B eautician Shahnaz Husain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com
Igetpimples only on my right cheek. What is the reason and how can I get rid of them? — Chandrakala
You may be sleeping more on your right side. If there is dandruff, sleeping on one side can trigger pimples on that side. The hair or pillow cover touching the face can also lead to pimples. After washing the face, wipe the pimple-prone area with an astringent lotion. Mix cinnamon (dalchini) powder with a little lemon juice and a few drops of honey into a sticky paste. Apply only on the pimples daily and leave it on for at least an hour. Mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply it on the face two or three times a week. Wash it off when it dries. If your hair is oily, after shampoo, add the juice of a lemon to a mug of water and use it as the last rinse. Wash your pillow cover daily in warm water after adding a few drops of antiseptic lotion.
I have stretch marks on my arms and lower abdomen. Please suggest products and home remedies. — Ramya
Stretch marks form when there is weight loss after weight gain, due to destruction of skin elasticity. They are difficult to remove totally, but they do fade with time. Apply olive oil daily on these areas and massage it into the skin. Mix besan with curd and a little haldi into a paste and apply it on these areas thrice a week. Wash it off after half an hour. In terms of products, you can apply a lemon turmeric cream daily on the area. Body masks are also available.
I am a college goer. My hair used to be black and shiny, but has become brown now. Suggest home remedies. —Banupriya
Protect your hair with a scarf, hat or dupatta when you are out in the sun. Conditioners with sunscreen are also available. Also, your diet should contain the required amount of protein. After consulting your doctor, include sprouts, dals, beans, paneer and curd in your diet. You can also add one teaspoon of castor oil to one tablespoon of pure coconut oil. Warm it and apply it on the hair twice a week. Castor oil may help restore the dark colour.
I have open pores and pimple marks on my face. My skin is very oily.I am a vegetarian. — Archana
Open pores occur on the oily areas of the skin. After washing the face, wipe it with an astringent lotion to reduce oiliness. If there are no pimples, use a facial scrub two or three times a week. Mix rice powder with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it on the face and rub it gently on the skin using small circular movements, especially on the areas with marks and open pores. Wash it off with plenty of water. Mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply it on the face thrice a week, avoiding the lips and the area around the eyes. Wash it off when it is dry. Since your skin is very oily, you can apply this pack daily.
My forehead is turning black, but the rest of the face is fairer. I consulted a skin specialist, but it did not help. Please suggest home remedies. — Girija
Apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going out in the sun. If you stay out in the sun for long, re-apply the sunscreen. In such cases, sun protection is important. Mix rice powder with curd and use it as a facial scrub once or twice a week. Apply it only on the dark area and rub it gently on the skin using tiny circular movements. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with water. Mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply it daily only on the dark area. Wash it off after 15 minutes with plain water. Twice a week, apply a face mask. Mix 3 teaspoons of oatmeal with one teaspoon each of honey, curd and lemon juice, or egg white. Apply it on the entire face, avoiding the lips and the area around the eyes. Wash it off after half an hour.
I have a long face and a largeforehead. Which hairstyle will suit me? — Harini
A fringe on the forehead will help a long face — go for a longish fringe. Fringes are in fashion nowadays. The hair should not be allowed to fall straight down, as this will give an impression of length. Instead, choose a cut that adds width at the sides. A short hairstyle is good for a thin, long face. Or, if you want shoulder-length hair, have a layered cut, with the layers beginning at ear level, to add width at the sides.
