I Had Glow Skin Clinic Signature Facial And It’s Worth Every Penny

I learned about Glow Skin Clinic as I was Googling for the best skin clinic in the metro. I heard that it’s Instagram famous and that it specializes in facial treatments, but they’re a bit on the pricey side. But since I wanted to do something with my dry skin, I went ahead and got an appointment. They recommended the Glow Skin Clinic Signature Facial.

They only have one clinic at Uptown Mall, BGC. I gave them a call to inquire about their cheapest facial just to test them out. Also, I don’t want to overspend if I find their service unsatisfactory. They recommended their Signature Facial for 2,500. I said ok and asked for a 6 pm appointment.

They asked for my name and contact number, after which I received a text message with the details of my appointment, including the links to the health screening form and online patient form.

The requirements are as follows:

• Come to the clinic at least 30 minutes before the treatment. Those who arrive 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment will be asked to reschedule.
• Clients are advised to come alone for their treatments, except for minors, PWDs, and seniors, who may come with one companion.
• Limit the use of jewelry and other accessories.
• Come to the clinic barefaced or without makeup.
• Use the no-contact payment option, e.g., credit card, debit card, or Paymaya (although they accept cash, they prefer the cashless option for safety measures).

Just as advised, I went to Glow Skin Clinic 30 minutes before my appointment. The receptionist greeted me, took my temperature, and then led me to a small room for the mandatory assessment with the in-house doctor. Yes, the consultation is mandatory, and it’s 1,500 pesos. However, the fee will be waived if you avail yourself of any treatment worth 3,000 pesos and above.

The doctor, who introduced herself as Dr. Alyssa Benesa (she had to repeat her last name several times because I kept mishearing it, lol), asked me what my biggest skin concern was. I told her that I have more freckles than ever before, and I want to get rid of them.

She asked me whether I had been wearing a sunblock, I said yes, but only when I go out. I also mentioned that I used to travel a lot before the pandemic, and at least then, I remember being religious about wearing sunscreen. But ever since I started working from home, I stopped using any sunblock.

Dr. Benesa said that UV rays can penetrate the building through the windows, the door, or the balcony, hence, it is still best to wear sunblock even at home. I nodded in agreement, not daring to admit that I’ve known this fact all this time, just that I’ve become lazy with my beauty routines, so now I’m paying the price.

Aside from my freckles, the doctor indicated my other skin problems, such as slightly enlarged pores on the sides of the nose, visible facial veins, and uneven skin tone. I told her that my skin feels dry as well.

Good news: The damage I’ve done to my skin can be reversed. She offered three options that specifically target hyperpigmentation, and they are as follows:

Cosmelan Peel – Standard depigmenting chemical peel.
Cost – 35,000
Downtime – 1-2 weeks

Glow-up Laser – Treats pigmentation and visible facial veins
Cost- 8,000
No downtime

Clear and Brilliant Laser – Improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores
Cost – 12,500
Downtime – 3-4 days

But for my first visit, I only availed myself of the Signature Facial, an 8-step facial treatment that cleans deep and promises to give you that youthful, dewy glow. As an add-on to this treatment, I picked the Laser Light Aloe Mask, sending my total bill to P3,100.

Now, let’s get to the fun part: the treatment proper.

It began with a 30-second mouth rinse; the esthetician gave me a small cup of pink-colored mouthwash and a timer. I went to the toilet, swished the mouthwash, then found the esthetician waiting for me outside the door.

She then led me to a small, dimly lit room and introduced herself as Dawn. She instructed me to remove my top, change into the bathrobe, and wear the blue hair cap. Dawn left the room to give me some privacy. As soon as I was finished doing everything I was told, I pushed the button that would signal Dawn to enter the room. She was back as soon as I pressed that button, just like when I rinsed my mouth earlier, she was just outside the room waiting for me.

Dawn is very professional and kind, and I immediately felt relaxed and comfortable. She explained to me the purpose of each step that we were doing, and she also patiently answered my queries. I told her that I’m blogging about this experience, so I had to take some photos, and she willingly obliged.

