Skin Republic

 Dear Dr. Jen,

                I frequently get plenty of whiteheads on my cheeks, but no pimples. I don't have the time to get cleaning regularly. Is there a way to avoid getting white heads at all?

                                                       Cindy

Dear Cindy,

                More often than not, multiple whiteheads eventually lead to pimples.  If your face doesn't have any major acne, then you might have mistaken your whiteheads for milia.

                Milia are white dots that contain dead skin cells.  Milia do not grow from the pores (as opposed to whiteheads); milia often arises in damaged skin such as a rash or blistering disease.  It may also be caused by application of comedogenic moisturizers.  Lastly, over-exfoliating can also lead to milia formation.

                The quickest way to have your milia removed is to have a doctor manually extract them.  Your PDS derma will make a tiny slit on the skin and push out the contents.  Always be sure that it is a certified doctor doing this because breaks on the skin can lead to infection.  It is imperative that only sterile instruments and a knowing hand are involved in the procedure.  You don't want to be a case of trial-and-error by a new beautician.

If your face is often itchy or you have some other skin condition, treatment of this condition can prevent milia formation.  You can also switch to a non-comedogenic moisturizer.  Hold off on the exfoliating for now and just have your dermatologist instruct you how often you do need to exfoliate based on your skin type. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

                I'm beginning to get freckles on my arms.  What is the best way to get rid of them?

                                                             Rica

Dear Rica,

                Freckles in the arms can only mean two things.  One, either you have a personal history of sun exposure.  Or two, freckles run in your family.

                Reduction of exposure to the sun can lighten some freckles.  Treatment with chemical peels or whitening agents can also work.  For freckles that do not respond, laser procedures are needed.  However, after all the freckles have been lightened, use of daily sunscreen on the arms is a must for you.  This can help prevent freckle formation in the future.

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.