Q&A with Top Doctors

Can stretch marks from weight gain go away?

Stretch marks caused by weight gain, commonly referred to as striae gravidarum or striae distensae, can be improved to some extent through proper care and treatment, but it is difficult to restore the skin completely to its original condition. Stretch marks form when the skin is rapidly stretched over a short period, causing collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the dermis to tear. Initially, these marks may appear red or purple, but over time they may fade to silvery white or light gray, becoming more noticeable.

It is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits, manage body weight, and avoid rapid weight gain or loss. Increasing intake of foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc can help support collagen synthesis and skin repair. Keeping the skin well moisturized by using moisturizing creams or oils daily—especially products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural plant oils—can help improve skin elasticity and hydration. Regular gentle massage may also promote blood circulation and aid in skin repair and regeneration. If stretch marks are severe, it may be helpful to consult a professional dermatologist who might recommend medical aesthetic treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels, which can help improve the appearance of stretch marks to some extent.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Does makeup ruin the skin?

Whether makeup worsens the skin depends on multiple factors, including the selection of cosmetics, application methods, whether makeup is completely removed, and individual skin types. Cosmetics themselves do not necessarily directly cause skin problems, but if products unsuitable for one's skin type are chosen or if they are used improperly, they may negatively affect the skin. For example, cosmetics containing irritating ingredients may cause allergic reactions, and heavy foundations may clog pores, leading to acne and pimples. In addition, incomplete removal of makeup may leave residue that further burdens the skin.

To protect the skin, it is recommended to choose cosmetics suitable for your skin type and avoid products containing irritating ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives. Before applying makeup, ensure the skin is clean and consider applying a moisturizer first to provide a protective layer. When removing makeup, choose gentle cleansing products and thoroughly clean the skin to avoid residue clogging pores. It is advisable to completely remove makeup every night and avoid sleeping with makeup on. Regarding diet, consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which help fight oxidation and promote skin metabolism. If skin problems persist or are accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
What are the post-treatment care instructions after skin laser treatment?

After skin laser treatment, main points of attention include protecting the skin, avoiding irritation, maintaining cleanliness, and promoting healing. Following laser therapy, the skin will be in a relatively fragile state and is more susceptible to external environmental influences. Therefore, special attention should be given to post-treatment care in order to promote skin recovery and reduce the occurrence of complications. The skin after laser treatment may exhibit redness, pain, or mild exudation, which are normal reactions and typically subside gradually within a few days.

It is recommended to keep the treated area clean and avoid touching or scratching it with hands to prevent infection. Use skincare products recommended by your physician, especially those with soothing and moisturizing effects, to help alleviate discomfort. Avoid using skincare products containing irritating ingredients such as alcohol or fruit acids, as these may increase skin sensitivity. Before the skin has fully recovered, avoid exposure to sunlight; when going outdoors, apply a high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, or use an umbrella to protect the skin from UV damage. If severe discomfort or abnormal conditions occur, contact your doctor promptly.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
How to Perform Deep Skin Cleansing

Deep skin cleansing can be achieved through a combination of physical and chemical methods. Physical methods primarily remove surface dirt and dead skin cells through mechanical action, whereas chemical methods utilize specific ingredients to dissolve oils and impurities within pores. The goal of deep cleansing is to clear away dirt, excess oil, and old dead skin cells lodged in pores, improve skin respiration, and reduce the formation of blackheads and acne, thereby leaving the skin looking fresher and smoother.

It is recommended to start by cleansing the face with a gentle facial cleanser to remove surface dirt and oil. Then, use an exfoliating product, such as a scrub containing fruit acids or salicylic acid, to gently massage the face and help remove dead skin cells. Nose strips or deep-cleansing masks can also be used, as these products help absorb excess oil and blackheads within pores. After use, thoroughly rinse the face with lukewarm water. If possible, regular visits to a beauty salon for professional deep-cleansing treatments, such as ultrasonic cleaning or vacuum suction, are also beneficial. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise, can also help improve overall skin condition.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Does chickenpox cause a sore throat?

