Oral isotretinoin is a pregnancy category X so it's definitely not allowed during pregnancy. Topical retinoids, both prescription and non-prescription ones should be avoided as well.
Salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acid may be used only in small amounts, but other active ingredients like vitamin C, your AHASs and PHAs, niacinamide, and azelaic acid may be used safely as alternatives. When in doubt on how to best take care of your skin, please consult your board-certified dermatologist for proper advice.
Visit a HOO Dermatology branch near you or call the HOO Factor Hotline at +63917 576-2326 to book an appointment.
Properly cared for eye skin provides a smooth canvas for makeup application with less lines and crease.
To care for the skin around the eyes, consider these treatments to rejuvenate and refresh the skin:
HOO MADONNA LIFT
Uses pulse energy of carbon dioxide fractional laser to safely target and lift the skin around the eyes without surgery.
HOO RESTORATIVE (REJURAN I)
Helps restore skin health, improve skin elasticity, and repair skin damage around the eye area.
To care for the skin around the eyes, consider these products to rejuvenate and refresh the skin:
Let’s start with the more obvious signs - like pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as textural changes. Using treatments like a good skin care regimen such as Obagi skincare products, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy can eliminate these superficial signs of skin aging.
The second layer of the skin is where your collagen and elastic fibers are. Treatments such as salicylic or TCA peels, lasers, skin boosters, induce collagen production improving mild to moderate lines and wrinkles and lack of elasticity and glow.
Decreasing facial volume and jowling on some parts of the face brought about by loss of fat pads and changes in the bone due to aging can be managed by volumizing filler injection and energy-based devices like monopolar RF and HIFU.
Dynamic wrinkling or wrinkles that appear around the eyes, or forehead when we make certain facial expressions due to hyperactive muscles are treated by injecting botulinum toxin to relax them. All of the said changes in each layer needs to be addressed to achieve a 360-degree facial rejuvenation and skin that not only appears bright, smooth, and tight but also contoured and lifted.
To know more about how to combat the signs of aging and the HOO 360 Lift 3D, come and visit a board-certified dermatologist at any of the HOO Dermatology branches near you.
HOO Dermatology branches: 205 EDSA, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls the 30th, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Place Manila, Marquee Mall, TriNoma and Vertis North. Call the HOO Factor hotline at 0917 576-2326 to book an appointment.
Cosmetics play a big part in enhancing your facial attributes. You can accentuate your eyes by using an eye shadow, make your jaw line more chiseled or contoured by using a contour stick or powder, or make the lips appear plumper than usual by using certain colors of lipsticks or lip gloss. Most of the time we buy and just store them in drawers for years. But did you know that cosmetics do not have a set expiration date, but instead they have a shelf life? Using poor quality cosmetics or cosmetics that have gone bad may cause irritation, redness, or bacterial infection.
TYPE OF COSMETIC PRODUCT |
SHELF LIFE |
Mascara |
3 to 6 months |
Eyeshadow |
1 to 2 years |
Foundation |
1 to 2 years |
Blush / Contour Powder or Bronzer |
1 to 2 years |
Lipstick |
1 to 2 years |
Eyeliner |
1 to 2 years |
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual shelf life of a cosmetic product maybe shorter or longer depending on the specific product and how it is stored.
There are a few signs that indicate that a cosmetic product has gone bad. These include:
By following these tips, you can help to extend the shelf life of your cosmetics and keep them looking and performing their best.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil to lubricate the skin. In sebaceous hyperplasia, these glands become enlarged and produce excess oil, leading to the formation of small, yellowish bumps on the skin. These bumps are typically found on the face, neck, chest, and back, and they can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is usually harmless and does not require treatment. However, some people may find the bumps unsightly or uncomfortable, and may seek treatment to remove them. There are a number of topical medications and dermatologic treatments that can be used to manage sebaceous hyperplasia, including:
ELASTIderm® Eye Cream | ELASTIderm® Eye Serum | |
Formula |
Lightweight smooth cream | Lightweight liquid serum |
Ingredients |
Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ for healthy elastin formation |
|
Packaging |
Jar | Tube with metal tip applicator |
Skin Type |
Dry | Oily |
There are changes in the nail that might be a normal variant, a dysfunction on any part of the nail, or it may be a clue to a systemic disease.
Are you experiencing abnormal changes in nail size, shape, color, or texture? Consult a board-certified dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis. Contact the HOO Factor hotline at 0917 576-2326 or schedule a consultation online.
Images from canva.com
Consult with any of our board-certified dermatologists. Contact the HOO Factor hotline at 0917 576-2326 or visit any of our branches.
In my practice, I do get a good number of patients who express a genuine concern of improving "skin pores." #poreless #glassskin.
Simply put, our so-called "skin pores" are actually small openings of hair follicles and sweat glands that are mostly visible to the naked eye.
