Beauty spot

Ensure the health of your skin & hair with tips from our expert

I have heard a lot about dry shampoos. Are they good for the hair? Are there any home remedies or tips to keep the hair clean for a longer time? I need some express haircare solutions. — Shreya Sethi

Dry shampoos are not actually shampoos, but they are made of products which have oil-absorbing properties to soak excess oil and sweat from the scalp. They can step in as a quick-fix solution after a workout when the hair is sweaty and you don’t have time to shower. It also helps when you are on the move and don’t have the time to wash hair often. But it cannot replace your regular hair and scalp care with cleansing shampoo and water.

If not using a dry shampoo, the same result can be achieved by dusting talcum powder or corn starch on the scalp to take away the oiliness and brush hair backwards after 20 minutes to dust off the powder.

I recently got back from a holiday in Goa and I have tanned severely despite using a suntan lotion. My skin has started peeling off in places and it is really itchy and painful. Is there a natural way to de-tan? — Priyanka Kaul

Tanning is the skin’s defence against solar radiation. Tan is the result of the production of melanin as a result of exposure to ultra-violet rays. The claims made by various sunscreens are definitely not false. But a sunscreen, when applied, no matter how high the SPF is, will protect the skin from the damage caused by the UV rays, but not against the tan.

While on a holiday, you tend to be out in the sun for longer hours than usual. It’s good that you used a sunscreen, or else you probably would have had sunburns, and maybe more damage to the skin.

There are a few home remedies which you can try. You may keep cucumber juice or cotton wool pads soaked in rose water in the fridge to give a cooling effect on the face when dabbed from time to time.

There are also a few packs that one can make at home depending on the skin type. For oily skin, make a pack with grated cucumber and multani mitti (fuller’s earth) and apply on the face. Leave it on the face for 15 minutes and wash it off gently. And for dry skin, a pack of grated cucumber mixed with crushed oats, milk cream and almonds kept in the fridge
can be applied for a cooling effect.

I have recently discovered this product called Micellar Water during a trip abroad. I heard it is like a cleanser. I am a little wary of trying it. Will it work on dry skin?
— Kalpana N

Micellar water has oil cleansing molecules which attract the dirt, grime, oil and sweat from the skin, making it clean and refreshed without drying it. It can be used as a cleanser and since it does not cause excessive dryness of the skin, it can be used for your skin type too.

My nails have white spots in them. Can you suggest some ways in which I can get rid of them? I don’t want to spend on expensive manicures. How do I get healthy nails?
— Sharanya

White spots on the nails are indicative of calcium deficiency. You will need to take oral supplements to balance it. A high protein intake is also good for nail health.
Manicures will not resolve the issue.