“I am constantly proud to be a part of our patients’ journey towards achieving their ideal self.”
That is not a marketing tagline. That is a personal statement from a physician who has been healing skin — and restoring confidence — for more than three decades.
Meet Dr. Herbia Joy Gonzales
Dr. Herbia Joy Gonzales is not your average dermatologist. She is a physician who built an entire clinic empire from the ground up — starting in 1994, when most people in the Philippines still thought “dermatologist” was just a fancy word for “expensive pimple doctor.”
Her medical journey began at the Cebu Institute of Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. She then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City. But it was her own personal experience with skin problems as a young adult that pushed her toward aesthetic medicine — a decision that would eventually change the trajectory of acne treatment in the Philippines.
Minsan, ang pinaka-effective na doktor ay ’yung naranasan na rin ang hirap ng pasyente. Hindi lang textbook knowledge — real-life experience.
She trained at the Dermatology Institute Foundation of the Philippines and later studied cosmetic surgery under Dr. Corazon Collantes-Jose. From there, she pursued advanced training internationally — in Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong — attending conventions, lectures, and workshops to bring the most current dermatological techniques to Filipino patients.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Gonzales holds memberships and fellowships across nine professional organizations:
- Fellow, Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology
- Diplomate, Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists
- Member, Philippine Medical Association
- Member, International Society of Dermatologic Surgery
- Member, International Society of Cosmetic Dermatology
- Member, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Member, Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery
- Member, Philippine Society of Liposuction Surgery
- Member, Asia-Pacific Academy For Cosmetic Surgery
Nine affiliations. Not nine TikTok followers — nine international and national medical organizations. Iba ’yung may resibo sa credentials.
Three Decades of Results
In 1994, Dr. Gonzales founded Skin Trends — an aesthetic clinic specializing in acne treatment. What started as a single clinic in Santa Rosa, Laguna has grown into a network of seven branches spanning Metro Manila and Calabarzon. Over three decades, she has personally overseen thousands of patient journeys — from first consultation to final result.
Her clinic doesn’t just treat pimples. Skin Trends has expanded its services to include acne scar removal, anti-aging, body care, face and body contouring, facials and peels, hair removal, light therapy, skin lightening, and wart removal — all under the supervision of a board-qualified dermatologist. But acne remains the heart of the practice. As she put it during the interview: acne treatment is Skin Trends’ “Chickenjoy” — its signature, its bestseller, and the reason patients keep coming back.
During her appearance on RDR Talks with Reymond “Boss RDR” Delos Reyes, Dr. Gonzales discussed how acne develops, why early treatment matters, what may trigger skin asthma, and why consumers should seek professional guidance before experimenting with products seen online.
She also announced a major business development: Skin Trends is now opening franchise opportunities to Filipino entrepreneurs. Hindi lang pasyente ang tinutulungan ni Doc Joy — pati mga aspiring business owners, binibigyan ng sistema.
Acne Is Not Just a “Teenage Problem”
Acne is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions worldwide. A widely cited epidemiological review estimates that acne affects approximately 9.4% of the global population, while newer studies continue to find the highest prevalence among teenagers and young adults.
Although teenagers commonly develop acne because of hormonal changes and increased activity in their oil glands, acne can also continue — or begin — during adulthood. Yes, adulting comes with surprise pimples too. Just when you thought the universe was done testing you.
Acne may appear as:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Red bumps
- Painful pimples
- Pustules containing pus
- Nodules
- Cysts
- Dark marks
- Permanent scars
One of the biggest misconceptions, Dr. Gonzales explained, is that a person must have a face full of red pimples before the condition can be called acne.
In reality, blackheads and whiteheads are already forms of acne. ‘Yan na ’yun. Hindi mo na kailangang hintayin pang mamula at sumakit bago ka kumilos.
How Does Acne Begin?
Acne develops within the pilosebaceous unit, which includes the hair follicle and the sebaceous or oil-producing gland. Think of it as a tiny underground factory inside your skin. Its product? Sebum — a natural oil that helps protect and lubricate the skin.
The factory works fine when everything flows smoothly. The problem begins when excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris block the opening of a pore — like a traffic jam on EDSA, except this one happens on your face.
A closed clogged pore may develop into a whitehead, while an open clogged pore may appear as a blackhead. When bacteria and inflammation become involved, the area can turn red, swollen, painful, or filled with pus.
The American Academy of Dermatology similarly explains that whiteheads form when excess oil and dead skin cells plug a pore, while blackheads form when pore debris remains exposed at the surface.
