SkinRepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

There are so many battery-operated sonic facial brushes in the market right now. I'm tempted to buy one hoping it will get rid of my acne. Will it help lessen my pimple problems?

Susie

Dear Susie,

Sonic brushes are wonderful for cleansing skin, whether as a make-up remover or just a basic facial cleanser.  But also, if your skin is not exposed to that much dirt during the day, then any other good and reliable cleanser will do.

As for acne-prone skin, I believe that facial brushes along with diamond peels and microdermabrasion will actually do more harm than good. Why? Brushing or abrading the skin will tend to irritate whiteheads and pimples, causing them to be more inflamed or even burst down unto the neighboring skin.

If you have acne at present, try to have it treated by your PDS derma first. Once the acne has cleared, then you can proceed to using sonic facial brushes.

Dear Dr. Jen,

Is there anything I can do to make my hair grow faster?

Debbie

Dear Debbie,

Average hair growth is about half an inch every month. Basically our hair grows six inches a year. If you are showing bald spots on your head then you might need to see your doctor for a more thorough consultation as to the cause, etc.  If your hair is growing slower than what is expected (without the bald spots), you can follow the following tips to ensure it is growing optimally.

First of all, follow a well-balanced diet rich in protein such as meat, fish, nuts, beans and soy.  Secondly, food rich in biotin and pantothenic (which are considered "hair vitamins") should also be considered. Examples of these are nuts, fruits and vegetables. Iron and zinc are also very good supplements. Lastly, try to avoid using too much heat (blow dry or flat iron), coloring, perming or rebonding products on your hair.  This can damage and cause fragility in hair strands leading to breakage.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.