Get smooth skin with these three natural ingredients

The skin on my chin is getting pretty rough and damaged due to threading, and it makes me really sad. I now have ingrown hairs, whiteheads, tiny pimples and dry skin in that area.
- Jaisy
Mix some oats and rice powder together, then add tomato juice. Apply the mask to your chin and, when dry, scrub against the hair growth. Do this three times a week. Your skin will get soft and smooth; it will clear pimples and, gradually, also clear the hair.
I am 30 years old and suffer from the most horrible dry skin. I am constantly applying Vaseline and cold creams. I need some serious help because this has destroyed the texture of my skin. What's worse, during winters, my skin bleeds as it is so dry, I can't help the itching. Please help me save my skin.
- Name withheld
I don't wish to give you any shortcuts to improve your skin, as it is necessary to improve its condition from the inside out. Drink 9-10 glasses of water daily to help cleanse your body from within and hydrate skin. Do any kind of exercise - a brisk walk or 40 minutes of yoga - at least five days a week to activate blood circulation. The warmth it creates helps activate natural oils, making the skin supple. Rub glycerin on the skin during your bath and use a very mild body wash that is rich and moisturising. Follow this with a body lotion that is rich in Vitamin E oil, avocado, evening primrose or glycerin. Slowly, incorporate a daily routine of body brushing. You will find the required brush at any supermarket or pharmacy. Ensure you shampoo and condition the brush after purchase (the way you would your hair); allow it to dry, then, before your shower, brush your body while it is still dry, starting gently from the feet and working your way up to the entire body. This will help activate the sebaceous glands, bringing the oils to the surface of the skin and making it smooth. Do be mild with the brushing for the first 10 days before proceeding as per your tolerance level. Brushing will also help exfoliate dry, flaky skin and activate blood circulation. All the best.
Years of smoking has made my skin poor and discoloured my teeth. I was wondering if you have any home remedy to fix these problems? Please suggest something effective.
- Dheeraj
Smoking depletes natural oils from the skin and blocks the pores, preventing skin from 'breathing'. Apply an aloe vera mask to skin and have 2 tablespoons of aloe vera to cleanse your body from within and brighten the skin. Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily. Sprinkle a little soda bicarbonate powder on your toothpaste before brushing your teeth. This will help lighten and clean teeth. Do this every alternate day.
I have patches of skin that are darker than the rest on different parts of my body. Is there any way to even out the tone of my skin?
- Name withheld
To even and tone skin, mash a banana, add a little honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mask on your skin daily and leave on for an hour every day. Rinse off with cold water and follow with aloe vera gel for sun protection as well as to help moisturise the skin.
I'm 13 years old. My scalp is constantly itchy these days, but I don't have lice. Please give me a solution.
- Davina
Mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel; add 6 drops of lemon juice to this and massage the mix into your scalp. Leave on for an hour before rinsing well with a mild shampoo. Do this twice a week to solve your problem.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics