The cure to oily skin

I have a really oily T-zone area. Please help me, as I prefer a fresh, non-greasy look.
- Mrudvi
Avoid hot water during showers as they activate the oil glands. A cold rinse is best for your face. You can also apply a mask of lentil flour or oats powder on your T-zone area. Leave to dry and rinse with cold water.
I am a 21-year-old girl and a soon-to-be bride. I have severe hair fall. I have tried many remedies but with no satisfactory results. Usually, I have very clear, normal skin. But recently, I've been experiencing red rashes, pimples and dry flakes all over my face. Could you recommend a home remedy for my problems, as well as one for a lighter, glowing skin tone that doesn't involve the use of tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and vitamin E?
- Name withheld
Beat some aloe vera gel well and massage into the scalp and hair. Do this every alternate day and (preferably) leave it on overnight. Rinse with a herbal shampoo the next day. You need to shampoo your hair only once a week, as the aloe vera gel can simply be rinsed out with water. For your face, apply a paste made of tamarind purée mixed with corn flour and oats powder everyday. Leave to dry and rinse with cold water. Do this every day for best results.

I have blackheads on my nose and have been using special strips available at stores for their removal. However, the blackheads return very quickly. Is there a natural remedy that would work more effectively to keep them at bay?
- Meena
Add water to soda bicarbonate powder, apply on the blackheads and scrub off gently. This is an excellent treatment for both white and blackheads. If the blackheads are deep-rooted, do a face steam treatment at home before applying the above pack; scrub off when dry. Do this every week till the blackheads disappear.

I am a 16-year-old boy with hair fall issues. I have been losing hair for many days now. Can you suggest a way to cure hair fall?
- Name withheld
One of the causes for hair fall may be due to dandruff on your scalp. Brush your hair every day to get rid of the dandruff. Add two tablespoons of aloe vera gel to six drops of tea tree oil and nine drops of rosemary oil. Massage this mix into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Shampoo your hair the next day with a herbal shampoo. This treatment is a good way to cleanse your scalp, arrest hair fall and activate circulation.

I've been suffering from acne for a long time now. No matter what I do, I can't get rid of it. Facewashes and scrubs only make my otherwise oily skin really dry. I also have dark spots and blemishes due to the acne. Can you please help me with a suitable remedy?
- Name withheld
The most important thing to keep in mind is to drink at least 12 glasses of water daily. Avoid greasy or spicy foods as well as caffeine; they will only aggravate the problem. Apply a honey and cinnamon mask daily. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Do not scrub off, but rinse with cold water. Do this every day. Avoid using face moisturisers or hot water on your face.

(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)