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Do you have Hyperpigmentation?

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I am a 26-year-old man and, lately, I have noticed black marks forming across my cheeks and nose. They look really bad, and I'm quite worried about them. Please tell me how I can get rid of the black marks on my face.
Name withheld

You may have hyperpigmentation, a condition that causes patches of the skin to darken. Ensure that you protect your skin before you go out by using a good sun block every day. Use only cold water to rinse your skin (avoid hot water on the face completely) and avoid spicy food and caffeine. Moreover, ensure that you are drinking fresh juices and at least eight glasses of water daily. Add green leafy vegetables to your diet; try meditation and yoga to remain calm and get rid of any stress you may have, as this can affect your skin too. To lighten the dark patches on your face, wash your face thoroughly and then rub a tomato slice on the skin. Leave this on overnight for best results.
I have chicken skin (medically known as keratosis pilaris) and, as a result, the skin along my upper arms, hips, thighs and back is bumpy and very dry. I've tried using pure coconut oil and olive oil on my skin, but to no avail. It remains unsightly and feels rough. Please suggest a solution to make it better.
Name withheld

My first suggestion is that you consult a dermatologist. To deal with your dry skin, try body brushing - it is an excellent treatment for your problem. After you shower, and while your body is still a little wet, gently massage your skin with almond oil. Do this every day.
I have quite a few problems, and would really appreciate home remedies for all of them. I have acne all over my face, neck and upper arms, and these have left behind spots. I also have dark lips, knees and elbows. Lastly, I have several stretch marks, caused due to continous weight gain and loss. Please let me know if you can suggest any natural solutions to these problems.
Name withheld

For your acne, make a mask by mixing sandalwood powder and aloe vera gel; apply this all over the affected areas (your face, neck and upper arms). For your dark lips, knees and elbows, coconut milk is an excellent ingredient that will do wonders for your complexion. Make a mask using creamy coconut milk mixed with cornflour and apply this on your stretch marks, dark knees, elbows and lips. Do this right after you use the sandalwood mask (but remember to rinse that mask off first!). Be sure to use cold water to rinse both the masks, and do both treatments every day for best results.
In the past, you have suggested green pumpkin juice for different hair loss problems. Can you please clarify what exactly you mean by green pumpkin? Is it the same vegetable that people call kaddu, or the green bottle gourd (lauki)? Please let me know.
I suggested green bottle pumpkin (lauki) juice for healthy hair growth. All you need to do is massage the juice onto your scalp and leave it on for about an hour or two.
I'm a 13-year-old girl suffering from sunburn, despite using sunscreen. Can you suggest a remedy?
Name withheld

Mix a tbsp of yoghurt and half a tsp of glycerine; apply this mixture to your skin. Applying aloe vera gel and leaving it overnight will also help soothe your skin.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)