For Dr. Givenchy Ang, true beauty starts with self-acceptance

Inside the serene walls of Solaia, beauty is not about transformation — it’s about revelation. 

Here, under the soft glow of minimalist lighting and the calm hum of aesthetic instruments, Dr. Givenchy Ang greets each patient not as a blank canvas to be painted over, but as a story waiting to be understood.

“We’re not trying to change the way you look,” she said in an interview on the DAILY TRIBUNE’s PairFect show. “We’re just trying to enhance the beauty that’s already there.”

For Dr. Ang, founder and aesthetic dermatologist of Solaia, beauty is deeply personal — an interplay of science, wellness and confidence. It’s a philosophy that has shaped her practice and inspired the growing number of Filipinos who now view skincare not as vanity, but as a form of self-care.

A name that turns heads

Before diving into his world of aesthetic medicine, one can’t help but pause at her name — Givenchy.

“There’s really no story behind my name,” she laughed. “My parents just saw the name and liked it.” 

But having a name associated with a luxury brand has its perks and quirks. “Every time professors saw my name on the class list, they would instantly call me at the recitation,” she recalled, amused. “So I made it a point to really study.”

That mix of humor and humility sets the tone for how Dr. Ang approaches her craft: with seriousness for the science, but lightness for the self.

The birth of Solaia

Like its founder, Solaia carries a name that reflects warmth and vitality. “We wanted something dynamic, active and fun,” Dr. Ang explained. “Solaia is inspired by the sun, it’s bright, active and full of energy.”

At its core, Solaia is more than a clinic. It’s a space that merges medical expertise with a holistic wellness philosophy, one where patients are guided not only toward clearer skin, but toward confidence and a sense of inner peace.

“Wellness is constantly choosing health choices that are good for you,” said Dr. Ang. “It’s a lifestyle. At Solaia, we work with patients as a team to choose treatments backed by science and evidence-based medicine.”

Beyond skin-deep

Dr. Ang’s belief in integrative beauty has found strong resonance in a generation obsessed with “glass skin” and “no makeup” looks. But she is quick to point out that the path to glowing skin begins with understanding.

“The most common mistake is choosing incorrect products,” she noted. “People don’t know their skin type, so they use whatever’s trending online. That’s why assessment by a licensed practitioner is crucial.”

The second mistake? Overdoing it. “Simplicity is the key. You don’t have to apply so many products, you just have to be consistent.”

And perhaps the most overlooked area in a skincare routine? “The neck and hands,” she said with a knowing smile. “They age as fast as your face. Don’t forget them.”

The science of customization

At Solaia, no two treatments are the same. Every patient undergoes a thorough consultation that starts with a skin analyzer, a high-tech machine that examines the skin on a microscopic level, identifying pores, pigmentation and texture.

“We take our time,” Dr. Ang said. “We ask a lot of questions, get to the root cause of the problem and build a personalized treatment plan. Then we manage expectations to achieve realistic goals.”

From there, the magic of “non-invasive tweakments” begins: Procedures like Botox, fillers and energy-based therapies that sculpt and rejuvenate without going under the knife. “We aim to harmonize facial features, not alter them,” she emphasized. “We soften harsh areas, define weak ones and create balance.”

Confidence, reclaimed

Behind every treatment, there is often a story of rediscovery. “A lot of insecurities stem from skin issues like acne,” Dr. Ang shared. “When patients start to see improvement, you can feel their confidence return. That’s the most fulfilling part for me.”

For her, mental health and aesthetics are deeply intertwined. “Self-care is an active process of choosing to be healthy,” she said. “When you feel good, you look good. Confidence radiates through the skin.”

Evolving beauty in the Filipino lens

In a country long obsessed with whitening products, Dr. Ang is part of a quiet revolution, encouraging Filipinos to embrace their natural skin tone.

“Before, everyone wanted to be whiter. But now, I see people proud of their morena (brown) skin,” she observed. “They just want to look radiant and healthy, not different. We have color that’s what makes our skin beautiful.”

At Solaia, diversity is celebrated. “Discoloration is not something to be ashamed of,” she added. “We should never body-shame. We don’t know what someone’s been through. What matters is confidence.”

The age of preventive aesthetics

With more young Filipinos seeking preventive treatments, Dr. Ang’s advice is both timeless and simple: start with sunscreen.

“That’s the number one anti-aging product you can use,” she insisted. “SPF 50, broad spectrum and reapply throughout the day.”

She was quick to add that sun protection begins early “even for babies, when they’re outdoors.” But she reminded parents: “Morning sun is okay, it’s for health. What we want to avoid is the harsh afternoon sun.”

A slow beauty movement

In an era of instant results, Dr. Ang teaches patience. “There’s no one-time treatment that fixes everything,” she clarified. “It takes time, consistency and teamwork between the doctor and patient.”

At Solaia, this partnership is sacred. “We don’t promise overnight miracles. We promise results that last because they’re grounded in science and self-care.”

Redefining beauty, inside and out

Ask Dr. Ang what beauty means to her, and her answer is simple yet profound:

“Beauty is being authentic, being true to yourself.”

She believes real radiance begins from within. “It’s not just the physical aspect. Work on your inner self, too. Meditate, release negativity and focus on your well-being. When you’re beautiful inside, it glows naturally outside.”

For Dr. Ang, the mission is clear: It is to guide every person who walks into Solaia toward a version of beauty that is healthy, confident and unapologetically authentic.

As she put it, “At Solaia, beauty is for everybody.”