Three months ago, I walked into a clinic in Ortigas convinced that a series of aggressive chemical peels would solve my pigmentation issues.
What Went Wrong
The clinic recommended a TCA peel series — 6 sessions at ₱15,000 each, with a "special package" discount to ₱80,000. I was told my melasma would be "gone in 8 weeks."
By session 4, I knew something was seriously wrong. I stopped treatment and sought a second opinion at Simply Skin.
The Diagnosis
Dr. Chen at Simply Skin diagnosed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — my skin had been over-exfoliated, compromising the barrier and triggering melanin overproduction.
The recovery took 4 months and cost an additional ₱45,000 in corrective treatments.
The Lessons
**Lesson 1: Verify credentials.** Always check PDS membership for anyone performing chemical peels.
**Lesson 2: Demand to see the device.** The clinic claimed to use "medical-grade" peels but couldn't show me the product packaging.
**Lesson 3: Patch test everything.** A proper clinic will patch test any new chemical treatment 48 hours before full application.
**Lesson 4: Beware package pressure.** "Buy 6, get 1 free" locks you into a protocol that may not suit your skin.
**Lesson 5: Tropical skin is different.** Aggressive peels that work in dry climates often cause PIH in Filipino skin.