The skinny on caring for your skin
HI, REGINA!
I really want better skin. Can I rely just on products? Going to the derma can be such a hassle. ISHA
It depends on how good (or bad!) your skin is at the moment, and how much risk you’re willing to take. I know going to a clinic can be daunting, but consultation fees aren’t as huge as you think, and you’ll learn a lot just from the initial consultation. (It’s the procedures that can cost a lot, and whether or not you have those done is up to you.) I would strongly suggest going to a reputable dermatology clinic and talking to the doctor to iron out your skin issues. He/she may be able to tell you what’s going on with your skin, and what you should and should not be using, so you don’t just try stuff haphazardly.
Relying just on word of mouth or online reviews when it comes to something as crucial as skincare isn’t advisable. Products that work amazingly on other people won’t necessarily work as well on you; you may be allergic to a certain ingredient, you may be more sensitive, more acne-prone; so many factors come into play and a good doctor will be able to help you identify those.
Once you know what products are safe for you to use (still no promise that they’ll be absolutely amazing, but definitely, you’ll eventually find something that is), then you can start trying without worrying that you’ll do more harm than good.
REGINA
* * *
Beauty finds for moms-to-be
DEAR RISSA,
I am an avid reader of your column. I would always pick out the Fashion and Beauty section first as soon as I get hold of The Philippine STAR. I find your column very interesting and educational, especially for women my age. I’ve tried some products that you suggested to your other readers, and I’m happy to tell you that they work well for me.
I am three months on the family way (with my first baby), and I’d like to seek your advice as to what skincare regimen I should follow. There are a lot of facial meds out there that are not just safe for pregnant women. My OB advised me not to use any meds with tretinoin, clindamycin, retinoic acid. I know you’ve been pregnant before so I am eager to know what your regimen was like. What particular products would you recommend for me? What should I do to prevent stretch marks as early as now? I don’t want to compromise the healthy development of my little angel inside me. CDR
Thank you your e-mail. I’m really just happy that I am able share my beauty finds and experiences through this column. And congratulations on your first baby! What an exciting time for you and your husband! I commend you, too, for being such a responsible mother-to-be. Yes, there are products which are not safe for expectant moms. When I was pregnant, I would favor beauty products that were natural and had the least amount of chemicals not only because they were safer for my baby but also because my skin became more sensitive. I opted for milder products that would not irritate my skin. My doctor even recommended that I use baby soap and shampoo!
I recently came across L’Occitane’s new collection of products for moms and babies. I wish they came out with this when I was pregnant! Dermatologically tested, formulated under pediatric supervision, hypoallergenic, paraben-free and alcohol-free, the line was designed to be used for both expectant moms and newborn babies. Do check out L’Occitane Mom & Baby Cleansing Gel (available at Rustan’s). It is formulated to cleanse even the most sensitive newborn skin. I love how it can be used both on the body and hair, and it cleanses gently and naturally without burning the eyes. I also really like the L’Occitane Mom & Baby Body Lotion (available at Rustan’s). It contains nourishing shea butter which L’Occitane shares has been used by women of Central West Africa for generations to protect the delicate skin of newborns against the harsh environmental elements. It is also pediatrician-approved for daily use to hydrate and repair the skin of babies.
For stretch marks, I’m a believer that well-moisturized skin can better handle stretching (or any further abuse in the future). Moisturize as early as now so you can prepare your skin! My secret to being stretch mark-free throughout my pregnancy? I have two. First, I used Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer (available at Adora, Greenbelt 5, Makati) to moisturize my body religiously every single day from neck to toes. It gives serious 24-hour moisturization without the stickiness. Second, I used Mothercare Stretch Mark Cream (stores located at Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma, Abreeza Mall Davao, SM Masinag) for the stretch mark-prone areas of my body. I would diligently massage this on my belly area — front sides and even the back part. After I gave birth, I had no stretch marks at all! One extra tip — don’t forget to massage the Mothercare Stretch Mark Cream on other stretch mark-prone areas, too, like the thighs and breasts. RISSA
* * *
Lucy’s daily makeup regimen
DEAR LUCY,
I really do not like to look like I am wearing makeup, even if I wear it every day. I just envy those who look so well put-together. Liquid foundation is good, but it makes my skin look so oily. What is your daily makeup regimen? MIA
Generally, I just prime my face with Anew Genics, mixed with a little liquid foundation (it works like a milder BB cream of sorts) and I dab on some liquid blush (I like the ones from Becca), put on lip gloss, curl my lashes. When I need to look more polished, I rely on Bare Minerals powder foundation (available from Elaine, call 09178959516) applied over my Anew still. It gives very good coverage, in a very natural way. Not kabuki-ish at all. It is a good idea also to spritz your face with a face spray like Evian or L’Occitane’s rosewater mist to set the makeup. In the event that you have a blemish, check out the concealer from Youngblood. It covers well, never cakes, and I suspect it will easily become a staple in your makeup arsenal. Youngblood is available at Beauty Bar, Becca at Adora, Anew from Avon. LUCY
* * *
Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.
