Dear Heloise: I have a hint for Holly H. of Arcadia, Florida, whose letter I saw in a recent issue of the Los Angeles Daily News. When I was a teenager, I had an acne condition that centered around my jawline like hers. I went to a dermatologist who gave me the best advice anyone could give me after he cleared my face.

During the treatment, I was to keep away from cheese, nuts and chocolate. But the permanent advice that I use to this day (I’m now 93) is to keep your hands away from your face. This is the same advice healthcare providers gave us during the coronavirus lockdowns.

Should I need to rest my face on my hand, I use a napkin, a tissue, or the collar on my blouse (anything to keep my hands off my face). No one has ever criticized me for doing this all these years. Today I get more compliments for having such smooth skin. — Carmelina M., via email

Carmelina, this is excellent advice, and here is another hint: Don’t rest your head on your hands because you’re just stretching out your skin. Wash your hands before touching yourself to eliminate cross-contamination. And don’t use a loofah or a rough washcloth on your face. — Heloise

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LAUNDRY ADVICE

Dear Heloise: Kim in North Carolina is wrong. First of all, laundry detergent — not soap — is used in automatic washers. I use 1 teaspoon for each load. If I’m washing a big comforter, perhaps I use closer to 1 tablespoon. Of course, I only use plant-based natural detergent, not most of the nasty stuff on the market. We try to avoid cancer here.

That lady is using nasty stuff on her clothes. There’s no need for anti-static spray or any softener. I use detergent, then throw the load in the dryer, fold it, and I’m done! I’ve been doing it this way for decades now.

Why do people try so hard to get cancer? It’s mind-boggling how many people love cancer in today’s world — on clothes, in the house, in food, on their bodies, with big pharma, etc. I do none of this nonsense. I really hope except for the dryer balls that no one follows her advice. — Deb Berning, in rural Ohio

Deb, no one is trying to get cancer. Most of us shop for items we can afford, like and will use. Not everyone will agree that laundry detergent gives you cancer. This goes for a number of other products, too.

There are over 200 known types of cancer, each with their own special characteristics, according to the CANCER Research Institute. To say one product causes cancer is often debatable and continually researched by many intelligent minds all over the world. — Heloise

YOUR LAST GIFT

Dear Heloise: Not to be maudlin, but creating a will can be a very real problem. Recently a most unexpected death in our family has very keenly illustrated the vital need for each of us to have a will and a conversation with a loved one about final wishes.

When someone dies without plans in place, the family is left with heartache, deep grief, and important questions without answers. A will and final wishes that are known to a friend or relative are our last gifts to our family. — Lynn, in Rutland, Vermont

Lynn, I agree. There is usually less hurt or surprise when a will is read and everyone knows what a person’s final wishes are, which might include requests for a burial or messages.

But one last note: A will is often read after someone is buried, so if you have any special requests, it’s best to let your loved ones know what it is that you want. It might be that you wish to be cremated instead of buried or that you are an organ donor. — Heloise