Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

After I hit the gym in the morning, I don’t shower and head straight to work. I’ve read that heat and sweat can aggravate acne on my back.  Is this true?

Dino

Dear Dino,

Starting the day with a sweaty back, or dried-up sweat on the back is conducive to back acne.  Sweaty backs can lead to a condition called “pityrosporum folliculitis” or “bacne”.  If there are no showers provided by your gym, the next best thing you can do is wipe your face and back with a wet hand towel (more like a sponge bath), followed by a dry towel.  If this is not an option for you, using baby wipes can also be done.  Changing immediately to a loose, cottony top will also help.I hope this answers your question.

Dear Dr. Jen,

What exactly are BB creams and CC creams?  Which one am I supposed to get?

Mel

Dear Mel,

This is an excellent question.  Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm (BB) creams were initially more popular in Korea.  Inspired by our favorite koreanovela stars (with their flawless skin), the discovery of BB creams and their promise of brighter, finer skin suddenly appealed to the Filipinos. All-in-1 creams that had anti-ageing, brightening foundations or sunscreens or moisturizer was all the rage.

Color Control creams (CC) emerged this year as a more improved cosmetic.  Not only does it make skin brighter and finer but it also treats and covers uneven skin tones.  Most CC creams have a less oily finish and have better coverage. 

As a dermatologist, these CC creams sound very promising.  However, like any other cosmetic, a trial and error process is still warranted especially if the brand does not match the skin type.  More importantly, if you are prone to developing acne or have sensitive skin, I would stay away from all-in-one creams.  Multiple active ingredients usually would mean more triggers for contact dermatitis and may even end up clogging your pores.For those with acneigenic and sensitive skin, maybe you can wait a year or two.  The next DD or EE cream just might be the one you are looking for!

 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.