the best thing about it. [It’s for women who’ve had] two to three children or more,” Dr. Belo explains. “Thermiva is Thermilift for the vagina… Just like your face, it kinda sags, your vajayjay also does. Especially if you give birth, because can you imagine the head of this baby going through the birth canal and when it goes back, it’s not quite as tight as it used to be. So we need something to give us [a] tighter vagina, because the tighter the vagina, the more enjoyable it is for your husband or partner and you.”

Thermiva works on tightening the inside of the vagina as well as the outside to lessen the sagging skin on the labia minora and/or majora, which could happen after multiple childbirths.

“The other thing that happens as you get older is that you get dry…because your estrogen [level] is beginning to go down,” Dr. Belo pointed out, emphasizing the role of estrogen in our sex drive and keeping the vagina properly lubricated.

“So how does Thermiva work to make your vagina wet? When you do it, you encourage new glycosaminoglycans [and] hyaluronic acid. It’s an immediate effect because there’s transudation (or the slow escape of liquids from blood vessels through pores),” she explained. 

But Thermiva is more than just having more fun in the boudoir. This procedure is also recommended for women who have been experiencing urinary incontinence (or having trouble controlling the urinary bladder especially when laughing, coughing, sneezing, or certain strenuous activities like working out or lifting heavy objects). Urinary incontinence could happen due to aging or when it’s stretched after giving birth. With the help of Belo Thermiva, the tissues of the vaginal floor are tightened, which also tightens the opening of the urinary bladder. Thermiva also encourages the long-term build up of collagen, which improves tissue elasticity and plays a major role in urinary continence.

Since it’s non-surgical and relatively quick (just 20 minutes to treat the vaginal canal and 20 minutes for the external procedure), Dr. Belo assures that patients can enjoy sex right after the procedure. “As soon as I remove my gloves, you can have sex na. You don’t have to wait,” she says with a smile, adding that the effects of the first session are instantaneous.

Dr. Belo emphasizes that the procedure is best for women who are in their 40’s or for those who’ve had four or more kids. For women below 30, you might want to consider having one session of Thermiva if you’ve had kids. For women between 30 to 40 years old, one session every six months is recommended. While women above 40 years old or have experienced multiple births, completing three sessions with one month intervals is recommended for best possible long-term results.

If you’re thinking of having the procedure, Dr. Belo suggests to “make sure you’re healthy [and] you don’t have any infections. We usually send you to your obstetrician or urologist to make sure everything is fine. No need for any clearance.”

Belo Thermiva starts at P50,000 per session, depending on the patient’s condition.

To book your Thermiva appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo surgeon. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Prefer Old Movies, Shows, and Music This Quarantine? Here's Why. https://www.belomed.com/blog/prefer-old-movies-shows-and-music-this-quarantine-heres-why Sat, 21 Nov 2020 16:38:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23848

Last May, when the Philippines was still neck-deep in quarantine restrictions, I found myself clicking the remote to Modern Family on Netflix. This sitcom, which aired in 2009, is lousy with Emmys and memorable one-liners, and I happened to discover it in college when a Theology professor asked us to write a paper about the family values the Dunphys, Pritchetts, and Tuckers displayed. 

To my surprise, I finished the series, for the second time ever, in about a month’s time. Then, I moved on to Grey’s Anatomy—an even older series, and managed to inhale all 16 (16!) seasons in two months and a half. It’s happening everywhere: The Atlantic, Esquire, and The Washington Post are just among the many publications prescribing nostalgia while in isolation. So what’s the deal? Why are we going back to old favorites, whether it be movies, shows, or music, this quarantine?

For one, culture is a safe place to escape while COVID-19 continues to bring the world to its knees. Barring the hardworking scientists, researchers, and medical frontliners busting their asses to make sure the world receives a cure, there isn’t a lot we can do as individuals to stop the virus from spreading...other than to stay at home. And without trips to the cinema, our much-awaited concerts, or those fun holiday parties to look forward to, we’re going back to the past to feel culturally connected again. 

Many of us are throwing it back, deliberately choosing shows, music, and movies from the ‘90s and ‘00s because they remind us of simpler, happier times. When we first saw Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd lock eyes, COVID-19 was far from becoming a thing. When Blair Waldorf unceremoniously pushes Serena van der Woodsen into that New York fountain, we had no idea masks would become a going-out must. And when we heard Taylor Swift’s Speak Now for the very first time, none of us had 2020 vision.

In a recent Facebook post, writer Cheekie Albay talked about bringing out her childhood favorite cassette player...and re-listening to tunes she hadn’t heard in decades. “Why not give those old tapes a listen?” she said. “I can’t guarantee that it’ll solve your problems, but if you love music as much as I do, that tiny boost you get from listening to them might be just the thing you need right now.”

Some people have K-dramas. Others turned to baking. For others still, it was fitness. When the pandemic happened and the...

Posted by Cheekie Albay on Wednesday, November 11, 2020

The retro gaming community is enjoying a member boom, with Facebook Marketplace teeming with people selling Game Boy devices. Vinyl records are having their second millennial revival in quarantine, and don’t even get me started on the plantitas and plantitos. It’s no longer uncommon to find 24- or 30-year-olds having extensive plant collections, something that during pre-COVID times only our parents and grandparents bothered with. Times have changed, and they may have changed for good.

We’ve been under lockdown since mid-March. And though quarantine restrictions have laxed significantly, it’ll be a long time before we can step out without a mask and face shield. It almost feels like we’ve been stuck in a time loop since then—so we’re embracing it, choosing to cocoon ourselves in the time period of our choice, back when we didn’t know just how good we had it

So if you’re listening to The Corrs’ “Breathless” on repeat, picking up more yellowed copies of ‘90s romance novels at thrift bookstores, or rewatching all of Leonardo DiCaprio’s pre-2020 movies, nobody’s judging. We’re all doing what we can to stay sane during this time, and a little throwback never hurt anyone.

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How to Create an ~Effortless~ IG Feed, According to Leila Alcasid https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-create-an-effortless-ig-feed-according-to-leila-alcasid Sun, 22 Nov 2020 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23863

At a time when social media reigns supreme, an essence of authenticity is still very much craved. And while it’s quite tempting to curate a perfect social media feed, especially on platforms like Instagram, there’s still something very appealing about having an effortless but authentic feed. Luckily, we have Belo Baby Leila Alcasid to turn to for inspiration. Here are just some tips we’ve learned from her effortless IG feed.

1. Find some natural light.

The days of heavily edited photos are over, and natural lighting is having its day in the sun. So our first feed curation tip we observed from Leila’s Instagram is her love of using natural lighting for most of her photos. Finding a source of sunlight, like a big window or going out to your garden, for your photos adds a gentle natural filter to any photo if you time it for early in the morning or around golden hour, so it wouldn’t look too harsh on your skin.

2. Nail the art of a confident selfie.

Let’s be real, social media is a way of documenting our vanity moments. What better way than to post a selfie? Leila is always posting selfies to fill up her feed. This adds some personality to her profile. But the key to selfies is owning it with confidence! Whether it’s through a beaming smile or sultry gaze, your confidence will transfer through the camera and on to your feed—guaranteeing all the likes *wink*.

3. Feature your beloved pets!

If you’re a parent to a cute furbaby, they probably already have a designated spot on your feed. But these quick snapshots are a sneak peek into your daily life behind the camera, letting your followers know more about you and the things you love. It’s also very hard to make a pet look perfectly posed, so these spur-of-the-moment photos will add a personal touch to your online life.

4. Don’t be afraid of wacky shots.

Speaking of letting people get to know you through photos, here’s another tip from Leila’s feed: wacky photos make you more real. These don’t necessarily mean making silly faces, if that’s not your thing, but also documenting humorous moments with your loved ones. These candid happy moments, when caught on camera, is a sight to behold and one to fondly reminisce over in the future.

5. Bring out the throwback photos.

Lastly, for the days when nostalgia hits you hard or simply to share a special moment with a loved one with the online world, why not upload some throwback photos to your childhood? Leila loves to post throwback photos of her loved ones on their birthdays with a heartfelt caption included. Likewise, your mom probably has a whole treasure trove of film photographs that are just waiting to be shared on your feed. Get to posting those ASAP!

Remember, it’s your feed to do as you please. Perfectly polished Instagram feeds are best left to the businesses and online portfolios—let your authentic personality shine through on your personal IG!

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8 Superfoods to Add to Your Holiday Pantry https://www.belomed.com/blog/8-superfoods-to-add-to-your-holiday-pantry Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:14:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23872

For us more fortunate souls, the lockdown has turned us into plantitas, K-Drama fanatics, artists, and even chefs. While we spend more time at home waiting for the new vaccine that will literally save humanity, it’s our duty to put our (new-found) culinary prowess to keep our bodies strong and healthy to fight off germs and viruses.

“Superfood” is the term used for nutrient-rich food, but according to nutrition experts, there’s really no such thing as a superfood since there’s no single food item that can provide you all the nutrients you need. According to Portland-based registered clinical dietitian-nutritionist Ansley Hill in a 2018 article for Healthline, “the term ‘superfood’ was coined for marketing purposes to influence food trends and sell products… though many foods could be described as super, it’s important to understand that there is no single food that holds the key to good health or disease prevention.”

However, veteran nutritionist and Director for Nutrition at Dana Farber Cancer Institute Katherine D. McManus explained in her Harvard Medical School article that “there are a few foods that can be singled out for special recognition. These ‘superfoods’ offer some very important nutrients that can power-pack your meals and snacks, and further enhance a healthy eating pattern.”

Most of us are already familiar with superfoods like garlic (which, aside from being absolutely delicious, has been proven “effective in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as supporting immune function”), kale (rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, and has anti-inflammatory properties), and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice (rich in fiber, B vitamins, and helps in lowering cholesterol). But here are eight more scientifically proven superfoods and some tips on incorporating it into your holiday festivities and even your daily diet.

1. Tomatoes

Rich in vitamin C and cancer-fighting lycopene, these crimson fruits (yes, they’re not vegetables) are already a staple in most Filipino noche buena tables in the form of spaghetti sauce. But you can also switch it up a bit and use it in salads, stews, soup, or even appetizers like bruschetta, which also contains another superfood: olive oil!

According to Ms. McManus, “Lycopene becomes more available for your body to use when tomatoes are prepared and heated in a healthy fat such as olive oil”.

2. Olive oil

It’s a bit more expensive but a little olive oil still goes a long way, especially when it comes to nutrients. It’s an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) – both of which help reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Olive oil is also rich in vitamins E and K, which “protect against cellular damage from oxidative stress.”

Chefs and nutritionists say you can substitute olive oil when a recipe calls for butter or margarine when it comes to savory dishes. It’s also a great way to add more flavor to your favorite salad dressing.

3. Fish

Believe it or not, but Ms. McManus – a Harvard-certified expert – says you can enjoy the health benefits of fish whether you buy it fresh, frozen, or even canned. So whichever form you find yourself buying this holiday season, fish will always be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart diseases. Experts recommend easy-to-find fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, tuna (especially tuna steaks), and salmon (you deserve to splurge a little bit this Christmas anyway).

4. Seaweed

Together with fish, this one might just give you more reasons to enjoy sushi bake for the holidays. Seaweed is rich in vitamin K, folate (which is perfect for new moms), iodine, and fiber.  According to Ms. Hill, “these ocean vegetables are a source of unique bioactive compounds — not typically present in land-vegetables — which may have antioxidant effects. Some of these compounds may also reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.”

5. Sweet potato

If you’re already trying to lessen your carb intake and you’re praying for the strength to stick to your diet even during the holidays, sweet potato is a nutrient-rich option to replace rice or potatoes. It’s high in potassium fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as carotenoids (a type of cancer-fighting antioxidant). Contrary to popular belief, sweet potatoes won’t increase your blood sugar level. According to Ms. Hill, it “may actually improve blood sugar control in those with type 2 diabetes.”

6. Berries

Though a bit pricey here in the Philippines, experts like Ms. McManus say berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are “just as healthy [when you] buy them frozen” compared to fresh. It’s a great way to add some natural sweetness, acidity, and color to your drinks or desserts this yuletide season. Berries are bursting with antioxidants, which is “associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and other inflammatory conditions… [and] may also be effective in treating various digestive and immune-related disorders when used alongside traditional medical therapies,” according to Ms. Hill.

7. Nuts and legumes

Nuts are not just an excellent provider of texture on a well-made cheese board. It’s also rich in plant protein and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which we mentioned earlier can help deter heart diseases. Though generally more expensive here in the Philippines, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and pecans are superb additions to salads and even desserts or snacks (whether whole or in the form of nut butters). If you’re on a budget, legumes like peanuts are excellent substitutes. While nutritionists laud its MUFA contents, they also remind us that nuts are “calorically dense”, so it’s still best to consume it in moderation.

8. Yogurt

And what goes great with berries and nuts? Yogurt, of course! It’s an excellent source of calcium, protein, and probiotics or the “good bacteria”, which help our bodies fight off harmful bacteria.

However, nutritionists warn us about flavored yogurts, which usually contain a lot of added sugar. Ms. McManus suggests: “Buy plain yogurt and add your own fruit. Look for yogurts that have ‘live active cultures’ such as Lactobacillus, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus.”

Having plain yogurt in your fridge also means you can use it for sweet dishes as well as savory ones. You can use it in place of mayonnaise or sour cream in dips, sauces, and stews. And after all that feasting on Christmas Eve, enjoy some yogurt with berries and nuts on Christmas morning to encourage healthy bowel movement and keep your gut in check.

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LOOK: Our BGC Flagship Clinic is Holiday-Ready! https://www.belomed.com/blog/look-our-bgc-flagship-clinic-is-holiday-ready Sun, 22 Nov 2020 16:33:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23887

We know it’s been hard to feel the holiday spirit lately. From January to November, the country has been plagued with a pandemic, volcanic eruptions, devastating typhoons, and more. But along with enduring the bad, we ought to celebrate the good. And for those of us that have been lucky enough to make it through 2020 relatively unscathed, a little Christmas spirit just may be what we need.

That said, we at Belo have done our best to bring you that familiar Christmas feeling, right here in our BGC flagship clinic! In partnership with Designer Blooms, we have transformed our most popular branch to make it holiday-ready for our patients. Check out these photos!

Belo BGC Christmas Tree

The frosted-white tree is a crisp centerpiece for the flagship clinic, which is already decorated with the modern Filipino aesthetic.

Inside the Belo Medical Group BGC clinic

The Christmas decor pays homage to the design direction of Budji+Royal, the design and architecture duo who dreamed our BGC clinic to life. Check out those stylish Filipino accents!

christmas decors in belo medical group bgc clinic

Meanwhile, the blush and gold decor is a nod to Belo’s blush theme that is prevalent in almost every location. No color evokes beauty quite like blush pink, after all.

drips area in the Belo medical group bgc clinic

Come to the BGC clinic and see this fantastic holiday transformation for yourself!

If you’d like Designer Blooms to prettify your home as well, you can avail of their Home Styling Service! Just email delivery@designerblooms.com or call (0917) 712 4440 to make your appointment.

We hope you have a truly lovely holiday season, Belo Beauties! We’ll see you at the BGC flagship clinic!

To book your appointment at the Belo BGC flagship clinic, call 7-621-4030/7-621-4031 (landline) or (0917) 840 9268/(0999) 885 7731 (mobile). The clinic is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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5 COVID-19 Myths That Have Been Proven Wrong by Scientists https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-covid-19-myths-that-have-been-proven-wrong-by-scientists Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:51:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23902

COVID-19 has changed our lifestyles irreversibly, causing us to adopt new habits and make new precautions. But there are certain habits we no longer have to bother with, as well as dangerous myths about COVID-19 that need to be dispelled. Here are some COVID-19 myths that have been proven wrong by scientists.

1. MYTH: You have to wipe down all your grocery items when you get home.

According to Intermountain Healthcare, “there are no reports of people contracting COVID-19 from food or packaging from grocery stores. You can wipe down packing and allow to air dry as a precaution, but it is not recommended that you wipe down non-packaged food you will ingest with chemical cleaners.” xxx

This is corroborated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US: “Again, there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution.”

As usual, though, it’s important to wash fruits and vegetables before use, just like you were already doing pre-pandemic (at least, we hope so!).

2. MYTH: Water or swimming can transmit the COVID-19 virus.

“The COVID-19 virus does not transmit through water while swimming. However, the virus spreads between people when someone has close contact with an infected person,” says the World Health Organization.

Of course, that doesn’t mean social distancing goes out the window when you’re out swimming. “Avoid crowds and maintain at least a 1-metre distance from others, even when you are swimming or at swimming areas,” WHO advises. “Wear a mask when you’re not in the water and you can’t stay distant. Clean your hands frequently, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or bent elbow, and stay home if you’re unwell.”

