When there’s nothing funny about your laugh lines

Dear Mary,

I have two creases beside my nose and mouth or what you call laugh lines (but I don’t see anything funny about having them). I’m ruling plastic surgery out. Can I do anything to minimize them?

Wilma

They are called laugh lines because you’re supposed to acquire them because of laughing. However, you can minimize the appearance of the lines by applying a concealer with a lip brush to the lines, then with your finger tips soften the concealer. Voila! The lines will have a softer and lighter look. The concealer must be one shade lighter than your own skin tone.

Mary

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High Heels With Long Dress?

Dear Tingting,

Can I wear high heels with my long cotton daywear dress?

Annie

Wear flat shoes or low sandals. They will give you a better proportion and are more comfortable. At night, yes, I recommend high heels with long gowns.

Tingting

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‘Can’t Face My Pimple Problem Anymore!’

Dear Lucy,

Please help me with my pimples which I’ve had since my high school days. I used to have just pimples on my face, but recently, I started having pimples on my back. It’s terrible! The pimples came after I took tetracycline for a month or so because I was told it would treat my pimples. I stopped using tetracycline because I didn’t want to be dependent on it. I guess these pimples are the side effect of that medicine.

You always recommend dermatologist Sylvia Huang – can you give me an idea on how much she charges, from consultation to medicines? Aside from a dermatologist, do you know of some anti-pimple product that I can buy over the counter ? I’m now trying one that contains pan oxyl.

I used to see you with pimples, especially when you were pregnant with your daughter. How did you treat your blemishes and post-acne scars? Is peeling the only solution?

I used to wear spaghetti and tube tops, but now because of the pimples on my back, I feel awkward wearing them.

Lady Belle

Pimples are caused by a lot of factors – puberty, diet, allergic reactions to everyday products like toothpaste and hormonal changes being some of the most common.

It is difficult for me to quote a certain figure that Dr. Huang charges because her fees vary on a case-to-case basis – it is mainly dependent on the client’s specific problem and the medicines he/she needs. I guess it would be safe to say though that the basic fee starts at around P1,995 up. (You can call 722-2660 for more details.) It is best for you to have your problem assessed by a reputable doctor, discuss with him/her treatment options and corresponding prices and then you can take it from there.

Yes, I, too, had a bout with horrible pimples when I was pregnant with Juliana and they have all disappeared, scars and all, mainly through patience and consistency in applying my medication. The best thing would be for you to simply wait for your skin to naturally heal, aided of course by topical treatments – there are no magic potions that will make scars disappear overnight. Don’t pick your face at all, no matter how tempting it could be at times. It just won’t be worth it.

Yes, peeling is definitely an option, but you have to be very picky with what you put on your face. There are a lot of over-the-counter whitening products that you can choose from – especially those that contain retinol and/or hydroquinone.

As for the pimples on your back, they could be triggered by something as simple as perspiration/sweat left to dry on its own. Make it a point to use an anti-acne soap on your back (try Acne-aid available at Mercury Drug). Always wear a dry shirt, especially after working out, and make it a point to change out of your wet clothes and use baby powder after freshening up to absorb moisture even more. If it doesn’t significantly improve after doing this simple step, consult a doctor.

Lucy

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‘Help! My Teeth Are Yellow!’

Dear Tingting,

My teeth are yellowish and don’t sparkle.

Ms. T

The prettiest earrings, striking eyes or girlish smile can’t hide yellow teeth. Use a toothpaste that will whiten the teeth’s enamel. See your dentist for guidance.

Tingting