Your skincare products may be making your sensitive skin worse. Now what?

(From left to right): 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser, 2% Salicylic + Niacinamide Toner, Brightening + Calming Moisturizer + Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser, 0.2% Retinol + Peptide, Licorice.

Careless skincare manufacturers focus on hot new ingredients that may harm your skin. Don't fall for the marketing hype when you see those untested chemicals.

Over 60 percent of all women report having sensitive skin. That's an absolutely shocking number -- but many skincare brands don't seem to care.

The next time you're out shopping for a lotion, salve or balm, take a look at what's being advertised. To many people, if they see an extract named after a flower, leaf or tree, it gives the impression that the product must be "natural" -- and natural means healthy, right?

In reality, those extracts and isolates are just chemicals -- and they're totally untested. Skincare brands don't have to prove that anything actually works, or even that it's from the source that they say it is.

The problem is particularly pressing in the Philippines, where rampant air pollution and powerful sunlight are constantly assaulting exposed skin. The ultrafine particles (UFPs) produced by our endless traffic gridlocks have been shown to cause skin inflammation and other issues.

In an environment that's already so challenging, can your skin take yet another hit from harsh skincare products?

A problem with many layers

Skincare products all include several types of ingredients, such as surfactants, preservatives and humectants. Each of these ingredients can potentially cause issues.

Take sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for example. The surfactant, which can be made from natural coconut oil, makes cleansers foam up nicely in a way that makes users say: "Ahh! Fresh, clean skin!" That's why a huge number of skincare brands use SLS in their products.

But SLS causes skin irritation in many people, which may only appear hours or days after usage. Worse, SLS has been found to be frequently contaminated with carcinogens, which can damage skin and even cause cancer.

And SLS isn't even the active ingredient -- it's just part of the supporting cast.

But most consumers aren't familiar enough with what's on their skincare product's label to know what to avoid. And so many skincare brands feel free to continue using problematic ingredients.

A new trend toward sensitive-friendly products

However, many people -- and their dermatologists -- have now caught on to the idea that a seemingly meticulous skincare routine can cause more harm than good.

That's why some leading-edge brands have started focusing on sensitive skin friendly products. After all, with over half of all people reporting sensitive skin, it's clearly a large market.

One recently launched brand, Croia, has worked with Philippines-based laboratory to assemble ingredient lists that are scientifically proven to work well with sensitive skin conditions.

"I've personally struggled with sensitive skin, and eczema, my whole life," says Erika Castro-Morrison, Croia's co-founder. "My whole family has. I got really tired of having to second guess my skincare routine."

Both eczema and acne are widespread among Filipinas. Croia's before-and-after testers have shared images with the company of their progress after using the milder topicals that the company offers.

For now, Croia is offering a collection of 5 products, ranging from the mild retinol, acne cleansers, toner, and moisturizer.

Croia is also trying to solve problems specific to the Filipino market, like that ever-present air pollution. Methionine, one of the ingredients in the Amino Acid Cleanser, is an amino acid already found in your body, and has been proven to help prevent damage from pollutants.

With any luck, the future of healthy, safe skincare will be bright -- and so will your skin.

Croia products can be found at: Croia-Aoife.com, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Shopee. 

About Aoife Skin Project / Croia

Croia is a skincare brand using evidence-based formulation made for sensitive skin. Croia’s goal is to counteract misinformation about skincare which leads to people damaging their own skin — and raise awareness and self-care in proper and gentle approach. All Croia products are designed for even the most sensitive skin.

Japan Embassy and Fujifilm Philippines Supports TB Eradication with FDR Xair Donation to Olongapo

Turnover of Portable Chest X-Ray Machine for Olongapo City from the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) held in Olongapo City. (L-R) Fujifilm Philippines Inc. Vice President Mr. Takashi Miyako, City Health Officer Dr. Rodrick Bustamante, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Ms. Tokiko Nishimura, Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr., CHSI Philippines Inc. Managing Director Dr. Carmina Aquino. and Ms. Louie Teng.

Olongapo City - FUJIFILM Philippines, a global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, in partnership with the Japan Embassy in the Philippines and CHSI Philippines, formulated a collective effort in providing an FDR Xair to the local government of Olongapo in a turn over ceremony held today. This initiative is in support of the government’s continuing efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

The donation, facilitated by CHSI Philippines, aims to bolster screening, early detection, and eradication of TB. The FDR Xair, a state-of-the-art portable X-ray system, is instrumental in early TB detection. Its portability and high image quality allow healthcare professionals to perform rapid and accurate screenings in various settings, particularly in remote and underserved communities. By deploying these devices nationwide, FUJIFILM is closing healthcare access gaps and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

According to 2022 data from the Department of Health (DOH), TB claims the lives of approximately 106 Filipinos daily. FUJIFILM’s innovative solutions, such as the FDR Xair, align with global efforts to reach, cure, and prevent TB in the Philippines. This portable device revolutionizes TB screening with its reliable performance, ease of use, and advanced imaging technology, making it particularly effective in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

In March 2023, FUJIFILM Philippines conducted its first Medical Mission and TB screening in Majayjay, Laguna, using their FDR nano and FDR Go Plus systems. The company plans to make this an annual program, continuing to utilize the FDR Xair to provide equitable and sustainable TB interventions. This year, FUJIFILM will make TB screening using FDR Xair available for free at the regular Makati Lingkod Bayan Caravan.

FUJIFILM recognizes the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle the global challenge of TB. By partnering with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, FUJIFILM aims to build a healthier, TB-free future.

With over 600,000 TB cases reported by the DOH as of December 31, 2023, the urgency for enhanced detection capabilities and coordinated efforts has never been greater. Despite the severity of TB, it remains curable with free medication available at TB DOTS clinics nationwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

SSS branch offices in Sulu Archipelago get Starlink satellite internet services

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that its three service offices in Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi can now better serve members by equipping it with a more efficient and faster satellite internet connectivity, particularly Starlink.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet sealed a partnership with iOne Resources, Inc., Starlink’s local distributor, to provide high-speed internet connectivity to SSS service offices in remote areas.

Macasaet said that SSS initially procured Starlink satellite internet services initially to be implemented in 10 sites with iOne Resources, Inc. during a ceremonial turnover held at CityMall Tetuan in Zamboanga City.

“We purchased a three-year subscription for 10 sites to provide internet access to our services offices in areas with no available internet service providers or those with internet connectivity challenges,” Macasaet said.

Macasaet explained that three of the 10 identified sites have been deployed with the Starlink, namely: Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi because internet connectivity is difficult in the islands.

He added that seven other sites will be installed with Starlink across the country in the upcoming days.

“Satellite internet technology is ideal for remote locations with a clear line of sight. It can deliver high internet speed from 100 to 200 Mbps with low latency of 25 to 60, ensuring swift data transfers in branch operations,” Macasaet added.

Moreover, Macasaet said that SSS plans to partner with other internet service providers in the country to help its branch and services offices overcome the challenges of internet connectivity, saying, “Internet access has become a necessity since most of SSS services are already available online.”

“With this project, SSS is looking forward to improving its IT infrastructure to boost its system’s uptime and provide more reliable online services to our members, employers, and pensioners,” Macasaet concluded.

Elon Musk’s Starlink introduced satellite internet technology in the Philippines last year and was first rolled out in Metro Manila.