Better yet, try to keep swimming activities private, such as in your home swimming pool or in a privately-rented villa or resort area.

3. MYTH: Shoes are high-risk for spreading COVID-19.

Looks like those foot baths don’t do much for curbing the spread of COVID-19. The WHO debunks shoes as being a high-risk COVID spreader in a YouTube video released last August 2020. “The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste  that could be carried on the soles of shoes.”

4. MYTH: COVID-19 is spread by houseflies, mosquitoes, or 5G networks.

OK, hard no! According to the WHO, there has been neither information nor evidence that suggests COVID-19 is spread by mosquitoes, flies, or least of all, 5G networks. Let’s remember that COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China, and all available evidence so far points to zoonotic transmission from a bat that was infected with SARS-CoV-2. 

5. MYTH: You can use antibiotics to treat COVID-19.

“Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and therefore antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment,” says WHO. However, some people who have COVID-19 can develop a bacterial infection as a result, causing them to need antibiotics.

We hope that’s cleared everything up. As usual, let’s wear masks, practice social distancing, and stay home as much as possible—our best chance of fighting COVID-19 is not allowing ourselves to be susceptible to infection in the first place. Stay safe, Belo Beauties!

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5 Hair Pegs for the Holiday Season, Inspired by These Belo Babies https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-hair-pegs-for-the-holiday-season-inspired-by-these-belo-babies Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:35:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23920

Now that we’re a week away from December, are you ready to really dive deep into the holiday season? While our Christmas parties are most likely to be virtual tête-à-tête this year, this doesn’t mean we have to keep it low-key with our holiday looks. Our outfits are important, but you know where you should turn your attention to? Your makeup and hair, of course! These will be the focus of your camera, so it’s imperative that they’re on point. Don’t know which hairstyle you want to sport for the holiday festivities? Let our Belo Babies be your hair pegs for the holiday season.

1. Channel your inner goddess with some big, loose curls.

You can never go wrong with curling your hair for the holidays. Belo Baby Phoemela Baranda knows how to rock voluminous goddess curls. Try parting your hair in the middle and using a wide-barreled hair curler to achieve this face-framing ‘do. You should also apply some hair serum and heat protectant beforehand, to keep your mane’s lustrous shine.

2. Keep it simple with a sleek high ponytail.

If you prefer something more low-key, yet still polished, why not recreate Belo Baby Catriona Gray’s sleek high ponytail? It will draw all the attention to your face (and your beautiful holiday-inspired makeup) while still looking professional and poised. You can toss in a brightly colored silk scrunchie that matches your top for a cohesive look.

3. Look effortlessly casual with a big teased braid.

Planning for a laidback online gathering with your friends? A quick braid will keep your hair away from your face. If you want to be a little ~extra~, you can try replicating Belo Baby Julia Barretto’s teased braid with some hairspray and the help of a friend. For another extra touch, you can also pop in some flowers in the braid for a “natural” hair accessory.

4. Add some dazzle with bejewelled hair clips.

Speaking of hair accessories, you could always bedazzle your holiday hairdo with some hair clips. Like Belo Baby Camille Co, you can use jewelled hair clips to keep your bangs away from your face and add a little extra bling to your look. The holidays always call for some sparkle, both on our Christmas trees and in our holiday looks.

5. Try a new hair colour.

If you want to surprise everyone during your online party and you’re feeling brave, then perhaps a totally new hair colour is in order! Take notes from Belo Baby Sue Ramirez, who’s rocking the blonde ‘do. Experiment with classic browns and wearable balayage or go for an out-of-the-box hair colour altogether, like a pastel pink or neon blue. This calls for an appointment at the hair salon, so bring a photo for the colorist to reference.

Now that you have options, which hair peg is your fave? The holidays are the best time for a glow-up moment so you should definitely try some of these hairstyles. Now that your tresses have been tamed, don’t forget to wear your best accessory—a confident smile!

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Early-Bird Christmas Gift Guide: For Your Family https://www.belomed.com/blog/early-bird-christmas-gift-guide-for-your-family Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:09:27 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23940

The holiday season in 2020 will be a little bit different, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be merry. With Christmas around the corner, we’re all looking for clever ways to send gifts to our friends and loved ones despite the circumstances. It could be a bit easier for our family though, especially if you live with them (and if you don’t, we have a new “Send as Gift” feature in the Belo Shop that will take care of that) since you could just make the delivery appear like any ordinary one. 

Here’s a list of gift ideas for the people you’ve probably spent the most time with this year. We think they deserve it!

For the breadwinner: a hair revitalizing shampoo

Pelo Baum Hair Revitalizing Shampoo 150ML

Pelo Baum Hair Revitalizing Shampoo, P1,500 from the Belo Shop

Making sure there’s enough money to put food on the table AND pay the bills during these times may have caused extra stress on your household’s breadwinner, causing a lot of hairfall. Give them the gift of tresses instead with a hair revitalizing shampoo that’s formulated to allow for better hair growth and reduced hair loss as it soothes and nourishes the scalp. 

For the failed plantita: a vase of dried flowers

a vase of dried flowers

Mini Bloom, P900 from @lunabloomsflowers

If there’s someone at home who tried to ride on the platita/plantito trend and horribly failed, a vase of dried flowers might cheer them up. It’s as beautiful as the real ones without the pressure and maintenance. Get them an arrangement that matches their personality for an added touch!

For the new chef: glass dispensers with spout

glass dispensers with spout

Set of 4 Glass Dispensers & Gavin Tray, P1,250 from @styledbynice.home 

We all have that one family member who’s discovered or rediscovered cooking during this quarantine period. Encourage them to continue whipping up delicious dishes with these aesthetic glass dispensers. We’re sure they’ll feel more like true chefs when they use this the next time they cook!

For the homemaker: a beautiful scented candle

beautiful scented candles

Soy Wax Candles in different scents, P350 for 200g jar at @labloomph_spark

With so much time spent at home, we’ve most likely taken the time to declutter and rearrange our furniture to refresh our space. Help make it feel more brand new with a set of scented soy wax candles in a scent that your family member will love. 

For the binge-watcher: a refreshing eye mask

FillMed Eye Recover Mask Belomed

Fillmed Skin Perfusion Eye-Recover Mask, P990 from the Belo Shop

“Last episode, promise,” is a lie that we’ve often told ourselves over the past months. While our favorite shows gave us the good laugh, cry, or kilig that we needed, they also came with dark circles and puffy eyes. A refreshing eye mask that moisturizes and soothes tired eyes is just the thing that they need so their eye area won’t age so quickly. They’ll enjoy the spa-like treatment with these on!

In case you’re living away from your family, the Belo Shop has made gifting easier with the new “Send As Gift” option for non-BPC exclusive items. Simply tick the option in the product page that you want to send as a gift, enter their address upon checkout, and pay for your purchase with the method of your choice. Click here to check out all the available items that you can choose from. Happy shopping!

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Your Holiday Beauty Prep Guide for 2020 https://www.belomed.com/blog/your-holiday-beauty-prep-guide-for-2020 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 21:48:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23968

You might be wondering how to prepare your wardrobe and your beauty arsenal for the 2020 holiday season. After all, this is a year like no other. Gone are the lavish holiday parties of old—well, of 2019 and back. This year, things are bound to be more intimate, simple, and understated, but still meaningful. That means your beauty routine ought to follow suit. Here are some tips from both local and global beauty sources on the beauty trends likely to rule our remaining ber months:

1. It’ll be all about the eyes.

Since the only thing lipstick succeeds in these days is staining the inside of our masks, we’ll all be playing up our eyes this season—and many may even be willing to try bolder looks. We know we said “understated,” but the whole look still comes off as understated when you pair a bold eye with a completely bare face. Easy to wash off at the end of a Zoom call, too!

2. Hair will be largely DIY.

Surely, you’ll still have your share of small, in-person family gatherings this season. But because traffic and fully-booked schedules are bound to be a deterrent, many will be attempting DIY hairstyles for their holidays soirees. Sock curls, anyone?

3. Luxe, elevated pambahay will be all the rage.

Gown rentals? Trips to the department store? Not this year. For our virtual holiday parties, fancy pambahay is where it’s at. From silk pajamas to velour tracksuits to cute knit coordinates, there’s something for every style preference.

4. Everyone will be playing around with nail color.

Another fun way to stand out in a Google Meet grid? The way your nails look when you nonchalantly rest your chin on your hand (or hold up a glass of white wine). Try your hand at different colors for each nail, or challenge yourself with some nail art. 

5. Lashes will be on point.

The eyes really do have it this season. Another way people will be drawing attention to them? Lashes. Have them curled, add falsies, or get eyelash extensions. As long as the end result is pretty, nobody’ll know the difference!

6. We’ll all want our skin to look flawless during those Zoom parties.

2020 has succeeded in making foundation seem frivolous. People will be eschewing heavy, pore-clogging bases for the fresher, lighter feeling of natural makeup this Christmas. We’ll be going for watery bases—if any at all—and mixing them with nutrient-rich skincare products for a double-purpose effect on the skin.

If prepping for the holiday social season used to be a source of stress for you, take heart—this year, things are going to be much simpler. Chances are, your friends and family will just be glad you showed up at all: safe, protected, and present despite what 2020’s thrown at everyone. Go on and celebrate, Belo Beauties!

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How to Make the Most of a Long Weekend https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-long-weekend Wed, 25 Nov 2020 22:54:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=23982

There are 12 long weekends in 2020—and we still have three more coming up, with the first happening this weekend (thanks to Bonifacio Day on Monday, November 30). But like many, you’ve probably found yourself looking forward to the extra chunk of free time, only to find yourself back at your desk again, the long weekend all but gone. How exactly do you make the most of a long weekend without feeling like it passed by too soon? Here are a few tips.

1. Divvy up your days.

Weekend rule numero uno: don’t scatter your errands throughout it. You’re going to feel like there’s a “task” every single day, which will prevent you from true relaxation—like really enjoying a weekend morning because you’re not thinking about having to leave at 1:30 for something. Let’s use the upcoming long weekend as an example. You have Saturday, Sunday, and Monday free. On Saturday, get all the errands you need to get done out of the way. That way, you have Sunday and Monday—AKA a full “normal” weekend—to completely veg out. 

2. Book a staycation.

Unfortunately, unless you have the time, vacation leave balance, and resources to quarantine for two weeks in a foreign country, staycations are the next best thing. It’s much easier to book last-minute these days due to lower booking rates, so you can support the local tourism industry and give yourself a well-deserved breather by booking a quick staycay. Just be sure to read up on your chosen hotel’s guidelines!

3. Do that ONE THING you’ve been putting off for months.

Have you been meaning to take that handbag for repair? Has your back been calling out for a trip to the chiropractor? Or maybe your plants just need repotting at home. Whatever it is that you’ve been meaning to accomplish but for some reason have been putting off, the long weekend is your time to finally cross it off your list.

4. Allot a day just for pampering yourself.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be all about errands. You can choose one day and plan an all-day pamper session, beginning with a morning manicure, an afternoon botanical facial, and an evening massage. 

5. It’s also totally OK to do absolutely nothing.

Sometimes, making rest days count means actually resting. And if you’re happy to while away three whole days watching Netflix, forming a covalent bond with your couch, that’s fine, too! Whatever gets you recharged for the week ahead.

What will you be doing this long weekend, Belo Beauties? Tag us on Twitter @belobeauty and let us know!

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Early-Bird Christmas Gift Guide: For Your Girl Squad https://www.belomed.com/blog/early-bird-christmas-gift-guide-for-your-girl-squad Thu, 26 Nov 2020 15:33:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24002

We have less than a month to go before Christmas! We know the holidays (and holiday shopping) will be a little different this year with social distancing and lots of safety protocols to follow, but whichever way you choose to celebrate the season, we know gifts will always be a great way to cheer up your loved ones especially since we’ve been staying home for most of the year.

Here are a few gift ideas for your best friends that are thoughtful, practical, and an absolute joy to receive.

For the Recently Heartbroken: Monthly Subscriptions

If you have a friend who’s currently nursing a broken heart (whether it’s from a breakup or the loss of a job or loved one), you can help cheer them up by giving them some kind of distraction from the harsh realities we’re facing right now. After a good chat to check up on them, why not give them a subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime Video so they can binge on their favorite shows or find new ones to enjoy? You may also consider giving them a few months of subscription boxes to munch on while watching, like Cheese of the Month or a surprise box of Japanese snacks.

For the Workaholic: BelofEYE Kit

We all have that one friend who’s incredibly dedicated to work, especially now that most of us have transformed our homes into offices. For your workaholic friend, make sure to get the BelofEYE Kit to help them stay looking fresh during those seemingly endless Zoom meetings (most of which could’ve probably been emails).

This newly launched kit curated by Dr. Vicki Belo herself contains two best-sellers from the Belo Shop that will surely get rid of tired eyes and dark circles: FillMed®️ HXR-Eye Cream is dual-action. It addresses and prevents all signs of aging around the eye area using Arg-lys peptides to smoothen fine lines, Hexylresorcinol to lighten dark circles, and Escin to reduce puffiness and eyebags; while the FillMed®️ Eye-Recover Mask uses its signature hydrogel mask to deliver 3-Peptides and Collagen to the eye area, which gives the skin a radiant glow almost instantly.

Each kit contains one (1) FillMed®️ HXR-Eye Cream and two (2) FillMed®️ Eye-Recover Masks for P6,560. 

For the Mom of the Group: Artisan Plates

We’re pretty sure someone in your group of friends (and even you!) have turned into platitas during the lockdown. Giving them artisanal plates made by renowned local artists like Lanelle Abueva-Fernando and Ugu Bigyan will not just give them gorgeous tableware which they can use every day, but it’s also a great way to support our local artists during the pandemic. It’s a nice way of joining them for a meal (even just in spirit). 

You can purchase online or visit their workshops where some pieces are even on sale.

For the Fit and Fab: ZO® Calming Toner pH Balancer

If you have that friend who couldn’t go a day without working out, this dual-action toner will be a fantastic addition to their self-care regimen! Formerly known as Balatone, the ZO® Calming Toner works two ways: it uses Witch Hazel extract to reduce pore size and give the skin a smoother look and feel; and it uses their signature blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, and Sodium PCA to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Get the ZO® Calming Toner (180ml) for P2,925. (Sweet bonus: Enjoy 10% off on all ZO® products at the Belo Shop until December 29, 2020!)

For the Travel Junkie: Bamboo Face Shield

If you have that one friend who’s having major travel sepanx, give them the freedom to roam around safely with a locally made bamboo face shield that’s not only protective, but also quite stylish. 

Several groups of farmers from provinces like Cotabato and Nueva Ecija have been working together with a few organizations and cooperatives to bring their handmade bamboo face shields to Metro Manila for as low as P150 each. It’s beautiful and low-waste (since there’s less plastic needed to make it), and your purchase will directly help communities by giving them additional income during the pandemic.

Check out some bamboo face shields here and here

Enjoy your holiday season, Belo Beauties. And remember, it’s always better to give than to receive!

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Make Gifting Easier This Season with Belo Gift Cards and "Send As Gift"! https://www.belomed.com/blog/make-gifting-easier-this-season-with-belo-gift-cards-and-send-as-gift Fri, 27 Nov 2020 09:33:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24025

It’s a little harder to go Christmas shopping this year. From traffic to quarantine restrictions, there’s really no arguing that online shopping is the way to go. That’s why this holiday season, we’re introducing a contactless, quick, and hassle-free gifting experience for you all...through digital gifting! Now, BPC and non-BPC members can choose from the following gift options at the Belo Shop, so you can easily send the gift of beauty to your loved ones with just a few clicks.

Belo Gift Cards

Belo E-Gift Cards

It’s like a gift certificate, only better! You can send and receive them in an instant, and they come in denominations of P1,000, P2,500, P5,000, and P10,000. Each Belo Gift Card will contain a unique serial number, which your recipient can input conveniently upon checkout or present to our Patient Care Specialists at the clinic (it’s good as cash!). Perfect for OFWs who want to treat their moms and sisters back home to a Belo day, wouldn’t you say? Or you can amp up the self-love and purchase them for yourself to use at a later date. Easy! 

Send As Gift

Belo Send as Gift

Have someone on your Christmas list that’s not too techy? No problem—you now have the option to send them Belo Shop products as gifts! (This is, of course, exclusive to non-prescription products only.) Once you select this option, we’ll ask you for details about your recipient, and we’ll take care of the rest from there. Your recipient will be notified that a gift is on the way...without revealing what the gifts are, of course! This is perfect for gal pals who live on opposite sides of Metro Manila or don’t want to brave the outdoors to exchange gifts.

