As Dermclinic celebrates more than 50 years of building trust, the person currently behind one of the leading pioneers in dermatological facilities in the Philippines reminisced about its roots and how it survived the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During Daily Tribune's online show Gising Na, Dermclinic's executive vice president Dr. Angela Pineda attributed the clinic's success to the people working behind it.
"We (she and her brother Angelo) started in Dermclinic's management when our dad (Dr. Vinson Pineda) slowly transitioned to letting us in because we weren't born when it was opened. But we were trusted with the people already there, so that was a big help, especially during the pandemic," Pineda said.
She said that they had to be adaptable after the Covid-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise, adding that they needed to be flexible despite the mobility restrictions.
"Since the pandemic, of course, almost everyone has transitioned online. We needed to be patient with our customers even if there are limitations," Pineda added.
Pineda said they immediately adjusted since they have "good products" sold online with the help of online e-commerce over the past few years.
The clinic started online consultations after noticing a sudden increase in skin and hair concerns during the lockdown.
A dermatology clinic mainly focused on skin and hair care needs, Dermclinic currently has over 16 locations in shopping malls across the country. The facility is celebrating its 51st year in the beauty business with its team of dependable dermatologists.
Pineda, who is EVP, and her brother Angelo, the general manager of Dermclinic, said they have kept innovating to provide their clients with the finest possible experience in dermatology.
When asked if they have plans of opening more branches in the Philippines, Pineda said they are "focused on refurbishing their current clinics to make sure that the brand is still relevant every season for every generation."
Pineda said her father encourages them to attend every dermatology conference possible to develop better products and services and familiarize themselves with new studies and research in dermatology.
"We also have our Research Institute, where we train our doctors to conduct research and development on the services and products we're using in Dermclinic," Pineda mentioned.
"[For] Regroe, we did the research and the backend study, and we made sure our product was applicable first for Filipinos before we launched it in the international market," she said.
Pineda was referring to Regroe Minoxidil, concocted well over three decades ago by her father, Dermclinic founder Dr. Vinson Pineda. Regroe is said to be the only topical solution medically approved by both the Philippine and U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hair growth.
Since Dermclinic is now in its 51st year, Pineda said it would like to mark the milestone with something big and unique for the Filipino community – the facility's primary clientele. Dermclinic is picking 50 patients who can share their stories and experience with the clinic and give them P50,000 worth of products and services.
"Patients have continuously supported our dad and our company over the years. So, we want to make sure that we remember our roots and the values he taught us," Pineda said.
Customers may share their stories by sending these to thegoodderma.ph@gmail.com, or following DermClinic on Instagram and Facebook to check on activities and plans for the following year.