The beauty industry has long addressed various skin concerns, developing innovative products to tackle them. It’s rare, however, to find a brand or product specifically designed to cater to the unique phases of a woman’s life, such as perimenopause and menopause. These topics remain largely unspoken, surrounded by taboos. Proage, a pioneering advocacy-based skincare and wellness brand in the Philippines, is determined to change this narrative.
Founded by Claudine Viquiera, a woman who has personally experienced the challenges of menopause, Proage understands the specific needs of women during this transformative stage. The brand is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding menopause and equipping women with tools to embrace their age confidently.
Recently, the brand hosted an event titled “Don’t Pause for Menopause,” fostering critical conversations about perimenopause and menopause. According to Dr. Annebelle Aherrera, a registered OB-GYN who participated in the forum, these life stages lead to the cessation of menstruation, which significantly impacts a woman’s overall well-being. The effects of these changes are also visibly reflected in the skin.
A holistic approach to skincare
Proage acknowledges the pain, anxiety, and struggles women face during menopause. This understanding drives the development of its product lines, specifically designed to manage symptoms associated with this stage. While developed in Korea, these offerings are tailored to meet the needs of Filipino skin, addressing concerns like dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, dullness, and pigmentation.
Among its products is the Be Gentle with Me Bakuchiol Serum, a milder, natural alternative to retinol derived from the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant, commonly used in Chinese medicine. The serum brightens the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Other products include the hydrating facial cleanser No Dirty Secrets, the eye cream Eye See Yah, and the Holy Grail Cica Toner. All these are formulated with natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free ingredients, ensuring safety and gentleness for women’s skin.
“A lot of brands discuss women empowerment, but not many address empowering women during the perimenopausal and menopausal phases of their lives,” Viquiera shared. “This topic has long been taboo, but at Proage, we aim to shatter the stigma and meet the needs of women in this demographic. Women often experience uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and anxiety during these phases. It’s high time we offered solutions specifically designed for their experiences.”
In addition to its skincare line, the brand has introduced Meno Gummies, a natural, non-hormonal solution designed to alleviate symptoms such as brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia associated with menopause.
“Women’s skin undergoes significant changes during menopause. They need products that evolve with them—adaptive, potent, yet gentle skincare that promotes resilience, self-love, and confidence during midlife and beyond,” she added.
A safe space for women
Proage’s advocacy goes beyond products. It has built an online community that provides a safe space for women to openly share and discuss their experiences as they navigate the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.
Through its community engagement, partnerships with healthcare professionals, and participation in local women’s health events, Proage is steadily breaking the taboo around menopause and fostering healthy discussions about women’s health and resilience.
“Proage understands the impact menopause can have on a woman’s work, marriage, family, and social life,” Viquiera said. “Through this community, we aim to empower women to embrace change naturally and live their lives with renewed confidence, continuing to glow as they age—a privilege we celebrate.”