Watch the Full RDR Talks Interview
Learn directly from Dr. Herbia Joy Gonzales as she explains acne, scarring, skin asthma, professional skin care, and the future expansion of Skin Trends — in an interview that manages to make dermatology both fascinating and genuinely entertaining.
RDR Talks with Dr. Herbia Joy Gonzales — “Don’t wait until acne leaves a permanent mark.”
Why Do Teenagers Develop More Pimples?
During puberty, hormonal activity may stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This can make teenagers more vulnerable to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne.
But hormones are only one part of the picture. Sa totoo lang, ang daming pwedeng i-blame — pati ang stress sa school at yung pagpupuyat para mag-TikTok.
Dr. Gonzales described acne as multifactorial, meaning several factors can contribute to its development or worsening:
Hormones & Genetics
Hormonal activity during puberty stimulates oil glands. Family history also plays a role.
Stress & Sleep
Stress and poor sleep may influence hormonal and inflammatory processes that aggravate breakouts.
Products & Diet
Pore-clogging products, self-medication, and certain dietary patterns may contribute to acne.
Stress and poor sleep do not automatically create acne in every person. However, they may influence hormonal and inflammatory processes that can aggravate breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Translation: hindi sapat na excuse ang “stressed lang ako” para hindi magpa-derma, pero it’s definitely part of the puzzle.
Why Early Acne Treatment Matters
Many patients wait until their pimples become painful or widespread before consulting a dermatologist. “Kapag malala na, saka lang pupunta sa doctor.” Sound familiar? That’s like waiting for the engine to explode before bringing the car to the mechanic.
Dr. Gonzales recommended paying attention much earlier — during the blackhead and whitehead stage — because controlling clogged pores may help prevent progression into inflamed lesions.
Early treatment can also reduce the possibility of:
- More severe breakouts
- Persistent dark marks
- Skin discoloration
- Painful nodules or cysts
- Permanent acne scars
- Emotional distress
The American Academy of Dermatology also advises treating acne early, noting that treatment may prevent acne from worsening and may reduce its effects on confidence and self-esteem.
Don’t wait for acne to become painful or widespread. Start paying attention — and seeking professional help — at the blackhead and whitehead stage. Prevention is always easier than repair.
Should You Pop a Pimple?
The temptation is understandable. Arguably the greatest test of human willpower since the invention of buffets.
Kapag may nakitang namumula o may nana, ang instinct ng marami ay pisilin agad. “Isang pindot lang naman, e.” Famous last words.
However, squeezing a pimple — especially a deep, painful, or inflamed lesion — may push inflammation deeper into the skin.
Squeezing may increase the risk of infection, swelling, discoloration, post-inflammatory marks, damage to surrounding tissue, and permanent scarring. Professional extraction by a dermatologist is different from squeezing at home with unsterile hands or tools. Hindi lahat ng DIY maganda ang result — lalo na kapag mukha mo ang canvas.
Dermatologists advise patients not to squeeze deep pimples because picking or popping them can increase infection, discoloration, and scarring.
Professional extraction may sometimes be included in a dermatologist-supervised treatment plan, but that is very different from squeezing a lesion at home using unsterile hands or tools. Your bathroom mirror is not a dermatology clinic.
Can a Pimple Become Life-Threatening?
Ordinary acne is not generally life-threatening. Before you panic, no — a forehead pimple will not send you to the ER. Breathe.
However, infections in the central part of the face — particularly around the nose and upper lip — should not be aggressively squeezed or ignored when accompanied by serious symptoms.
This area is sometimes referred to as the danger triangle of the face because veins in this region have connections that may allow a severe infection to spread toward deeper structures. (Yes, your face has a “danger zone” — and it’s not just your profile photo angle.)
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious medical condition that may occur when an infection spreads to a blood-filled space located behind the eyes. Medical literature recognizes infections originating from the nose and surrounding facial area as possible causes.
Rapidly worsening swelling • Severe headache • High fever • Eye pain • Swelling around the eyes • Vision changes • Confusion • Unusual weakness or severe illness
This does not mean that every nose pimple will become dangerous. It means people should avoid careless squeezing and seek urgent medical attention when a facial infection is accompanied by the symptoms listed above.
Acne Can Affect More Than the Skin
One of the most important parts of the RDR Talks conversation was the emotional impact of acne.