In general, chickenpox may cause a sore throat.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the initial infection of varicella-zoster virus. After entering the body, the virus proliferates within the epithelial cells of the respiratory mucosa and then enters the bloodstream to form viremia, subsequently spreading throughout the body. During the process of viral proliferation and dissemination, the mucous membranes of the throat may become irritated and damaged, triggering an inflammatory response, which leads to a sore throat.

The skin vesicles of chickenpox patients are easily ruptured, compromising the skin's barrier function. At this time, the body's resistance also declines. The mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are similarly susceptible to bacterial invasion. When secondary bacterial infection occurs, the inflammation intensifies, stimulating the nerve endings in the throat, causing significant sore throat. Following viral infection, the body's immune system is activated, and the surrounding lymph nodes may become enlarged and painful. If the lymph nodes in the neck or pharynx are involved, they may compress surrounding nerves and tissues, and the inflammatory response may also affect the throat area, thereby causing a sore throat.

Chickenpox patients usually experience fever, which accelerates the body's metabolism. The mucosal blood vessels in the throat dilate and become congested, and the mucous membranes become dry, causing throat pain. Some chickenpox patients may also develop vesicles on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. These vesicles can stimulate local nerves, causing increased pain during swallowing, and patients may distinctly feel a sore throat.

If a chickenpox patient develops persistent or severe sore throat, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to rule out possible secondary infections or other complications and to receive appropriate treatment. When managing chickenpox and its associated symptoms, maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding scratching the rash, and following medical advice for treatment and care can help promote recovery and prevent complications.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Does smoking cause pimples?

In general, smoking may increase the risk of developing acne.

Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood supply to the skin. This deprives skin cells of adequate oxygen and nutrients, slows down metabolism, and weakens the skin's ability to repair and renew itself. Old keratinocytes (dead skin cells) cannot shed in a timely manner, making it easier to clog hair follicles and creating conditions favorable for acne development. Harmful substances in cigarette smoke can interfere with the endocrine system, stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Excess oil combines with keratinocytes, further blocking follicles, forming comedones, and eventually leading to acne.

As an unhealthy habit, smoking may negatively affect skin health. Harmful substances in tobacco, such as nicotine and tar, can impact the skin's metabolism and repair functions through the bloodstream after entering the body, reducing skin immunity and making it more susceptible to bacterial infection and inflammatory responses.

Quitting smoking can positively improve skin condition and reduce acne occurrence. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise, can help maintain healthy skin. If acne is severe, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for professional diagnosis and treatment advice.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Is chickenpox contagious?

In general, chickenpox is contagious. Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and it can spread through various routes and is highly contagious.

When a patient with chickenpox coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads into the air through respiratory droplets. Healthy individuals who inhale these virus-containing droplets may become infected. This mode of transmission is especially common in crowded places such as schools and daycare centers. If a healthy person has broken skin and comes into contact with the patient's blister fluid, the virus can enter the body and cause infection. Personal items such as towels, clothing, and toys previously used by patients may also transmit the virus to others if they are not thoroughly disinfected before being touched by others.

If a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox during pregnancy, the virus may be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, potentially causing congenital varicella syndrome. Additionally, newborns may become infected around the time of birth through contact with the mother's chickenpox blister fluid. Healthcare workers who do not take proper precautions may spread the virus via contaminated instruments such as syringes or stethoscopes.

For children and adults who have never had chickenpox, vaccination against chickenpox is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection. The vaccine not only reduces the risk of contracting chickenpox but also lessens the severity of symptoms and reduces the likelihood of complications. In addition, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can also help reduce the risk of chickenpox transmission.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Can pimples on the face be squeezed?

Under normal circumstances, facial pimples should not be squeezed arbitrarily.

