My skin type is normal-dry. I am 19 yrs old. I am not very fair but I want to be. I use borewell water. Is this safe? Which type of oil is better for my skin? Is lemon good?

Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. Avoid using hot water for bathing. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils protecting the skin. A moisturiser increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look. Drink plenty of water, atleast 2-3 litres per day. Make a paste of one teaspoon of milk cream, a pinch of turmeric and four to five drops of olive oil. Apply on your face, leave to dry. Wash with cold water and pat dry. Milk cream acts as a natural moisturiser and turmeric and olive oil helps rejuvenate your skin. You can choose any oil for your skin.
Borewell water does not tan or make your skin black. To improve the glow of your skin, choose your cleanser with care. When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. You can use face scrubs. Tomato is thought to be a natural face cleanser, just massage some gently on your face to get rid of the grime. Two spoonfuls of besan (gram flour) mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder and a few drops of lime make a good face pack. As lemon is a natural bleaching agent, rubbing a slice on your face directly can also lighten your skin tone. Rub a lemon rind over your skin. It cleanses the skin and removes dead skin cells. Lemon juice is an acid, depending on your skin type, it may react with the sun to cause blisters. If it does, dilute the lemon juice with equal amount of water and always wash it off afterwards.

I use a daily cleansing shampoo and apply oil on towel-dried hair. I have been facing hair loss. Is there any natural way of reducing hairfall?

Normal hair loss per day is 50-120 strands per day. Whatever hair you have lost will grow over a period of time. For effective hair growth here are few natural remedies: Soak ½ cup fenugreek seeds for 4 hours and then grind. For ¼ cup neem juice, take neem leaves, a little water and grind in a mixer. Then strain. Mix the ingredients to a paste and apply to the hair and scalp and leave for sometime and wash the hair. This improves hair texture and stimulates the scalp to effect good growth. Also look to coconut oil to plump up hair texture and quality. What we eat reflects on our hair. Hair needs proteins, vitamins and minerals, so incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and milk in your diet. The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein, like sprouts, pulses, beans, cereals, eggs, milk and milk products.


I had cut my hair in the pubic region 5-6 years back two times, with a scissor. Now they growing fast and it makes me uncomfortable. Could you suggest a hair removal cream which removes the hair from the root?
Shaving is fairly easy to remove the hair in the pubic region. Some of the specially designed shaving lotions can help because they are strong conditioners that don't foam up. This helps ease the shaving process for better results. Waxing can be tried but take care to go to a professional.

My sister is a 19-year-old girl. For the past two months, she has been having pimples all over her face. She has also tanned though she does not go out in the sun. Is bleaching a solution?

Acne (Pimples) is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin. The condition results in part from excessive stimulation of the skin by androgens (male hormones). Acne can be managed by creams, lotions, oral medicines, etc depending on the severity and type of acne. Do not touch, squeeze or prick the pimples as they leave behind pigmented marks and scars.

As lemon is a natural bleaching agent, rubbing a slice on your face can also lighten your skin tone. You can use few face scrubs. Mix powdered oats with rosewater to make a great face scrub. Oatmeal buffs the skin, gently removing impurities. Its soft cleansing action soothes the most irritated and sensitive skin. Mix cucumber, curds and almonds, grind it, apply on the face and leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash your face. Half an hour before taking bath, apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together. To improve the glow of your skin, drink plenty of water, 2-3 litres per day to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins. When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion.

YOUR QUESTIONS
Every week, Living will feature an interactive
column, ‘Well-being’, where your questions on health, fitness, diet and nutrition will be answered by experts. Send your questions to Living, c/o Deccan Herald, # 75, M G Road, Bangalore-560001 or mail us at living@deccanherald.co.in

Dr Vandana Jayaprakash
Consulting Dermatologist