Toughen Up those Brittle Nails!

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By Rima Soni

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Published: Fri 14 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 14 Aug 2015, 10:27 AM

I have noticed that my nails have become very brittle lately, and have started splitting into layers. I paint my nails almost every other day, and am curious to know if that is the reason for the brittle nails. If so, how many times should one change their nail paint in a week, on average? Also, please tell me if there are any natural treatments I can use to repair my nails.
Lisa

It is very important to keep your nails free of polish at least 20 days a month. Leaving nail polish on all the time weakens the nails and causes discolouration. To nourish your nails, and bring them back to their natural, healthy form, massage them with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice.
Could you please suggest a home remedy to whiten yellow teeth?
Areeba

Take your regular toothpaste, add a pinch of soda bicarbonate to it and brush your teeth as usual. Doing this twice a week helps whiten the teeth. You should also eat an apple every day. Biting into an apple has dual benefits - it brightens your teeth and freshens your breath.
My 8-year-old daughter has some black patches on her lips after using a lipstick while playing with my make-up. It's been almost a year now, but the patches haven't faded away. Could you please suggest an effective remedy for her?
Anishaa

Apply a thin film of milk cream on her lips and leave it on overnight. This will help lighten the lips by exfoliating the dead skin cells, and make the skin soft and smooth once again.
I got extremely tanned during the summer holidays, and although it has been a month now, the tan has not gone. My skin is also extremely dry where it has gotten tanned. Please let me know if there is an effective remedy to get rid of a stubborn tan.
Name withheld

Take one tablespoon of egg yolk and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Apply this onto your skin every day. Your skin will lighten and glow in no time.
From a young age I have always had dry, flaky patches of skin on the outer side of my legs (on the shins). Applying oils and creams have only given me temporary relief. What can I do to get rid of the patches completely?
Sandra

Your skin requires body brushing daily. Use a dry body brush specifically meant for this purpose. Work from your feet, going upwards to the legs and then ?to the upper part of the body. This helps blood circulation and activates the natural oils, making the skin soft, supple and smooth. Do this every day and you are sure to see results. Also, after your shower, dry your body and apply a rich, moisturising body lotion or body oil.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

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