Get smooth nails with these three natural ingredients

My nails are short and worn out in places. Is there any natural home remedy for a manicure and pedicure?
- Sujata
You can definitely maintain well-groomed hands and feet at home by using the following exfoliating mask every week. Add a tablespoon of cane sugar to a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of almond oil. Apply this to the hands and feet. Rinse it off after 20 minutes. Apply a few drops of almond oil on the hands and feet. Gently massage the cuticles. Once every 15 days, trim the nails and file them using an Emory board. Don't forget to moisturise the hands and feet every night. It's best to use almond oil or vitamin E oil.
I am 30 years old. I used to have pimples on my face before and they've left behind a lot of black marks. Please advise. What should I do?
- Helen
Your skin needs proper care. Mix 1 teaspoon of yoghurt with 1 teaspoon of grated tomato purée and enough rice powder to make a smooth pack. Apply this on your face. After it dries completely, dab a few drops of water and gently scrub in a circular motion for a few minutes. Do this every day and you will definitely see a change.
I am a regular reader of your column. I am a 28-year-old woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome and I'm currently undergoing treatment. Due to the disease, I have severe hair loss, small pimples on my face, neck, chest and back, and very dark underarms. My weight is 46kg and I am trying to gain more but am unsuccessful. How can I get rid of all these problems?
- Name withheld
The treatment I am about to suggest needs to be followed consistently for three months in order to see a difference. Foods rich in carbohydrates will help improve your weight. Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, potatoes and nuts. Also, avoid oily foods as they will damage your skin and hair. Rub fresh aloe vera gel every day into your scalp and apply the same to your face. It can be rinsed off after an hour or left on overnight to achieve better results. To lighten the underarms, scrub them with potato pulp. Allow to dry and leave on overnight for quicker results.
A few years ago, I moved to Dubai and have been reading your page ever since. I have seen that numerous people have benefitted from your suggestions, so please help me too. I'm 19 years old and have been struggling with a problem for the last 2-3 years. A bleaching accident left a big mark on my upper lip. It has totally changed my appearance and looks very bad. Please suggest something easy that I can do at home and will help me get rid of it. How long will the process take? I've also stopped bleaching now - what do you recommend?
-NK
From what I understand, you seem to have burnt your skin. I would suggest you mix 1 teaspoon of glycerin, 1 teaspoon of cane sugar and a few drops of lemon juice together and apply this on the upper lip. Leave on for 20 minutes and scrub the skin for a few minutes. Do this twice daily and your skin condition will improve.
I am 12 years old and have a pimple on my nose. I have tried putting aloe vera on it - but it doesn't seem to be going away. However, I just want a home remedy for my pimple. Also, I have a 15-year-old sister and her lips are white in colour. Please suggest a remedy to make her lips pink.
- Name withheld
Use half a teaspoon of honey and some cinnamon powder to make a cream; apply this over the pimple. Leave the paste on overnight and do this daily. Avoid using hot water on the pimple. To decrease the paleness of the lips, scrub them with a combination of half a teaspoon of glycerin, a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar. Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the lips. After 10 minutes, scrub this off with cold water. Do this every day for healthy pink lips.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

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