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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 am 24 and have developed pimples on my cheeks and forehead in the last few days. My skin feels dry. Can cold cream be applied? I have dandruff too. — Shilpi

Dandruff can lead to pimples. Pimples occur on the oily areas of the skin. Therefore, applying cold cream can lead to further pimples. Mix one part of pure glycerine with four parts of rosewater and keep it in the fridge. Apply it on the face after washing and before applying it, add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Once daily, apply curd mixed with a little turmeric on the entire face, and wash it off with plenty of water after 20 minutes. Apply sandalwood paste on the pimples. Twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp at night, using cotton wool. Leave it on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour. Apply henna once a week.

I am 18 and have hair above my upper lip. Is it safe to remove it by laser? Also, my legs and hands, especially knees and elbows, are tanned. — Revathi

To get rid of upper lip hair, threading or waxing can be done at a beauty salon. Laser therapy is safe, but the problem is to find a reputed laser clinic. It is also an expensive procedure. First, find out the cost involved and how many sessions you may require. Talk to people who have had it. For the tanned areas, take two lemon halves and rub them only on the knees and the elbows. Then apply til oil and massage it daily on the knees, elbows, arms and the legs. Mix besan with curd and a little haldi and apply it on the dark areas. Wash it off after 20 minutes.

I have long hair. My scalp and hair are dry. I use oil and plait my hair, but when I want to leave it loose, it looks greasy. I've heard that hair cream is less greasy. — Sumaiya

Hair cream is another name for hair conditioner. Oil and moisture are not the same. Hair oil does not moisturise, but a conditioner contains moisturisers and lubricants (oils). It helps soften and smoothen the hair texture, without making it greasy. It helps remove tangles, make hair more manageable. In fact, it helps protect hair that has been damaged by chemical treatments. For dry hair, apply oil twice a week the night before shampooing. After washing the hair, apply a conditioner, massaging it lightly into the hair. Leave it on for two minutes and rinse it off with water. However, if there is dandruff, a creamy conditioner should not be used. Rinses would be more suitable.

I have blackheads on my face. How can I get rid of them? — Ashana

Blackheads occur on oily areas of the skin. The pores get clogged with hardened oil. The tips are exposed to the air and get oxidised, becoming dark in colour. Hence, the name `blackheads'. After washing the face, wipe it with an astringent lotion, using cotton wool.

The use of a daily facial scrub will help dislodge and discourage blackheads. Mix rice flour with curd or rose water and use it as a facial scrub.

Apply it on the areas that have blackheads. Rub it gently on the skin, using small circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it off with water.

If the blackheads are stubborn, you can have them removed at a good beauty salon and then continue with the daily scrub treatment.

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