Two ingredients to brighten your skin

I'm 23 years old and I work on my laptop for almost eight hours daily. I wear a light foundation as I don't like makeup but, still, my skin looks tanned and oily by the end of the day. I would like to maintain a fresh look for long hours. Please suggest a natural remedy.
- Anjali
Massage honey mixed with orange juice daily to moisturise, cleanse and brighten your skin. Always rinse off with cold water. A cold water rinse helps firm pores and imparts freshness to skin.

I'm 23. For the past few weeks, I have been sitting in the sunlight for 30 minutes every day, because my doctor said I need to get Vitamin D, but my skin is becoming really tanned and dull. Please suggest some easy home remedy to lighten my skin.
- Name withheld
Sunlight is best from 6am to 10am; at this time, it's not harsh on the skin, and doesn't cause the skin to tan. Wear sun protection so that your skin is protected from the rays. Once you are indoors, after exposure to sun, apply a mask of strawberry and yoghurt. This will help lighten and beautify the skin.

What oil is best for my newborn's skin?
- Annie
Almond oil is best for a newborn, because it is very nourishing and helps tone the body and smoothen the skin. Use sweet almond oil, which is also gentle on the baby's skin.
My acne leaves angry red blotches all over my face and I cannot step out unless I wear makeup. Is there any natural solution to this?
- Rithika
Mash banana into a smooth paste, add a little yoghurt and some corn flour. Apply a thin layer of this on the skin. Leave on for 30 minutes. Do this every alternate day to calm the skin.
Is there an effective natural solution to treat old stretch marks? Please let me know what I have to do! I'd love to have clear skin again.
- Mehnaz
Stretch marks are very difficult to erase but applying a rich nourishing treatment - using avocado or almond or cocoa butter - helps to moisturise and tone the skin, and give it an even, firm look. Choose between avocado, almond oil or cocoa butter cream - whichever works for you. Do this twice a day to get best results.
I am going to be 13 and have a lot of pimples on my face, which leave black spots. I also have hair fall and lots of dandruff; I want to have naturally silky hair. Any tips?
- Soha
Congratulations on turning 13! It's a lovely age, and during puberty, all these problems do occur. Drink lots of water, and avoid hot/spicy/oily foods. Eat fresh vegetables, especially green leafy ones, and fruits. Keep your hair and skin clean by using neem- or aloe vera-based products as they are both cooling and natural. For your pimples and spots: take sandalwood powder, add a pinch of turmeric, some yoghurt, and make a paste. Before you apply the pack, rub a slice of tomato on the face. Let it dry, then apply the mask over this. Rinse with cold water after it dries. Do this every day. For hair: Beat 2 tablespoons of yoghurt, add 1 tablespoon honey to it, and apply on hair. After 30 minutes, rinse off and use a mild shampoo. Do this thrice a week.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics