Tired of Trying Skincare Trends That Don’t Work? Read This First

As rising costs force Filipinos to be more deliberate about where they spend, so are skincare choices—with consumers looking for products they can rely on to support their skin health over time. Rather than a cosmetic luxury, skincare is now regarded as a necessity for personal wellness.

However, navigating physical retail aisles and online platforms can be difficult because buyers must deal with competing claims, complex scientific jargon, and a constant influx of new ingredients.

This demand for clarity and science-backed solutions drove the 8th annual National Healthy Skin Mission at SM Makati, which was organized by skincare brand Cetaphil in collaboration with premier retailer Watsons and SM Beauty under the theme "Healthy Skin Deserves No Compromise". The initiative gives consumers direct access to clinically tested products designed to address specific skin needs.

“We see firsthand how the skincare landscape is evolving. Today’s shoppers aren't looking for quick fixes or trend-driven routines anymore. As the country's leading destination for health and wellness, we are proud to be the trusted bridge that connects shoppers directly to clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended solutions like Cetaphil.” ~Pat Muyco, Group Senior Category Manager for Watsons

The event was made even more inspiring by insights from skincare and industry experts, who shared important reminders about understanding our skin, proper skincare, and why sensitive skin requires special care. We also heard from Anne Curtis, who discussed her own skincare journey and experience with Cetaphil.

“We are committed to helping more Filipinos achieve healthy skin by changing how they choose clinically proven skin care. As a sensitive skin expert and category leader, Cetaphil brings skin science and dermatological expertise through products that consistently work to add more value to consumers’ health and wellness journey.” ~Mark Sarmiento, Business Unit Head for Cetaphil

Don’t compromise your skin health with quick fixes 

Making intentional skincare choices has become especially important for Cetaphil Brand Ambassador Anne Curtis as her skin adapts to the demands of a busy lifestyle, from long days on set and frequent makeup application to changing environments.

“There’s so much going on online, so it’s important to know that the brand you’re using is something you can trust because it is certified by experts. Don’t compromise your skin health with quick fixes or following trends. You deserve to take care of your own skin, but it’s also important to educate yourself about what’s available.” ~Anne Curtis, Cetaphil Brand Ambassador

Dr. Chesca Quinio-Calayag also adds that having healthy skin isn't about doing the longest routine or chasing every new ingredient that comes out. 

“It’s more about choosing products that are proven to work, gentle enough to protect your skin barrier, and effective enough that you don't have to keep replacing products that disappoint you.” ~Dr. Chesca Quinio-Calayag

Meanwhile, Dr. Sella Umali-Adasa reminded consumers to stop consuming products that leave adverse reactions.

“Healthy skin shouldn't come at the expense of irritation. If your skincare constantly leaves your skin feeling tight, stinging, or uncomfortable, that's not something you should simply accept as normal.” ~Dr. Sella Umali-Adasa

The mission also emphasizes the importance of understanding that healthy skin is not always perfect. According to Abe Mationg, Head of Marketing for Cetaphil, consumers should feel empowered to make choices based on their skin’s needs. 

“It’s mainly about making informed choices and listening to experts. All of us are different, so our skin isn’t perfect all the time. Sometimes you wake up feeling differently about your skin. But what’s important is to be gentle with yourself and have the right skincare for your skin type.” ~Abe Mationg, Head of Marketing for Cetaphil

The National Healthy Skin Mission at SM Makati is open to the public until August 31, and includes interactive installations, dermatologist consultations, and science-based skincare guidance.

Learn more about dermatologist-certified care by following Cetaphil PH on Instagram and Facebook. Cetaphil products are available nationwide at Watsons and SM Beauty stores, or online via Watsons Online.

Watsons and Punlaan School apprenticeship program for pharmacy assistants holds graduation for 1st batch of scholars

Mr. Danilo S. Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director

The first commencement exercises for the apprenticeship program's pioneer batch of 20 scholars who successfully completed a six-month pharmacy assistant apprenticeship program were held by renowned health and beauty retailer Watsons in collaboration with Punlaan School.

Watsons launched the apprenticeship program in an effort to meet their promise to close the employment gap for pharmacy assistants and give young people access to the workforce. Watsons filled the void by partnering with Punlaan School to offer impoverished young women sufficient training to become pharmacy assistants, a career that would guarantee them a stable income. 

The six-month Watsons-Punlaan School apprenticeship program consists of three months of classroom instruction and three months of hands-on training in Watsons stores.   Throughout their training, apprentices are given stipends, and upon successful completion of the program, Watsons hires the graduates. Beiersdorf Philippines has also contributed to the program's funding. 

“As the number of Watsons stores grow all over the country, the more that we are in need of pharmacy assistants to better serve our customers. The Watsons and Punlaan school pharmacy assistant apprenticeship program is not only a pioneer in the health, beauty & wellness industry, but it has also served as an instrument to prepare scholars through effective mentorship. This has transformed the scholars to become effective pharmacy assistants, helping jumpstart the careers of scholars towards a meaningful career path.” ~Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines during his keynote speech

A goal of 400 scholars dispersed among several partner schools has been set by Watsons. The partnership wants to reach 434 scholars who have completed the apprenticeship program in its entirety by November.

