Brown spots

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have brown spots on my arms and face. What can I do about sun spots? What are the most effective treatments available?

Kathy

Dear Kathy,

Brown spots are signs of sun damage. These are called solar lentigos or commonly labeled as “age spots.”  Sun exposure over several years coupled with genetic predisposition will make the brown spots come faster and larger.  So if you take a look at your parents or your aunt and uncles, and you see the brown spots on them, chances are it runs in your family too.

Perhaps sunscreen use was not as popular before, but no matter the reason, it is never too late to use them now.  Higher number of SPF is advisable to prevent new ones from coming up as well as giving your existing brown spots a break from the sun. Even daily use of sunscreen can already help out lentigos.

For faster outcomes, laser is one of the modalities that are advised. FDA-approved lasers, especially those for Asian skin, work like magic. There is usually some downtime of a few days with the spots becoming darker and then it gets lighter.  Chemical peels and lightening agents also work well as long as used diligently.  This will have no downtime but will take a couple of weeks to months.

Dear Dr. Jen,

How do I remove and prevent blackheads? Mine just seem to grow on my nose and my chin.

George

Dear George,

Blackheads are harmless but are not pretty to look at. These are caused by plugging of pores by dead skin and oil.  This oxidizes and forms a black color.  Contrary to popular belief, this is not dirt. Puberty, hormones, excessive sweating, high humidity, and wrong cosmetic use are some of the factors that may lead to blackhead formation.

It is tempting to squeeze and prod out.  If the sides of the blackheads are too stuck on the pore, this may cause inflammation and irritation. Preparation of the area during a facial with some creams or steaming can help make it less stuck.  Even better, application of retinoids a few weeks prior to cleaning the area can make the biggest and deepest blackhead easy to remove.

If you are prone to growing the blackheads and do not have time to get them cleaned monthly, there is a product that can work wonders for you.  Daily application of adapalene along with moisturizers can gradually loosen those comedones.  It can even prevent new ones from forming.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.