Pimples are essentially an inflammatory reaction of the pilosebaceous unit. When squeezing pimples with your hands, you directly damage the skin's normal structure, including the epidermis and dermis. This is similar to damaging the exterior walls and load-bearing walls of a house, which can impair the skin's barrier function, allowing external bacteria and pollutants to enter the deeper layers of the skin more easily and worsen the inflammatory response. The hands carry numerous bacteria, which can enter the pimple and surrounding skin tissue during the squeezing process, potentially causing a broader infection. A small, localized pimple might develop into a larger infected area after squeezing and could even lead to systemic infection.

Squeezing pimples can injure the dermis, damaging collagen and elastic fibers within it. During the skin's healing process, if the repair mechanism doesn't function properly, scars may form. The inflammatory response can also stimulate melanocytes to produce excessive melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots at the pimple site, affecting facial aesthetics.

The correct approach is to maintain facial cleanliness by using gentle cleansers and skincare products suitable for your skin type, avoiding overly oily or harsh products. Consider using therapeutic products containing ingredients like salicylic acid or phenoxyethanol to help reduce pimples. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise can also improve skin condition. If acne is severe or persists, seek professional help from a dermatologist. The doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type, severity of acne, and individual skin characteristics, which may include topical medications, oral medications, phototherapy, or other treatments to safely and effectively address acne problems.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Is applying physiological saline solution effective for treating pimples?

In general, applying normal saline to pimples can have certain auxiliary effects, but it cannot directly cure them and should be combined with other treatment methods.

The main principle of using normal saline on pimples is to assist in improving acne conditions through its cleansing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin osmotic pressure-regulating properties. Normal saline can remove dirt and oil from the skin surface, reduce pore blockage, and help prevent and improve acne problems. At the same time, salt has certain antibacterial properties; applying normal saline to the face can help reduce skin inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth, thus alleviating redness, swelling, and infection associated with acne. The pH of normal saline is close to the skin's natural pH, and applying it to the face helps regulate the skin's acid-base balance and reduce skin inflammation.

However, it should be noted that normal saline alone cannot completely cure acne. The causes of acne are complex and may be related to multiple factors such as hormonal imbalances, excessive oil secretion, bacterial infection, and lifestyle habits. Relying solely on applying normal saline to the face may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues. A comprehensive approach to treating acne is usually more effective, including maintaining good skin hygiene, eating a healthy diet, avoiding squeezing pimples, and using appropriate skincare products and medical treatments.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025
Can running help get rid of pimples?

In general, running itself cannot directly remove acne, but it can serve as an auxiliary method to improve acne problems. Its effectiveness must be realized in combination with overall health management.

During running, the heart rate increases and blood circulation accelerates, which enhances the skin's metabolic efficiency, helping to remove accumulated oils and metabolic waste in the pores, thus reducing the risk of pore blockage. Improved blood circulation enhances the skin's ability to receive nutrients and eliminate waste, possibly indirectly reducing acne formation. Long-term regular exercise helps balance hormones in the body, as elevated androgen levels are one of the main causes of excessive sebum gland secretion. Exercise can reduce stress hormone (cortisol) levels, thereby decreasing acne breakouts caused by stress.

Running releases endorphins, which relieve anxiety and promote deep sleep. Stress and lack of sleep can aggravate acne, and improving these factors may indirectly reduce acne occurrence. However, it's important to note that the core cause of acne is Propionibacterium acnes infection, and running cannot directly inhibit the proliferation of these bacteria. If the skin is not cleaned promptly after high-intensity exercise, a mixture of sweat and oil might block pores. Consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods after running may counteract the benefits gained from exercise.

Although running can provide some help in reducing acne, it cannot completely replace professional treatment methods. For severe inflammatory acne or other skin conditions, comprehensive treatment combining medication, skincare, and other approaches is necessary. At the same time, maintaining good living habits and dietary habits also helps prevent the occurrence of acne.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 04, 2025