Makeup remover

Dear Dr Jen,

What is the best facial cleanser that also works as makeup remover for me? Also, when should I apply toner, moisturizer, and anti-ageing products?  I have accumulated so many beauty products that I am getting confused on what to put on first.

Daisy

Dear Daisy,

There is no one final answer as to the best makeup remover and cleanser.  It all really depends on your skin type.  If you are on the dry side, oil-based removers and cleansers can be very good for your skin.  Some cleansers are formulated as oil emulsions that when you apply it on your skin the makeup and dirt stick to the oil.  As soon as you wash it with water, an emulsion forms and the oil washes off.

For oily-skinned people, some cleansers that are foam-based may work best.  This usually comes in a pump and requires your skin to be initially moistened. There are also mixed-type complexion individuals that respond best to a non-soap based liquid cleanser.  This is the most common cleanser being advocated (like physiogel or cetaphil etc).  It is best used on dry skin and later lathered with water.

Toner and anti-ageing products are best applied at night, after cleaning the face.  This is because some ingredients in anti-wrinkle products are inactivated by sunlight.  Moisturizer is usually the last to be applied.  The best moisturizing products best come in a hypoallergenic form, and may contain some extra component for anti-ageing.

Dear Dr. Jen,

My whole face sometimes gets very itchy, red and rough.  I've had this problem for as long as I can remember.  My previous dermas have already given me several creams, which seems to work for a short while, and then the problem resumes.  Please help me!

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Does your eyebrow area or cheeks become scaly or flaky? If so, you might have a case of seborrheic dermatitis.  This is a chronic condition that sometimes manifests with flakiness and redness on the eyebrows, nose, cheeks or even ear area.  Skin can be sometimes dry and greasy at the same time.  It may worsen with heat, exercise, cold temperatures and stress. The condition comes and goes.  It can be treated with a mild cortisone with an anti-fungal component. Products containing non-steroidal moisturizers can be good as maintenance to prevent flare-ups.

Another more important aspect to consider when living with this kind of skin condition is the careful use of cosmetics and skin-care products.  The use of the wrong type of facial mask, cold cream, or moisturizer can further irritate sensitive skin.  Bring a list of the products that are found in your bathroom and makeup counter when you see your PDS dermatologist. She can help figure out which products are good for your skin.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.