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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 a mole on my nose and it looks odd. Is there any herbal treatment to remove it? — Priya

Home remedies will not help remove moles. Moreover, one has to exercise caution with moles. You should consult a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon. Moles may be removed surgically or through laser treatment.

I have dandruff, which is yellowish and sticky. It remains so even after shampooing. I also have an oily T-zone. Please suggest a home remedy. — Hemalatha

Hot oil therapy will help loosen the dandruff flakes. Twice a week, heat pure coconut oil or til oil and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool, rubbing gently to dislodge the flakes. Tie a scarf/cloth around the head and leave the oil on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour. For some time, you need to wash your hair daily. Use less shampoo, diluting it with water and apply. Rinse thoroughly with water. Henna treatment will also help. To the henna powder, add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, two teaspoons of oil and enough tea water, so that the henna can be mixed into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair to cover the entire head. Keep it on for two hours and wash it off with water. To make tea water, boil used tealeaves in enough water. Cool and add it to the henna. Mix one part of rose water with two parts of astringent. Using cotton wool, wipe the oily areas with this lotion twice or thrice a day.

The skin on my feet is very dry and it has developed cracks. I apply cream, but it does not seem to help. What should I do? — Shobha

A one-week intensive treatment can help your feet. Before retiring to bed, soak your feet in hot water for about 20 minutes, after adding coarse salt and shampoo to it. With the help of a pumice stone or scrubber, rub the heels gently in order to remove the dead cells. Avoid using a metal scrubber. After washing the feet, massage them with a good cream, rubbing it into the skin. Take more cream and apply it generously on the heels. Bandage the heels with cheesecloth or cotton wool and surgical gauze, then wear cotton socks and go to sleep. Special preparations for the heels are also available, which may have an antiseptic effect too.

I am 21. Over the past couple of years, I have been noticing quite a few brown spots on my face. I consulted a dermatologist but it has not helped much. Also, how do I get rid of split ends? — Rumi

You should apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun. Re-apply it if you are in the sun for more than 20 to 30 minutes. Carrying an umbrella while going out may also help.

Use a facial scrub twice or thrice a week. Add a pinch of turmeric to curd or buttermilk and apply it daily on the face, washing it off after 20 minutes. First cut off the split ends. Then give your hair proper and regular care. Avoid tying the hair tightly with rubber bands. Avoid using hair dryers and brushes. Use a wide-toothed comb. Twice a week, heat pure coconut oil mixed with one teaspoon of castor oil, and apply it on the scalp and the hair.

Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around the head like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three or four times. This helps the hair and the scalp absorb the oil better. Use a conditioner after shampooing.

My problem is I get tanned easily. I have oily skin and have been using a papaya facial scrub once a month. Is that all right for oily skin? — Vidya

A papaya facial scrub would suit oily skin, but you should use it at least thrice a week. In fact, for oily skin, scrubs can be used daily as they facilitate deep pore cleansing and keep the pores free of oil.

Twice or thrice a week, mix besan with curd and a pinch of turmeric and apply it on the face, washing it off when it is dry. It will also help remove tan over a period of time.

I have sensitive skin. I have not used any cosmetics so far, except powder. Can you suggest a homemade face pack to make the skin glow? I am now using an apricot scrub without any side effects. — Savitha

You have not mentioned your skin type. However, if you are using a scrub, without any reaction, you can prepare a mask with three teaspoons of `choker' (wheat bran) and one teaspoon each of honey, curd and egg white.

If you want to avoid eggs, take more curd. Apply it on the face twice a week and wash it off when it dries. Ready-to-use facemasks are also available.

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