SkinRepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

This year, I've had a really bad breakout of acne.  I have been applying prescribed medications on my face for several months now but it seems there is no improvement.  How soon should I see results?  I want to look good for our Christmas Party but it seems my face is a hopeless case.  Please help me!

Agnes

Dear Agnes,

Do not despair.  There is always hope for acne.  Usually with the right combination of medications, you can start to see results after two to four months of treatment.  However, if your acne is not improving at all, there are things you may want to take into consideration.

Firstly, you may not be using the product long enough to see results.  Secondly, you may need to switch to a new product because the one you are using is not working for you.  Often times, it is a trial-and-error to which product may benefit you most.  What is good for the gander may not be good for the goose.

Thirdly, you may be using your medicines wrong (morning and evening applications should not be mixed up).  Fourthly, lack of sleep, stress, and hormone imbalance must also be remedied if these factors are causing your acne.

Lastly, if topical creams are not working for you, try exploring with your PDS derma the oral medications that are available to you. Don't give up so easily! 

Dear Dr. Jen,

I recently spent some time at the beach with my family.  I've gotten really tanned and want to return to my original color the soonest.  What can I do to speedily bring back my fair complexion?

Janice

Dear Janice,

Unless there is an urgent need for you to get your color back, your skin will naturally change back to its original color in a few weeks.  However, if you are used to wearing makeup and your foundation and powder no longer match your skin shade, then let us hurry on and bring back your true color.

Once the sunburn is gone (if there ever was one), you can start doing glycolic acid peels at your PDS derma to speed up the turnover of your epidermis.  Old, dead skin will be shed and new (fairer) skin can come out.  Applying licorice lotions and other bleaching lotions can also help.  Caution must be exercised in overusing abrasive and harsh whiteners because these can also irritate the skin and cause inflammation, ultimately worsening the tan.  Finally, moisturizing and using daily sunblock can ensure your skin will smoothly revert to its original glow.

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.