Dermatologist’s reminder that consistency still matters
Social media feeds are filled with skincare routines promising an overnight glow. A quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram reveals countless tips, miracle serums, and dramatic before-and-after photos suggesting that clear skin can happen almost instantly.
Dermatologist Kei George Rebolledo, better known to patients as Dr. Kei, offers a different message. Good skin, he says, takes time.
Dr. Kei founded Kutis by Kei, a dermatology clinic that has grown steadily over the past few years. What started during the pandemic has expanded into multiple branches in Parañaque and Mandaluyong, with additional locations in Quezon City and Makati. Alongside the clinics, he launched a skincare line, KBK Skin: Straightforward Skincare, which focuses on simple formulations with proven ingredients.
The steady expansion mirrors the philosophy he applies to dermatology: progress built on routine and discipline rather than dramatic fixes.
of sticking to proven skincare practices
despite the surge of quick-fix trends online
“Sun protection is number one,” Dr. Kei said in an interview with Manila Standard Life. “The sun can really damage your skin. It breaks down collagen prematurely, which leads to early aging.”
His advice begins with a simple habit. Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest. If outdoor activities are unavoidable, early morning around 8:00 a.m. or late afternoon near 5:00 p.m. are safer windows.
Sunscreen, he says, should be treated like a daily essential.
“I always tell my patients it’s just as important as brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth every day, you should also apply sunscreen every day,” he said, adding that reapplication during the day is ideal.
Apart from religiously applying sunscreen, the basics remain central to skin health: adequate sleep, hydration, avoiding smoking or vaping, and using ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C.
Hydration, he explained, plays a visible role in how skin appears. Well-hydrated skin tends to look smoother and fuller, while dryness can make the skin appear dull and aged.
Patience, however, remains the most difficult lesson for many patients.
“Because of all the advancements in skincare, there’s this expectation of instant results,” Dr. Kei noted. “Some people think after one procedure or one week, clear skin na agad. But that’s not how it works.”
Acne treatments, he explained, often require around three months before meaningful improvement appears.
“There’s no shortcut,” he added.
The same principle has shaped how he built his practice. Dr. Kei opened his first clinic during the pandemic. Demand came quickly, and he recalls needing only around six patients a day when the practice began. The greater challenge came with running a business.
“As a doctor, you’re not just treating patients, you also become an administrator and a business owner,” he pointed out.
Delegation and management became new territory. Permits, staffing, and operational decisions required skills far removed from medical training.
Today the expanding clinic network relies on a support system that assists him with operations, finance, and human resources.
Meanwhile, growth has brought its own complications, particularly regulatory processes and the administrative side of expansion. Even so, Dr. Kei continues a personal tradition of opening a new branch each year.
Consistency, he believes, works in business much like it does in skincare. Social media has also become part of his practice. Through educational videos on TikTok, he explains common skin conditions and treatment options, helping introduce his clinic to a wider audience.
His approach centers on transparency. Content aims to educate, using proper medical terminology and clear explanations. Brand mentions can be sensitive, though he believes naming trusted brands can guide patients toward safer options, especially when imitation products circulate in the market. He also avoids paid endorsements to maintain credibility.
Patient expectations shaped by online information can sometimes create challenges. Some arrive convinced about certain treatments based on what they have read or watched online.
“I appreciate when patients research their concerns, but I often need to clarify which treatments are medically appropriate,” he said.
Difficult encounters happen, including impatient or demanding patients. Still, the most rewarding moments come when patients trust the process, follow treatment plans, and return months later with visible improvements.