Dr. Gonzales recalled teenage patients arriving at the clinic crying, experiencing anxiety, refusing to attend school, or wanting to withdraw because of their skin. These are not isolated cases — they are patterns that dermatologists see regularly.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that even mild acne can lead to embarrassment, social withdrawal, bullying, and lower self-esteem. Some teenagers avoid participating in class, applying for jobs, joining activities, making friends, or dating because they feel self-conscious about their appearance.
A meta-analysis has also found an association between acne and increased risks of anxiety and depression.
“Tigyawat lang ’yan. Mawawala rin ’yan.” — This is what many parents tell their teenagers. But to the teenager, it may not feel small. It may feel like the whole world is staring.
Listening, providing emotional support, and arranging a professional consultation may help the young person feel understood and regain control over the condition. Minsan, ang pinakamalaking tulong ng magulang ay hindi ang tamang product — kundi ang tamang pakikinig.
Viral Products Are Not Automatically Safe or Effective
Social media has made skin-care information more accessible — but it has also made self-medication more common. And sometimes more creative than it should be.
Consumers often buy products because:
- A celebrity or influencer endorses them
- The before-and-after photos look impressive
- The product is trending (“viral kasi!”)
- The packaging appears medical
- The seller has a large following
- The advertisement promises instant results
But attractive marketing does not automatically mean a product is appropriate for every skin type or medical condition. A product that works for one person can irritate another. Some products may clog pores, trigger contact dermatitis, worsen inflammation, or interfere with a dermatologist’s treatment plan.
Self-Medication vs. Dermatologist-Led Care
For acne-prone skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing products labeled non-comedogenic or “won’t clog pores.”
Dr. Gonzales encouraged patients to seek professionals who have licenses, medical training, and accountability instead of depending solely on unregulated sellers or providers. Dahil ang mukha mo, hindi trial product.
Skin Asthma: What Filipinos Commonly Call Eczema
The interview also discussed “skin asthma,” a term commonly used in the Philippines to refer to atopic dermatitis or eczema. If you’ve ever heard someone say “may allergy ako sa balat” and then scratch themselves into oblivion, this might be what they’re dealing with.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can cause:
- Dry skin
- Itching (often intense)
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Scaling
- Thickened skin
- Recurrent flare-ups
It is not managed by one universal solution because each patient may have different triggers. Common triggers can include:
Products & Fragrance
Fragranced skin-care products, perfumes, harsh detergents, and certain cosmetic ingredients.
Fabrics & Climate
Rough fabrics, wool, heat, sweat, weather changes, and temperature extremes.
Stress & Household
Emotional stress, certain household products, and fabric conditioners with fragrance.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that fragrance, perfumes, harsh detergents, stress, temperature changes, and certain fabrics may trigger eczema flare-ups.
Can Fabric Conditioner Irritate Sensitive Skin?
Plot twist: your laundry might be attacking you.
In the interview, Dr. Gonzales warned that fabric conditioners may irritate people with sensitive skin, particularly when fragrance and other triggering ingredients remain on clothes, towels, bedsheets, and pillowcases.
Think about it — you wash your face carefully with a gentle cleanser, then press it against a pillowcase soaked in heavily scented fabric softener for eight hours. Parang naghugas ka ng kamay tapos hinawakan mo rin ang basurahan.
The concern is especially relevant to people with eczema or contact dermatitis. Dermatology guidance does not necessarily require every person to stop using all fabric softeners. However, scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets may contribute to irritation in some eczema patients. Fragrance-free and dye-free laundry products may be better tolerated.
The safest approach is to observe individual reactions and consult a dermatologist when flare-ups continue.
Why Skin Trends Focused on Acne
Established in 1994, Skin Trends is an aesthetic clinic specializing in acne treatment. According to the Skin Trends website, a range of the best skincare products, services, and technology has been carefully formulated and selected by founder and medical director Dr. Herbia Joy Gonzales after years of research and experience.
Although Skin Trends offers services for different concerns — including acne scar removal, anti-aging, body care, face and body contouring, facials and peels, hair removal, light therapy, skin lightening, and wart removal — Dr. Gonzales explained that acne patients became the core of her practice.
She compared acne treatment to the clinic’s “Chickenjoy” — its signature and most highly demanded service. (And honestly, that might be the most relatable dermatology analogy in Philippine history.) In fact, Skin Trends’ flagship offering, the SkinTrends Signature Pimple Treatment, starts at just ₱150 and comes with the clinic’s Pimple-Free Guarantee.
According to the interview, Skin Trends offers patients who complete its prescribed acne program a treatment guarantee under the clinic’s applicable terms and conditions. Patients should request the complete written mechanics, eligibility requirements, exclusions, and treatment obligations before enrollment. The clinic also offers a Free Acne Assessment — a no-obligation consultation to evaluate a patient’s skin condition before starting any program.
