Q: It is said that after oiling, a hot towel treatment is necessary? How can I do it at home because it’s difficult to handle a hot towel? Antara Mali

A: Oiling has its own affect on the scalp; hot towel treatment helps to increase the absorption so that a deep penetration of oil is achieved. In this way the effectiveness of oiling your hair increases. It is better to have this done by a professional but if you want it to be done at home then do the following.
First, do proper oil massages then take a medium size towel and dip it in hot water. You can keep the temperature to your endurance, wrap the towel around your head and keep it for at least an hour.

Q: I am 21years old. My problem is that I have acne; please help me get rid of it as soon as possible.Bindhu Madhavi

A: Wash your face at least twice a day with mild soaps or non-cleanser mild soaps. Avoid using towel and touching your face. Similarly, do not pick, rub or squeeze the pimples as it aggravates (make(a problem,illness etc) worse) them and is very painful. Home remedies (a medicine or treatment for a disease or injury) for acne are preferred as these are mostly found to be very effective. Pulverise (reduce to fine particles) uncooked oats into powder and make it a paste by adding water. Apply this paste and leave it until it gets dried up. Then wash it with lukewarm water. This is one of the useful home remedies for acne.

Q: I am a 19-year-old girl. My problem is that during the winter season my skin becomes dry and rough and prone (lying flat,especially face downwards ) to acne (a skin condition marked by numerous red pimples resulting inflamed sebaceous glands). Achla Sachdev

A: Dry skin is a problem to many people. It can be caused by frequent washing with hot water, using non-moisturised soaps, harsh weather, some medication or disease. So, don’t use hot water or take too long to bath; use lukewarm (only moderately warm) water for hot bath; use alcohol-based soaps and drink plenty of water. For remedy, apply some honey to the skin to heal and moisturise the skin and promote dead skin tissue’s re-growth. Mix some honey in cold milk (preferably cow or goat milk) and apply on face, hands and feet.

Q: I am a 23-year-old girl; I have split ends in my hair, although I trim and oil, they start appearing after sometime, I have also used your egg yolk treatment. Please suggest an alternative remedy. Saniya Mirza

A: Split ends occur when the protective cuticle is stripped away from the ends of hair fibres. It happens when the natural oils from the scalp fail to reach the ends; other reasons are dry scalp, exposure to extreme temperatures and chemical products like relaxants and hair colour, lack of nourishment, excessive dying, vigorous brushing and backcombing may cause split ends. Other factors include use of metallic combs and brushes, brushing hair when it is still wet, use of uncovered elastic bands on the hair, satin pillows and repeated use of heated appliances like iron or hair blow dryers. Hair moisturizing mask made of mashed up avocado when applied to damp hair will prevent split ends effectively. Make sure you leave it on your hair for at least 20-30 minutes; you can also add hot olive oil to it. If it is hard to get avocado (a light green color like that an avocado's flesh) then use mayonnaise (a thick creamy dressing consisting of egg yolks beaten with oil and vinegar) in its place. Apply it once a week. Shampoo your hair after every workout or strenuous exercise, because the salt due to perspiration will erode your hair. Apply a conditioner regularly after every wash.

Q: I have a pale skin and I have had painful little pimples on my cheeks and under the lips since the past few months. Please suggest a remedy.Amrita Arora


A: A pale skin is very delicate and can be hydrated with a tinted moisturiser. Blend it evenly with fingertips; the sunscreen should have an adequate SPF. A good quality foundation gives an unblemished base for the skin. Regular management and care is essential whilst cleaning, moisturising and exfoliation (wash or rub the skin with a granular substance to remove dead cells )should be a regular ritual. Masks and facials revitalise the skin. Products should be branded, safe and potent. Remove makeup worn during the day with a mild cleansing lotion. A balanced diet and a regular doze of vitamins and exercises will keep you fresh and active. Relax your body with occasional visits to spas and beauty clinics. There are a wide variety of tried and tested home remedies that can treat pimples in an effective manner. A popularly known pimple remedy is to rub garlic on pimples several times a day.
Q: I am 18years old. I have some kind of an allergy on my face; I also have an acne problem. What should I do? Noor Malik

A: Skin allergies are a very common problem and can be quite an irritation if you haven’t been able to correctly identify the root allergen. The first course of action is primarily to identify the root allergen by recalling the foods you consumed and objects you interacted with just before the outbreak. You can try a very effective home remedy using baking soda. Do so by mixing one part of water to three parts of baking soda and apply it over the affected area of the skin. Wash it off after a period of thirty minutes. Remember if your skin allergy is for a longer duration, you must consult a doctor.