SKINREPUBLIC

Dear Dr. Jen,

I’ve been applying tightening lotions on my thighs for a couple of weeks.  I’ve noticed a little improvement.  How exactly do these tightening lotions work?

Sheila

Dear Sheila,

Generally, tightening lotions do NOT really tighten anything.  At most, the product you are using might contain some good moisturizer or emollient ingredient.  Moisturizer can make your skin appear plumper, thus smoother.  This makes the cellulite appear less noticeable though it ‘s still there.

If you want some real tightening to happen, collagen needs to be delivered straight to the dermis.  So far, no studies have been able to back up collagen-containing creams to actually get through the epidermis to be able to settle in the dermis.   Radiofrequency can definitely work to tighten skin (over the fats) but it doesn’t make the fats disappear.

What skin-tightening lotions actually do is just make your skin look better by moisturizing  it.  That being said, many good, affordable moisturizer can do the job.  Moisturizing can plump up and smoothen out the skin, making the area seem thinner than it is.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I live in the provincial part of Cebu.  I buy my facial cleanser, my body soap and my moisturizer from my dermatologist because I form allergies to regular products found in the supermarket.  However, sometimes I run out and can’t get the soap and lotion right away.  Are there any brands you can recommend that I can purchase that won’t necessitate a trip to the city?

Janice

Dear Janice,

It can be quite difficult for people who are allergic to everything to find over the counter products that are readily available.  I don’t mean to run your dermatologist out of business, but there are two things to keep in mind when looking for non-allergenic products: “hypoallergenic”  and “noncomedogenic” labels.  Although it is no 100% guarantee that you will not develop an allergy, at least it narrows your search.

A multitude of soap brands are labeled as such (e.g. cetaphil, physiogel cleanser, aveeno cleanser, dove sensitive skin, dove original, tender care, johnson’s baby soap, ivory, etc).  You can choose according to your budget.  If you are still uncertain, not using any soap at all for the face (as long as you have a good make up remover) is also an alternative.  Plain water can clean the face pretty well.

As for lotion, the same above-mentioned brands can work too.  Just make sure it is hypoallergenic.  Mild hypoallergenic oil and even white petroleum jelly are your last  resorts as  body lotion.   If you find too many functions in a lotion like anti-wrinkle or whitening promises, there are more chances of your skin getting irritated.  Opt for the simpler one.  You can always test it on your neck or inner arm and wait a few days for a reaction.  If no rash occurs, it might be safe for you to use.

Hope this will enthuse you to find other products that are friendlier to your sensitive skin!  Good luck!

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).  For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call (the Freeman or PSH): 0932 857 7070 or <[email protected] > or  (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929.  Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.