The brand’s confidence is built around:
- Dermatologist involvement in every patient’s journey
- Structured acne programs — not random product recommendations
- The Pimple-Free Guarantee for patients who complete the prescribed program
- Free Acne Assessment for new patients
- Early intervention philosophy
- Patient monitoring throughout the program
- Professional treatment protocols with sterile medical tools
- Caring for Filipino skin since 1994 — over 30 years of clinical experience
Skin Trends Announces Franchise Opportunity
Skin Trends is no longer focused only on treating patients. It is also preparing to expand its reach through franchising.
During the interview, Dr. Gonzales announced that Skin Trends had completed a tie-up with FranCorp and was opening franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs.
Para sa mga business-minded na gustong mag-invest sa health and wellness — this is the kind of opportunity na hindi basta-basta lumabas.
For business owners, this creates an opportunity to enter the growing skin-health and wellness sector with a brand that already has:
The interview further emphasized that acne affects a substantial portion of the population, giving professionally managed acne clinics a broad potential market. Hindi ito seasonal na negosyo — acne doesn’t take vacations.
Why a Dermatology Clinic Franchise Can Be a Strong Business Category
A skin clinic is not simply a trend-driven beauty business. When properly structured and supervised, it serves continuing patient needs across different life stages.
Potential service categories may include:
- Teenage acne management
- Adult acne treatment
- Maintenance skin care
- Acne scar management
- Melasma care
- Anti-aging services
- Sensitive-skin consultation
- Eczema management
- Dermatologist-recommended products
Unlike one-time retail purchases, skin-health programs may involve consultations, follow-ups, monitoring, maintenance, and long-term patient relationships. Translation: repeat customers who actually need to come back — not because you’re trapping them, but because their skin needs ongoing professional care.
Franchise Due Diligence Checklist
A strong brand can provide a system, but franchise success will still depend on proper capitalization, ethical operations, location quality, patient trust, and execution. Here’s what aspiring franchisees should evaluate:
The Bigger Message: Do Not Wait Until Acne Leaves a Permanent Mark
The most important lesson from Dr. Gonzales is simple:
Inflamed pimples can produce marks and scars. Self-medication may worsen irritation. Squeezing can cause further damage. And the emotional burden can be much heavier than people realize.
Clearer skin is not only about vanity. For many patients, it means:
- Returning to school with confidence
- Facing customers without embarrassment
- Joining social activities again
- Feeling comfortable in photographs
- Speaking in front of people
- Rebuilding self-esteem
- Regaining control over their health
Hindi lang balat ang nililinis. Minsan, kasama na ang loob mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For Patients With Acne or Skin Concerns
Do not wait for blackheads, whiteheads, or recurring pimples to become painful, widespread, or permanently scarred. Skin Trends offers a Free Acne Assessment — a no-obligation expert evaluation of your skin condition. You can also book a dermatological consultation directly with Dr. Joy Gonzales through the Skin Trends website.
Skin Trends Branch Locations
Skin Trends currently operates seven branches across Luzon, all open daily:
Paseo Sta. Rosa
2F San Jose Bldg, Don Jose-Tagaytay Road, Santa Rosa. Mon-Sun 10am–8pm
Complex Sta. Rosa
Unit 31, Pearl Rd, Santa Rosa Commercial Complex. Mon-Sat 8am–5pm
Eastwood
2F, Unit 108-109B, Cyber & Fashion Mall, Eastwood City. Mon-Sun 10am–7pm
SM City Fairview
Annex II, Lower Ground Floor. Mon-Sun 10am–9pm
Ali Mall Cubao
Upper Ground Level, Alimall Ph II, Araneta Center. Mon-Sun 11am–9pm
Parkway Alabang
Corporate Ave corner Parkway Place, Filinvest City. Mon-Sun 11am–8pm
Calamba
2F Walter Mart Makiling, National Highway. Mon-Thu 9am–8pm, Fri-Sun 9am–9pm
For Parents of Teenagers With Acne
Your child may be carrying more emotional pressure than they openly express. Listen without judgment, take their concern seriously, and consider scheduling a dermatologist consultation before the condition affects their confidence, school life, and relationships.
For Entrepreneurs and Investors
Skin Trends is opening opportunities for qualified business owners who want to enter the skin-health and dermatology industry through an established clinic concept. Request the official franchise presentation and review the investment, territory, clinic requirements, training, medical supervision, and franchise agreement carefully.
