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Want to save your skin?
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It's another scorcher of a summer. Here are some tips to protect your skin and hair this season
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Summer is here and the first thought that comes to mind is skin care. Here are a few tips to prevent your complexion from becoming darker. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays damages the collagen fibres, which can lead to darkening and ageing of skin. Eventually, dryness sets in.
Protection from the sun:
To protect yourself from getting tanned, specially if you have to be outdoor, use a sunscreen or a sunblock lotion. A wide range of these is available now - right from herbal ones to imported brands.
The following guidelines will help one to choose a sunscreen lotion.
*Check the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings on the label. For a dark, wheatish skin, 15-20 SPF is more than enough. If you are fair, then use up to 60 SPF.
* If you are exposed to the sun for long periods, you need to apply the lotion every two hours; so, carry it with you.
* If you do not want to use a sunscreen, wear a cap or a hat or use an umbrella.
* Sandalwood serves as a good protection against the sun. Choose a moisturiser with it.
* If your skin is sensitive or full of pimples, avoid the use of sunscreen. Use Lactocalamine instead.
Queries answered:
* Sudha's 18-year-old daughter has dandruff. She has dry patches on her head and scales off every time she uses a comb. She also gets pimple-like boils on her shoulders and upper arm.
Sudha, do the following: Wash the hair at least 2-3 times a week. Use a herbal dandruff shampoo. It is mild and does not damage hair. Stronger shampoos can lead to hair loss.
Those prone to dandruff get the small pimples on the forehead, cheeks and back or wherever the skin comes into contact with hair. So, these pimples will disappear once you get rid of the dandruff. Apply chandan (sandalwood paste) on them at night. This will dry them up.
Try the following:
Boric acid treatment: Take a tsp. of boric acid powder (available at the chemist); mix with warm coconut oil and apply on the scalp. Keep for 1-2 hours and wash with a mild herbal shampoo. This is effective for dandruff and helps maintain the acid balance of the scalp.
* Lakshmi wants to know whether Alpha Hydroxy acids are available at medical shops and whether Lactocalamine darkens one's complexion.
Lakshmi, Alpha Hydroxy acids are not available at pharmacies. You should not try to use it on your own. These are used in salon treatment. Lactocalamine does not darken your complexion. In fact, it serves as a protection against pollution, prevents sunburn and is good to use during the day for sensitive skin.
* Annapoorani's 14-year-old daughter has a few strands of grey hair. She has dandruff and her hair gets knotted easily. Annapoorani, premature grey hair is usually due to heredity, nutritional deficiency or mental stress. Try to improve your daughter's diet by including fish as many times as possible. Fish contains phosphorous as well as 3 Omega fatty acids which delay greying. If you are a vegetarian, you can give her supplements of 3 Omega fatty acids now available at the chemist. For her stress, a brisk walk or 15 minutes of meditation will help. For dandruff, follow the treatment given above.
*A reader wants to know the best home remedy for lightening the skin. She also wants to know how frequently a facial or a bleach should be done.
An effective home remedy for lightening the skin:
Take 2 tablespoons of milk powder and add Hydrogen Peroxide (20 volume strength) make a paste - add a few drops of glycerine and apply on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with water. If the skin is dry, use a moisturising lotion.
If you are above 30, you can do a facial and a bleach once a month.
* Anusha wants to know home care for dark circles.
Anusha - ensure you get your eight-hour sleep a day.
Make a powder of almonds. Every morning, mix this with milk and apply around the eyes. Leave for 5-10 minutes and then wash.
Grate a cucumber, extract its juice, dip cotton into it and squeeze out the extra juice. Place the cotton on your eyes. Lie down for 10 minutes and then wash.
* Radha, 18, wants to know how many times a home made conditioner can be used in a week. She also wants to know how to get rid of the hair on the upper lip.
Radha, use a conditioner whenever you wash your hair i.e. 2-3 times a week. To get rid of the hair on the upper lip, try using a mixture of sugar and lemon - make a paste and rub daily twice.
LILY MADHOK
(Lily Madhok is a therapeutic nutritionist, dietician and beautician. She is the Director of Salon 2000, ITC Park Sheraton)
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