The beauty spot

Get gorgeous with tips from our beauty expert

I have facial hair above my lips. It is quite embarrassing. Are there any simple ways to get rid of it? — Ranjana

Although you cannot remove facial hair using home remedies, you can certainly lessen their growth. Here’s what you can do:

• Make a thick paste of sugar, lemon juice and water and apply it in the direction of hair growth. Wash off when it dries. Do this once or twice a week.
• You can also apply a paste of turmeric powder and milk and rub this on the skin in a circular motion. This will stem hair growth, but it may leave a yellowish tinge on the skin.

My pimples leave dark spots on my face. Please suggest a home remedy to get rid of them. — Maria
You haven’t mentioned if you still get pimples. They have to be treated first, otherwise, they will keep recurring. Follow these remedies:

• Mix rice powder with curd and use it as a facial scrub once or twice a week. Apply on the face and rub gently in tiny circular movements, especially on the dark spots. Leave this on for a few minutes and then wash off. Don’t apply this on pimples.
• Mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply on the face every day. Wash this off after 15 minutes with plain water.
• Mix Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth), rose water and lemon juice to form a paste and apply this on the face two or three times a week.

I have many open pores on my face and a few white moles below my eyes. — Tulika
These are not white moles. They are called whiteheads. Avoid pinching them. Since whiteheads are near the eyes, you can try some home remedies:

• Make a paste of fenugreek (methi) leaves and apply on the face daily, washing it off after an hour.
• Grated potato or potato juice may also be applied.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water every day. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning. Barley water is also said to help whiteheads.

My nails don’t grow fast enough. I want to get a French manicure. Can you please suggest some remedies? — Jyoti Suresh
For nails, include adequate protein and calcium in your diet. Consume skimmed milk, yoghurt, paneer and sprouts. You can also have eggs and fish. Consume gelatin for 10 days. Dissolve a teaspoon of gelatin in some boiling water. Cool the water and add it to fruit juice.

Is there a daily skin regime that will help prevent acne? — Nasrin
Cleanse the skin twice a day, morning and night, with a medicated cleanser or cleanser for oily skin. Then wipe with an astringent toner. During the day, mix a sandalwood cream with an oil-free day cream and apply on the face. At night, after cleansing your face, apply an anti-acne lotion only on the affected area.