The Herbal Revolution: How SKNN and Bencao Are Redefining Acne Care Through Traditional Medicine
In a quiet VIP room on Wilson Street in Green Hills, San Juan, a transformation is taking place. Jillian, a patient at SKNN Bencao, reclines comfortably as her aesthetician gently massages a weakly acidic, deep nourishing herbal cleanser onto her skin. There’s no pricking, no painful extractions—just the steady, mindful application of plant-based formulas that promise not only to clear her acne but to nurture her skin back to health.
This is the world of alagang natural—natural care—where pimple treatments are not about aggressive intervention, but about restoration, patience, and the wisdom of centuries-old herbal traditions.
A Philosophy of Gentle Healing
“Whoever we love, we should not hurt them,” says Dra. Elinor Tee Roquel, the guiding voice behind the approach at SKNN Bencao. This principle forms the core of their methodology: skin, like a loved one, should be cared for without causing harm. The clinic’s process begins with a deeply gentle cleanser designed to dissolve blackheads and whiteheads while eliminating bacteria—all without breaking the skin’s surface.
“Our promise is that right after cleaning, it’s gone. Without the pricking,” Dra. Roquel explains. The goal is to prepare the skin to receive medicine, not to force it into submission. By removing pore blockages and dead surface layers, the skin becomes more receptive to the herbal actives that follow, promoting absorption and true healing from within.
The Star Ingredient: Scintilla Asiatica
Central to the treatment is Scintilla (often spelled Centella) Asiatica, an herb celebrated globally for its anti-inflammatory and skin-restorative properties. Grown in both China and the Philippines, this “miracle plant” is applied after cleansing to calm the skin, reduce redness, and accelerate recovery.
“When the skin calms down, everything will be absorbed,” Dra. Roquel notes. This is a key tenet of their practice: skin must be in a state of balance to truly heal. The use of Scintilla Asiatica reflects the clinic’s commitment to ingredients that work with the skin’s biology, not against it.
Bridging Tradition and Evidence
Dra. Roquel brings a unique credibility to her practice. With a background in BS Medical Technology and a career as a laboratory doctor, she describes herself as “evidence-based.” Yet she has found profound value in the 2,000-year-old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly the Bencao Shufu or Materia Medica—a comprehensive pharmacological text documenting herbal uses.
“We look at the evidence of the things we use for our patients,” she says, bridging the gap between modern dermatological science and ancient herbal wisdom. This fusion is palpable in the clinic’s curated product lines, such as Flavon Pro—a blend of yerba buena, moringa, lagundi, and vitamin C, all sourced and made in the Philippines. Rich in flavonoids, these compounds support not only skin health but liver, heart, and cognitive function as well.
The Treatment Experience: No Rush, No Pain
A session at SKNN feels more like a ritual than a clinical procedure. The deep cleanser is applied for no more than three minutes—just long enough to dissolve impurities. Steam follows, then a blackhead remover that works without needles. Throughout, the atmosphere is one of patience and personalized attention.
VIP rooms allow for privacy, but they can also accommodate friends or spouses, turning skincare into a shared, soothing experience. The focus is on overall wellness: the clinic also offers medical acupuncture and emphasizes immune support with supplements like Immune Advance (though they carefully note it is “not a medicine” and carries “no approved therapeutic claims”).
The Result: Not Just Clear Skin, but Resilient Skin
The immediate effect is visible lightening and clarifying of the skin, but the real results unfold over time. “We really need two weeks for the real skin to surface,” Dra. Roquel admits. However, with consistent herbal care, patients like Jillian can expect healthier, stronger skin with improved immunity against future breakouts.
This is the ultimate goal: not just to eliminate pimples, but to cultivate skin that can care for itself. It’s a move away from reactive, harsh treatments and toward proactive, nourishing routines.
A Movement Toward Natural Care
As Dra. Roquel signs off from the session, she invites viewers into “a beautiful world of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” where plants are the primary tools for treating acne, pimples, and scars. It’s a world gaining traction in the Philippines, supported by the local availability of these herbal products on platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
In an era of quick fixes and aggressive chemicals, SKNN Bencao offers a different narrative: healing that is slow, kind, and rooted in nature. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with anyone who believes that true beauty comes not from battle, but from care—alagang natural, indeed.
For those interested in exploring herbal skincare, SKNN Bencao is located in 226 Wilson Street, West Greenhills, San Juan. Consultations emphasize personalized, evidence-based herbal restoration for acne and skin health.#