So whether you want your favorite officemate to try your holy-grail ZO® Oil Control Pads or want your boyfriend to finally start using face wash, there’s definitely something at the Belo Shop for everyone on your list. Happy Christmas shopping, Belo Beauties! 

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Early-Bird Christmas Gift Guide: For Your Boyfriend or Husband https://www.belomed.com/blog/early-bird-christmas-gift-guide-for-your-boyfriend-or-husband Sat, 28 Nov 2020 15:26:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24042

Have you already started shopping for Christmas gifts? We’re only a few days away from December—that means we’re only weeks away from Christmas! But since we’re still cautious about going to public places in the name of safety, hitting the mall to scour for gifts may not be as appealing as before. Why not turn to online shopping this time around? Everything you’ll add to cart might take some time to arrive, so it’s best to start early.

We know shopping for meaningful gifts for your loved ones can be a bit overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve compiled some unique gift ideas for a very special person in your life—your partner!

1. For the self-care newbie: some hair rejuvenating products.

Hubby feeling a little insecure about his receding hairline? Or have you convinced him about the benefits of self-care? Help him regain his confidence with the mane-restoring Belo HairTech MD! The 360 approach to hair restoration involves a three month stock of the Pelo Baum Hair Revitalizing Solution, Shampoo, and Conditioner to use at home and in-clinic hair filler treatments administered by a Belo doctor. He’ll be feeling more confident and gwapo in no time.

2. For the fitness fanatic: a smart water bottle.

Is he being more conscientious about his health? Give him a little help with the Belo Hydro 2.0 Bottle. The portable and replenishable Hydrogen Water maker lets you make hydrogen water wherever you go. Hydrogen water has a lot of benefits for your skin and overall health, so this a great addition to his health-boosting habits.

3. For the workaholic hubby: a new work-from-home essential.

A lot of us are still working from home, so why not make it more comfortable for him? Upgrade his current WFH set-up with a new addition like a proper computer chair, a desk mat, or even a new keyboard and mouse. It will not only refresh his workspace and can also make those long hours at the desk more comfortable.

4. For the low-key fashionista: a new pair of kicks.

Whether it’s for exercise or for comfy errand shoes, he’ll appreciate a new pair of shoes this Christmas. It can be the coveted pair of basketball shoes he’s been eyeing for so long. Maybe he just really needs a brand new set to replace his scuffed up and years old rubber shoes. If there’s a not-so-hidden secret about guys, it’s that they like to dress up a bit every now and then in subtle ways—shoes very much at the top of the list.

5. For the sentimental boyfie: a heartfelt letter.

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best ones to receive. Why not put pen to paper and express how much you appreciate him? This year has been a challenging one for a lot of couples but you managed to stay strong and pull through together. It’s certainly worth commemorating!

Now that you have some idea for your gifts, get to shopping! Whatever you get him, as long as you put a lot of thought into it, he’ll surely end up appreciating whole-heartedly.

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Early-Bird Christmas Gift Guide: For Yourself https://www.belomed.com/blog/early-bird-christmas-gift-guide-for-yourself Sun, 29 Nov 2020 15:53:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24056

With all the holiday prep and shopping you’ve been doing lately, you may forget to shop for some gifts for yourself too! The holiday season is the time to be generous, to your family, friends, and partner—but most especially, to yourself. You may have spent the majority of this year being a little thriftier than usual, and we can’t blame you at all. But as this challenging year comes to a close, you deserve to indulge on some of your whims and wants too. 

1. For an all-over glow-up: Belo Body Scrub Glow Kit: Radiance

Who wouldn’t want to glow from head to toe for the holidays? Skincare is important, but don’t forget to take care of the rest of your body as well. As an early Christmas present for yourself this year, belofy your skin at home with Belo’s signature body scrub that comes in a special kit. This radiance-boosting Belo-It-Yourself Kit will leave your skin smoother and more glowing to match the positive outlook we’re all bringing into the holidays and beyond.

2. For every day: a set of artisanal jewelry

It’s the details that make your outfits interesting. Whether you want to dress up a little at home or get dolled up for a video call, your jewelry will upgrade your look ten times over. This Bacolod-based artisanal jewelry brand creates slow-made and handmade accessories inspired by nature that you can pair with any outfit.

3. For getting through the year: some framed dried flowers

Every achievement should be remembered in some special way. In our opinion, getting through 2020 deserves all that and more! Reward yourself with a lasting token from you for you, like these beautifully framed dried flowers. Insert a note to remind your future self that you’ve gone through challenges and still came out on top. This way, you’ll always have these encouraging words to give you that extra push during the lowlights of your life.

4. For “just because”: a yummy, sweet treat

This season is the time for some indulgence, isn’t it? So why not treat yourself to a decadent cake from a world-renown bakery? Cater to your sweet tooth with these delightful tiered desserts. Remember, it’s not a cheat day but a reward for doing your best during an unusual year. You deserve it!

5,. For some added TLC: ZO Overnight Recovery Creme

The holidays can take its toll on our skin, especially for the (virtual) Christmas parties where we have to get dolled up for the camera. To keep your skin at its best and prevent it from drying out, give it some overnight TLC with this soothing and calming night cream. The ceramide-rich formula can restore hydration in the driest and most dehydrated skin while also reinforcing the skin barrier to lock in all that hydration. Plus, it has other ingredients like squalane, shea butter, retinol, and herbal and floral extracts to help solve your skin woes. You’ll wake up with a smoother and radiant complexion that will make feel good inside and out.

With that in mind, it’s time to breathe in the spirit of happiness and giving this season. Happy holidays, Belo Beauties! 

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Early-Bird Christmas Gift Guide: For Your Officemates https://www.belomed.com/blog/early-bird-christmas-gift-guide-for-your-officemates Fri, 27 Nov 2020 15:44:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24080

Though parties are called off and annual get-togethers are discouraged this holiday season, we’re pretty sure that the absence of actual gatherings won’t break the Filipino Christmas spirit. Gift giving has always been part of our Christmas tradition. Thanks to digital gifting, even office Christmas traditions like “monito-monita” and exchanging gifts can carry on. So even if you’re working from home, you can still surprise your colleagues with a treat—and have it delivered right to their doorstep.

No matter who is on your list—whether it's your long-time lunch buddy or your newfound office BFF—we assure you they’ll love these treats. Here’s a roundup of nice-to-have gifts that you can surprise them with: 

For Your New Office Friend: Belo Illuminating Soap

If you’re looking for something within a budget, then the Belo Illuminating Soap will not let you down. For only P550, you get to give your new bud the gift of healthy, glowing skin all over. Want to add a touch of surprise to your gift? You can order this product from the Belo Shop and send it straight to your friend's address. (Just choose the “Send As Gift” option upon checkout!)

For The Officemate Who Doesn’t Believe in Fake Succulents: Plants & Blooms

Have a colleague who joined the Plantita nation during the quarantine season? Or is she the type who loves upgrading her work station at home with floral arrangements? Either way, Designer Blooms can help you make your teammate’s day merry and bright with their fresh plants and dried flower arrangements. Ranging from P295-P4,000, you can choose from smallest to the biggest plant, or from the simplest to the grandest floral arrangement.

For Your Most Discerning Officemate: Strokes & Palette

Add color to that next Zoom meeting with your colleague and make it extra fun by gifting her with Strokes’ newest Beauty Lab treats. They recently launched their Velvet Click Stick collection, which can be purchased individually or in bundles. The complete set of 9 gorgeous shades comes in a premium box perfect for gifting for only P3,148, with a cute pouch freebie!

For Your Favorite Officemate: Belo E-Gift Card

Yes, that’s right. Belo E-Gift Cards are now available at the Belo Shop! If you can't decide which treat is the best for your favorite office buddy, then let them pick. Surprise them with an E-Gift card and give him or her the gift of choice. Depending on your budget, the Belo E-Gift Card comes in different denominations (from P1,000 to P10,000) to choose from.

A Gift for Everyone: Dr. Guard Air Disinfection Stick

A gift that every member of the team will love to use: Dr. Guard is a set of innovative disinfection sticks that can sterilize and deodorize air in an enclosed area upon activation. This portable, magic stick has a deodorization technology using pure Chlorine Dioxide that can help destroy harmful bacteria and viruses floating in the air for up to 20-30 days. Definitely worth it, for only P990 per stick!

Christmas may be a little different this year from what we are used to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and bring excitement to the season! Trust us, we all deserve it after this year. For more gift ideas, check out the Belo Shop

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This Quick Treatment Uses Microneedles to Destroy Your Oil Glands https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-quick-treatment-uses-microneedles-to-destroy-your-oil-glands Fri, 27 Nov 2020 16:51:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24093

Everybody knows that pimples form because our pores become clogged with oil and debris, resulting in an “infection” in the form of a swollen (and sometimes pus-filled) bump. And we can stick on pimple patches and get Kenacort acne injections all we want, but if we don’t treat acne from the source, then those pimples will keep on coming back. What if we told you there was a machine that could destroy your oil glands, resulting in overall clearer and healthier skin? Here’s everything you need to know about the AGNES treatment.

How does Belo AGNES work?

At the 2019 Cosmo BeautyCon, Dr. Vicki Belo explained what AGNES is—and how it works. “So there's a machine for that, we actually burn the [sac] so that no oil can accumulate there anymore. It's called Agnes. It's especially for the chin, it's also for the oiliness, so you're less oily [and] get fewer pimples,” she explained. 

AGNES is a radiofrequency-based medical device, which means it can actually also be used to treat skin laxity and wrinkles. But since our focus here is acne, it’s worth noting that AGNES comes with “different types and unique [designs] of micro-insulated needles, depending on the user application,” says the AGNES official website. “Each type of micro-insulated needle has a different number of pins and length of insulation on the tip (electrode), which will [be inserted] into the target tissues.” 

No sebaceous glands, no acne. By destroying the glands that produce oil, you can enjoy clear skin from the get-go—no band-aid solutions necessary.

What is the procedure like?

The treatment starts with microneedling, where your Belo aesthetician will directly target oil glands and pores, whether there are pimples in the area or not. This will take up the bulk of the procedure. Finally, a radiofrequency treatment with gel is done to help stimulate collagen and skin cell growth in the area.

Is it painful? How is the downtime?

“The problem though is downtime, and it's a little painful,” Dr. Belo said. Since the procedure involves microneedles, you can expect some measure of pain, depending on your tolerance level. You will walk out of the treatment room with some redness and swelling. The downtime can take 3-5 days. However, Dr. Belo assures everyone that the treatment is "worth it.” And we agree—just look at these results:

For this patient, AGNES was able to target skin texture and wrinkles as well!

(Disclaimer: Please note that the results above are not of Belo patients; however, the results were achieved with the AGNES machine.)

So if you’re tired of temporary solutions that don’t really fix the problem at its source, then Belo AGNES just might be the treatment for you. Let’s zap those oil glands and bring you closer to clear skin before 2020 ends!

To book your AGNES appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Christmas-Themed Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-christmas-themed-books-to-get-you-in-the-holiday-spirit Sat, 28 Nov 2020 16:28:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24107

There’s no denying it—the Christmas season is truly upon us. But with piles of work ahead, holiday get-togethers we have no idea how to dress for (read: they’re virtual), and the fact that everyone and their mother is wearing a face shield, things are a little weird to get into this year. Luckily, if you need to catch up on your 2020 Reading Challenge goals, we have five titles that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. 

1. For those who love Love, Actually: Let It Snow

LET IT SNOW

Just like the cult-classic Christmas movie, this collection of stories follows three different characters during the same holiday season in the same city. A huge snowstorm is brewing in Gracetown, and Jubilee, Tobin, and Addie are in for the most memorable Christmas of their lives. How will their paths intersect? 

2. For those who love New York City: Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares

DASH AND LILY’S BOOK OF DARES

It’s tough to find The One in the Big Apple. You have to be very discerning, cause y’know, there are bad people out there. Or weird ones. Lily, wanting to find the right kind of guy, leaves a red notebook full of dares in her favorite bookstore, hoping that the one who can solve its riddles will be the one she falls in love with next. Their adventure through New York City will have you dreaming of the last time you visited.

3. For those who truly believe in destiny: One Day in December

ONE DAY IN DECEMBER

Everyone’s a sucker for missed connections—the handsome stranger you lock eyes with on a train, the mysterious man sitting two tables from you at a restaurant, you catch the drift. This is exactly what happens to Laurie; from a bus window, she meets eyes with someone intriguing. And she just...knows. So she searches everywhere for him, until she finally finds him by chance. As it turns out, the missed connection is her best friend’s new boyfriend. So what happens now?

4. For those who love a classic: Little Women

Little Women

We often forget that Little Women is a Christmas story—the story unfolds over the holiday season, centered around the March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Jo has gone off to New York to become the writer she’s always wanted to be. Meanwhile, in Europe, Meg has a chance encounter with someone from Jo’s past. Will a love triangle brew? And what of the fate of Beth’s marriage and Amy’s worsening health? You might have not picked up this Louisa May Alcott classic since high school, but it’s a good one to revisit this year.

5. For those who miss traveling: Royal Holiday

Royal Holiday

Who doesn’t love a Christmas getaway? Unfortunately, getting out of town can be tedious these days—let alone hopping on a plane out of the country. Luckily, we can live vicariously through Vivian Forest, who never thought she’d meet her next love on her daughter’s work trip to England, where Vivian has unceremoniously been asked to tag along. Will Malcolm Hudson, private assistant to the Queen, be her forever and always?

Who knows how long it’ll be until we can celebrate Christmas the way we used to? One thing’s for sure, though—we can always get lost in the world of a great book. And if that allows us to forget reality for even a couple of hours, then we’ll take it.

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Does Coffee Make You Palpitate? Try Matcha Milk https://www.belomed.com/blog/does-coffee-make-you-palpitate-try-matcha-milk Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24117

This is, in no way, going to be a scathing indictment of coffee. Coffee will always be the quintessential A.M. pick-me-up. But it’s easy to have too much—or to chug that cold brew like a college student at beer pong—and then, the palpitations begin. You can feel your heart beating from inside your chest. Your mind races, and your fingers are shaking a little. Now, you’re too stimulated, and there’s no way to reverse it. If coffee is too strong for you, then here’s a new alternative: matcha milk. Here are four reasons you should stock up on matcha milk for your next work week.

1. Matcha is a great antioxidant.

According to TIME Magazine, matcha “contains a class of antioxidants called catechins. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body.” Green tea, which matcha is, has also been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels.

2. It actually contains more caffeine than regular green tea.

Matcha is prepared differently from regular green tea—with matcha, the leaves are ground and dried to become powder. That means you’re getting the whole tea leaf in your drink.

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular green tea contains 28 milligrams of caffeine. By comparison, matcha can contain up to 70 milligrams (!) of caffeine, says nutritionist Keri Gans, RD in an interview with Women’s Health. So you don’t have to worry about still feeling groggy after having a cup.

3. Matcha milk blends tend to come with other nutritious ingredients.

What’s great about matcha is it’s the perfect base for a blend. This local creation by Seabuds La Union packs their matcha milk mix with MCT oil (great for memory and brain function), ashwagandha (to reduce stress and anxiety), coconut milk powder, and coconut sugar. There are tons of matcha milk mixes out there—you can even make your own!—so go ahead and get creative.

4. It tastes like dessert!

Matcha has been added to many great desserts: cheesecake, ice cream, sundaes, and more. So having a little taste of matcha in the morning can remind you of those sweet bites. It just might be the happy pill you need to start the day right. (And who says you can’t have dessert in the morning anyway?)

Nothing wrong with your cup of joe if you like it the way it is, but if you want to try something new for your WFH days, matcha milk is a good place to start. It’s healthy, delicious, and—bonus—pretty darn Instagrammable. Enjoy!

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Beauty Gift Guide: For the Moms who Deserve It All https://www.belomed.com/blog/beauty-gift-guide-for-the-moms-who-deserve-it-all Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:46:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24139

We owe everything to our mothers. After all, they go above and beyond to keep us safe, happy, and healthy. (And they loved us throughout our difficult teenage years—sorry, Mom!) Pandemic or not, they always deserve the best of the best that we can offer. Here’s our 2020 Beauty Gift Guide for Mom this year!

The ZO® Firming Kit will be their new best friend. 

If your mom still doesn’t have a consistent skincare routine, now’s the time to change that. This kit is all about lifting and tightening: the Gentle Cleanser strips away dirt, but preserves your skin’s natural hydration; the Daily Power Defense protects and heals the skin; and the Firming Serum stimulates collagen production and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves your skin’s elasticity, and contours your skin. Finally, some sunscreen: the kit also comes with a bottle of Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA++++

Shop it here for P22,325.

Belo Vita is perfect if she’s spent her younger years not taking care of her skin.

