Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, These Brutally Frank Dermas Are The Toast of TikTok

(SPOT.ph) The internet constantly sells us the latest pimple-remover, the “most effective” skin whitener, the “best” supplement to help us achieve microscopic pores. But we often skip reading the fine print on these products. Or we rarely consult a doctor to know if, say, a trending collagen gel’s promise checks out—or will only make our situation worse.

Thank heavens for TikTok’s latest stars: a trio of board-certified dermatologists who warn their followers against skincare fads, explain worst case scenarios with a ready smile (and the occasional exasperated look), and is always ready for a “bardagulan” answer whenever netizens challenge the wisdom behind a simple hilamos and a good diet—two all-weather solutions these doctors like to prescribe.

Meet Azaki Pimple Clinic, your next obsession on TikTok:

Meet Doctors Tanya Perez-Chua, Melanie Chao-Lo, and Charlene Ang-Tiu. On TikTok, they’re called the rather clinical-sounding: Azaki Pimple Clinic, and followers who encounter them IRL have taken to referring to each of them as Dr. Azaki. (Azaki, says Google, is Japanese for beautiful woman, gift from God, optimistic, cheerful). But while all three hold clinics in one of Manila’s most respected medical institutions, contrary to what you might think, there’s no physical Azaki Pimple Clinic.

Over the years, the three have earned multiple Latin honors and distinctions, participated in fellowships overseas, and published research here and abroad. In short, these ladies are the real deal.

Their TikTok account started only in March 2022 but as of this writing it’s already amassed over 186,000 followers and more than a million likes on the platform. Now you might be thinking: Why would doctors do TikTok? Most educational content creators on the app tend to have content based on cooking, productivity, and the like—at least locally. “The real intention of Azaki Pimple Clinic was to educate people,” says Dr. Chao-Lo. In the beginning, they avoided going into detail about their medical background but have since published videos on their credentials due to audience demand.

@azakipimpleclinic Replying to @Bing Tbr #viral #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #acne #pimples #edutok #tiktokswela #skincare #edusgottalent2023 #boardcertifieddermatologist #dermatologist ♬ original sound - Azaki Pimple Clinic

@azakipimpleclinic Replying to @yourmama3737362 #cv #boardcertifieddermatologist #dermatologist #azakipimple #azaki #azaki #azakipimpleclinic ♬ original sound - Azaki Pimple Clinic

@azakipimpleclinic Reply to @aosfaa #boardcertifieddermatologist #dermatologist #dermdoctor #medschool #residency #fellowship #azaki #skintok #edutok #fyp ♬ original sound - Azaki Pimple Clinic

Initially, the plan was just to dance it out—see the Grey’s Anatomy reference we did there—but soon the kind doctors realized it wasn’t the way to go. “No one was watching,” jokes Dr. Perez-Chua. Despite the early mistakes, they soon found the content they’re really meant to make: debunking every possible skincare myth they come across and warning against quick fixes.

The doctors are often asked about the effectivity of glutathione, of facials, of fish oils, or if dairy or shampoo can cause acne. In some of their videos, you'll get answers like, “Kung feeling mo nakaka-pimples ang shampoo, sana ang unang tutubuan ng pimples ay yung anit mo.” Facials are not a treatment for pimples, one insists. And as for the merits of gluta drip, gluta capsule, gluta powder? Our livers naturally produce glutathione, says Perez-Chua, and a supplement may even lead to drug allergy. “Kung gusto mo pumuti, mag sunblock ka, mag-payong, mag-shades. Mga dark spots sa mukha, yun kaya ko alisin yun.”

On everyone's skin concerns and the importance of consulting with a board-certified specialist.

Admittedly, when one thinks of the word “derma”, we immediately think facials, lasers, and the like. “Dermatology is not easy,” stresses Dr. Ang-Tiu, “It’s actually hard to get into. The training [required], the clinical eye [in order] to diagnose properly. Kasi your rash could be there for a different reason, it could be infectious, it could be inflammatory, it could be cancer. So there are a lot of diagnoses.” Hence the doctors are careful not to pass quick judgment on matters casually brought up to them online, and avoid prescribing pills, tablets, creams and the like. What they tell their viewers repeatedly is: consult a board-certified derma. 

“Dermatology encompasses a wide range of diseases of the hair, the skin, and the nails. It encompasses procedural dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, madami. It’s a very broad specialty na hindi lang aesthetics,” continues Dr. Ang-Tiu. Suffice to say, being a board-certified specialist is not an easy goal to reach.

@azakipimpleclinic Replying to @mcjess7 #viral #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #acne #pimples #edutok #tiktokswela #skincare #edusgottalent2022 #dermatologist #myths ♬ original sound - Azaki Pimple Clinic

@azakipimpleclinic Replying to @Alixandra #viral #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #acne #pimples #edutok #tiktokswela #skincare #edusgottalent2022 #dermatologist ♬ original sound - azakipimpleclinic - Azaki Pimple Clinic

Over time, the Azaki doctors—some call them "Pimple Killers"—have been asked anything and everything that involves acne. From "Can dairy aggravate acne?" to “Can sperm help acne?” And they answer. Sometimes sounding motherly, often like a BFF or an older sister who will lay down the truth even if it hurts. They've also been asked questions and told stories they choose not to share to followers. The more common queries they get, however—on TikTok or their respective clinics—involve patients misusing self-prescribed products for their skin concerns. A lot of these products have been bought thru the internet. 

The fine line between doctors and content creators.

Licensed doctors in the Philippines are governed by a code of ethics mandated by the Philippine Medical Association. Some of its clauses include patient confidentiality and the formats where medical practitioners are allowed to advertise to patients. The proliferation of social media and how other professional careers make use of the medium has somewhat blurred the lines on what might be deemed as adhering to the code. However, the doctors at Azaki aren't worried, knowing their primary goal in starting the TikTok account is to educate. They're also not endorsing a product, and only recently went into detail about their professional backgrounds because of viewer requests.

They remain doctors first, content creators second—which is how, according to the trio, the head of TikTok Philippines recognizes them. “There was a lecture given to young dermatologists—so we were not invited because we’re not young anymore," says Perez-Chua, squeezing in a joke. When the TikTok PH chief delivered his presentation, Perez-Chua noted how "he said his favorite TikTok account of dermas is ours." The doctor clearly took it not only as a compliment but a sign that they're on the right track. "He distinctly said that we are doctors who create content, not content creators who are doctors.” 

Azaki Pimple Clinic is a TikTok account run by board-certified dermatologists. For consultations and inquires, you may check out their TikTok page.