Painless hair removal

DEAR RISSA,

I’m tired of shaving my underarms and legs. Is laser hair removal really worth it?

JESSIE

 I’ve tried both shaving and waxing. For many years, these were my staple hair-removal methods. It was only recently I tried laser hair removal for the legs and underarms. I was skeptical at the start and worried that my money would go to waste. But after completing a full set of sessions for laser hair removal for the legs and underarms, I have no regrets and really wish I had done this long ago. It’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It may cost more than waxing or shaving, but results are worth it. I opted to try it before my wedding. I was first undecided where to have it done so I asked my friends who already tried laser hair removal and they recommended I go to Skin Dermatology and Laser Center at The Spa (make sure to look for Dr. Raissa Francisco-Pasion, she’s amazing!). Yes, not many are aware that The Spa has it’s own dermatological arm and I love going there because of the clinic’s serene and private yet professional setting.

The funny thing is, my friends did not have their laser done there but they wished they had gone to Skin! They regretted having their laser hair removal done elsewhere because they later learned that the machine used at Skin is the gold standard for hair reduction. There was even another dermatologist friend who, even if she offered her own laser hair removal services in her clinic, admitted that Skin at The Spa indeed made use of the best machines.

The laser hair removal session at Skin was safe and fast. There was no downtime and I could easily resume to regular activities as soon as I walked out of the clinic. In as little as two sessions, I saw results in my underarms already. I was not completely hair-free yet but I could see bald spots. For optimal results, six to eight sessions are required (though this varies per person).

As for the ouch factor, their newest machine called the Motif Laser Hair Removal (which is currently available only at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall branch of Skin Dermatology and Laser Center at The Spa) is virtually pain-free. Unlike other laser machines that require topical anesthesia, this latest machine does not need any. Each session is faster and just feels like a rollerball massage over your skin.

I’m really happy I went to Skin at The Spa. I’m honestly appreciating it all only now because I’m already virtually hair-free. Getting laser hair removal for my legs and underarms is one of the best things I’ve done for myself. I’m so happy about it that I want to one day gift my daughters with laser hair removal when they get older.                                    RISSA

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Bumps away

DEAR LUCY, 

I have stubborn white heads. I am pretty good at maintaining a skincare regimen but even if my skin looks smooth, I feel tiny bumps on my chin. Would you still recommend a facial? I also am insecure about my dark armpits and dark knees. Is there a real remedy to this?                             

AUBREY

I would highly recommend a facial. I have mine done at The Belo Medical Group and like you, I noticed that even if I am faithful to a skincare regimen at home the cleansing that a professional facialist does yields even better results. My favorite Belo facials include Skinmaster and the Oxygen Facial. My skin is smooth as a baby’s right after. For best results, regular facials are a must if you have oily skin, ask about their Glyco Peel Cleaning.

 Regarding your dark armpits, dark elbows, and dark knees, Revlite would be your best solution. Also available at the Belo Medical Clinic Revlite is a non-invasive laser treatment that has gained much popularity because the results are practically immediate, and it gets even better 10 -20 percent each time it is done. Recommended frequency is six to eight sessions per area, at an interval of two to three weeks per session. Please consult with the resident doctor because frequency can vary depending on the area. I also like the effect of Revlite on my face because it evens out any pigmentation, removes fine facial hair, and because it rejuvenates skin it has a tightening effect that is immediately visible as well. Does it work on dark areas? Yes, I have seen the result on people I know and it is remarkable.                                                    

LUCY

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Hydrate skin without worry

DEAR REGINA,

Can you suggest moisturizers for oily skin? I always get pimples on my forehead, so I hope you could suggest something that doesn’t clog pores.

JESSICA

Definitely stay away from the heavier creams. Oily skin needs hydration, too, but thick, rich formulas will be a little too much for yours to handle. Instead, opt for an oil-free, water-based, or gel-type moisturizer, which are generally formulated to be more lightweight. There should be available options regardless of your budget; the Korean beauty brands will certainly have at least one variant on their shelves, or you can try Neutrogena’s (they have one that already incorporates SPF35, which is awesome), Kiehl’s, or Clinique’s, among others.
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t clog pores, read the labels on the product and make sure you see the word “non-comedogenic,” which indicates that the product doesn’t include ingredients that will plug up your pores.
Regarding your forehead pimples, however, that may actually be due to other elements rather than the facial care products that you’re using. For example, if you have bangs, the ends of your bangs could be irritating the skin on your forehead, causing inflammation that then leads to acne. Or, product residue from whatever you use to wash and style your hair could be transferred from your bangs to your skin, which could be triggering the acne. (This is usually also what causes bacne — or back acne.) Consult with a dermatologist to determine the real cause, and to get proper treatment for your skin issues.                                          

REGINA