Maybe Mom wasn’t too diligent with sunscreen or eye cream in her 20s, and it’s beginning to take a toll. No worries—it’s not too late! Belo Vita works hard on skin regeneration and tissue repair for youthful, moisturized, and fairer skin. Hyaluronic acid, glutathione, and other rejuvenating ingredients are infused into the skin using a specialized injector to nourish it from deep within. Dr. Vicki Belo, Jinkee Pacquiao, and Dyan Castillejo are huge fans because it’s perfect for women in their 50s and above. 

Now is your chance to let Mom try a crowd favorite—Thermage FLX!

This is one of our consistently best-selling treatments for a reason. Thermage FLX is just so darn effective! This skin-tightening treatment delivers immediate off-the-table results that—wait for it—get even better over time. And for women in their 40s and above, the results can last up to 12 months! Mom will be so excited she can say she’s gotten the same treatment as Korina Sanchez, Martin Nievera, and Mayor Isko Moreno.

Or, give her the facelift she’s always cajoled you to sponsor for her...except, it’s a nonsurgical kind.

The Enerjet Kinetic Facelift uses a special firming and rejuvenating solution containing hyaluronic acid. It’s a unique treatment that simulates the effects of a surgical facelift—without the bleeding, swelling, and downtime! We guarantee she’s going to find it hard to look away from her reflection in the mirror after this. (Good news for Davao residents: it’s finally available at our Abreeza Mall location!)

No shame in a little BOTOX® and Fillers!

It’s a brave new world. Gone are the days when the words “BOTOX®” and “fillers” would remind everyone of Pamela Anderson or Donatella Versace. Our expert Belo doctors know just the right amount of BOTOX® or filler to add for an instant youthful lift—without looking overdone. Your mom might have secretly wanted them all this time, but has been too afraid or embarrassed to ask. This Christmas, you can bridge the gap!

Your mom deserves the best this year—it’s been a challenging one, which makes gifts from the heart all the more meaningful. And what could be better than the gift of Belo?

Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

To book your mom an appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want them to have a chat before diving in? Click here to book their online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want them to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Up Your Gift-Giving Game with the ALL-NEW Belo E-Gift Cards https://www.belomed.com/blog/up-your-gift-giving-game-with-the-all-new-belo-e-gift-cards Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:58:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24156

Question: Have you thought about your Christmas shopping plans yet? We’re less than a month away from December 25, after all. First off, the quarantine period has not stopped traffic from rearing its ugly head. Malls are going to be packed, making social distancing difficult. So online shopping is, without a doubt, the way to go. If you’re planning to give someone on your Christmas list the gift of a Belo pamper day, but don’t know exactly what they’d want, we have your answer—the all-new Belo E-Gift Cards!

It’s like a gift certificate, only better!

How do I buy a Belo E-Gift Card?

You can purchase Belo E-Gift Cards at the Belo Shop in denominations of P1,000, P2,500, P5,000, and P10,000. You’ll be asked for the date during which you want the gift card to be sent (on their birthday? On Christmas? The very same day, just because?), the recipient’s email address, and a customized message from you if you’d like. Once successful, you’ll receive an email notification to confirm your transaction, and your recipient will get a Belo E-Gift Card notification on your scheduled giving date. And don’t worry—your recipient doesn’t have to be a Belo Privilege Club (BPC) member to claim and use their gift!

How can my recipient claim and use their Belo E-Gift Card?

Each Belo E-Gift Card will contain a unique serial number, which your recipient can input conveniently upon checkout or present to our Patient Care Specialists at the clinic (it’s good as cash!). It’s perfect for OFWs who want to treat their moms and sisters back home to a Belo day. Or you can amp up the self-love and purchase them for yourself to use at a later date. 

How many times can the Belo E-Gift Card be used?

Recipients may only use the e-gift cards once, in a single transaction (even if the total amount of transaction is less than the amount of the card). Any remaining balance will be forfeited. That means if someone’s given you an E-Gift Card worth P10,000, you’ll have to use it for a single transaction worth P10,000 (or more, then just add cash to pay for the excess amount).

Can the Belo E-Gift Card be used on discounted products and treatments?

YES! Because the Belo E-Gift Card is as good as cash, you or your recipient can use it during our double-digit (8.8, 9.9) sales or when there are in-clinic promotions.

Will I earn BPC points for purchasing a Belo E-Gift Card?

Yes. The points will go to you! That means that if your recipient happens to be a BPC member, they will not earn points for redeeming their E-Gift Card.

We’re guessing you don’t need any more convincing! This is the easiest, most convenient gift ever—and it’s a guaranteed knockout. After all, who doesn’t love free Belo goodies? Click here to purchase your Belo E-Gift Cards!

Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

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Beauty Gift Guide: For the Ultimate Girl Boss https://www.belomed.com/blog/beauty-gift-guide-for-the-ultimate-girl-boss Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:28:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24164

There are two types of people that are difficult to shop for: the ones who already have everything, and the ones that don’t need you to buy them anything. Girlbosses are notoriously independent and self-sufficient—they’ve got all their needs down pat, so what they deserve this Christmas is something they’ll want. Here’s our 2020 Beauty Gift Guide for the girlboss in your life!

The BelofEYE Kit is a luxurious two-step treat.

Your friend is likely to work themselves to the bone—and love it. But that doesn’t mean they should let skincare fall by the wayside! This two-step eye care routine relieves puffiness, banishes dark circles, boosts collagen, and lifts a droopy, tired eye area. 

Shop it here for P6,560.

Belo Skin Genius is perfect for always-on-the-go ladies.

The girlboss in question is probably a multitasker, so she’d love an equally versatile treatment. Skin Genius works on both skin laxity and skin quality—and best of all, the results last 18 to 24 months, which means she won’t have to disrupt her busy schedule for overly-frequent maintenance treatments.

Belo BioNutriGlow is as efficient at solving problems as she is—for sure.

Your savvy friend has probably heard rave reviews of the “Chanel injection” from her international circles. Well, she’ll be glad to know that the rejuvenating solution inside that treatment, called NCTF®, is available at Belo. BioNutriGlow infuses New Cellular Treatment Factor into the skin surface using an exclusive device for intradermal needling. This beauty activator contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and gives it a youthful glow, plus 59 nutrients that help to reverse signs of aging such as dullness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles, and imperfections. Talk about a hard worker!

Belo ADVAClear is a godsend for stress-induced acne and oiliness.

Is she breaking out because of longer hours and, well, stress upon stress? Then ADVAClear is the perfect Christmas laser—it’s the first-ever yellow laser of its kind. And best of all, it has a special setting for the acne-prone, targeting acne, oiliness, the pigmentation left behind by pimples, and more. Once she tries this, she can walk out of the clinic worry-free and go back to work!

Belo Picosure can help get rid of an old tattoo—or reduce wrinkles where she needs them gone.

Lastly, this oldie but goodie is loved by longtime Belo patients for a reason. Picosure works to treat wrinkles, pigmentation and acne scars, as well as remove unwanted tattoos in picosecond (that’s a trillionth of a second!) intervals. So if your friend’s got an embarrassing tattoo from her teen years that she needs gone before an important board meeting, Picosure is the way to go.

Your closest friends and family deserve the best this year—it’s been a challenging one, which makes gifts from the heart all the more meaningful. And what could be better than the gift of Belo?

Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

To book your Christmas gift recipient an appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want them to have a chat before diving in? Click here to book their online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want them to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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5 Reasons You Should Get a Hydrogen Bottle https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-get-a-hydrogen-bottle Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:02:55 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24179

Last June, we introduced the Belo Hydro 2.0, a sleek and minimalist bottle with a built-in mechanism that is able to infuse hydrogen gas into your water. All you have to do is fill your bottle with water, and press one of two buttons to activate! Your water will be ready in either 1 minute (for an instant swig) or 3 minutes (for maximum hydration). Now, we all know that water is made of hydrogen and oxygen...so what’s the logic behind upping the hydrogen content in your drink? Here are five reasons you’ll wanna consider getting yourself a hydrogen bottle.

1. To eliminate free radicals.

Can’t afford to get sick over the holidays! Water that is even richer in hydrogen than its regular counterparts is our best defense against free radicals (the unstable atoms in your body that wreak havoc on other cells, causing aging and other issues). We need every single cell in our body to be as healthy as they can right now, and if a few swigs of hydrogen bottle can help, then it only makes sense to seize the opportunity!

2. To regulate blood pressure and stabilize cholesterol.

“Really?” you ask, “Water can do all this?” Well, hydrogen-rich water can! Hydrogen water is able to boost mitochondrial function in our cells. And as we all know, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. (Thanks a lot, high school biology.) This, in turn, improves our HDL cholesterol levels. High-Density Lipoprotein is the good kind of cholesterol, the kind that removes harmful cholesterol and reduces our risk of heart disease. And all of this causes a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation in the circulatory system, thereby regulating your blood pressure. We’ll take more of that HDL, please!

3. For anti-aging.

Hydrogen-rich water is a warrior against UV damage—you might be staying in more often, but UV damage happens indoors when sunlight streams in through your windows. According to Dr. Vicki Belo, “the source of UV rays is not only from the sun, but also from computer screens, and the heat or radiation from cooking or baking.” So consider yourself forewarned!

So extensive UV exposure is harmful, but what many might be unaware of is that UV damage increases the concentration of Reactive Oxygen (ROS) free radicals in our body. By fighting UV damage, we can bring down those ROS levels and enjoy supple and healthy skin.

4. To combat fatigue.

In a 2018 study published in BioMed Research International, researchers found that hydrogen-rich water “exerted antifatigue effects” on a group of swimming mice. In this September 2019 study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, humans who were given H2-infused water prior to exercise experienced “significantly improved” endurance. Scientists have proven that increased hydrogen content in water does have an effect!

5. To reduce stress and anxiety—and lighten your mood.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, from political arguments to global health crises. And no one can blame you if you’ve been feeling stressed, moody, and anxious lately. With the holidays coming, however, it would help to have a little more spring in your step. Here’s where Belo Hydro 2.0 can help. The journal Med Gas Res (Medical Gas Research) published a 2017 study concluding that hydrogen-rich water has observable effects on one’s mood and anxiety levels. “In conclusion, HRW (hydrogen-rich water) administration for 4 weeks in adult volunteers improved mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function, suggesting that HRW administration may offer an effective method to reinforce quality of life and maintain good health,” says the authors. 

Belo is all about beauty, so it makes perfect sense that we would add the Belo Hydro 2.0 to our arsenal. We want you to be able to take beauty wherever you go. Enjoy the benefits of hydrogen-rich water by grabbing your bottle now—and maybe gifting some to a few lucky people on your Christmas list!

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Beauty Gift Guide: For the Men in Your Life https://www.belomed.com/blog/beauty-gift-guide-for-the-men-in-your-life Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:26:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24197

When you’re at the beauty aisle of a department store while Christmas shopping, the last people on your mind are the men. Your dad, your brother, your boyfriend…they couldn’t possibly appreciate anything from around here, right? But 2020, to borrow a Gen Z term, just hit different. We could all use a breather—and we have a feeling they’re going to unknowingly appreciate a pamper day for Christmas. Here’s our 2020 Beauty Gift Guide for the men in your life this year!

Your dad will appreciate having his 80s hair back—HairTech MD is the answer.

Has your dad been hiding under caps and strange hats for the better part of a decade? Make his Christmas—and his life—by treating him to Belo HairTech MD. This comprehensive three-month program clears bald spots, increases hair thickness, growth, and volume, and makes Dad feel like a machoman again. The best part? He can do most of the program at home; he just has to come in for a few Hair Filler sessions!

Luckily, we’ve got lots of hair treats lined up for the holidays:

If your guy best friend has yet to be introduced to the concept of face wash (let alone a skincare routine), the ZO® range is a great starting point.

No hate on your best bud or anything, but if he wants to impress those potential Tinder matches, then his skincare game has to step all the way up (especially if he’s looking to lock down a holidate). Luckily, crowd favorites like the ZO® Exfoliating Cleanser, Oil Control Pads, and more are at up to 10% off until December 29! Get him a whole skincare routine, or start him off with just a cleanser. Up to you, BFF!

Shop ZO® products here.

Has your SO or hubby been breaking out due to stress? He’s going to love Piolo Pascual’s favorite yellow laser.

Unfortunately, men’s skin is a lot more problematic that women’s—they’re more prone to acne and oiliness, and they tend to have larger pores, which only exacerbates things. Treat your man to Belo’s brand new and exclusive ADVAClear or ADVAYouth treatment. This revolutionary yellow laser can get rid of pimples, oiliness, or even pigmentation and sagging skin (depending on the setting!). If it’s good enough for Papa P, it’s good enough for your guy.

Your sporty little brother will appreciate a boost in the form of the Belo Athlete’s Drip.

“There’s no way you can drag me into Belo, Ate,” he’s mentioned once before. But perhaps he’ll make an exception for an intravenous infusion that will help improve his endurance, help his metabolism, and boost recovery. That’s the Athlete’s Drip! (Secret: It’s also perfect for getting rid of a nasty hangover. He can do with that information what he wants.)

Lolo needs that extra health boost, too—gift him a Belo hydrogen bottle!

Don’t forget about Grandpa! This year is sure to have been difficult for him, what with increased quarantine restrictions for the elderly and fears of contracting COVID-19. But you can help give his health a boost with the Belo Hydro 2.0, a portable glass bottle that creates hydrogen-rich water at the push of a button! From regulating blood pressure to combatting free radicals and more, the benefits speak for themselves. He’ll love its classy design, too!

Purchase the Belo Hydro 2.0 here.

The men in your life deserve the best this year—it’s been a challenging one, which makes gifts from the heart all the more meaningful. And what could be better than the gift of Belo?

Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

To book your loved one an appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want them to have a chat before diving in? Click here to book their online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want them to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Why Should You Use Your Ring Finger to Apply Eye Cream? https://www.belomed.com/blog/why-should-you-use-your-ring-finger-to-apply-eye-cream Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:02:13 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24216

As Dr. Vicki Belo will say time and again, our eyes are the first to show signs of age. ““We do so much to [our eyes], and its skin is so thin and fragile. Applying makeup can tear on the elastic fibers. Squinting causes wrinkles. Rubbing your eyes can make dark circles appear. All these problems have been around for a long time,” she has said

And it’s true—the eyes are indeed surrounded by skin that’s paper-thin and almost translucent. That’s why, after a late night, we wake up with dark circles (because our blood vessels become more visible). That’s why our eye area tends to sag at a seemingly faster rate than the rest of our face as we grow older. That’s why preventive eye care is important. We’ve waxed poetic about the importance of eye cream—or, even better, a dedicated eye routine. But you may have heard a strange tip before: Apply eye cream with your ring finger. Why is that?

EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CINCf9TFyZj/

First off, it has something to do with the anatomy of the ring finger. In an interview with Good Housekeeping US, general practitioner Dr. Rupert Critchley says, “In humans, mainly due to evolutionary mechanisms, the ring and middle finger have no independent tendons (bands of tough fibrous connective tissue made of collagen) that bend them on their own. This results in more restricted movement and thus they are perceived as weaker than the rest.”

Now, we’ve already told you guys about the importance of not rubbing your eyes—excessive friction and pressure on the delicate skin there causes you to look older and more tired. Because the ring finger is ‘weaker’ or less heavy-handed than the rest of your fingers, it’s perfectly made for the delicate application of eye cream!

Now that you have confirmation, it’s time to put it into practice. Just apply the right amount of eye cream or serum on your ring finger, gently dab around the contour of your eye (from tear trough to outer eye, and on the eyelids as necessary), and tap very gently until the product has been absorbed. No rubbing or circular motions whatsoever. Got it? Don’t forget, and pass on the good word!

Click here to purchase the BelofEYE Kit, and here to purchase the FILLMED® HXR-Eye Cream.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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4 Reasons You Should Invest in a Home Air Purifier https://www.belomed.com/blog/4-reasons-you-should-invest-in-a-home-air-purifier Sat, 05 Dec 2020 13:54:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24240

By now, we all know that the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread through contact and respiratory droplets. The whole world was thrown into overdrive—handsfree methods, online transactions, and social distancing measures were implemented everywhere. Pharmaceutical companies raced (and continue to race) for the vaccine that could end the worldwide quarantine. And people began turning to air purifiers. Below, we explain why you should invest in an air purifier for your family’s safety in just a bit.

1. It reduces the potential of airborne transmission of COVID-19.

At first, scientists were split as to whether air purifiers could help stop the spread of COVID-19 somehow, but now that more research has been conducted, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) explained that they can help a lot. “When used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space,” they said. “By itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by CDC and others, filtration can be part of a plan to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.”

