(Foreword: This is our continuation of our reply to the letter of Yatskie of Toril regarding the concern on acne despite one’s age)
DEAR Yatskie of Toril,
And now to the end of our journey in facing your problem, here are some thoughts which might help you in your fight against acne in your age.
First, I want you to remember that acne does seem to go away with age. In one study, acne is not that common after 44 years old. You are only 29 now. It probably means that you still have about 15 years to go to spend some sacrifice for acne...hehe. But, for some women, acne ends with menopause. Well, if you’ll have menopause after 44 years old, then, you will have longer years more to spend living with acne... hehe.
But, don’t worry, dear. It doesn’t mean that you will be stuck with acne forever and ever, as there are treatments for adult acne. Most people find that a combination of products would work best. The thing is, you have to be patient as the treatment takes time, which is usually 4 to 12 weeks. Moreover, you need to continue it for it to work. Thus, there is no magic formula or magic words to make these things work. You need money, time, effort and most especially, PATIENCE.
So, what are the medicated creams that would work? You have in the list the names of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid. They are the first treatments to try. You can get them over the counter or by your doctor’s prescription. There are also the retinoids, which are the vitamin A-based creams. They work to unclog your hair follicles.
Of course, your doctor can prescribe other than I have mentioned, as there are stronger creams, or other medications that help, such as antibiotics, oral retinoids, androgen blockers, and low-dose birth control pills.
And now, here are some noteworthy tips which can save your world right now against acne.
First, avoid touching your face always.
The problem if when we have acne is we tend to keep on touching them. But, the problem here is, touching your face can increase oiliness, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of bacteria. So keep your hands off please.
Second, keep your oily hair off your skin.
Also look for oil-free hair products. Keep in mind that oily hair care products can get on your face and again clog pores which could cause acne.
Lastly, be gentle with your skin. Do not use washcloth or sponge to wash your face. Your fingertips would be enough – and be sure to use a non-abrasive cleanser. Always and always use mild skin care products.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)