Josie C. Arriola, Director for People Innovations Projects - Watsons Philippines

“With this pioneer batch of the Watsons and Punlaan school apprenticeship program being a success, we plan to conduct even more programs and expand our partnerships with different organizations inside and outside of Metro Manila. Through this constant effort, we hope to reach more scholars and bring them opportunities towards a better future.” ~Josie C. Arriola, Director for People Innovations Projects - Watsons Philippines

Batch top 1 student Princess Bernadette A. Consinsino during her valedictory speech

“The main highlight of the entire program for me was the bond I have created with my classmates. From the time we started, even when we were all just starting to know one another, it felt like everyone treated each other like a family. My batchmates and I are grateful to be part of this first batch of graduates and to Watsons and Punlaan School for providing us a path to apply our learnings and work towards a great future.” ~Princess Bernadette A. Consinsino, The batch’s top 1 Student 

Consinsino encouraged more women to take the chance and to not be afraid of grabbing new opportunities.

“It is an honor and privilege for Beiersdorf to have contributed to this wonderful cause of allowing young women the right resources and path to thrive. As our graduates move forwards, I encourage all of you to always dream big, be comfortable with the uncomfortable, break barriers to create and inclusive society and lastly, to pay it forwards–as the pioneer graduates of the Watsons and Punlaan School apprenticeship program, you pave the way as inspirations for the ones yet to come.” ~Nimisha Jain, Country Manager - Beiersdorf Philippines

This program and other efforts geared towards sustainability and the community are some ways in which Watsons, with the help of its customers, continues to uphold its promise to help people look good, do good and feel great.

Shop your health and beauty favorites at over 1,000 Watsons stores nationwide or download the Watsons App for online shopping.

For more information on how to look good, do good, feel great, follow on Instagram, like on Facebook, and follow on TikTok.

About Watsons Philippines:

With over 8,000 stores and 1,500 pharmacies in 15 Asian, European and Middle East markets, Watsons is No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia*

We are here to help our customers look good, do good and feel great, every day – by providing a market-leading variety of brands and products, plus personalized advice and counseling in health, beauty and personal care.

Watsons is part of the AS Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer operating over 16,500 stores under 12 retail brands in 28 markets, with over 130,000 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year 2023, AS Watson Group recorded revenue of US$23 billion. Every year, it is serving over 5.5 billion shoppers via its O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms, providing tech-enabled retail experience to customers offline and online.

*Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Top 50 Brands survey with 10,000 respondents across 6 Asian countries

For more information on how to look good, do good, feel great, follow on Instagram, like on Facebook, and follow on TikTok.

Watsons volunteer moms bring their compassionate hearts and healing hands to communities through their dedicated volunteer work

Watsons employees and mom volunteers gather at the Alagang Pangkalusugan Medical Mission in Camarines Sur

A Watsons Alagang Pangkalusugan medical mission requires a village to execute. Physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals are volunteers. Additionally, Watsons extends an invitation to its supplier partners to observe the work being done in the communities and donate medications and medical supplies. Then there are the Watsons staff volunteers who, rather than sleeping and spending time with their families, use their days off to give back. 

Many of the volunteers for Watsons are mothers. Good volunteers often possess patience and leadership qualities; if anyone possesses these qualities above all others, it's a mother.

Volunteering is a commitment for Watsons moms who participate in Alagang Pangkalusugan medical missions. Alagang Pangkalusugan has helped more than 6,500 Filipinos since 2013. Watsons takes great pride in helping Filipino families on their path to optimal health.

Editha Aguila, also known as "Meg," has worked for Watsons for eight years. Last year, she began working as a volunteer for a medical mission.

“It is my 2nd year this year in Watsons with MNDC Metro Naga Development Council but in my store, we already conducted simple community services to the elderly way back in 2017.  We would share our time and help provide the elderly with essential needs and also gave them food from our Christmas caroling fund. I am a mother too, I felt the same pain and anxiety of the mother's patient. I will lead them to the attending doctor and if ever they need my advice on how to interpret the prescription, I will help them so they may be guided correctly. I am sad that because of poverty,  they cannot have regular check-ups for their kids. Their kids are malnourished. I always tell them to take care of their children and give them proper care. I also remind them about giving the kids healthy food and vitamins.” ~Editha “Meg” Aguila, a Watsons store manager and mother of three

One of Aguila’s most memorable experiences as a volunteer was when the medical mission went to her hometown of Libmanan. But for Aguila, it’s even more special and poignant when they work with children.

Eden Valenzuela, a Watsons employee for over 13 years now and a pharmacy manager, also considers it a privilege to be working with children. 

Joan Pacio, a pharmacy manager who has been with Watsons for 21 years, said her civic duty and faith in the common good are what motivate her to volunteer.

Joan Pacio, a pharmacy manager who has been with Watsons for 21 years, said her civic duty and faith in the common good are what motivate her to volunteer.

“Helping other people is a life fulfilling duty. It is also fulfilling to help meet the health needs of the less privileged especially in far-flung barangays.” ~Joan Pacio, a pharmacy manager who has been with Watsons for 21 years

For Meg Aguila, her motivation is to help others and make an impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.

Eden Valenzuela said she is happy to see the happy faces of people when they have free check-ups and medication.

“We have been seeing a rise in employee participation in support of  Alagang Pangkalusugan in each area as more and more patients benefit from this initiative. We’re very happy that our employees are taking part in this.” ~Sharon Decapia, Watsons Senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability

Watsons’ social purpose tagline "Look Good Do Good Feel Great" has been guiding the company in inspiring its employees and customers on their sustainability goals. This social purpose is in the company’s DNA. The spirit of doing good is deeply ingrained in the Watsons' culture. In 1841, A.S. Watsons founder Alexander Skirving Watson provided free medicine to the needy in the first dispensary.

You can help support Watsons medical missions by visiting any Watsons store near you or shop online via Watsons App.

For more information, follow https://www.instagram.com/watsonsph on Instagram, like https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow https://www.tiktok.com/@watsonsphilippines on TikTok.