I have normal to dry skin. What are cleansing, toning and moisturising? Is it necessary to do all every day? And, what products should I use for these?— Divya
Cleansing, toning and moisturising are the different steps in a daily skin care routine. Cleansing is cleaning or washing of the skin. For normal to dry skin, you can use a cleansing gel or cream, or a mild glycerine soap. Tone the skin after cleansing with skin tonic or rose water, using cotton wool pads. Wipe and stroke the skin, with outward and slightly upward movements and then pat the skin briskly. Toning helps refresh the skin and add a glow. It also helps close the pores. Moisturising replaces moisture — the skin loses moisture during dry weather, due to exposure to the sun and use of soap and cosmetics. Moisturising the skin every day is necessary for normal to dry skin. Or, you can apply a sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun. Also use a moisturiser before applying foundation.
How can I ensure a glow on my face for improve the glow in my face for special occasions? Will any creams or home-made pastes help? Please tell me creams and home made pastes.— Harika
Before any special occasion, you can use a readymade peel-off pack, available at a cosmetic store. Or, you can mix a little honey with lemon juice and egg white and apply on the face, washing off after 15 minutes. Then, tone the skin with chilled rose water, using cotton wool pads. Using a facial scrub brightens the skin. Fruit packs also help. Mix ripe papaya pulp, mashed banana, grated apples and other fruits. Apply on the face and wash off with plain water after 20 minutes. Suitable make-up can also add to the glow.
I have dandruff, and got my hair smoothened recently. If I don't wash it every alternate day, I have severe itching get severe dandruff and itching.— Sonal
Ideally, the dandruff should have been treated before you went in for smoothening, since the products can clog the pores of the scalp and lead to more dandruff. Since there is itching, you should consult a dermatologist to ensure it is not some other scalp condition. Apply a non-oily, herbal hair tonic every day on the scalp and leave it on. Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo four times a week, using only a little shampoo; rinse well. Half an hour before shampooing, lightly massage two tablespoons of vinegar onto the scalp. Once a week, heat olive oil or sesame oil, and apply on the scalp at night, using cotton wool; rub gently to dislodge the dandruff flakes. Leave on overnight. The next morning, apply the vinegar as advised. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and yoghurt in your diet. Drink six to eight glasses of water every day. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.
I have hair on my upper lips. How can I get rid of it?— Neha
You can go in for threading at a beauty salon. Home remedies do not help remove facial hair; however, they are said to lessen facial hair growth if used regularly over a period of time. Try any of the following remedies for discouraging facial hair growth. Make a thick paste of sugar, lemon juice and water and apply it in the direction of hair growth, washing off when dry. Apply this once or twice a week. Rub a paste of turmeric powder and milk on the skin, using a circular motion — this is said to discourage facial hair, but it may leave behind a slight yellowish tinge on the skin.
My neck region is dark. Please suggest a home remedy.— Deepika
Apply sesame seed (til) oil every day before your bath and massage it into the skin. At night, you can massage almond oil on the neck using both hands. Mix besan, curd, lemon juice and a little haldi (turmeric) and apply it at least thrice a week. Wash off after half an hour. Then, massage sesame oil into the skin.
