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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

There are tiny open pores on my cheeks, especially near my nose. What’s the cause and the remedy? — Aarthi

Open pores occur on oily skin. After washing your face, wipe the area with an astringent lotion using cotton wool. Mix oatmeal with egg white and apply it thrice a week on the area with open pores. Wash it off after it dries. If you don’t wish to use egg white, mix multani mitti with rose water into a paste and apply it on the area daily, washing it off when it dries.

My face looks dull. Suggest a home remedy. — Padmini

Use a facial scrub twice a week. You can either buy one or mix rice powder with curd and use it. Apply the scrub on your face, rubbing it gently on the skin using small circular movements. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then wash it off. Apply a face mask once or twice a week. Mix together one tsp of curd, one tsp of honey, 4 tsp of oatmeal and the white of an egg. Apply it on your face, avoiding the lips and area around the eyes. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. Mix the liquid ingredients gradually to get the right consistency. I have dandruff and am losing hair, especially when I apply oil. But, if I do not apply oil, my hair does not settle. — Vinod

If oil remains on the hair, it leads to more dandruff, because oily hair attracts dirt. Sweat deposits, dirt and stale oil can stick to the scalp and clog the pores. Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo three or four times a week, using less shampoo and rinsing well with water. Half an hour before a shampoo, lightly massage two tbsp of vinegar on your scalp. Once a week, heat olive or til oil and apply it on your scalp at night. Leave it on overnight. The next morning, apply vinegar half an hour before you shampoo your hair. After washing it, comb it. Take two drops of oil and smear it on both palms and smooth them on your hair. The area below my eyes is puffy. I am worried about it. — Shwetha

Consult a doctor to ensure your kidneys and sinuses are functioning well. Ask for dietary advice. Don’t leave make-up or cream on around your eyes at night. It can lead to puffiness. Apply a compress of ice water or cold milk on your closed lids and leave it on for 15 to 20 mins. Or, soak cotton wool pads in chilled rose water and let them rest beneath your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Grated potatoes or potato juice, applied around your eyes also helps reduce puffiness. So do tea bags. Steep them in hot water, cool them and use them as eye pads.

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