2. Additionally, a good air purifier can combat more than just COVID-19.

Here’s an example of one such air purifier: All the rooms in all Belo clinics nationwide are outfitted with Air Intellipure. This isn’t your regular air purifier—these medical-grade machines are 40x more efficient than HEPA filters in eliminating harmful viruses, fungi, molds, and bacteria, leaving nothing but fresh, pure, healthy air. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the coronavirus is approximately 0.125 micron, but the Intellipure systems have been proven to capture particles as small as .007 micron in size. This machine is so good, it’s used in COVID hospitals in Wuhan, China. Yep!

PROMO ALERT: Get 5% off when you buy one (1) unit of Intellipure Compact Air Purifier or Intellipure Ultrafine, and get 10% off when you buy two (2) units or more or Intellipure Compact Air Purifier or Intellipure Ultrafine. To purchase, call (0999) 885 7271 or email shop@belomed.com.

3. Because indoor air can be more contaminated than outdoor air.

Research has shown that indoor air quality can be much, much worse than outdoor air. “There are actually various sources of pollution that have a negative effect on air quality, many of which are found inside our homes and offices. From cooking residue to paints, varnishes and fungal spores, the air we breathe indoors is often more polluted than that outside,” said Prashant Kumar of the University of Surrey. With an air purifier, you can dramatically reduce the rate of contamination at home, especially if you live with pets, the elderly, or little ones.

4. They help prevent other respiratory complications.

Even if the current global pandemic weren’t happening, it’s important to take extra steps to keep your family safe from other respiratory diseases. With an Air Intellipure purifier at home, you can expect a substantial reduction in airborne microorganisms, dust, bacteria, and more, all of which can pose health risks to your family. 

Luckily, you can secure an Air Intellipure unit for you and your family from Belo. Get 5% off when you buy one (1) unit of Intellipure Compact Air Purifier or Intellipure Ultrafine, and get 10% off when you buy two (2) units or more or Intellipure Compact Air Purifier or Intellipure Ultrafine.

To purchase your unit, just call (0999) 885 7271 or email shop@belomed.com. Stay safe and healthy, Belo Babies!

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Not Everyone Has the Genes for a Six-Pack—Here's Why https://www.belomed.com/blog/not-everyone-has-the-genes-for-a-six-pack-heres-why Sun, 29 Nov 2020 17:08:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24281

Yep, you read that right. If you don’t have the genes for a six-pack, no matter how hard and how often you work out, it’s just not going to change. The short explanation is, well, that’s biology. In the same way that some people have genes for brown hair or blue eyes, some people have genes for a six-, four-, eight-, or even a ten-pack – and no amount of workout will change what the heavens have given you. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have the washboard abs you want to get. It just means there will be less “packs” in yours.

According to Healthline, each person is “born with a set number of these connective tissue bands” or the  rectus abdominis muscle, which “give the appearance of multiple packs stacked on top of each other on either side of your abdomen.” Your genes determine the “symmetry, length, and size” of these bands. While most people are born with three bands (making it possible to have a six-pack with the right amount of workout), some people have four bands (for eight-packs) or just two bands (for four-packs).

“But just because you have more or less doesn’t mean you’re stronger or weaker. It’s just your genes,” explains writer and health professional Corey Whelan. “Of course, what you eat and how you exercise also play large roles in how your abs ultimately look.”

Gender also plays a role in achieving well-defined abs (no matter how many packs you have). In the same Healthline article, Whelan pointed out that “men have around 61 percent more muscle mass than women due to their higher testosterone levels” and “women require more body fat than men” in order to produce estrogen, maintain fertility, and to optimize energy levels. She writes, “Men require less body fat for optimum health, too. So, they can more readily lose enough fat to show their toned rectus abdominis muscles underneath.”

In an article for Men’s Health Magazine, Los Angeles-based writer and strength coach Trevor Thieme also pointed out that if you already have defined abdominal muscles, genetics will also determine whether they’re symmetrical or not. 

“Odds are your unevenness is genetic, and there’s not a whole lot you can do about it… If those sections aren't Photoshop-perfect, you aren’t alone. Uneven abs are common even among physique athletes,” Thieme explained.

He also mentions other causes of uneven abs, like medical conditions. “Uneven abs can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as scoliosis, which results in a sideways curvature of the spine. Athletes that predominantly use one side of their body (e.g., tennis players, golfers, pitchers) occasionally develop a bit of lopsidedness as well.”

Aside from getting the picture-perfect physique, genetics also plays a big role in weight loss in general.

Award-winning journalist Patrick Strudwick wrote about a test called XRPredict for UK news site The Independent. The test was developed by systems biology professor Dr. Jamie Timmons of Loughborough University to determine “the genes responsible for your body's adaptations to aerobic exercise”.  Dr. Timmons did a study in the UK and concluded that “approximately one in six of the general population are "high responders" when it comes to exercise, which means the participants responded well to the health regimen and increased their fitness level by about 25-50 per cent. Meanwhile, one in three are considered “medium responders” (15-25% increase in aerobic fitness), one in three are “medium-low responders” (5-15% increase), and another one in six are “low responders”, which will only see an average of 5% increase in their fitness level despite following a strict health program.

"So far, the only explanation we have for this is that somewhere in their system, between the mouth inhaling air and the oxygen, probably in the periphery of the muscles, they're maladapting to exercise so that it becomes harder for them to get oxygen to the muscles," Dr. Timmons tells Strudwick.

This means that your genes will also determine how well your body responds to exercise and diet. This also means that losing weight or having a toned physique may take longer for some people.

So what does all this science talk mean? It simply means to be kinder to your body and yourself. You first need to understand that each body is unique and it may respond differently to working out or diets and sometimes you need to give yourself more time to work on getting fitter. It also means that comparing your progress with others’ will not make you lose weight or gain muscle definition any faster. You need to work on the pace that’s meant for your own journey and enjoy every victory along the way whether it’s big or small.

Strudwick, after his own fitness journey, shared an important bit of wisdom when it comes to finding a healthier version of yourself. He ends his article: “The key, [Dr. Timmons] says, to all this, is not only to discover your genetic capacity and tailor your workout as best you can but, crucially, to follow the simplest and perhaps the most effective exercise advice of all: do something you enjoy.”

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Beauty Gift Guide: For the Natural Beauty Lovers https://www.belomed.com/blog/beauty-gift-guide-for-the-natural-beauty-lovers Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:31:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24287

One of the bright sides when most of us worked from home during the quarantine season is that our skin got a well-deserved break. From daily commute to work to all day make up, our skin was able to breathe and be free. Now, a lot has embraced this au naturel look and turned to natural beauty for good. If someone on your list is one of them, then here’s a cheat sheet of treats you can surprise them with! 

Barefaced and Ready with Belo Vivace

Your friend will rock the barefaced look with this newest offering from Belo. Vivace gives the benefit of both RF and microneedling technology in one treatment. Best for those  who want to address both acne or acne scars and skin laxity, this quick procedure promises lifted, poreless, and acne-free skin, perfect for no-makeup days.

ZO Brilliance Kit for that Holiday Glow

Skincare is the new makeup for natural beauty lovers. And for that reason, a reliable skincare treat is something that they will love to have. Our best bet—the ZO Brilliance Kit. This hardworking (but quick!) routine will eliminate the need for foundation, concealer, or blush as it was specifically formulated to brighten the skin while erasing blemishes and discolorations. 

Shop it here for P25, 517, and send it as a gift!

Merry and Bright Skin with Angel Whitening Laser

The perfect treat to keep their skin flawless during the Holidays, and beyond! Angel Whitening Laser is a celebrity-favorite skin brightening treatment that zaps pigmentation and dark spots. Gift a friend his or her first session of this treatment, and we’re sure that they’ll end up making it a permanent part of their routine! 

Always a must-have: Sunscreen

They may have veered away from makeup, but they cannot not have sunscreen. Even when they are working from home, sunscreen is still a daily mandatory to provide protection from skin damage caused by too much screen time. Depending on their skin type and lifestyle, you can match it with the perfect sunscreen for them. Here’s our top three recommended sunscreens: Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40, ZO® Sunscreen+Primer Broad Spectrum SPF30, and the Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50.

Glass-smooth skin with Glass Skin Facial

If your friend loves K-Pop, then they will love you more for this skin treat. The Belo Glass Skin Facial will help them achieve that luminous glow that their favorite Korean stars flaunt. This multi-step procedure starts with a hydrating deep wash, then application of multitasking serums, and ends with a hyaluronic acid ultrasound treatment. The result? A natural dewy, glowing skin (with no highlighters needed!)

Hope this guide helped you cross off a name or two from your Christmas list!

Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

Want them to have a chat before diving in? Click here to book their online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want them to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Beauty Gift Guide: For the Social Media Divas https://www.belomed.com/blog/beauty-gift-guide-for-the-social-media-divas Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:20:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24305

We all have that friend with a picture-perfect feed, or one that’s the best at convincing us to buy a certain product when they post on their Insta (Budol much?). If you’re that supportive friend who wants to help her girl friend bring her influencer dreams to life, read on.

If she’s into makeup tutorials, this powerful cleansing oil is the perfect present!

FillMed Cleansing Oil 200ML
Provided by Belo Shop

FillMed Skin Perfusion Cleansing Oil, P2,900

Good skin will always be the best base for any makeup look. With tons of makeup tutorial videos lined up for your friend, you’d want to give her a cleansing oil that effectively removes dirt & residue while protecting the skin’s barrier for the next look. FillMed Skin Perfusion Cleansing Oil does just that, and one bottle can last her for months. Oh, and the best part? This bottle is totally instagrammable!

If she’s into product flatlays, a Belo-It Yourself (BIY) Kit is your best bet.

Belo Hydrating Facial Kit
Provided by Belo Shop

Belo Hydrating Facial Kit, P7,700

We developed our BIY kits to answer every skin problem in the comforts of your own home, so why not get your friend a kit that could help her skin woes? If she’s suffering from dry skin from all the hand washing and constant bathing, she’ll love the Belo On-The-Glow Kit: Radiance. If she’s battling dullness, our Belo Hydrating Facial Kit will give that boost of hydration to make her look glowing on all her posts plus she’ll enjoy creating flatlays for her feed! Find the kit that best suits her here and don’t forget to select ‘Send As Gift’ before checkout for a hassle-free gifting experience.

If selfie-gaming is her thing, she’ll love this smoothening laser with zero down time.

Let her use the #nofilter hashtag with confidence with a session or two of Revlite. This safe yet effective laser addresses bumps, chicken skin, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines so we’re sure she’ll love taking videos and talking about it on her IG stories. Plus she’ll achieve that rejuvenated, brighter, lighter, silky-smooth skin she’s always wanted, perfect for those flawless selfies.

Giving the gift of beauty will always be timeless, and we’re here to help you pick out the best ones. Learn more about our 2020 holiday offerings here.

To book your friend her surprise appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want them to have a chat before diving in? Click here to book their online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want them to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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How *Exactly* Does Sunblock Work? https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-exactly-does-sunblock-work Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:39:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24330

Skincare experts and enthusiasts share one crucial tip almost every time: Use sunblock or sunscreen! It’s this thick white goop we slather on our bodies whenever we have to go to the beach, but we’re sure by now you know that sunblock should be an important part of your daily skincare routine whether it’s sunny or cloudy. 

In fact, Dr. Jennifer Lin, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Melanoma Risk and Prevention Clinic, said in a 2018 Harvard Health interview that sunscreen protects against three most common skin cancers. She says, “There are excellent studies that sunscreen protects against all three of the most common skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The degree of protection that sunscreen provides is directly related to the degree to which ultraviolet radiation is associated with the formation of skin cancer. For instance, in prospective studies of sunscreen, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma is reduced the most—as much as 40% over four years.”

What is sunblock? 

First, a quick lesson: sunblock is not the same as sunscreen. According to Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern in an article for Real Simple, “sunscreen will absorb and scatter sunshine before it can penetrate the skin. Sunblock, on the other hand, sits on top of our skin and blocks the sun's rays by reflecting them.” Also, according to Yale Science, “sunscreen is comprised of particles that physically bounce radiation off the skin and react with UV rays… Physical particles, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are used to reflect UV radiation from the skin. At the same time, complex chemical ingredients in sunscreen react with radiation before it penetrates the skin, absorbing the rays and releasing the energy as heat.”

By blocking UVB and UVA rays, both sunscreen and sunblock protect the skin from UVB-caused sunburn and skin cancer, as well as aging and wrinkling due to UVA rays. Some studies say UVA also contributes to skin cancer by “compromising immune response to DNA damage”. 

So is one better than the other? In the same article from Real Simple, Dr. Blair Murphy Rose says that both sunscreen and sunblock work well as protection, but the latter is more effective since it contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which create a layer of protection (or a “barrier”) between the skin and the sun’s rays. Also, these components are safer for the environment. “The active ingredients in sunblock are also thought to be safer for the environment… Coral reef destruction is a major environmental concern, so it is important to choose a sun protectant that contains reef-safe active ingredients,” Dr. Rose explains.

According to Cancer Council Australia, sunscreen has two main parts: “The active ingredient and the emulsion. The active ingredient does the sun protection work. These come in two categories: UV absorbers and UV reflectors. UV absorbers are chemicals that absorb UV radiation and convert it to a very low level of heat. So low most don’t notice it, but a small proportion of people do report sunscreens make them feel uncomfortably warm. UV absorber chemicals are also called ‘organic’, because they contain carbon atoms, a basis for all organic matter.” Meanwhile, “the emulsion – the lotion, milk, cream, oil, foam or gel – is what carries the active ingredient. It is usually made up of some combination of oil and water, plus other goodies. These are important as they preserve the product so it lasts on the shelf or in your cupboard. They also help with water resistance, influence how the sunscreen feels and smells, and how well it binds to the skin.”

What is SPF?

Now that you know that difference between sunscreen and sunblock and how they work, it’s time to know which ones to choose. Always take a look at the SPF or sun protection factor. Contrary to popular belief, SPF is not about the strength or intensity of its protection from the sun. SPF actually refers to “the measure of how much UV gets through the screen. The higher the number, the less UV passes through,” according to the Cancer Council Australia. This means that “SPF 30” will allow 1/30 or 3.3% of UV to reach your skin, which means 96.7% of UV rays are screened off, reflected, or blocked. 

What’s the best way to use sunblock or sunscreen?

Cancer Council Australia recommends that adults should use about one teaspoon for the face, neck, and ears, another teaspoon for each arm and leg, and another teaspoon each for the front and back of the body. Aside from using it generously, the frequency of application is also important. 

“Many sunscreens recommend reapplying every two hours. But another way to look at it is like painting a wall of your house. The first coat gets a reasonable coverage, but a reapplication 20-30 minutes after being in the sun – after the first coat has “dried” – gets you much more reliable coverage. And this will cover the bits you may have missed, or covered too thinly, on first pass,” advised Terry Slevin, Education and Research Director of Cancer Council WA. 

Lastly, Slevin says, “Layer it on and spread it around. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are active (sweating, toweling off, skin making physical contact with anything that might rub it off), even if the bottle claims four-hour water resistance. And a good idea is to check if the lotion hasn’t passed its use-by date.”

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This Is Catriona Gray's Quarantine Eye Routine https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-is-catriona-grays-quarantine-eye-routine Sat, 05 Dec 2020 16:52:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24340

The eyes are truly the windows to the soul. After all, they’re usually a good indication of whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or tired. Now that we’re wearing masks that cover the lower half of our faces, our eyes help us communicate with others even without having to say a word. 

This just means we need to take better care of our eye area, now more than ever, especially since we stare at our computer and phone screens for hours on end. If you’re eager to start an eyecare routine, take notes from Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s quarantine eye routine and why she thinks this is an essential step in our skincare routine.

  1. It’s one of our biggest communication devices.

“Eyes are a big communicator, probably the biggest communicator that we have, other than our ability to speak. So it’s definitely important to take care of our eyes, especially now that an emphasis is even there not to touch or tug our eyes,” Catriona said. A bright and alert gaze can make you appear engaged and in-the-moment, even if it’s just during your weekly Zoom calls at work.

  1. It’s one of the most sensitive areas on our body.

Our eyes have the thinnest and most fragile skin found on the human body. Everyday actions such as squinting, rubbing, or even applying makeup, according to Dr. Vicki Belo, makes it easier for the skin around our eyes to darken, sag, and accumulate wrinkles compared to other parts of the body. Since you’re already giving the rest of your body the care it needs, why skip the eyes? It needs more TLC than you think!

  1. It’s a quick indicator of your lifestyle.

If you’re one of those people who frequently stays up late, it’s very easy to tell just by looking at your eyes. Puffy and tired eyes are just some indicators of your current lifestyle. If you suffer from this, you’re not alone since Catriona also experiences the same thing with her hectic schedule, “I know that when I’m tired, I have a tendency to rub my eyes and neglect skincare when I get too busy.”