As I mentioned, Signature Facial is an 8-step procedure. Let me walk you through it.

Step 1: Cleansing

It begins with a two-part cleansing. They asked me to remove my upper garment because the chest area is included in this cleansing ritual; I didn’t mind that at all. Dawn put dots of cleansing cream on my face, neck, and chest, massaged the cream all over my skin, then removed it with a gauze or cotton (not sure as my eyes were closed). She repeated the procedure with another cleansing cream, which, if I’m not mistaken, has exfoliating properties to it as it felt a little bit grainy when rubbed on the skin. Again, I based it all on what I felt, as I didn’t think of asking Dawn about it.

Step 2: Facial massage

My most favorite part, the facial massage, comes next. I’m not sure how long it lasted- maybe 20 minutes, give or take- but it was divine. I especially liked the little strokes she did around my eyes; I wish it could have been longer.

Step 3: Steam

I’ve had a facial in another clinic before, and as part of their COVID-safety protocols, they don’t do facial steaming. So, I was a bit surprised when Dawn informed me that the steaming comes next. I don’t mind because it will help open up the pores in preparation for the next step, which is…

Step 4: Extraction

Dawn remarked that it didn’t seem like she could extract a lot of impurities from my face, but still, I encouraged her to do it. She said, “I will try, ma’am,” then proceeded to apply gentle pressure with the metal extractor on my pores, particularly on my chin, nose, and forehead. It didn’t hurt at all, which I appreciate as other estheticians seem to enjoy putting great pressure on the skin whenever they do this procedure. 

Step 5: Microdermabrasion

Dawn announced that since she had barely extracted residues from my face, we would spend more time on the microdermabrasion. She glided a handheld device over my face repeatedly. I could feel the device sucking the dead cells off my skin.

Step 6: Electro-infusion

For the next step, Dawn put a silver plate under my shoulder, explaining that this would help better infusion of the serum into my skin. She then put the serum on my face and used a device to spread it all over. I loved this part because the device felt cool against my skin, making me feel more relaxed.

Step 7: LED Light Therapy

To close the pores and promote blood circulation and collagen production, Dawn proceeded with the LED light therapy. It was a bit warm to the skin but didn’t cause any discomfort.

Add-on step: Laser Light Aloe Mask

Not a part of the 8-step, but I recommend that you have a mask as an add-on when you do avail of the Signature Facial. The mask has linseed oil, aloe vera, and seaweed extract to help soften, calm, tone, and moisturize the skin.

Before putting on the mask, Dawn informed me that it would cover my eyes and my lips as well. I think some people might find this to be uncomfortable as the entire face will be covered (except the nostrils, of course), but for me, it was fine.

Shen prepared the mixture, stirred it until it turned into a creamy consistency, and then applied it on my face with a brush. The mask felt heavy and cool to the skin, and I think I had it on for 10 minutes. Although it became solid, it didn’t harden unlike those other clay masks. When Dawn lifted it off my face, there was no pain at all.

Step 8: Rejuvenating cream and sunblock

For the last step of this marvelous treatment, Dawn put a rejuvenating cream and sunblock on my skin. She then informed me that the treatment was complete. I got up from the bed and grabbed my camera, excited to see the results.

Lo and behold! My skin looked visibly brighter and moisturized. Glow Skin Clinic has successfully brought back the glow to my skin. I couldn’t believe that my skin had improved.

I loved the results. I’m so happy that with just one facial treatment, I’ve seen a remarkable change in my skin. My freckles and pimple marks have faded slightly, and my skin lightened.

After my beach trip, I intend to go back for another facial, hopefully with one of the treatments that Dr. Benesa recommended. When I do get it, I promise to blog about it as well. I want to give a special shout-out to Dawn for being such a wonderful esthetician.

Was it just hype and overly priced? The answer is no. Glow Skin Clinic lives up to its promise; no wonder it’s been recommended by many. I loved the Glow Skin Clinic Signature Facial, and it is, by far, the most amazing facial treatment experience in my life.