Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have very sweaty palms and soles.  I don’t like holding my boyfriend’s hands for long.  My shoes and sandals get soaked too.  What can I do?

Lor

Dear Lor,

About two to three percent of the population suffer from excessive sweating or hyperhydrosis.  Before exploring botox or surgical sympathectomy, you can try applying aluminum chloride at bedtime for 2 weeks and see how that works for you.  Your PDS derma can also adjust the maintenance dose once the regimen starts to works its effects.  Best of luck!

Dear Dr. Jen,

I’m in my 40s and would like to prevent wrinkles from forming.  I am allergic to retinol and tretinoin.  What other products can I use?

Berns

Dear Berns,

Although retinol-based products (retinoic acid, tretinoin) are fantastic for treating stretch marks and preventing wrinkles, there are a lot more products to choose from nowadays.First on your list should be the alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid being my favorite of them all.  It is wonderful for maintenance and gives you a very healthy glow.  Lactic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid, and vitamin C, are also great alternatives.

All the active chemicals (mentioned above) come in a variety of vehicles.  It can be packaged in a cream, gel, solution or ointment form.  It can come in a sunscreen, foundation or moisturizer as well.  If you go to a PDS certified derma, they can assess your skin type and skin needs.  If you have dry skin but prone to acne, your PDS derma will probably prescribe something in a cream form, and so on, and so forth.

 Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).  She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call (the Freeman or PSH): 0932 857 7070 or <[email protected]> or  (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929.  Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.