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Get softer skin with these three ingredients

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I have dry skin and cracked heels. Also, since my hair is quite curly, it grows at a very slow pace. Is there a way this can be changed?
- Name withheld
Take 1 tbsp walnut powder, add sesame powder and mix with yoghurt. Massage this pack on the dry skin, and scrub off with damp fingers. Do this thrice a week and you will get good results. Cracked heels can be treated by first dipping the feet in water with 1 tbsp of Epsom salt. After 10 minutes, take your feet out and, when dry, massage glycerine with a few drops of lemon juice. Now, wear cotton socks and keep them overnight. Brushing hair twice a day -minimum 10 to 12 strokes - activates circulation and improves hair growth.
I read one of your earlier columns where you recommend aloe vera gel application for frizzy hair. The problem is when I apply aloe vera gel, my hair becomes limp and unmanageable. What am I doing wrong?
- Geena
Try and apply aloe vera gel when the hair is dry and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash your hair later with a mild shampoo and condition the ends, only if they are dry or else leave it. Do this and you will see your hair gain volume; it will also make your hair more manageable.
I am a 15-year-old boy and would like you to prescribe natural remedies for the following problems:
1. I have got pimple marks on my face, especially the area around my nose.
2. During the day, my face gets really oily - mostly around my nose and cheeks.
3. I have dark circles around my eyes.
4. My hair is rough, dry and filled with dandruff. I would like to get dark and smooth hair without dandruff.
5. The area around my knees is really dark and my legs are very dry
6. Also, during the day, my hands feel really dry and I put water on them to make them soft.
It would be helpful if you give remedies with measurements.
- Name withheld
1&2) For marks on your face and nose: rub tomato slices on your skin and leave for an hour, rinse off with cold water (avoid hot water on the skin as it opens pores, making the oil glands overactive). Do this treatment once a day every day.
3) For dark circles: almond or coconut milk moisturises and lightens them; apply some every day for best results.
4) For dry hair: add 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel to 1 tbsp of lemon juice and add 2 tbsp of black tea; mix well and massage on the scalp and rest of hair. Leave on for 1 hour and rinse off the next day. Do this treatment twice a week.
5) For dark knees: add rice powder to coconut milk and apply the mask on your knees. Scrub off after 5 minutes. Do this every alternate day.
6) For dry hands: apply coconut milk and rice powder on the hands and scrub off the mask in the shower. Do this every day. It will keep your skin soft and supple.

The back of my neck is very dark and doesn't look nice. I'm very conscious of it because my hair is short. Can you help me?
- Krithika
Darkness can be cleared by rubbing the back of the neck with papaya pulp. Leave on for an hour and then rinse off in the shower. Do this every day for best results.

My lips are constantly chapped and the skin constantly comes out. Chapsticks don't really help me. I hate how they look. If you have any remedies, please suggest.
- Hisham
Coconut milk is an excellent treatment to exfoliate dead skin from dry lips and make them soft and smooth. Apply a thin film of coconut milk on the lips, and leave on overnight. When you rinse off the next day, your lips will be soft and smooth. Do this every alternate day.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)