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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 would like to know how to get rid of dark lips and dark spots around the chin and mouth. — Saritha

Sometimes, photosensitivity can lead to dark lips and dark areas around the mouth. This can happen when the perfume in lipsticks reacts to sun-exposure. So, if you use lipstick, try a change of brand. Apply cream of milk daily on the lips and keep it on for an hour. At night, apply pure almond oil and leave it on overnight. On the dark spots around the mouth and chin, use a facial scrub. The rice powder and curd mixture can be used twice a week. Rub it gently on the skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off with water. Apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun.

My legs and feet are dry. Also they have become dark due to sun exposure. I am using a moisturiser daily. — Priya

Apply til oil on the legs and feet daily before bath and massage it into the skin. Take two tablespoons of sunflower oil, three tablespoons of lemon juice and three tablespoons of coarse sugar. Mix them together to a paste. Rub it well on the feet and hands. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. Or, you can add a little turmeric to curd and apply it daily, washing it off after 20 minutes. Use a mild glycerine soap for bathing. Immediately after your bath, apply a body lotion or moisturising lotion while the skin is still damp.

My husband gets pimples between his lower lip and chin. After shaving, he gets red pimples. Is it due to sensitive skin? Somebody suggested that he apply a moisturiser. Is that all right? — Ramneet

The red pimples may be due to a sensitive reaction. However, pimples can also occur due to oiliness of the skin. So, a moisturiser may lead to more pore clogging and pimples. He can try to change his shaving cream. An after-shave lotion would help reduce oiliness and prevent pimples. Or, after shaving, he can add a little rose water to sandalwood paste and apply it. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Can a facial scrub be used daily? Will it help open pores? — Harini

Open pores form due to oily skin. The skin's natural oil not only keeps oozing out, but also hardens and collects in the pores. Gradually, the pores become enlarged. After a period of time, the pores remain open due to loss of elasticity. So, it is essential to reduce oiliness of the skin and keep the pores free of oil. A facial scrub can be used daily on oily skin and on the areas with open pores. However, a scrub should not be applied on pimples. You can also mix oatmeal with egg white and apply it on the open pores twice a week. Wash it off when it is dry.

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