Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

How often should I exfoliate or do body scrubs?  Sometimes I find that if I scrub daily, my skin gets so dry.

Hannah

Dear Hannah,

To get rid of the topmost dead layer of the skin, exfoliating can be done every 2-4 weeks.  Technically, the skin changes every 28 days so there is actually no need to do daily scrubs.  Just be sure to apply a generous amount of hypoallergenic lotion after your polishing regimen.

Everyday scrubbing might be too much, especially since you are noticing that the skin is getting dry and probably getting too sensitive. Over-scrubbing can lead to contracting dermatitis. It may even lead to infection since tiny bacteria or fungi may enter the breaks on the skin caused by the scrubs.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 50 years old and I've noticed that my skin is getting dry and loose.  There are dark spots on my cheeks too.  I've been spending too much time applying daily concealer and make-up on my face.  How can I remedy this problem?

Aida

Dear Aida,

Unfortunately, dry and sagging skin heralds the dreaded first few signs of ageing. The dark spots and freckles that have started to appear are results from years of cumulative sun exposure.  Luckily, there are numerous ways to counter your problems.

Let's start with dry skin.  This can be easily remedied by the use of an effective moisturizer. Your PDS dermatologist can prescribe you with a list of the good ones and you can choose which one you like best. Expensive moisturizers do not necessarily equate with better quality. There are a number of lower-priced brands that are just as effective.

  Sagging skin is usually found in the under-eye area, jowls as well as under the chin.  If surgical and invasive methods are not the way for you, you can always try radiofrequency laser.  This tightens the skin very effectively by remodeling collagen.  Collagen is responsible for giving our skin tightness and that youthful glow.  You can supplement RF procedures by using tretinoin-based creams to get rid of wrinkles.

Sun spots are common among Filipinos.  Depending on how fast you want it gone, you can apply hydroquinone or vitamin C or a multitude of bleaching creams that can take several months to get rid of the problem.  Chemical peels can also do beautiful things to melasma and freckles and may hasten the treatment. 

Sun spots can also be remedied by the use of q-switched lasers.  These are marvelous lasers that can get rid of the dark, bothersome spots in 1 to 3 sessions.  Always discuss with your PDS derm the possible side effects of each procedure and ask for sunscreen.

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.