  1. It’s not that hard to take care of, actually.

Despite its sensitivity, it’s not difficult to take care of your eyes. In fact, Catriona only has two steps in her quarantine eye routine. The best part is it’s all in the BelofEYE Kit. Start by using the hydrogel-based FillMed Eye-Recover Mask twice a week to freshen up your eye area with its 3-peptide and collagen formula. The other step in this eyecare kit is the FillMed HXR-Eye Cream, which has Hexylresorcinol (for dark circles), Escin (for puffiness and eyebags), and Arg-lys peptide (to even out fine lines).

You could see Catriona use the Kit by watching this video:

A little eye care goes a long way. If you start taking care of your eyes now, it could lead to not having to worry about dark circles, fine lines, and eyebags in the future. Here’s to looking wide awake and having a youthful gaze, Belo Beauties!

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For Only P2,000, Get a One-on-One Consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo! https://www.belomed.com/blog/consultation-with-dr-vicki-belo Sun, 06 Dec 2020 15:16:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24357

The pandemic may be making you spend more time at home, but it doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself the proper skin and beauty treatments it deserves. Although we’re mostly indoors, our body remains exposed to harmful elements like the radiation from our phones, laptops, and TV screens. Yikes! Other factors such as our diet and lifestyle can also play a factor in skin issues.

While Belo clinics are now open, we know many of you are opting to stay at home to keep safe from COVID-19. Sure, you may have resorted to do-it-yourself treatments and products while under quarantine, but there’s nothing like the help of professionals to know what’s best for your skin.

Expert advice from the safety of your home

The good news is that you can seek expert beauty advice without stepping outside. These days, technology is our best friend. Back in April, Belo launched its online live consultations on the Belo Shop. Whether you’re an existing client with a concern or looking into updating your regimen, or you’re a new client curious to experience the Belo difference, you can get the input of professionals without leaving the comfort of your own home, in just a few clicks. It’s that fast and easy to talk to your preferred Belo doctor from your branch of choice. 

Thinking of getting surgery done such as rhinoplasty, 360ͦ liposuction, or breast augmentation? You can also talk to Belo’s surgeons to know all the ins and outs of the procedures you’re eyeing. These live consultations not only help reduce the face-to-face time patients spend with doctors at Belo clinics, but it also makes appointments even safer. 

One-on-one with Dr. Belo

This service gets even better. For just P2,000, you can actually get the opinion of Dr. Belo herself. That’s right. You can speak to the country’s most celebrated dermatologist and doctor to the stars via e-mail, Viber, or videoconferencing over Zoom or Google Hangouts. We’re happy to adjust to how you’d like to connect. Even celebs like Julia Barretto have availed of these live consultations to get the perfect solution for their skin’s needs.

Setting up an appointment is quick and convenient. Just visit the Belo Shop, look for “Online Consultation & Other Products”, and click “Consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo”. Pay within minutes via credit card or by using your accumulated Beauty Credits. Upon purchase, a Belo Customer Care Specialist will reach out to you within 24 to 48 hours to assist you with your appointment. You can get all your beauty-related questions answered in 20 minutes by no less than the Beauty Genius herself.

With the holidays fast approaching, you can even send the consultation with Dr. Belo as a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind Christmas gift! Because what better present could be better this holiday season than topnotch beauty advice?

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How the Kardashians Changed Society's Perception of Plastic Surgery for Good https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-the-kardashians-changed-societys-perception-of-plastic-surgery-for-good Sun, 06 Dec 2020 16:50:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24371

Back in the 2000s, we used to look at overly-done celebrities like Heidi Montag, Donatella Versace, and Tara Reid, then shake our heads in regret, wondering why they would ever think plastic surgery was a good idea. But as many cosmetic surgeons and well-experienced aesthetic doctors will tell you, plastic surgery can yield amazing results...when done right. However, the bad stories make more of an impression on our cultural zeitgeist than the good ones, leaving us with the notion that plastic surgery can make us look frozen and unnatural. Little did we know that a once-little-known show called Keeping Up with the Kardashians—and the real-life family behind it—would be key to changing modern society’s ideals of what it means to go under the knife.

Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Kendall, and Kylie, along with their matriarch and momager Kris, have not been shy about the nonsurgical treatments they’ve gotten to lift, plump, and tighten their faces and bodies as needed. On-camera, Kim is seen undergoing Emsculpt, a body-sculpting treatment that contracts your muscles up to 20,000 times in 30 minutes. Kylie, after much public speculation and scrutiny, finally admitted to trying Juvéderm fillers on her pout. (Thin lips, she shared, had always been an insecurity of hers.) And while they may not openly admit to all the surgical procedures they’ve done, it’s clear that they’ve undergone some kind of plastic surgery in the past. In an interview, Kourtney divulged that she had gotten breast implants in college (an act she says she regrets).

Even considering their secrecy around certain enhancements, they’ve certainly helped encourage a more candid, open-minded attitude around plastic surgery and cosmetic improvements in general, from vampire facials to Brazilian butt lifts and more. “That influence goes across the board, cosmetics, skin care, fillers, Botox Cosmetic, and plastic surgery,” said Andrew Ordon, M.D. in an interview with New Beauty. Now, women have become more open about what they do to feel and look good, whether surgical or nonsurgical.

Locally, influencers like Angel Dei are sharing their experiences in vivid detail, from preparation to operation to post-op recovery. On our very own IGTV channel, you’ll find no shortage of celebrities, male or female, that take you through the procedures they’ve done to stave off wrinkles, puffiness, sagging skin, and more. It’s no longer taboo to acknowledge that our bodies age...and that they often need a boost to bring them back to their former glory. People who would have been the laughingstock of the general public 15 years ago are now appreciated, even lauded, for their honesty.

In the same interview with New Beauty, Eric Marriotti, M.D. talked about how the Kardashians have sometimes become an example of how not to look: “While they might have lowered the threshold for patients to seek treatment, I also think they’ve been responsible somewhat for patients raising expectations beyond what’s realistic.” So while aesthetic treatments have become as commonplace on the average person’s IG Story as grabbing a cup of milk tea, it’s important not to forget that we can’t just throw money towards looking like our chosen Kylie or Kendall. Doctors—good doctors, at that—will always choose the treatments that suit your features and needs best.

The Kardashians have implored us, both indirectly and directly, to be unashamed of bettering ourselves physically, whether that means running a couple more miles on the treadmill or lying down on a treatment bed while an expert doctor does all the hard work. Either way, we’re all allowed to feel good in our own skin—and make the improvements we want to, because it’s your body. And your rules. So if a bubble butt like Khloe’s is up your alley, or if you just want a victorious acne recovery story like Kendall, anything goes.

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A Love Letter to Travel and Airports https://www.belomed.com/blog/a-love-letter-to-travel-and-airports Mon, 07 Dec 2020 15:03:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24393

It’s been a while since I’ve stepped into an airport, bags in hand, awaiting my next adventure eagerly. Once upon a time, even going through the motions at the airport used to be an experience all on its own—being wrapped up in outerwear appropriate for the destination, walking briskly through the massive, brightly-lit halls, listening for airport announcements, idling my time in the many shops that greeted you before you arrived at the boarding gates. 

Now, traveling is a luxury for some, and an impossibility for a great many. With the sheer number of documentation and logistics needed to wrangle even a trip to a local destination, many of us are opting to stay at home instead. But that doesn’t stop us from missing it, either.

I miss being half-asleep at my aisle seat, the sound of “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking…” lulling me into slumber as my fellow tourists adjust their seatbelts and plug in their earphones, preparing for takeoff. I miss the change of pressure you feel when the plane hits cruising altitude, I miss seeing flight attendants smile—I even miss airplane food. 

Most of all, I miss immersing myself in whatever destination I’ve landed. Whether it’s on a beach in Palawan, a snowy winter in New York City, or a dreamy getaway in Paris, I miss the temporary liberation of being in a new locale, where the best memories are just about to happen.

Discovering new cultures, speaking to the locals, and realizing that the world is a much, much bigger place than I could have imagined as a kid—we took these great blessings for granted once upon a time. Now that our best bet for good health is to stay at home, we know now that the privilege to see the world was one we were extremely lucky to have had.

But what the world is going through now is no joke. Many have suffered and even died from this virus, and to dream of travel is a privilege all on its own. So while it may be many months before travel ever becomes normal again, we should all be doing our part to limit human contact and remain at home as much as possible.

And someday, when the world heals, we can finally dust off that travel bucket list again. For now, we’re going to hold on and make staying healthy our priority. But best believe we’ll be dreaming of those airports and adventures every chance we get.

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Here's How to Style Your Hair Using a Pair of Socks https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-how-to-style-your-hair-using-a-pair-of-socks Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:21:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24406

You can always rely on social media platform TikTok to give you all sorts of viral material—from the latest dance challenges, your fave celebs’ mini vlogs, to virtually almost anything under the sun. 

As it turns out, it’s also home to beauty and style-related trends as well, hairstyle tutorials, to be specific. If you haven’t been sucked into the addictive vortex that is TikTok, then you haven’t gotten wind of the latest hair trend that girls are talking about.

Mermaid waves in a minute

What, exactly? We’re referring to sock bun curls. By simply searching “#sockbuncurls” on the platform, you’ll end up with thousands of users trying the latest viral hair style to rock the Internet. As the name of the trend implies, there’s absolutely no heat necessary to come up with this look. That’s right. No hair dryers, fancy curling iron, or hair products. All you need is water and a pair of socks! It’s probably a good time to start digging around in your closet.

It looks like it became wildly popular after the upload of TikTok user Ally Kay, who has long, bright red locks. She first posted a video just weaving socks into her hair as she braids it into pleats. She tugs on the ends of the socks and voila! Beautifully coiled hair. Easy-peasy. As of this posting, this video has already garnered more than 615,000 views. She even captioned the post with the hashtag “littlemermaid”, because she looks so much like Ariel. 

How it works

Probably because a lot of netizens asked for a step-by-step tutorial, Ally later on posted another clip where we can get a better idea how to achieve the look. If you haven’t seen the video, you can just read this article to learn how the sock bun curls style works. 

First, you start off by wetting your hair. Not sopping wet or dripping wet, mind you, but just make sure to make your tresses damp. Spritz the strands with a bit of water. 

Look for some long pair of socks or at least ones that match the length of your hair, since you can definitely try this if you don’t have Ally’s mermaid-like mane. Clamp the tip of the sock onto your hair on the side of your head with a claw clip. Next, carefully weave the socks into your hair as you wrap the strands using a criss-cross motion. It doesn’t have to be super neat or anything. 

Once you reach the tips of your hair, secure the socks with a hair tie or a bobby pin. At this point, you can actually now remove the clip at the top and the braid stays put. Repeat on the other side.

Here are some other clips for reference. The look is even more dramatic if you leave the socks braided in while you sleep. Remove in the morning for some sexy beach waves.

That perfect Zoom ‘do

Now, depending on your hair type, you could get different results. You can set with some hairspray if you like. At the end of the day, it’s a hairstyle you can easily do even when you’ve just woken up or need that last-minute ‘do for that Zoom call. Perfect for the upcoming holidays, with all those Zoom parties lined up!

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Kim Kardashian and Drew Barrymore's Fave Body Treatment Is Available at Belo! https://www.belomed.com/blog/kim-kardashian-and-drew-barrymores-fave-body-treatment-is-available-at-belo Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:58:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24418

Ever wondered how Kim Kardashian achieved her voluptuous figure? How about how Drew Barrymore stays fit and youthful at 45? While some of it can be attributed to a healthy lifestyle, did you know that these two share the same fave body treatment? We’re talking about none other than the Emsculpt, which is also available in Belo! If you’re curious to know why Kim and Drew rave about it, we’ll spill all the details today below.

  1. It does a lot for your body in a short amount of time.

What can you do in 30 minutes? The short answer is a lot. The Emsculpt is a body contouring treatment that uses HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology to induce 20,000 muscle contractions in 30 minutes in order to eliminate body fat. That’s equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups — something that cannot be achieved even if you do crunches every day of the week. According to Drew in an interview with Women’s Health Magazine, she likes the Emsculpt since “[a] lot of exercise pushes you really hard, but you're not working your core enough.” Not surprising, since having improper form or doing the incorrect core exercises can actually detract from your tummy toning efforts.

  1. It’s a great supplement to your workouts.

Now, just because the Emsculpt gives you that added toning to your bod, it doesn’t mean you can skip the workout sessions entirely. But sometimes, even exercising daily wouldn’t be quite enough to cut it, especially if you have physiological problems holding you back. Drew shared with PEOPLE in a 2019 interview that she had diastasis recti — a common post-pregnancy condition where abdominal muscles partially or completely separate — after her two pregnancies. This meant she couldn’t exercise even if she wanted to. This led her to discovering Emsculpt and eventually became its spokesperson last year after religious Emsculpt sessions strengthened her core enough that she can comfortably exercise with a combination of Pilates, yoga, dance cardio, and physical therapy to stay in shape.

  1. It’s a cool thing to try, especially if you have a low pain tolerance.

Kim Kardashian is not one to shy away from weird and experimental skin and body care routines. Remember her vampire facials? That aside, Kim shared her very first Emsculpt session during an episode of “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”. If you have a low pain threshold, you’d be pleasantly surprised that Kim was able to hold a conversation with Kourtney while having the Emsculpt strapped to her stomach. She described it as feeling as if you’re “doing stomach crunches, but not” since you’re lying down the entire time.

At the end of the day, it’s important that you’re doing exercises and treatments that make you comfortable in your own skin. Whether it’s the good ol’ sweat sesh to eliminate excess fat on your body or treating yourself to a toning treatment like Emsculpt — in the eternal words of Kris Jenner — you’re doing amazing, sweetie.

Ready to achieve the toned physique you’ve been working hard for? You can book an Emsculpt session with us, since it’s exclusively available at Belo’s Greenbelt branch. To know more about the procedure, you can consult a Belo MD here.

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6 Habits to Break If You Want to Get Rid of Pimples for Good https://www.belomed.com/blog/6-habits-to-break-if-you-want-to-get-rid-of-pimples-for-good Tue, 08 Dec 2020 20:48:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24430

It happens to everyone. We’ve all gotten pimples at one point in our lives—sometimes even beyond puberty. There are so many factors that lead to acne (like hormones or even genetics), but dealing with pimples is not just about being pretty or not. 

In a Teen Vogue article, dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger says, “It’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of acne breakouts... Typically it’s a variety of factors that contribute to acne. Poor lifestyle habits, such as a high-glycemic diet, smoking, not washing your face properly, and touching your face can definitely contribute.”

Aside from being unsightly, most of the time pimples are also painful and, once popped, it increases the chances of getting an infection since it’s literally an opening in our skin. So we try our best to keep pimples at bay as much as possible. 

If you’d like to get rid of pimples for good, here are some common habits you need to unlearn.

Washing Your Face Too Much

Yes, there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin! It turns out that some people — in efforts to keep pimples at bay — actually do more harm than good when they (1) wash their face too often and (2) they use the wrong kind of cleansers. According to Dr. Schweiger, “Many people assume that by cleansing the face more than twice a day or using harsh cleansers will help with acne. The opposite is true.”

Over-cleansing strips the skin of the “good oils” and dries out the surface, making it produce more oils to compensate. Using facial scrubs could also cause irritation. Instead of physical exfoliation using scrubs, he suggests checking facial cleansers with less harmful chemicals like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and fruit enzymes. 

To keep your skin properly cleansed and moisturized, Dr. Schweiger suggests: “When you have acne, it’s best to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser twice a day.” According to Healthline, the best way to wash your face is to use warm water, make gentle circular motions with your fingers to work the cleanser, rinse well, and pat (never rub!) your skin dry.

The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests that if you have acne, you should remember to wash your face after strenuous activity because sweat can make it worse. 

Getting Too Much Stress

Stress itself doesn’t cause pimples, but it could make it worse. According to Dr. Schweiger, “Stress releases hormones (Cortisol) into the body, which in turn signal the skin to secrete more oil and can form into acne.” Too much Cortisol causes inflammation and excessive oil production, which could clog up pores and possibly turn into pimples.

We know stress is unavoidable, especially nowadays. But while we sometimes cannot control the source of our stress, we can control our response to it. When feeling stressed, try to focus your mind on another activity that could relax your body. You can try yoga, meditation, writing in your journal, getting a massage, or even aromatherapy (try lavender essential oils to encourage relaxation and improve sleep quality). But these are not the only activities you can do to de-stress. You can do whatever works for you—the goal is to manage your stress to a lower level. 

Poor Eating Habits & Vices

According to a 2010 study by the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, high glycemic foods (“junk food” like chips, sodas, and some baked goods made using white flour) increase blood sugar levels and could cause more acne.

Aside from eating lots of junk food, not drinking enough water could also lead to zits, so it’s best to keep well hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water every day. 

