How to rid your skin of all blemishes

Beauty expert Rima Soni suggests some home remedies

I have acne all over my face. It looks unsightly and I really want clear skin. Please help. - Vivesh
Make a thick mask of cinnamon powder mixed with honey. Apply on the areas with pimples. I recommend leaving the mask on the skin overnight. Next day, rinse and massage aloe vera gel into skin. This will help calm the skin and clear your pimples.
Thank you for your tips, which have helped my mother and my sister immensely. I am a 24-year-old male who has had dandruff problems for a very long time. Over the last three years, I have developed a bald spot. I have been applying a mixture of castor oil, curry leaves oil, aloe vera gel and onion juice twice every week for two months, but there has been very little progress. I can still see small dots on my head where the bald spot has developed, but with less hair growing out of it. The quality of any hair that does grow there is as soft as cotton. This has affected my confidence at work. It would be really helpful if you can suggest any home remedies. Also, my genetics are fine as my dad and my grandad have had very thick hair.
- Name withheld
In your case, where you have tried natural remedies with little result, I would recommend a hormonal imbalance test because that can cause thinning and balding of hair. Don't stop applying the onion juice, curry leaves oil and aloe vera treatment. I'd also suggest steaming your scalp every alternate day, as this activates blood circulation and will help with both hair growth and dandruff.

My hair is always so oily. I cannot keep using shampoos as they are making my hair fall a lot. Please give me a solution.
- Bhatia
Aloe vera gel is an amazing cleanser for the scalp. It improves the health of your scalp and adds body to the hair too. Add 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel to 1 teaspoon filtered water; mix well and massage into the scalp. Allow to dry. It would be great if this is done every day. Shampoo once a week - but you must dilute the shampoo before use. Steaming is good for improving hair the condition; try doing so twice a week for added benefit.

I have hair on my back which is so embarrassing. I really want to remove it but without undergoing laser treatment.
- Name withheld
Take some thick, starchy rice water and allow to cool. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder to it. Apply this mask to your back and allow to dry; when dry, scrub against hair growth. It works best for soft hair, especially on the back. Do this thrice a week and you will see a visible difference.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics