Asking the doctor about Growing older

PREVENTING WRINKLES

 I am 55 and I wish to prevent my skin from drying up and wrinkling like that of my mother, whom I resemble. What special creams are recommended?

Most changes in the skin that we associate with growing older, such as excessive dryness, wrinkling and spots of hyper pigmentation (“senile freckles”) are limited to exposed areas of the skin and, directly or indirectly, due to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight.

These changes – begin very early in life and, of course, can be exaggerated if a light-skinned person lives in a sunny climate or indulges in excessive sun-baking.

Apart from avoiding sun exposure and using sun-protective creams at all times (beginning in childhood) nothing is known that will reverse such changes.

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COD LIVER OIL REMEDY?

 I have heard that cod liver oil will plump out wrinkles. Is this true? How should I use it?

Whether taken internally or applied to the skin, cod liver oil does not plump out or remove wrinkles. The application of cod liver oil, mineral oil, baby oil or any other oil will help retard evaporation of moisture, thus temporarily relieving dry skin and making it feel smoother and softer.

 DRUGS AND HAIR

Recently I had a permanent that didn’t “take.” I am in my 50s and my hairdresser blamed the failure on a tranquillizer I was taking at the time. Could this have I been the cause?

We are sceptical of a connection between a drug taken internally and the action of permanent-wave lotions on the hair.

Permanent waves fail for numerous reasons. Hair texture is one important factor. Fine, limp hair usually resists permanent waving, and a fairly strong lotion is required.

Hair that is wiry, brittle, or damaged resists waving and is subject to further damage, so special care is required to achieve a satisfactory wave.

 GREY HAIR PROBLEM

What kind of coloring preparation can I use to tone down my grey hair? I don’t wish to use a permanent dye.

You would probably find one of the temporary rinses satisfactory. These colors primarily add highlights, tone down grey or yellow hair, brighten faded hair and blend streaked hair. They cannot produce drastic changes in hair color.

 EVERY TWO WEEKS

I have to dye my hair every two weeks to cover the grey. Is it safe to dye hair this often?

Assuming the dye is a permanent oxidation type, it should be used no more often than once every three weeks. More frequent use may damage hair or produce undesirable shades of color, unless great care is taken to dye only new growth. This may be a difficult task for the home user.

In addition to using a shampoo for bleached, dyed or damaged hair, every middle-aged woman who colors her hair should make use of a creme rinse.

 FLUSHED COMPLEXION

 My face has a tendency to be red and flushed. My doctor says there is nothing wrong. I have tried all kinds of regular makeup’s, but none seem to help. If I put on enough to conceal the redness I look heavily made up. Can you suggest anything that might help me?

If there is no underlying medical problem to explain the red, flushing appearance, it is probably that you simply have a ruddy complexion. In this case it cannot be permanently altered. Over-exposure to sun, steam baths, saunas, hot foods and alcohol should be avoided since they may exaggerate the redness.

If regular cosmetics prove ineffective, you may want to try one of the under-make-up toners that some firms make. Applied as a film under regular make-up they help to even out skin color tones such as red blotches or irregular patches of color.

Consult a beautician about under-make-up toners and masking cosmetics for your particular complexion.

 DRY SKIN

 My doctor suggested petroleum jelly for excessive dryness and irritation on my hands. Is it safe to use petroleum jelly on my face, which is also very dry?

Petroleum jelly can be used safely on the face to help soften and smooth the skin in the way any other emollient is used. The oily film will prevent evaporation of moisture and protects the skin from irritation. However, it will not go on or come off the skin as readily as a regular cosmetic cream and it may feel more greasy.

 INCREASED HAIR

 I am disturbed by an increased growth of facial hair that began shortly after the start of menopause. Is this natural? Will it continue or is it temporary?

Facial hair often appears after menopause but may sometimes appear before, mainly because of heredity. Hairs on the upper lip, the chin and sides of the face become darker and thicker. The trend toward increasing hairiness will continue, although for most women it reaches a plateau.

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 DUSKY RED SPOTS

 In the last few years I have often noticed dusky red spots, sometimes up to an inch (2cm) in diameter, on my forearms. I am an older woman.

These red spots are caused by broken blood vessels in the skin and usually follow bruising, pinching, or some other minor injury. They are very common in the older woman and so insignificant that you are probably unaware when it has happened. Sometimes internal diseases contribute to the problem but usually the woman is healthy.

This condition is sometimes treated with vitamin C but successful results cannot be guaranteed. The only remedy is to be careful.