Speaking of drinking, excessive alcohol consumption could also lead to break-outs. Alcohol dries out the skin, so it over-produces oils which could clog the pores. So this holiday season, make sure to keep your cocktails in check. Just like drinking, smoking doesn’t necessarily cause pimples, but it decreases the skin’s natural elasticity and collagen content, so it’s bad for the skin in general. Not having enough collagen or elastin in your skin will make it more difficult for zits to heal, which could lead to acne scars.

Not Removing Make-Up

We’ve known this for ages and it continues to be true. If you don’t remove your make-up after a day of work or going about town, all that make-up, together with the dirt and sweat of the city, will clog your pores and cause pimples. 

In the same medically reviewed article on Healthline, experts suggest avoiding “greasy, heavy foundation, and use products that are noncomedogenic, sheer, and fragrance-free.” And if you can, don’t use make-up at all. Aside from make-up, our hair—yes, our crowning glory—could also contribute to the oiliness of our face. So make sure to keep your hair clean and devoid of excess oils. And speaking of hair, also consider the residue all your hair products (like mousse, hair spray, gel, or leave-on conditioner) could leave on your pillow! So make sure to change your pillowcases several times a week to avoid putting more dirt (or even bacteria) on your face. 

Popping Pimples

Never (never!) pop your pimples by yourself no matter how tempting it is to do so. According to the AAD, “if you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.” Popping your zit could actually cause an infection, which is definitely worse than just having a pimple. So it’s best to listen to experts and just let your skin heal on its own. As long as you keep it properly clean, your zit should go away naturally in a few days.

If you do have acne, experts say avoid touching your face too much since your hands often touch other surfaces and you don’t know what kind of bacteria you could rub on your face. This piece of advice is also good practice, especially during this pandemic. 

Staying Out In The Sun For Too Long

Tropical heat could get intense, so a lot of us are guilty of this bad habit. According to experts, getting too much sun could dehydrate the skin, which could lead to over-active oil glands and oily skin is prone to clogged pores and acne. Since going out under the sun is unavoidable, make sure to always use an oil-free sunscreen or sunblock, wear a cap or a hat, or use an umbrella to protect your skin.

In addition to minimizing sun exposure, the AAD also advises everyone to avoid using tanning beds, which could lead to the same problems. 

Always remember that these practical tips are not 100% effective. It will lessen your chances of getting pimples over time, but ultimately, your skin is a product of your genes. It’s best to consult a licensed medical expert if your acne situation is starting to bother you.

To book your Belo Acne Program appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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24430 0 0 0 Cut these out ASAP for clear skin.]]>
You Can Try the Super-Popular "Chanel Injection" at Belo https://www.belomed.com/blog/you-can-try-the-super-popular-chanel-injection-at-belo Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:28:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24447

As someone who has been into skin care as soon as puberty hit (thanks, mom!), I’ve always been on the lookout for the right products and treatments to keep my skin in the best condition possible. Now that I’m in my 30’s, I gravitate towards anything that says ‘anti-aging’ or ‘rejuvenating’ because age and gravity are starting to work double-time.

I got curious when I heard about the ‘Chanel Injection’, as it promises skin rejuvenation by injecting a cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants underneath your skin. It hydrates your skin to make it plump and supple, diminishing those fine lines and making it look healthier. It’s widely popular in Korea and thankfully it’s now available here in the Philippines, exclusively at Belo. The treatment is called BioNutriGlow and I have to say, it does what it promised it would do!

How does it work? 

The procedure infuses New Cellular Treatment Factor (NCTF) into the skin surface using Nanosoft® intradermal needling, which is exclusive to Belo. BioNutriGlow also includes hyaluronic acid and 59 other essential vitamins that hydrate and nourish your skin. 

Does it hurt?

Topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and the needles are extremely tiny, so it’s basically painless. Take it from Jennylyn Mercado’s surprised reaction!

How long will those little bumps stay on my skin?

According to Dr. Vicki Belo, it takes around 5 to 48 hours before the NCTF is fully absorbed by the skin. Fillmed Philippines ambassador, Rhian Ramos, is a big fan of the treatment because it makes her eyes look brighter and the skin around it firmer after just one session. 

If you’re like me who’s in dire need of a lift, especially around the eye area, it’s time to book an online consultation with your Belo doctor or with Dr. Vicki Belo herself. It’s been a tough year and our aging skin deserves a much-needed pamper day!

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5 Simple Ways to Prettify Your Apartment for Christmas https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-prettify-your-apartment-for-christmas Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24470

A lot of us will be spending the holidays at home this year. Plans for out-of-town escapades and travels abroad are put on pause, unless you want to shell out the extra funds for the pricey testing and documents required. This doesn’t mean Christmas will be any less amazing. Au contraire, there are a lot of ways to make it just as (if not more than) special as yesteryears. One option you have is sprucing up your apartment for Christmas. Here are five simple ways you can do so.

  1. Bring out the festive candles.

To get yourself into the mood, a pretty scented candle with a holiday scent is a must! Look for descriptions like cinnamon, gingerbread, and vanilla that have spicy, sweet aromas. This will fill your space with a yummy scent while adding a nice piece of décor at the same time. Pick from a wide variety of aesthetics, from minimal candle holders to elaborate sculpted candles, to find one that suits your tastes visually and aromatically.

  1. Set up the Christmas tree.

A Christmas Tree is probably the only quintessential holiday décor that transforms your home into Christmas Wonderland. Adding the Christmas lights, tinsel, and baubles — in colours that match your theme, of course — makes this yearly tradition so magical and fun to do. It doesn’t even have to be that big. There are Christmas tree options in varying sizes, from small to large, available in physical and online stores.

  1. Deck out your walls with strings of light.

Is your home missing that holiday factor? You might be missing some wall décor. There are endless options, such as garlands and paper chains. But the easiest way to fill up an empty wall is by hanging up some fairy lights. Aside from being another light source, it will transform the room into an IG-worthy spot. You might even end up solely staging all your social media posts in front of it.

  1. Accessorize your television set.

If you have an entertainment system, either with shelves or a low table, take this chance to add more garlands, poinsettias, and other holiday knick knacks in your apartment. If you have a smart TV, you can turn it into a large pseudo picture frame or faux fireplace to amp up the cozy vibes.

  1. Decorate your dining room table.

In our opinion, the dining room table shouldn’t be left bare until Christmas Eve. You can bring out the “For Christmas Only” table cloth, as a start. But in the days leading up to noche buena, you could also choose to add a simple centerpiece for another small additional Christmas-y element to your apartment. It could be some candles, which you can light for ambiance during dinner, or even a medium-sized bowl filled with treats you can snack on.

While Christmas will be a lot simpler this year, it does not take away from the true essence of the season. Celebrating the holiday with your family and friends, whether in person or virtually, is what makes it truly special.

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5 Myths about Rhinoplasty, Debunked! https://www.belomed.com/blog/5-myths-about-rhinoplasty-debunked Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:24:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24486

Rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as “nose job,” was one of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2019, together with liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, and the classic facelift. Though clinics are just starting to reopen their doors for cosmetic surgical procedures after the lockdown, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) still forecasts a high demand for the said procedures for the rest of 2020. 

If you are one of those who are considering getting a rhinoplasty done for a nose upgrade anytime soon (or later), here’s a quick myth and fact check you need to know before going under the knife:

You can ask your doctor to replicate the nose of your fave celebrity.

MYTH. No two noses are alike. To achieve the best and most flattering results for your face, your enhanced nose should be able to blend, be symmetrical to, and provide balance to your other facial features. Your celeb girl crush’s ‘perfect’ nose may not necessarily be the best fit for you. During your consultation, you and your surgeon will be able to talk about these expectations, and they’ll be able to recommend the best nose shape for you...after a thorough in-person evaluation.

Any surgeon can perform Rhinoplasty.

MYTH. When it comes to nose enhancement, it is important that you go to a trusted, experienced surgeon with skilled hands. Check your surgeon’s track record and ask for their portfolio of patients if you must, because rhinoplasty is a very delicate and specialized procedure. Lucky for you, Belo has the renowned surgeon when it comes to rhinoplasty—Dr. Eduardo Yap. Dr. Yap, who has been practicing since 1985, is Belo’s resident EENT Facial Plastic Surgeon and is well-known for his “Yap Procedure.”

https://www.belomed.com/blog/dr-eduardo-yap

Rhinoplasty may cause breathing issues.

MYTH. On the contrary, rhinoplasty can actually help *correct* breathing issues! Says Dr. Yap, “Aside from vanity reasons, [rhinoplasty] improves one’s nasal breathing through correction of [the] deviated septum.” A deviated septum occurs when the septum (the thin cartilage that divides our nose into two chambers) is crooked or uneven, causing air flow issues. If this causes breathing problems for a patient, rhinoplasty may be recommended to help the patient breathe better. 

Rhinoplasty is a painful procedure.

MYTH. Bruising and swelling is expected after the treatment, but you will be sedated with IV anesthesia during the actual procedure, so you won't feel a thing. One of our patients, lifestyle influencer Angel Dei, even shared in a vlog that the only thing she felt was the insertion of the IV into her hand. “Overall experience, wala talaga akong naramdaman during the procedure,” she said. “Sobrang chill ng feeling ko—parang I was half asleep and half awake.”

https://www.belomed.com/blog/angel-dei-shows-off-her-new-nose-in-a-twitter-post

Recovering from rhinoplasty takes a year.

MYTH. Untrue! After surgery is done, you will be advised to rest at home for about 2-3 days. But depending on your pain tolerance, you can resume normal activities the day after (sans strenuous activities, of course). Another nose surgery patient, Sam Azul, shared that she got to go back to work the day after her treatment “After my surgery, I was able to work the next day. I didn’t experience any discomfort and managed to do my job—minus the lifting of heavy objects. My biggest challenge was actually not laughing at my friends’ reactions to my face!” 

You will be asked to go back to the clinic after 7 days, for a follow up consultation plus removal of cast and sutures. The look of your nose will continue improving in 6-8 weeks, but the best result will be appreciated in about 6 months.

Rhinoplasty journey
Rhinoplasty real patient before and after

Read more about Belo Rhinoplasty here. If you still can’t decide if you are ready for something big like rhinoplasty, we suggest you try out Nose Thread Lift first (a non-surgical option!) if you would like to see how you will look like with an enhanced nose.

https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-what-its-like-to-get-nose-threads-at-belo

To book your pre-surgery consultation, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo surgeon. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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24486 0 0 0 Here’s What It’s Like to Get Nose Threads at Belo]]> Angel Dei Shows Off Her New Nose in a Twitter Post]]> Can you really ask your surgeon to “copy” the nose of your favorite celebrity?]]> Meet One of the Most Sought After Surgeons, Dr. Eduardo Yap]]>
This AMAZING Non-Surgical Facelift Is Now Available in Davao! https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-amazing-non-surgical-facelift-is-now-available-in-davao Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:40:30 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24511

Great news, Davaoeños: You no longer have to fly to Manila whenever you need a Belo-certified facelift!

The state-of-the-art Belo Enerjet Kinetic Facelift has finally arrived at Belo Abreeza Mall in Davao City. It’s a great non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts because it’s quick, painless, and has no post-procedure downtime.

As our very own Dr. Vicki Belo explained, Enerjet uses hyaluronic acid, a natural substance produced by the body to maintain our skin, connective tissues, and the eyes. It promotes healthy, vibrant skin and also helps speed up wound healing. This non-surgical facelift works by injecting the solution along your hairline to help “tighten, lift, and rejuvenate” the muscles and skin on your face. As you can see in Dr. Belo’s own treatment, immediate effects can be seen just after 20 minutes: brighter and rounder eyes, more pronounced cheekbones, and a decrease in prominent wrinkles.

Enerjet addresses concerns about the usual effects of aging on the skin: fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. While aging gracefully can be achieved without any treatments, customers who prefer to look fresher may choose to have this pain-free procedure any day—no matter their age.

Actress and Belo Baby Kim Chiu, as young as she is, chose to try the Enerjet Kinetic Facelift to give her skin a quick and pain-free refresh before the 2019 Star Magic Ball. While we absolutely love her ageless baby face, another effect of the Kinetic Facelift is having a more pronounced jaw line, which gives her a slightly more mature look that’s perfect for more challenging roles.

Host, sports anchor, and athlete Dyan Castillejo pushes her body to the limits every day with her busy work schedule and active lifestyle, so she deserves a much-needed refresh to rejuvenate her skin before hosting the Miss Universe pageant in 2018. After the 20-minute procedure, her face is visibly tighter and more youthful, ready to go head to head with the most beautiful women in the universe.

Korean TV host, producer, actress, and entrepreneur Grace Lee also tried the Kinetic Facelift despite already having glowing skin that Koreans are famous for. She made sure to do the procedure before her press con with Korean TV star Park Hae Jin in 2019.

The Enerjet Kinetic Facelift is not just for women! It’s for anyone who wants to look fresher and younger. Even our very own Dr. Hayden Kho had it done on his forehead and eye area to smoothen fine lines and lift his eyes up to make him look brighter and even younger. (Dr. Vicki Belo herself did the quick procedure on him!)

The technology itself is not new—it’s actually been around for years. But as Dr. Daniel Cassuto (of the Plastic Surgery Department of the University Hospital of Modena in Italy) said in his interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “This version is the third, much more advanced generation… The regeneration goes beyond the nanoscopic trauma that this technology causes to fibers. It is much smaller than microscopic, so there is a fine, tiny trauma to the collagen fibers of the tissues, but it’s so small, it is invisible,” Cassuto said. “That’s why there is no inflammation and pain, and recovery is swift.”

For best results, Dr. Belo recommends one session every month for about 2 to 3 months. Each procedure could last from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition. For more information about the Belo Enerjet Kinetic Facelift, click here.

To book your Enerjet Kinetic Facelift appointment in Davao, call 8819-BELO, or directly call our Davao clinic at (082) 296 2356 / (0998) 966 6297 / (0917) 536 0794. Belo Abreeza Mall Davao is open on Mondays-Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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Running Out of Christmas Date Ideas? We Gotchu. https://www.belomed.com/blog/running-out-of-christmas-date-ideas-we-gotchu Fri, 11 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24522

The holiday season is here, and it’s always been a great time to get all cozy and lovey-dovey with your significant other. But with the pandemic and all this year, we’re going to have to be a little more creative so you can still spend some quality time with your beau. Looking for romantic and fun Christmas date activities? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of socially distant ideas to consider.

1. Marathon Christmas movies together.

What could be better than curling up on the sofa and watching some Yuletide-themed movies together while sipping hot cocoa? With all the selections available on Netflix, you won’t run out of options. 

Have you heard of Netflix Party, TwoSeven, or Squad? These are actually apps that let you take the movie date up a notch. You can actually share your reactions to your S.O. or even with friends or family as you enjoy your fave Christmas flicks at the same time. How cool is that?

2. Do a cook-off.

If there’s one thing that became a universal hit this 2020, it’s food. Plenty among us have upgraded their cooking and baking skills—not only so they could continue to enjoy the goodness of home-cooked food, but also because it’s simply fun to do (as long as you follow the recipe to a tee, that is). 

You can go on a Zoom date while you cook and when you’re done, ship the finished product off to each other, and do a taste test!

3. Take an online class together.

These days, there are a ton of workshops and classes that are available online. From pottery, making soy candles, to doing polymer clay jewelry or leather crafting, you and your sweetie can take your pick and learn something new together. For a fee, you can have the materials shipped to your location so you can follow along during the session. 

4. Go on an outdoor picnic.

Let’s face it. Breathing in fresh air and seeing greenery can do wonders for the soul, plus, there’s nothing like actually seeing your date in the flesh. Provided that you’re holding your picnic somewhere not crowded and there’s plenty of ventilation, you’re a safe physical distance from each other (at least six feet apart, that is), then you’re probably good. You can pack usual picnic treats like cheese, fruits, and crackers. Don’t forget to mask up when not eating and to always sanitize your hands!

5. Make a traditional telephone call.

With technology making it super easy to stay connected, we may be overlooking the sheer simplicity of a regular telephone call. Forget instant messaging or video calls for one night. Pick up the phone and ring your sweetie’s landline for some good ol’ telebabad. There’s something about just hearing your loved one’s voice and without all those distractions that makes the conversation all the deeper and more intimate. 

We hope these Christmas date ideas give you and your beau some inspiration for what you can do differently this season. Let us know how you find them! Stay safe.

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Just 10 Pictures of Belo Babies and their Abs https://www.belomed.com/blog/just-10-pictures-of-belo-babies-and-their-abs Fri, 11 Dec 2020 10:00:31 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24540

Here at Belo, we want to make sure we spread only positivity and good vibes to help you all destress. That said, here are 10 photos of our beloved Belo Babies showing off their hard work...in the form of picture-perfect abs. We’re going to slap a “Thirst Trap Alert” label on this one, so consider yourself warned.

