It all begins with beautiful skin

Dear Lucy,

You’re really very beautiful and I envy your skin. What do you do to maintain your smooth and radiant skin? May I also know who your dermatologist is and where the clinic is located so I can seek professional advice? – Gertrude

I have always believed that having smooth, healthy skin is something that you put some effort into. I’m sure you are already familiar with basic skincare (like getting enough sleep, using sunblock, and never sleeping with makeup on), so I will share with you instead the system that works for me. Before I do that though, I want to remind you that there are hundreds of very good products out there, both local and imported, cheap and luxurious, and what gives one an edge over the other is how well it works for an individual’s skin type and needs. Simply put, even skincare is always personal and relative. I am very happy with the Obagi skincare program (available exclusively at the Belo Medical Group) because it really keeps breakouts at bay. I start off with the foaming gel and instead of using the Obagi toner, I prefer using the Obagi tepads instead. The skinny oil-free, pore-refining, astringent pads are treated with both salicylic and glycolic acids to combat pimples and they are, for me, preventive as well as medicative. I then apply Obagi Clear to combat any spots and even out my complexion. Twice a week, I do the Blender and Retin-A duo applied very thinly to renew my skin.

I back this up with regular visits to Dr. Sylvia Huang ( telephone number 722-2660) for cleaning and I also have ipl and Obagi oxygen facials, still at the Belo Medical Group.

In the unfortunate event that my skin breaks out (and yes, it does happen), I have trusted products at the ready: RSS and Clindamycin lotion from Dr. Sylvia Huang, Mario Badescu drying lotion (available at Rustan’s Essenses), and acne drying cream from the Belo Medical Group. These wonderful products are just always on rotation in my

kikay box. When you get clear skin as a result of an effective skincare program, getting dolled up to face the day/night becomes effortlessly quick and easy. All you will need is a light dusting of powder to control oiliness, some pretty blush, and lip gloss. Beautiful skin is where it all begins. – Lucy

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Spider-Man

Dear Tingting,

I read your column last April about spider veins. I’m wondering if a man like me could also use the vein vanishing cream that you suggested because I’d like to get rid of the spider veins in my hands. – Joel

Yes, you can also use the vein vanishing cream, that’s available at Healthy Options stores. But if you want something faster (it doesn’t hurt at all, too), try the laser for veins at Vicki Belo’s clinic on Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Madrinan St., Quezon City. Call 373-3355, 373-3188 or 373-4088 and ask for Dr. Zagala; or call cell phone number 0917-8320576. – Tingting

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A Six-Day Diet?

Dear Mary,

I would like to know if it is okay to do the 3-Day Diet twice a week. So that makes it a six-day diet. If not, how should the diet be spaced out? Also, is it okay to drink a cup of green tea in the morning every day? Finally, is it good to eat Century Tuna, which is advertised to have omega-3? – Lenard

The 3-Day Diet can only be done once a week. There must be an interval of four days. You can do this indefinitely, provided you eat normally on the other four days. Yes, you may take all the tea you want. The tuna is included in the diet, but take only one cup. – Mary

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