In the pits because of dark armpits

Dear Tingting,

I’m 17 years old and a college freshman. I’m planning to audition for a dance troupe, but there’s one big problem. My armpits – probably the ugliest in the world! – are dark and hairy, and I’ve got what is called kulani in my right armpit. Going to a dermatologist would be very expensive especially if I want to treat all my problems. If possible, I want to treat my problems before my audition on July 1. I’m really desperate!

Joanne

Sorry, our reply came a bit late for your audition. You can try Melawhite bleaching solution. Kolic acid, licorice or tretinoin will help if applied continuously.

Tingting

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Rx For Pimple Scars

Dear Tingting And Lucy,

My problem has to do with pimple scars on my face. They’re dark and are all over my cheeks and under my lips. I already have an inferiority complex because of my sad condition. Could you suggest a whitening formula that would help me lighten my dark pimple scars? I have used hydrocortisone as suggested by my friend, but nothing happened – I’m still ugly.

The ugly duckling wants to be a swan,

Swanna

Scars on the face are difficult to even out if you use creams only. To improve the depressed areas, microdermabrasion, with several repetitions, will greatly help, according to Dr. Baby Cervantes (tel. no. 892-1947).

Tingting

Perhaps you can try the Obagi spot remover called Clear. You can dot it over the dark spots to make them significantly lighter.

Lucy

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Substitutes For 3-Day Diet

Dear Mary,

I’m currently on my third day on the 3-day diet and so far, I’ve lost four pounds. I used an old handwritten copy of the diet I copied from the Philippine STAR a few years ago. But there, it’s written that instead of low-fat frozen yogurt, vanilla ice cream is recommended. Also, frankfurters were used for the second-day dinner instead of skinless chicken. I realize there are some changes in the new 3-day diet. Also, it was hard to find cantaloupe in the supermarkets. I think it’s not in season now, so I got a watermelon instead. Could you help me with alternatives to the items in the 3-day diet that may not be available?

Nyanza

For best results, follow the diet exactly. But if you must substitute items, the following are acceptable with a limit of three choices throughout the entire menu:
• Grapefruit: Pink grapefruit or an orange
• Peanut butter: Boiled/poached egg or banana
• Cauliflower: Lettuce or cabbage
• Tuna: Skinless chicken/turkey or fresh fish
• Beets: Carrots or peas
• Yogurt: Ice milk, 6 ozs.
• Cottage cheese: Non-fat vanilla yogurt or 2 oz. low-fat cheese
• Broccoli: Cauliflower, cabbage or lettuce
• Cantaloupe: Watermelon or honeydew
• Eggs: 4-6 ozs. skim milk or 1 cup non-fat plain yogurt

It is important that you drink 64 ozs. of water each day and you may have coffee or tea (with artificial sweetener) during your diet.

Mary

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E-mail style_sos@yahoo.com or write to Style SOS, c/o Life Section, The Philippine STAR, 13th and Railroad Sts., Port Area, Manila.