Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have extremely dry skin. What lotions should I look for to prevent flaking of my skin?

Marie

Dear Marie,

Formulas that contain petrolatum, glycerin, and silicone will do the trick.  However, additional things that are a major plus for hydrating dry skin are lactic acid, urea, ceramides and cream-based formulas. Choosing products based on their active components and not on their packaging or pretty advertisements will help in picking out the right products.

Dear Dr. Jen,

My neck, armpits and “singit” are very dark.  I noticed that my skin started to darken only after I gained several pounds. I’ve tried all kinds of chemical peels and whitening lotions but nothing seems to work.  Is there any hope to lightening my skin again?

Sally

Dear Sally,

Darkening of Filipino skin is quite common after parts of the skin have undergone insect bites, pimples or some form of inflammation.  These kinds of darkening are easily remedied by applying bleaching agents.

However, there is a kind of darkening usually associated with insulin-resistance and obesity that presents as a brownish-greyish darkening and thickening on the sides of the neck, underarms and groin areas. This is called acanthosis nigricans.  The darkening is caused by an increase in the keratotic layer of the skin and NOT because of increased melanin production.  This explains why any kind of bleaching agent cannot remedy the darkening of acanthosis nigricans.

I strongly advise you to visit your physician to get your sugar and insulin levels just to see if there is concomitant insulin: glucose ratio abnormalities. There are other underlying conditions that your physician can check into that may also cause the acanthosis.  If obesity is indeed the cause, then weight loss is the only solution.    It is easier said than done.  But save your money on all the whitening lotions.  No amount of creams or peels or laser can permanently treat the darkened skin.

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.