Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Husain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com

June 09, 2013 02:52 pm | Updated 02:52 pm IST

Tisca Chopra. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Tisca Chopra. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

I have scanty eyebrows. Suggest a remedy. Also, is it safe to apply honey on the face?Rajesh

Castor oil is said to encourage the growth of eyebrows. Apply a little of it daily on the eyebrows, using a cotton bud. Yes, honey may be applied on the face. It is not harmful and is a natural moisturiser. For oily skin, mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply it on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. For dry skin, mix honey with a little milk and apply it the same way.

I have dark and oily skin. What should I do to improve my complexion?Amirtha

After washing your face, apply astringent lotion. Or, mix cucumber juice, rose water and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply it daily on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Use a facial scrub twice a week. Apply it on your face, rubbing the skin gently with small circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes before washing it off with water. Mix one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice and apply it daily on your face, at any time. Wash it off after 20 minutes. Mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply it daily on your face. Wash it off after it dries.

I have heard that oil applied on the skin darkens it, especially following sun exposure. Is this true?Rama

When the skin is exposed to the sun, it gets tanned, whether oil is applied or not. It is better not to apply oil and leave it on. Oil may be applied only on dry skin for a few minutes and then wiped off with moist cotton wool. It is better to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturisers which prevent dryness.

For the last one month I’ve been observing a growth that resembles a wart on my temple. What should I do to get rid of it? — Naresh

It is best to refer warts to a dermatologist, or go in for homeopathic treatment. As far as home remedies are concerned, it is said that applying vinegar on the warts daily causes them to eventually fall out. Apply it only on the wart, using cotton wool. It is also said that onions help. Soak cut onions in water overnight. The following morning, apply the water on your face.

I am only in my thirties but wrinkles are appearing on my face. Please help.Matin

Use a cleansing cream or gel; avoid soap. After cleansing, apply moisturiser. Or, apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. At night, after cleansing your face, massage your skin with a nourishing cream, using outward and slightly upward movements. Wipe off excess cream with moist cotton wool before bedtime. Mix honey with a little milk or egg yolk and apply it daily on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Twice a week, apply a face mask. Mix three teaspoons of oatmeal with one teaspoon each of honey, curd and lemon juice, or egg white. Apply it on your face, avoiding the lips and the area around your eyes. Wash it off after half an hour.

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