Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

   I wash my face several times during the day and I use very clean sponges and brush for my make up. Yet I still seem to be getting pimples. What is a facial wash that can get rid of acne?

   Suzy

   Dear Suzy,

   Unfortunately, acne or pimples have little to do with facial wash or hygiene. In most cases, there are multiple factors, with hormones being the most influential of them all. It is enough to wash your face twice a day. Doing more than that can irritate your skin thereby giving you rashes or even more acne.

   Some facial washes containing Benzoyl Peroxide may help a little. But more importantly, go see your derma. She or he can prescribe you with the proper medicine that is appropriate for your type of acne. 

   Although clean makeup brushes and sponges are vital, also take a look at the makeup products you are using. Some foundation and blush on are known to clog up pores and induce acne formation. Look for products that are labeled as "noncomedogenic". If you are not sure, you can bring your whole bag of cosmetics to your dermatologist and have its contents reviewed.

   Dear Dr. Jen,

   I heard there was a list of whitening products containing mercury being sold in Cebu. Do you know what those products are and how do I avoid purchasing something with mercury?

   Tin

   Dear Tin,

   Recently, ABS-CBN released the news that there were mercury-containing bleaching creams being sold in the Philippines. There have also been a deluge of warning with these products posted by concerned citizens. You can take a look at this site for more info: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle and search for "whitening products tainted with mercury".

   To be on the safe side, always review the ingredients of any product you are about to buy. If it contains the words "mercurous chloride," "calomel," "mercuric," "mercurio," or "mercury," then do not buy. Worse yet, if the box or the product itself does NOT list its ingredients, then most likely it is not FDA approved. Our laws require cosmetic companies to always list the ingredients being used.

   Signs of mercury poisoning are: irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, numbness and tingling in hands, feet or around mouth. If this is suspected, go to your doctor immediately. 

Small children who touch their mom or sister's faces with the cream can also ingest mercury-containing products. As with anything else, always be careful with the stuff you purchase. Do not be a victim of the quick-fix advertisements and think before buying. Mercury poisoning should not be taken lightly.

   If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556or call (032) 232 5929 or email [email protected].

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