Alden Richards

Here’s Kapuso heartthrob Alden Richards showing off his leaner physique some time during the lockdown, giving us all something to be happy about at such a challenging time.

Anne Curtis

Whether she’s glowingly pregnant or not, Anne Curtis’ abs are serious #goals. She works hard for them, which is a feat considering since she’s married to an amazing foodie, Erwan Heussaff, who’s always coming up with delish creations at home. 

Rhian Ramos

Rhian Ramos loves to keep it real, and we love seeing her flex her style, no matter her outfit. 

Lovi Poe

Here’s Lovi Poe giving us some Baywatch vibes. TBH, she’s going to save us all. 

Sue Ramirez

Like Sue Ramirez, we can’t wait to go to the beach and soak up some sun! 

Catriona Gray

Of course we’re including the abs of the woman who slayed the entire universe! 

Julia Barretto 

Who says you can’t have defined abs if you’re petite like Julia? Keep flaunting ‘em. 

Janine Gutierrez

Award-winning actress Janine Gutierrez just showing off every curve, because she deserves to be recognized. 

Matteo Guidicelli 

Matteo Guidicelli just reminded us that abs are great, but look at ‘em guns! 

Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes’ throwback photo making us wonder why shirts were ever invented. When he’s not busy giving us eating ASMR feels, he’s busy being a dad and entrepreneur. Honestly, there’s nothing hotter than a responsible man. 

Marian Rivera

We couldn’t ask for a better birthday greeting than Marian’s ABSolutely stunning shout out. 

Tom Rodriguez

Oh, nothing, just Tom Rodriguez making us hungry for more… Doritos.

Ivana Alawi

BRB, picking up our jaws from the floor after seeing this gorgeous photo of Ivana Alawi. 

So, which Belo Baby is your #abgoals?  Share the good vibes and let us know your favorite! 

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24540 0 0 0 Pan de sal, anyone?]]>
Does the Keto Diet Do More Harm Than Good? https://www.belomed.com/blog/does-the-keto-diet-do-more-harm-than-good Sat, 12 Dec 2020 15:51:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24560

With the holidays just around the corner, the dinner table will surely be laden with all sorts of tempting, delicious food. We all know that that means. More good food, more inches added to our waist. Which is why it’s no surprise that people are now turning to very specific kinds of diets in order to not just lose the weight effectively, but also to enjoy food in the process. 

What’s the keto diet and how does it work?

One such diet that’s popular right now is the ketogenic diet, otherwise known as the “keto” diet.  

Before the ketogenic diet gained a following among weight watchers, it wasn’t actually designed for ordinary people. It was actually originally formulated as a diet to help reduce the number of epileptic seizures in children.  

Many of us are already familiar with the common “low-carb” diet, where we restrict ourselves of our intake of rice, white bread, pasta, etc. The keto diet, on the other hand, is a high-fat and extremely low-carb diet. 

You typically get your energy from carbs, but under the keto diet, you’re replacing the carbs with mostly fat, until you reach a state called ketosis. This is when your body taps into the fat reserves to generate energy. ow, before you stock up on chicharron and other fatty food, it’s important to know the pros and cons of the keto diet before you give it a shot. 

Pros and cons

One of the benefits, of course, is weight loss. Consuming high amounts of fat helps you feel more satiated, and since it takes longer for the body to break fat down, you’ll have less cravings and hunger pangs. 

Another is getting to enjoy what you would normally consider “sinful” food. Think butter (oh, yes), cheese, red meat, and nuts.

Now, let’s go to the disadvantages. One is that the keto diet is not sustainable. It may seem simple to adjust to a high-fat diet, but it’s really not. A lot of the food that we consume contains carbs, and you would need to look into the ingredients of everything you consume to keep your carbs in check. 

Rewiring how your body processes fat has its share of side effects. For one, you could get the “keto flu,” wherein you get massive migraines and fatigue as your body enters ketosis. 

Another is potential kidney problems. Low-carb diets often lead to having too much acid in the body or the development of kidney stones. The liver also works double time because of all the fat it needs to metabolize.

Your doctor knows best

While many people have attested to the life-changing benefits of going on a keto diet, it’s important to remember that while it’s one way of dramatically losing weight, it might only be suitable for the short term. 

Before trying it out, it’s always best to consult your doctor. You may have conditions that put you at greater risk of you go on keto. At the end of the day, you want to establish a diet that is healthy and balanced so you can maintain your ideal weight.

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24560 0 0 0 We investigate!]]>
How to Pose for IG Pics in Public, According to Lovi Poe https://www.belomed.com/blog/how-to-pose-for-ig-pics-in-public-according-to-lovi-poe Sun, 13 Dec 2020 00:20:07 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24571

Whenever we have a bomb outfit of the day or visiting a picturesque location, we can’t help but want to take a photo for Instagram posterity. But it’s only natural to feel just a little bit self-conscious while doing so, especially in public where you may feel that everyone’s looking and judging you even though they probably couldn’t care any less. Plus, there’s the added dilemma of not knowing how to pose when in public. Do you go for a natural, “couldn’t care less” vibe? Or perhaps you want to try something edgier to show off your ‘fit?

We completely understand the confusion. Luckily, we have Belo Baby Lovi Poe to have as our guide on how to pose for IG pics in public. Here are some of her tried-and-true tips you should know. 

  1. Nail the pa-candid pose.

It’s the oldest trick in the book, but taking “candid” shots are perfect for camera-shy people. Just have your partner or friend take shots showing your side profile as you look away. It gives you that sense of security that you’re not trying to perfect a pose while in public.

  1. Mirror shots are your best friend.

It’s quite handy if you could find a mirror to another element to your photo. Luckily, there are a lot of mirrors and reflective surfaces in public that you could use as a prop for your next IG post. You could also use it as a framing tool to make your photo more artistic. These also can be an easy excuse to take a photo for your Story, as a quick update on your escapades in the outside world. You don’t even have to look at the camera — just take a look at Lovi’s artsy shot during a past visit to LA.

  1. Have a friend join in the fun!

Still feeling shy about taking photos in public? Why not ask a friend to be in the photo with you? Aside from diminishing your self-consciousness, having a friend with you turns this photo op into a fun hangout session. Plus, you’ll get to preserve that shared moment for eternity on your feed. Sometimes, it’s actually better to have more people in a photo especially when you’re recreating iconic shots — like Lovi’s Abbey Road-inspired post.

  1. Take photo bursts while you’re moving.

If you don’t want to look stiff and uncomfortable in your photos, you could ask a friend to take photo bursts as you move about. You could walk, twirl, or hop and just choose your favorite shot from the bunch. Adding movement to your poses makes you look natural and at ease.

  1. As always, confidence is key.

As with any photo, you need to exude some confidence in your poses. Confidence is the secret to nailing any pose, especially in public. So for the few minutes it takes to get that perfect shot, channel your inner Lovi Poe and strike your pose of choice. Who cares what other people think?

Now that you know some of Lovi’s not-so-hidden secrets when it comes to taking photos in public, snap away! 

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This 30-Minute Treatment Can Target Just Your Arms, Abs, Or Butt https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-30-minute-treatment-can-target-just-your-arms-abs-or-butt Sun, 13 Dec 2020 15:13:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24582

If you’ve ever struggled to shed unwanted weight and maintain a trim figure, you know all too well that it entails a lot of effort and time. The unfortunate part about it is that factors such as your diet, lifestyle, genetics, as well as your level of physical activity can easily affect your physique, no matter how many hours in a day or in a week you work out. For ladies, it can be even harder to tone up those triceps or get rid of that muffin top. Not to mention achieve a perky bottom, too. 

Thankfully, advances in technology now make it possible to firm up multiple muscles in a significant fraction of the time it would normally take from working out. What if we tell you that there’s actually a treatment that can tone you up without lifting a single finger?

Just like doing 30,000 crunches

Belo actually has a machine that can simulate the muscle stimulation of as many as a whopping 30,000 sit-ups in a single 30-minute session. It’s called the Belo Myosculpt (Zimmer machine), and it’s built with a one-of-a-kind electromagnetic technology that naturally activates muscle contractions. It’s a non-invasive procedure that targets those areas that can have the most stubborn of fat: your arms, abs, thighs, calves, and butt.

Here’s how it works. All you have to do is lie down and let Myosculpt do its magic. While it operates, you could even enhance the experience by playing some soothing music or listening to a Podcast or audio book. It’s like exercising with all the muscle toning benefits, but without doing anything but relaxing. Two applicators are used simultaneously for a more efficient and comfortable treatment session. 

One step closer to ab goals

Once the 30-minute session is over, you can go back to your day as normal. You’ll just need to rest from working out from 24 hours afterwards.  

It’s no wonder Belo Babies such as Julia Barretto and Rhian Ramos swear by the Belo Myosculpt. It’s quick, easy, and best of all, effective! It’s totally tolerable, too. If you’ve ever dreamt of having cuts on your abs, then this is a great way to get one step closer to those ab goals. You can also choose to have it done on other problem areas. It’s the perfect partner to your workout regimen.

The best workout buddy

Of course, just because Myosculpt is here, it doesn’t mean that you have to forego a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s great for boosting the effects of your fitness activities, or when you’re too busy to hit the gym. Make sure to keep doing those cardio and weight lifting workouts, and Myosculpt can further enhance the results.

Ready to experience the Belo Myosculpt difference? It’s available at Belo clinics in Bonifacio Global City, S Maison at Conrad Manila, as well as in SM The Block.

To book your Myosculpt appointment, call 8819-BELO, or email info@belomed.com.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.

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24582 0 0 0 Talk about a hard worker! ]]>
Here's Why You Don't Need to Wash Your Hair Every Day https://www.belomed.com/blog/heres-why-you-dont-need-to-wash-your-hair-every-day Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:24:58 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24604

Living in the Philippines' humid climate, you'd think that washing your hair every day is a given. But contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily have to wash your mane every day of the week. With the quarantine, it's highly likely that people are showering less especially if they don't go outside of their homes unless necessary. Good news is, it's not a bad thing at all, particularly when it comes to your hair!

1. The frequency of washing your hair really depends on your hair type.

What works for your friend may not necessarily work for you. If you have textured, coarse, thick, very long, or curly hair, washing your hair is only necessary once to three times a week. This is because the sebum our scalp naturally produces cannot completely moisturize the entire hair shaft in one day, like it would with straighter hair, leaving the ends dry. Meanwhile, it's generally okay to wash your hair every day if you have straight hair—that is, if you don't overdo it.

2. You could be overwashing your hair and scalp.

Anything in excess could be bad for you in the long run. It’s the same when it comes to washing your hair. You see, your scalp is its own microenvironment—a home to bacteria, both good and bad. The good bacteria keeps the bad ones in check, preventing them from upsetting the skin's pH balance. When you overwash your hair, it upsets that perfectly balanced environment and leads to an increase of bad bacteria. This, in turn, would lead to scalp problems like dermatitis and hair loss that would take some time, money, and confidence to correct.

3. You don't need to do it daily if you don't use other hair products or sweat a lot.

The basic function of shampoo is to cleanse off debris, excess sebum, sweat, and leftover product from your scalp and hair. If you use hair spray, gel, leave-in conditioner, and other hair products, then you should definitely wash your hair every day before you go to bed. Product residue can lead to scalp irritation or dermatitis. But if you don't use hair products aside from shampoo and conditioner, and your hair doesn't feel dry or oily by the time the second day comes in, then there's no particular reason to wash it every day. Skipping the shampoo every other day can help let your scalp's natural oils naturally condition your hair strands.

4. Your hair products could be making your scalp too oily or too dry.

If you feel that you absolutely cannot skip shampooing because your hair feels greasy or too dry if you don't, then the main culprit can actually be the shampoo itself. Shampoos are typically formulated with sulfates or silicones. Sulfates can be too drying, while silicones—which are mostly hydrophobic and therefore difficult to rinse out—could be too heavy and cause that greasy feeling. It's always a good rule of thumb to check if a shampoo is sulfate- and silicone-free, with the bonus of moisturising properties.

So are you Team Wash Everyday or a new convert to Team Skip-A-Day?

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24604 0 0 0 Day 2 hair is actually a good thing.]]>
This Modern Christmas Playlist Will Get You in the Holiday Mood https://www.belomed.com/blog/this-modern-christmas-playlist-will-get-you-in-the-holiday-mood Sun, 13 Dec 2020 16:32:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24620

So, we don’t mean to alarm you, but there are only 10 days left until Christmas. Yep—10 days! And with the way the pandemic has warped and disrupted our concept of time and longevity, we don’t blame you for not having noticed. However, this probably means you haven’t felt much of that proverbial Christmas spirit, we’re here to help you out. Introducing the 2020 Belo Christmas Playlist, Belo Beautiful Christmas!

This 57-song (!) playlist has a runtime of nearly three hours, ensuring your holiday dinners, road trips, and afternoons putting up the Christmas tree are covered. And it’s got all the classics—from “Frosty the Snowman” to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” you’re sure to sing along to most if not all songs on our list! It’s the perfect background music for family get-togethers over milk and cookies, too. (Holiday sweaters optional.)

And even if you’re not doing a Christmas-related activity, you could press play on this to feel cozier. Going on a drive-thru coffee run? Picking up some flowers for home? With this in your ears or in your car stereo, the Christmas vibes are inevitable. 

Humanity may have encountered way more than its fair share of grief and difficulty this year, but there’s no reason to not celebrate and remain grateful for the good things. If it’s been a little hard to feel excited for the holidays, that’s okay—all it takes is a little bit of music. 

(By the way, did you know that Dr. Vicki Belo’s doing an extra-special Christmas giveaway? Head to her latest YouTube vlog to find out more!)

Listen to the Belo Beautiful Christmas playlist here.

Follow belobeauty on Spotify here.

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24620 0 0 0 Just in case you weren’t ~feeling it~ yet!]]>
20 Absolutely Free Gifts for Your Loved Ones This Christmas https://www.belomed.com/blog/20-absolutely-free-gifts-for-your-loved-ones-this-christmas Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:58:00 +0000 https://www.belomed.com/?p=24632

The season of giving is upon us, and the sheer variety of choices can leave us confused as we try to find the perfect gift. Simple gestures and presents may not have as hefty a price tag, but speak volumes about how much the recipient means to you. Here are 20 gift suggestions which come from the heart.

1. Baked goodies

Prepare your specialty baked pastries or casserole. 

2. Greeting card

Create your own greeting card with a short letter.

3. Voucher for a favor or chore

Produce a simple voucher and offer to do a favor or an errand for the recipient. 

4. Scrapbook of best memories together

Print your photos together and compile these in a scrapbook of your best memories together.

5. Handknitted scarf

Whip out your knitting needles and knit a scarf for that family member or friend. 

6. Virtual movie date

Use apps such as Netflix Party, TwoSeven, or Squad, invite your S.O. or pal to virtually watch a Netflix movie together. 

7. Online museum tour

Take a virtual tour of the National Museum, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.  

8. Traditional telephone call

Rekindle the simplicity and the “olden” ways of catching up with a good ol’ call via landline.

9. Holiday drink in a jar

Mix powdered milk, hot cocoa mix, some powdered sugar, and some cream in a mason jar, tie up with twine, and add a note for that personal touch.

10. Personalized calendar

Use beautiful templates online and personalize a calendar with the recipient’s name or favorite things or colors.

11. DIY lip scrub

Fill up a small jar or tub with a do-it-yourself lip scrub kit based on this recipe: a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of sugar.

12. Propagated plants

Send clippings of your propagated plants for your plantita and plantito friends.

13. Mixtape of your favorite songs

Upload a playlist on Spotify with tunes the two of you love.

14. Online scavenger hunt

Have family and friends decode a message using carefully planted clues on the web. They’re in for a special prize.

15. Handwritten letter

Pen a heartfelt letter of thanks using special stationery and send via snail mail or courier.

16. Christmas ornament

Decorate a Christmas bauble or wreath for that personalized holiday cheer.

17. Memory jar

Write down your best memories together, cut and fold the pieces of paper and place in a jar.

18. Bath bomb

Give the gift of relaxation by making a bath bomb using baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, cornstarch, coconut oil, water, and your favorite essential oil. 

19. DIY candle

Mix wax and your friend’s favorite fragrance oils.

20. Potpourri

Bake thin slices of citrus fruits along with some lavender, rosemary, or thyme, some cinnamon sticks, essential oils, and cut up flowers for at least two hours under low heat. Place in a mason jar.

Nothing beats giving gifts you personally made and prepared. We hope you give these a try this year! Tell us which one you enjoyed doing the most. Merry Christmas, Belo Beauties!

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