B eautician Shahnaz Husain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com
Suggest remedies for body odour.— Shea
Be generous with the use of colognes. They are lighter than perfumes. Colognes can be added to bath water. Or, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply under the arms. You can also add lemon juice to this paste. Leave on for ten minutes and wash off. Or mix a little baking soda with your talcum powder and apply under the arms, or on the feet. Potato slices can also be rubbed on areas where odour forms easily. You can also add one teaspoon alum to your bath water. Crush some mint leaves and add them too.
I am 42. I have normal to dry skin. Lately, I am getting whiteheads. Also suggest a home-made scrub.— Anita
You may be having a combination skin, as acne usually occurs on oily skin or oily areas of combination skin. Eruptions with pus make for an acne condition. It is better not to use scrubs on areas with acne, pimples or rash. However, you may apply the scrub on areas with whiteheads and blackheads. Mix ground almonds or rice powder with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on the face and rub gently on the skin. Wash off with water. Ready made scrubs with natural ingredients are also available.
I am 21 and weigh 45 kg. I want to gain weight.— Vaishnavi
A healthy body, even if it is thin, can be strong and well-toned. There can be energy and stamina. First consult your doctor to check out the causes for being thin like thyroid imbalance. Ensure that there are no feelings of fatigue and lack of vitality. Eat nutritious food and a balanced diet. When you sit down for a meal, eat slowly and chew well. Appreciate every morsel you eat. Exercise will help build muscles and give better shape to the figure. But first consult your doctor.
Suggest a solution for dry skin.— Tasneem
Avoid soap and use a cleansing gel or cream. Apply sunscreen before going out in the sun and keep the skin well moisturised. Mix honey with egg yolk or milk and apply on the face daily. Wash off after 15 minutes. Or, apply aloe vera gel daily on the face and wash off after 20 minutes. At night, after cleansing, apply nourishing cream and massage it on the skin with a few drops of water. Wipe it off with moist cotton wool, before bedtime.