One of the questions I get from my patients is "Is pore size genetic?"
There are not a lot of studies touching on how pore size is determined at birth but many conclude that genetics play a big role.
Yes, you may have your parents to thank or to blame. Now, you can check for yourselves and see that, more often than not, if you have large pores it runs in the family.
Having so many visible pores is not all bad. Many studies also associate having large pores to more sebum or oil production in the skin which counteract signs of aging and wrinkling.
Genetics aside, many other factors are identified to potentially affect pore size (including natural aging, photoaging (premature ageing of the skin because of repeated sun damage), hormones, ethnicity, smoking, and frequent clogging of pores.) Some of these can be intervened.
Our pores are natural and essential structures that help maintain the integrity of the skin so removing them is impossible. The same can be said about pore size - it cannot be reduced but there are ways to minimize its appearance.
In general you should,
Obagi products that can help minimize the appearance of large pores include:
Consider visiting a board-certified dermatologist to know about in-clinic treatments such as peels and lasers to improve the appearance of your pores.
- Dr. Philip Lorena
CHEMICAL PEEL FOR MELASMA
To lighten skin conditions that are situated deeper into the skin such as in mixed-melasma or pigmentation from a scar, a medium-depth peel such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is better suited to handle this condition.
At HOO Dermatology, we offer mild to medium-depth chemical peel. Consult a board-certified dermatologist to know which chemical peel would best suit your specific skin concern. Contact our HOO Factor Hotline at 0917 576-2326.
Milia are small white bumps or cysts, resembling grains of rice, typically found in groups on the nose and cheeks. They result from trapped keratin (protein found on the skin, hair, and nails) underneath the skin. They are benign and does not cause any harm but are aesthetically bothersome. Treatment is by extraction.
Milia cannot be prevented and they can just spontaneously appear on the skin but most of the time they result from trauma to the skin. Reduce trauma to the skin and you can minimize the development of milia.
Here are some tips on how to avoid trauma to the skin and minimize milia formation:
1. Use skin care products that are smooth and without beads or grains. Use these products sparingly if one is prone to milia formation.
2. Limit the use of brushes with rough bristles, loofah, or towels on the skin.
3. Protect your skin from blisters, burns, and other wounds that break the skin barrier. Ask your dermatologist on how to take care of these wounds properly.
4. Apply an SPF 50 sunscreen, such as Obagi Sun Shield Broad-Spectrum Matte SPF50 or SUZANOBAGIMD Physical Defense SPF50, and avoid intense sun exposure. Unprotected prolonged sun exposure damages the skin.
5. Follow your board-certified dermatologist’s post care advise after undergoing dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Repairing the skin barrier after these procedures will minimize milia formation.
Flat warts are small skin-colored or brown bumps that appear in groups commonly on the face and hands. It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and is contagious. Some of the risk factors for developing flat warts are a weakened immune system (like in pregnancy, persons with autoimmune diseases, or diabetes), having open cuts or wounds, and coming in contact with articles that are infected with the virus. Treatment is by electrocautery.
Here are 5 Tips on How To Prevent Flat Warts:
Always wash your hands especially after touching a flat wart.
]]>
Here are tips on how to minimize the oxidation of Obagi Professional-C® Serums:
1. Keep the serum in the amber bottle. Do not decant. The amber bottle protects the serum from light that can hasten the oxidation process.
2. Always screw the cap of the bottle air-tight. Oxidation is faster when the serum is exposed to oxygen in the air.
3. Store the serum in a cool dark place. It is advisable to place the serum in the refrigerator because lower temperatures keep the serum from browning easily.
Supercharge your glow. Consult our board-certified dermatologist about incorporating a Vitamin C Serum into your skincare routine. To book an appointment, contact our HOO Dermatology hotline at 0917 576-2326.
]]>If you are experiencing signs of aging skin like wrinkles and dark spots, or if you are prone to blemishes and acne scarring, melasma, or if you have dull skin and want to achieve radiant and brighter skin, you may be a good candidate for the Obagi Blue Peel.
This treatment is performed by a board-certified dermatologist. It is an in-clinic procedure designed to use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) mixed with a special blue base; the blue color of the blue peel allows the doctor to monitor the appropriate depth of the acid penetration and ensure a uniform application of the acid to the skin.
Here are some tips to ensure your Obagi Blue Peel skin healing process goes smoothly:
Use a mild cleanser, like the SUZANOBAGIMD Foaming Cleanser or Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser, after an Obagi Blue Peel as to not disrupt the skin barrier during healing.
Skincare products such as exfoliants and retinoic acid cream must be avoided until the skin has fully healed. The Obagi Blue Peel is already a form of skin exfoliation. Adding another layer of topical exfoliation will irritate the skin.
