Spas and salons are the latest trend in the beauty industry today. A good salon and spa can provide treatments for various skin, hair, hands and feet problems. However, there are a lot of us who find it difficult to visit salons regularly maybe because we are so busy in our routine or maybe because such services may not be affordable for us. Recently, I have been getting a lot of mails about solutions to problems with home remedies. In this article I would like to discuss some of the common problems and the home remedies available for them.

Acne

This is one of the most common skin problem every individual faces at some stage in their life. From youngsters to adults no one is spared of an acne condition. Some of the home remedies that can be used are as follows:
Garlic is considered to be a good antiseptic. Just peel and mash 7-8 cloves of garlic and apply on the affected area and leave on for about 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water.

To loosen and cleanse blackheads, make a paste of oatmeal, honey and an egg white. Apply to the skin, massage for 10 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples. Most facial masks can be applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes then washed off with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.

One of the most popular home remedies for acne is toothpaste. Apply on the acne spots over night and wash off the next morning.

Neem, fresh methi (fenugreek leaves), tomato pulp, mint leaves and turmeric powder are some of the best ingredients for an acne-prone skin.

You can mix equal quantities of lime juice with rose water and apply over the face. Leave for 30 minutes and wash off.

Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply the paste on your face for 15-20 mins. This is an excellent remedy for acne.

Tanned skin

Skin tanning is another very common problem. Unlike, western countries where the craze is for tanned skin in India, the fascination is unfortunately is still with fair skin. Here are some remedies to remove tan and bring shine and glow to the skin.

Take milk powder, honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and mix with ½ tablespoon of almond oil. Apply all over the face and other tanned parts of the body for 10-15 mins and wash off. A mix of oatmeal with curd and tomato juice is also an excellent pack for dark skin.

Lime juice is considered as one of the best natural bleaches. It can be mixed with turmeric powder to help in tan removal.

Mix one tsp of gram flour with 2 tsp of cow’s milk. Add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Leave on for about 15-20 mins and wash off. This brightens the complexion and leaves you glowing.

Dark circles

This is another very common problem I have seen a lot of people face. Dark circles can be because of lack of sleep, inherited condition, keeping unwell, anaemia etc. Some of the remedies for this problem are discussed below:

Grated potato (with the peel) mixed with grated cucumber (also with the peel) and applied for 15-20 mins at least 2 times a week is an excellent and one of the best remedies for dark circles.

Massaging almond oil around the eyes every night and leaving it on overnight is also considered a very good remedy.

Cotton pads dipped in rose water and put around the eyes for 15-20 mins also helps. Alternating hot and cold compresses around the eyes is also a simple and good remedy. It mainly relaxes the eyes.

Freckles

Wash your face with sour milk. It is proven that lactic acid promotes gentle peeling of the skin hence giving it an even tone. You can also use sour cream instead. However, don’t rinse this completely, gently wipe and apply a trusted moisturiser on top. Application of a mix of parsley juice with lime juice and orange juice in equal quantities is also a good remedy.

Application of castor oil or vitamin E over the affected area is an excellent remedy for freckles.

Grind some yellow mustard in milk and leave on overnight. Wash off the next morning with normal water.

Hair

Mix a teaspoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then beat in an egg yolk. Massage on hair in small sections. Wrap head with shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo. This is a great treatment for keeping split ends away.

Dandruff

Dandruff is another very common problem faced by everyone. Some good home remedies for dandruff are:
Rub in a lot of aloevera gel into your scalp 15-20 minutes before your hair wash. Wash with a mild shampoo and see the difference over some time.

Vinegar is considered as a good treatment for dandruff. Dilute vinegar with water and use on scalp before wash for about 30 mins. Then rinse off with a mild shampoo.

Olive oil is also considered as a good home remedy to smother dandruff.

Premature greying

One of the best remedies for premature greying is curry leaves. Curry leaves can either be used in food or mix with coconut oil and boil them.

You can also take some pieces of ribbed gourd and dry them in the sun. After this, soak in coconut oil for atleast 3-4 hrs. Boil this oil till the residue becomes black and use on the scalp.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Beauty expert Manjul Gupta answers queries on style  and grooming. Write to her at Living c/o Deccan Herald,  No. 75, M G Road, B’lore -1 or email: styletips@ rediffmail.com