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ASK SHAHNAZ

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

I have dry skin and it's quite sensitive. I have been using Honey Mud Pack. Is it suitable for my skin or would you suggest any other mask? I use a gentle face wash, and rose water for toning. Then I use a scrub and after washing it off, I apply the mask. Finally, I apply Gold moisturising cream. Should I make a change in the above weekly routine?— Sowmya

Actually, for dry skin, you need to follow a daily routine. Instead of a face wash, you should use a cleansing gel. Tone with rose water and then use a moisturiser or sunscreen. At night, after cleansing, apply a nourishing cream and massage it on the skin with a few drops of water. Wipe off with moist cotton wool. For your weekly routine, you need not use a scrub if you are using a mask, since your skin is sensitive. Otherwise, you can follow the routine.

I have oily skin and pimples on my face and my skin is allergic to the sun. My hair is thin. What can I do to add body to it? Can I use a facial cream? — J. Vaishnavi

Actually, oily skin is prone to pimples. You should not use creams, unless it is meant for oily skin. You should apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun. Select one that is suited to oily skin; add a drop of water before applying it to give a lighter coverage. You should wash your face twice a day with a medicated soap. Apply curd on the face daily and wash it off after 20 minutes. For your hair, apply oil the night before shampooing. Apply henna once a week. It will help add body to the hair. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough curd to the henna powder, mixing it into 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. Have a small bowl of sprouts daily and ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements.

I am 14 and have pimples all over my face. I have been using many creams and multani mitti, but there is no improvement. Please suggest a remedy. — Siddharth

Stop using creams and multani mitti, as these may clog the pores, leading to more pimples. Wash your face twice a day with a medicated soap. Apply curd daily on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes. This helps control pimples. Apply sandalwood paste or an anti-pimple lotion on the pimples.

What is cold wax treatment? How can waxing be done at home? Is it advisable to use epilators for removing body hair? — Srividya

Cold waxing is a method most people use at home. It can be bought at a store. Follow the directions on the label. The method followed is the same as hot waxing. Pre-coated cold waxing strips are also available. You apply the wax to the area, then stick strips of cloth and rub them in the direction of hair growth and then pull the strips off quickly in the opposite direction. With pre-coated strips, you can stick them and follow the same procedure. Epilators can be used for the arms and legs. The hair must be about one quarter to one third inch long for the epilator to work. Epilators should not be used on the face and sensitive areas of the body.

I got some black spots on my face following the use of Dettol after shaving. I also had a burning sensation after which I gave up Dettol. At present, I am using a homeopathic cream, but have not got good results. How can I get rid of the black spots? — S. Biswananthan

You should have diluted the antiseptic solution before applying it. However, you can try applying a little Vitamin E oil on the area. If the skin has healed, you can try a facial scrub. Mix a few drops of honey with lemon juice and apply it on the spots daily, washing it off after 20 minutes.

I have lots of unwanted hair on my face, especially above my lips. Please suggest a home remedy. — Sneha

Actually, home remedies do not help the problem of facial hair, unless the growth is fine and downy. The best thing would be to have threading or cold waxing done at a beauty parlour. You can also go in for laser therapy, which is said to be a permanent solution. However, it is an expensive procedure. You need to find a reputed clinic. Also find out how many sessions you may require. Meanwhile, try threading or waxing.

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