Strenuous activities may cause skin irritation, among others. When you undergo strenuous physical activities, you tend to sweat and sweating may alter the desired results and healing process of the Obagi Blue Peel.
As tempting as it can be, do not peel the skin. Allow the skin to peel on its own as manipulating it will lead to premature peeling and undesired results. The Obagi Blue Peel peeling process takes about 7-10 days to finish. Be patient with the process and enjoy the results!
To prevent unnecessary damage to sensitive skin after an Obagi Blue Peel, wait at least 2 weeks before undergoing a laser resurfacing treatment, microneedling or radiofrequency procedure.
At HOO Dermatology, Obagi Blue Peel is performed by a board-certified dermatologist. It is important to have a skin expert perform and monitor your skin peeling process from beginning to end.
To learn if Obagi Blue Peel can benefit your specific skin concern, contact our HOO Dermatology hotline at 0917 576-2326 or book an appointment online.
]]>Melasma is a common acquired skin disorder that presents as symmetric brownish discoloration on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and chin. It is not physically harmful but studies have shown that it can lead to psychological problems and poorer quality of life due to the changes it causes in a person’s appearance.
There are many widely accepted yet unfounded beliefs about melasma. It is best to listen to what a board-certified dermatologist has to say about some common myths and misconceptions regarding melasma.
Although melasma is more common in women than in men, with an onset typically between the ages of 20 and 40 years, a number of men can still have it.
Pregnancy is a common trigger for melasma but taking oral contraceptive pills can exacerbate it as well. Melasma is multifactorial. It can be genetic or brought about by excessive sun exposure. The use of certain products with fragrance can cause a phototoxic reaction that also triggers melasma.
Most patients are discouraged from seeking treatment because of this myth. Different treatment options for melasma include:
Adjuncts or treatments that have an added benefit in melasma are the following:
Wearing of sunscreen indoors or outdoors is a must especially for patients with melasma. UV light can pass through window glass or shade and could come from other sources such as lamp shades or ceiling lights.
Melasma is frustrating to treat and has a high risk of relapse. Lifelong sun protection and topical therapy should be emphasized. A change of lifestyle is also recommended for melasma patients who like outdoor sports or activities.
Manage your melasma. Consult with our board-certified dermatologist and get a customized melasma treatment plan. Contact our hotline at 0917 576-2326.
Skin may become dry, itchy, and prone to irritation. It can also become dull and flaky because cooler temperature slows down the cell turnover time, or the rate at which skin cells shed to reveal newer, healthier cells. Heaters used to provide warmth during the winter months also makes the skin dry out even further.
Use products that are more hydrating during winter. It is also best to switch from lotions to creams as creams are a bit thicker in consistency and can moisturize more effectively.
Suncreens as well as cleansers may be used all year-round. Sunscreen is especially important even during winter as snow, ice, and water reflect the rays of the sun which can cause damage to the skin. You can still use antioxidants, exfoliants, and retinol to keep your skin smooth and more youthful during the holidays.
For those who are also fond of hoarding skin care products overseas, make sure that the products you are buying are suited for your skin type. Choose formulations that will work well in a warmer climate like the one that we have here in the Philippines.
]]>Keratosis Pilaris is caused by the build up of keratin (this is the hard protein that protects the skin from harmful substances and infection). The keratin blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. It may be associated with some genetic disease or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin makes keratosis pilaris worse.
To get rid of the Keratosis Pilaris bumps, do the following:
Everyday we are exposed to harmful UV rays - UVA which has a role to play in photo aging, UVB which is responsible for immediate pigment darkening, sunburns, and skin cancer, and visible light like blue light emitted from light bulbs, TV screens, laptops, computers, and mobile phones.
Blue light can cause exacerbation of certain pigmentary disorders such as melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For a sunscreen to protect against blue light, it has to be visible on the skin.
Regular sunscreens, however, are formulated as nano-sized (smaller) particles to minimize the white appearance on the skin. Because of the very small particles of regular sunscreens, they are invisible on the skin and thus cannot protect against blue light.
On the other hand, tinted sunscreen contains iron oxides apart from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that create the visible, skin tone color that can reflect away visible light like blue light.
Using tinted sunscreen, such as SUZANOBAGIMD Tinted Physical Defense SPF50, especially for patients with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has an advantage of protection from both sunlight and blue light as well as instant skin-evening glow.
]]>Makeup with SPF is like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. You’ll have a foundation to even out the skin tone as well as protection from the sun. There are different formulations to choose from and you can match it with the color of your skin. However, can makeup with SPF really protect you from harmful UV rays? Let’s spill the facts.
New to layering products? Consult with our board-certified dermatologist about proper skincare layering. It is important to understand the products' active ingredients and how it will benefit your skin type one layer at a time! Book an appointment today!