Sandalwood for skin

Q. I am a 17-year-old guy who used to be very fair before I joined outdoor swimming coaching. Now, my whole body has tanned, for which I have been applying fresh aloe vera gel overnight. It seems to be reducing my tan, but I’ve lost the glow. Please help! — Name withheld

A. Mix a little aloe vera gel and coconut milk, and apply this to the skin. This will help moisturise the skin and add a glow. Coconut milk is great for lightening and moisturising the skin.

Q. Since I’ve shifted to Dubai, I have been facing a severe hair 
fall problem. While oiling and shampooing, my hair falls a lot, and now I have very thin hair on my scalp. Help! — Neha

A. Hair falls when you use hard water. Avoid this by attaching a filter to your showerhead. You may use a final rinse of filtered or spring water, and this will help the quality of your hair. After you’ve shampooed, massage a few drops of rosemary oil to damp hair and leave to dry. 
Rosemary oil helps to stop hair fall and improve the scalp, by 
encouraging hair growth.

Q. I am a fair-skinned 25-year-old, but my armpits are very dark compared to the rest of my body. I’ve heard that this could be due to use of razors instead of hair removal creams. Is there any way I can lighten the skin? —Name withheld

A. Rub potato juice to the underarms every night before sleeping. This helps lighten the armpits. Avoid using any deodorant or fragrance, as it can sometimes darken the skin. Sandalwood powder is a better alternative.

Q. My son, who is 11 years old, has been getting grey hair since he was nine; it has only increased with time. Please suggest home remedies to fix this problem. — Saviona

A. The best home remedy is regular massaging with chamomile. You can also apply regular black tea on his hair, and leave it to dry. Over time, this will help coat the grey hair and lighten them to a brown hue. Get him started with yoga, as it is the best form of exercise to help stimulate blood circulation, which will also help nourish his scalp.

Q. I am a 38-year-old housewife, of wheatish complexion with oily skin. I have recurring acne, and now I am getting blackheads and whiteheads as well. I also have marks and scars that have been left behind by pimples. Please 
suggest some home remedies. —Rizwana Rafique

A. Take a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, add half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mask on the face, and rinse after an hour with chilled water. Do this regularly. It will help clear up the acne.