‘I want to look 32 instead of 38’

Dear Mary,

I’m working in Louisiana, USA, with a cruise ship plying the New Orleans-Mexico route. One of my buddies brought along some reading materials from the Philippines and I got interested in the textmate section. I tried it and I’ve been exchanging text messages with a female friend. My problem is I lied to my friend regarding my age. I told her I’m only 32 years old, but the truth is I’m already 38. Could you please refer me to a salon/derma/facial care center prior to my meeting my friend this October? I’ll be in Manila for two weeks and I want to get rid of my fine lines, wrinkles, and blackheads so I’d look younger than my age – or at least 32 instead of 38. – Reynel

What you should do is to start now with your beauty regimen – it cannot happen overnight. Find a facial salon, have a good cleansing, and continue with a facial wash twice a day. Apply moisturizer and night cream daily, and give yourself a facial mask weekly.

When you get to Manila, there are a number of good salons like Henri Calayag, Bench Fix, Jesi Mendez, James Cooper, Franck Provost, whose telephone numbers are listed in the directory. Or you can go to a good dermatologist like Dr. Sylvia Jacinto who holds clinic at 1311 Batangas St., Makati, with telephone number 894-3952. – Mary

* * * Falling Locks

Dear Lucy, 

I’ve been living in Australia for six months now, and I can’t seem to find the right shampoo and conditioner that suits my hair. Ever since I used hair products here, I’ve experienced falling hair and dandruff. I’m afraid to go bald, please help! – Anne

Your dandruff and falling hair are two of the surest signs that your brand of shampoo and conditioner is not the right one for you. Do the easiest, most sensible thing and switch to another brand. You can either go back to the one you used before you moved to Australia or find a suitable alternative that’s available there. Should symptoms persist, go see a doctor. I wish you the best. – Lucy

* * * Facing Acne

Dear Tingting,

I’d like to know how I can get rid of my pimples, which erupt especially when my period is about to come. The pimples are big and they always leave a dark spot. I also have big pores. How can I prevent facial acne and make my pores smaller? – Jocelyn

It’s hard to prevent pimples, but you can apply Sansacne 4 or Benzoyl Peroxide (10%). Apply the ointment when you feel pimple pain and pimples are in their early stage. Use astringent morning, noon, and night. – Tingting

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Send e-mail to style_sos@yahoo.com or write to Style SOS c/o Life Section, The Philippine STAR, Roberto Oca and Railroad Sts., Port Area, Manila.