Acne,
properly.
A 12-week structured program for acne that hasn't responded to drugstore products. Prescription topicals, in-clinic treatments, biweekly check-ins, and a dermatologist who actually tracks your progress.
Book a ConsultationThe problem with how most acne is treated
Most acne care in the Philippines goes one of two ways. Either you spend years cycling through drugstore products — each one promising clear skin in two weeks, none of them working — or you walk into a clinic and walk out with a five-figure package of treatments you don't fully understand.
Neither works very well. Acne is not a single problem; it's a chronic skin condition that needs a structured approach, real prescription medication when indicated, and someone watching your progress over months. A one-off chemical peel will not fix hormonal acne. A laser will not fix a compromised skin barrier. The right answer is usually a combination — and the right combination depends on what kind of acne you actually have.
Our program is built around that idea. We don't promise clear skin in two weeks. We promise a structured twelve weeks with a board-certified dermatologist, real medication when needed, and a plan that adapts based on how your skin actually responds.
The 12 weeks
The program has four phases. Most patients see meaningful improvement by week 6 and substantial improvement by week 12. Some need a second 12-week cycle for stubborn cases.
- Weeks 1–2 — Reset. We stop everything you're currently using and start a simple, prescription-based routine. This is often when skin gets worse before it gets better — we'll prepare you for it.
- Weeks 3–4 — Treat. We add in-clinic treatments — usually a salicylic peel and extractions under magnification. Adjustments to your prescription based on how your skin is responding.
- Weeks 5–8 — Refine. Active breakouts should be decreasing. We focus on pigmentation from old breakouts and start preventing new ones. Most patients see the biggest visible change here.
- Weeks 9–12 — Maintain. We transition you to a long-term routine you can sustain. Final photos, a written plan, and a maintenance schedule.
You'll see Dr. Alcantara or Dr. Marasigan every two weeks for a 20-minute check-in. Photos are taken each visit so we can track changes objectively — acne progress is slow enough that you'll otherwise miss it.
What's included
The program fee covers everything below. There are no add-ons pushed on you mid-program.
- Initial 60-minute skin reading with Dr. Alcantara
- Six biweekly 20-minute check-ins over 12 weeks
- Prescription topicals (retinoid, antibacterial, barrier support) — typically 3 months' supply
- Three in-clinic acne facials with extractions
- Two medical-grade salicylic peels
- LED light therapy at each visit
- Progress photography and a written report at weeks 4, 8, and 12
- A take-home maintenance plan at week 12
- WhatsApp access to our nurse for urgent questions between visits
If oral medication is indicated (isotretinoin, antibiotics, hormonal therapy), this is prescribed and monitored separately. We'll discuss the cost openly — oral medication isn't included in the base program fee.
Pricing
- Acne Program (mild to moderate) — ₱22,000
- Acne Program (moderate to severe, includes extra peels) — ₱28,000
- Acne Program + pigmentation focus — ₱32,000
The program fee can be paid in two installments: 60% at week 1, 40% at week 6. We accept cash, bank transfer, GCash, and major credit cards. We do not offer third-party financing — we'd rather be honest about the price than obscure it.
Common questions
Often, yes — particularly in weeks 2–4. This is called "purging" and it's a sign the treatment is working, not that it's failing. Retinoids push congestion to the surface, which means what was already underneath comes up faster. We'll prepare you for this and adjust the routine if the purge is severe.
Yes, when indicated. Isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment we have, but it's serious medication that requires monitoring. We prescribe it for severe nodulocystic acne, or for moderate acne that hasn't responded to other approaches. It requires monthly blood tests and is not appropriate for pregnancy. We'll discuss it openly if it's the right call for you.
For some patients — especially those with hormonal acne or deep scarring — twelve weeks is the beginning, not the end. If you need a second cycle, it's discounted 25%. Most patients, though, see substantial improvement within the first program and transition to maintenance.
Yes, with parental involvement. Dr. Alcantara sees patients as young as 13. For teens, we're especially careful with prescriptions and emphasize education — understanding your skin early prevents years of mistreating it later. A parent or guardian must attend the first consultation.
Diet plays a role for some patients — dairy and high-glycemic foods in particular. We'll discuss it honestly, but we won't blame your acne on what you eat. The evidence is mixed and varies by person. Sleep, stress, and the commute (pollution, humidity, mask-wearing) often matter more than diet.
Start the program
Twelve weeks. Real change.
Begin with a skin reading. If the program is right for you, we'll start week one that day. If it isn't, we'll tell you.