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ASK SHAHNAZ

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain offers beauty tips and answers queries. You can send your queries to shahnaz_press@yahoo.co.in

I have pimples and spots. I have been using a cream for the past six months. Now I have pits in my cheeks. How can I get rid of them? I also have white heads on my nose and cheeks. — Shubhayu

Pimples do leave pits (tiny holes) in the skin. A facial scrub will help, but it should not be applied on pimples. You can mix rice powder with rose water or curd and apply it on the areas where you have marks and pits. Rub it gently on the skin with tiny circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and wash it off with water. You can also use the scrub on the white heads. You can mix oatmeal with egg white and apply it on the pits and marks. When it dries, wash it off with water.

My hands get wrinkled and dry and I am forced to wear full-sleeved shirts always. Moisturisers don't seem to work. — Arun

You can apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun. Massage sesame seed (til) oil on the hands before your bath. Avoid soap, or use a mild glycerine soap. Take a washcloth and scrub the hands while bathing. Immediately after a bath, apply a body lotion, while the skin is still damp. This helps to seal in the moisture.

How can I get rid of the tan from my skin? — Sai Nath

First of all, you need to protect your skin from excessive exposure to the sun.

The use of scrubs would help. For the face, you can mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply it daily, washing it off after 20 minutes. For the body, mix besan with curd and add a pinch of turmeric. Apply this mixture half an hour before your bath. Or, you can use a cream containing lemon and turmeric.

I look older than I should. I have dark circles. I have used potato and cucumber, but they did not help. Please suggest a home remedy.

My brother had chicken pox some time ago and it has left marks. Please advise. — Swati

The dark circles may be due to hereditary factors, nutritional deficiencies, stress or inadequate sleep. So, along with external care, you should check these aspects. For the dark circles, mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal quantities. Apply it daily and wash it off with water after 15 minutes. Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements and do some deep breathing exercises daily. Chicken pox marks usually fade with time. However, your brother can use the rice powder and curd mixture. Apply it on the marks, rubbing gently and then wash it off with water.

I have small black dots on my face. In the beginning, they were light, but now they have become dark and spread all over the face. The skin specialist told me that it is due to sunburn. I am applying a sunscreen lotion with SPF 15. But, there is no change. Should I go to a beauty parlour? — Deepa

The sunscreen lotion is for protection and prevention, rather than for removing the black dots. You must apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun. You should use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.

Apply it 20 minutes before going out in the sun. If you are in the sun for more than 20 minutes, re-apply the sunscreen. You should use a facial scrub according to your skin type.

Also, mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply it daily on the entire face, washing it off after 20 minutes. This will help them become lighter, but it will take time. Yes, you can go to a skin care clinic. Specialised products, masks and treatments will help.

I have dark circles around my eyes. I do sleep well and have tried different creams but in vain. For pimple marks on my cheeks, I apply honey daily. Also, I have pigmentation on my hands. I have dry hair and dandruff. Please suggest remedies. — Nousheen

You can mix cucumber juice and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply it daily. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Actually, whether you use an under-eye cream or a home remedy, you need to follow the treatment daily for at least two months to get results. Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements and do some deep breathing exercises daily. Follow the rice powder and curd remedy suggested in this column for pimple marks. For the hands, mix besan with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it daily, 20 minutes before bathing. For dandruff, once a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp, using cotton wool and rubbing gently. Leave it on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon and wash your hair after half an hour. Wash your hair at least three times a week, using a mild herbal shampoo. Half an hour before shampooing, take one tablespoon of vinegar and massage it lightly into the scalp. Once a week, apply henna. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, one teaspoon of methi seed powder, 2 raw eggs and enough curd to the henna powder, mixing it to a thick paste. Apply it on the hair and wash it off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more curd.

Is there any hair straightening cream available which I can apply at home using a comb? Where is it available? — Vinayak Ramani

Hair straightening sprays, balms and creams are available. It is not possible to mention the names of products. The best thing would be to seek advice at a hairdressing salon.

I have unwanted hair between the eyebrows and I am undergoing laser treatment. Three sittings are over. Will it be a permanent remedy? Should I continue with the treatment? — Rahul

Laser treatment should help remove the unwanted hair. It is said to be a permanent treatment. Since you have started undergoing the treatment, you should complete it. First, find out how many more sessions will be required.

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