Anti-acne regimen

Dearest Lucy,

I know you have smooth, flawless skin and I’d like to know the secret of your beauty. I’m in my late 30s but I still get pimples every now and then, especially before my monthly period. Is there any medication that is hypoallergenic that can control my pimples and remove the scars as well? Also, is there any facial moisturizer that can help smoothen and minimize pores?  – Winnie

The good news about acne/pimples is that with the right product/s, it is treatable as well as preventable. But finding the "right" products is purely relative. There are a lot of good ones available that may be good for one person, but totally disastrous for another. Each person reacts differently. Why else would there be hundreds of brands, each with its own set of loyal, captured markets?

Generally speaking, though, pimples/acne can be treated by doing the following:

1) Wash face with a facial cleanser that suits your skin type.

2) Tone with a solution that has salicylic acid and glycolic acid to control oiliness (I love Te-pads, a pore-refiner that really works for me and is available at the Belo Medical Group).

3) Treat breakouts with a drying solution or one that has benzoyl peroxide. Really good ones include Mario Badescu drying lotion, Resorcin Sulfur Solution (ask your derma to prescribe you one, I get mine from Dr. Sylvia Huang). Dr. Howard Murad also has a very effective pimple treatment program; it has worked wonders for many people I know. Both Murad and Mario Badescu are available at Rustan’s Essenses.

4) Once your skin clears up, you can use a brightening solution to spot-treat pimple scars and dark spots. Most dermatologists will prescribe hydroquinone to be applied very thinly once a day. – Lucy

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Afraid To See A Derma

Dear Tingting,

I’m embarrassed to ask this question, but I feel I have no one else to run to. I’m afraid to go to a derma. I have tried a lot of products for the skin but so far, nothing has been effective. Help! – Anna

Doctors are there to help and be discreet about their patients. You can try Dr. Sylvia Jacinto at 1311 Batangas City, Makati with tel. no. 894-3952 or Dr. Maricar Cruz at Belo Clinic, West Tektite Tower, Ortigas Center with tel. no. 637-3676 to 77. – Tingting

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