Blackheads, Begone!

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Blackheads, Begone!

The one-stop home solutions space

By Rima Soni

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Published: Fri 19 Jun 2015, 1:18 PM

Last updated: Wed 22 Jul 2015, 3:39 PM

 I’m a 13-year-old girl, and I have blackheads all over my face that I believe are caused by dandruff. The dandruff eventually went away because I started using aloe vera gel on my hair, but the blackheads still remain. I also have hair on my upper lip. Please tell me how I can get rid of them. - Jovita
Blackheads are usually a result of open pores, and not due to dandruff. If the skin is oily, the oil can get trapped within and clog the pores. Add half a tsp of bicarbonate soda to some water. Soak a cotton pad with this solution and dab over your blackheads. Do this several times. You will notice that the blackheads will come to the surface — when that happens, take a face towel and scrub them off. Once you are satisfied that you have cleared away the blackheads, apply a mask of oats powder, tomato juice and half a teaspoon of rice powder. Scrub this mask off gently — it will not only shrink pores, but reduce facial hair as well.
Is there any natural, yet effective, way to treat hyper-pigmentation of the skin? -  Mamta
To lighten the pigmentation, you must avoid being out in the harsh sun, especially between 12pm to 3pm. If you must go out, be sure to apply a sunblock at least 20 minutes beforehand. If you are out for more than three hours, re-apply the sunblock. Also, try applying papaya purée or coconut milk — they both have a lightening effect on the skin.
I am getting married in December and want to look my best on the big day. The problem is that my hair is thinning rapidly. I used to use a hair straightener fairly regularly because I have curly hair, but I have stopped doing that now. I have noticed that whenever I apply oil to my hair, there is a lot of hair fall, especially when I wash it off. Another issue is that I have a lot of ingrown hair on my legs, which look like blackheads. In the past, I used to try to squeeze them out with my nails, but that left black marks or scars. I am now using lemon juice on my legs but if you have an alternative suggestion for ingrown hair, I would love to hear it. Please do help me get rid of my problems by December! Name withheld
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to getting thicker hair. However, try the following treatment, and you will be able to see a difference over the period of a year. Take the juice of a green pumpkin and massage it into your hair. Let it dry on your scalp and leave overnight. Do this thrice a week to really see the difference in the quality of your hair. For the marks on your legs, apply a mask of strawberry purée and cornflour. After it dries, rinse with cold water. Body brushing is a great way to activate circulation and treat the ingrown hair. Do this on dry skin every day, before you have a shower.
I’m an 18-year-old, and I have quite a few hair issues. I feel like my hair has the texture of a rope and when I wash my hair, it only seems to get worse! I’m really worried about this; please do suggest a quick home remedy. - Name withheld
Your hair requires a rich, nourishing hair treatment. Leave avocado paste on your hair at least one hour before you shampoo it — this will be extremely good for the hair. There may be an imbalance of the thyroid gland, which is making your hair coarse. Do take an appointment with your doctor to check your thyroid condition.
I’m 48 years old. My skin is extremely dry and it sags — especially around my cheeks. Also, my laugh lines are quite deep. Please advise.  Name withheld
You need to try facial massages — they help tone and firm up the skin. However, this will have to be taught to you or done for you by a yoga instructor. Splashing cold water onto your face is another way to firm up the skin. 
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)


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