Skinvestments: Which Skin Investment Should You Get In 2025? Drs Aivee Teo, Vicki Belo, And More Weigh In

Beautypreneur PH | Skinvestments: Which Skin Investment Should You Get In 2025? Drs Aivee Teo, Vicki Belo, And More Weigh In | Which ‘skinvestments’ are worth your bucks in 2025? In this article, Tatler gathers and asks some of the Philippines’ sought-after dermatologists and skin experts—here are answers from doctors Vicki Belo, Aivee Teo, and more!

The last few weeks before New Year’s Eve often provide an opportunity to explore new ways of fostering self-confidence. For some, this comes in the form of introspection and recalibration of goals, while for others, it means investing in beauty treatments or enhancing their appearance.

The challenge with skin investment arguably lies in the sheer number of options available in the beauty market today. We have reached a stage where multiple solutions exist for every skin concern—so how do you determine which one is truly right for you?

In this article, Tatler seeks answers from Drs Anna Palabyab-Rufino, Aivee Teo, Kaycee Reyes, Vicki Belo, and “beautypreneur” Nikki Tang.

Dr Anna Palabyab-Rufino: Biostimulators

Dr Anna Palabyab-Rufino, who has more than a decade of experience in dermatology, suggests injectables such as polynucleotides, biostimulation, hybrid cooperative complex, and exosomes—all of which are effective to varying degrees depending on who administers them. “It’s all about choosing the right candidate and managing their expectations,” she tells us. 

“Choosing a doctor you trust who will suggest what is best for you is just as important as the procedure itself,” she adds.

The board-certified dermatologist says that although she enjoys injectables such as polynucleotides, botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, and biostimulators, every skin still varies and requires a procedure that matches its needs. 

“Each person is different, and what is worth it for some may not be worth it for others, which is why we really [need to] assess each patient and customise their treatments for them,” she says.

Dr Aivee Teo: Biostimulators And Skin Boosters

Dr Aivee Teo of the eponymous Aivee Clinic believes that skin procedures that stimulate collagen production are among the most effective and worth considering. “Treatments like lasers, micro needling, and radiofrequency are good, but biostimulators and skin boosters stand out as highly transformative,” she shares with Tatler. 

The doctor further explains that biostimulators activate the body’s collagen production, producing more natural results. Skin boosters provide deep hydration, improve texture, and give the skin a radiant appearance,” she says. These treatments deliver both immediate results and long-term benefits, making them excellent investments for healthy, glowing skin.” 

Dr Teo adds that bio stimulators like poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are among the new ‘fountains of youth’. 

“As we get older and reach the age of 30, we lose one to two per cent collagen every year. So, the buzz is all about collagen banking. It’s ageing gracefully, naturally, and with that extra glow.”

Dr Kaycee Reyes: Nanofat Transfer

For her part, wellness expert and health advocate Dr Kaycee Reyes of Luminsce Holistic Skin Innovations says that the most effective treatments today are those that enhance appearance and improve the skin’s intrinsic health. Among the many options available is nanofat transfer for individuals seeking a natural and regenerative approach to skin rejuvenation.

“Nanofat transfer is more than just a cosmetic enhancement—it’s a scientifically grounded procedure that leverages the body’s own resources. What makes it truly remarkable is its dual capability—immediate volumisation and long-term skin regeneration,” she discloses. “Unlike traditional fillers that primarily focus on adding volume, nanofat goes further by improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity through its high concentration of stem cells and growth factors,” she explains. 

The process of nanofat transfer is minimally invasive and straightforward. A small amount of fat is extracted from areas like the abdomen or thighs and turned into nanofat, which a trained medical professional can inject into targeted areas such as the face, neck, or hands.

According to Dr Reyes, nanofat’s distinguishing feature is its stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which is rich in mesenchymal stem cells and actively promotes collagen production and tissue repair. This regenerative aspect addresses skin ageing, fine lines, and pigmentation issues.

Furthermore, because nanofat is derived from the patient’s body, it eliminates the risks associated with synthetic fillers, such as allergic reactions or complications. This safety profile and its natural and enduring results make it a procedure worth considering for anyone hesitant about synthetic or invasive options.

“In my view, the holistic appeal of nanofat transfer aligns with a broader aesthetic trend—shifting from mere augmentation to true skin health enhancement. This procedure offers an effective and lasting solution for those in the Philippines, where the climate and lifestyle factors can accelerate skin ageing,” Dr Reyes concludes.

Dr Vicki Belo: ACCURE, Biostimulators

Dr Vicki Belo also believes in the power of biostimulators that enhance skin elasticity, firmness, and overall appearance by stimulating the body’s natural process to promote collagen and elastin production. “We have a treatment plan called The Belo Beauty Cocktail that combines all my favourite biostimulator ingredients [such as] ASCE+ Exsosomes, Salmon Sperm DNA, vitamins and minerals to really boost your skin’s health,” the dermatologist and doctor to the stars shares. 

For patients with acne, she suggests a new laser called ACCURE: “It literally stands for A Cure for Acne! It’s a laser that gets rid of acne permanently without any additional topical treatments,” she quips. “The laser is truly revolutionary because it heats oil glands and precisely targets them with a novel 1726nm laser to address the two main causes of acne [which are] sebum production and propionibacterium or acne-causing bacteria.” 

Her new favourite is called Microcoring, which the Belo clinic can do through Fotona Dynamis NX. This treatment uses a laser to create tiny ‘cores’ in the skin and can trigger the body’s natural healing process. “This works amazing for acne scars as the skin heals itself with new and healthy skin. You’ll have to do this once every three months, and it can take about a year to complete treatment—the results are breathtaking,” Dr Belo says. 

The skin expert adds she has a soft spot for Filipinos struggling with acne; this is why she always looks for ways to address the problem with fast and visible effects. “Many Filipinos, myself included, have struggled with acne at some point in their lives—sometimes in a very traumatising way. This is why I am always on the lookout for acne treatments that work—the 13-year-old acne-covered Vicki would have begged to be treated,” she explains. 

DMark CEO Nikki Tang: Biostimulators

For Dmark beautypreneur and CEO Nikki Tang, the most effective procedures are those that enhance skin quality naturally. She suggests skinvestments like medical-grade lasers, microneedling with radiofrequency, ultrasound-based technologies like HIFU, biostimulators, and non-invasive LED light therapy. 

“LED light therapy is particularly versatile—it stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, making it an excellent complement to other treatments,” she explains. “Biostimulators, on the other hand, can activate your skin’s natural collagen production, creating what I call ‘collagen magic’. When paired with HIFU, which tightens and lifts by targeting deeper skin layers, these approaches deliver transformative results without downtime.”

Tang staunchly supports skincare procedures that enhance instead of altering the face. If the beautypreneur can recommend one treatment, it would be skin boosters that deliver deep hydration, improve texture, and create a natural and glowing appearance. 

“Unlike treatments that alter facial features, they emphasise subtle, long-term improvements that enhance one’s natural beauty. Their versatility, minimal downtime, and ability to complement other procedures make them a smart and timeless investment in skin confidence,” she says. 

As with every skincare treatment, there are potential side effects that one must be aware of when undergoing injectable procedures. “They’re typically minimal when performed by skilled professionals,” she assures. “For example, skin boosters and other injectables might cause mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site, but these effects are temporary and are usually gone within days.” 

To learn more about Beautpreneur PH, check out Ms. Nikki Tang.