(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,
So, let’s get moving to your other queries.
You asked whether birth control pills can cause or cure acne. Birth control pills may help some women control acne. The good thing there is that hormones in the birth control pills can help block androgen hormones. Androgen puts oil glands into overdrive. The problem here is, some birth control pills can make acne worse. The thing is, don’t depend on those birth control pills, you still need to take good care of your skin.
Your next query is about makeup, if they can cause acne. The sad truth is YES. In fact, it’s not just makeup, but anything you put on your face can potentially clog up your pores, which can cause those acne troubles. So, you better look for oil-free makeup, sunscreens, and other skin products. Make sure they are water based. I feel that your skin is prone to acne, so choose products that are non-comedogenic and nonacnegenic.
Try also using powder cosmetics instead of cream foundations. But, if you really like to use foundation, use those that are of oil-free liquid silicone matte foundations, such as those containing dimethicone or cyclomethicone.
In your letter, you said that you are now panicky in your situation. This is the reason why you asked about stress in relation to acne. I have good news for you. The good thing here is, stress is not considered a main cause of acne. But, more often, it is your acne which can increase your stress levels. What you really need is an effective acne treatment to help you cut off your stress. I am afraid, your acne won’t kill you. But, your stress can.
But, there are some people where stress can worsen their acne problem. So, if you believe that stress sparks off those acne outbreaks, get to do some ways to ease your stress. Do some deep breathing exercises or probably, do meditation.
You have to really pay your dermatologist a visit. But, at the meantime. Here are some thoughts for you to help you with your problem.
Oh, oh, we are running out of space again. So, we’ll continue for these concerns in my next issue. Until then again!
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.)