Beauty Queries

I am a 21-year old girl. I have hair on my arms and legs and was using a hair-removal cream to get rid of it but recently my skin has started breaking out. I’ve noticed red rash-like patches on my arms. Could the cream be a problem? What should I apply to reduce the redness? Also, any non-painful ways to remove unwanted hair? — Prajata
Dear Prajata, hair removal creams are not necessarily my favourite, the rash may be due to the cream but I can’t say that for a fact with the data I have now. However, start by using a soothing cream like Ritch or Calamine liberally and wash with cold water. Take an anti-allergy pill. The best way to remove hair would be cold wax or then laser hair reduction. Laser is not as painful as you may have thought.

I just turned 30 and want to start using an anti-ageing cream. There are so many brands in the market that it gets very confusing. What ingredients should I look for? My skin is on the normal side but occasionally gets a little oily. Please advise. —Lisa
The best anti-ageing ingredient still remains the retin A. Also, look for hyaluronic acid as a hydrant and glycolic acid, vitamin C, curcumin, licorice extract and vitamin E etc. However, the first anti-ageing step is to start exercising to keep your bones and muscular framework intact. Then use a good sunscreen and keep your skin well moisturised, with special care towards the lip and eye. Don’t forget that the skin all over your body needs the same care, specially the exposed parts.

My skin isn’t very oily but recently I’ve noticed a lot of blackheads. These are mostly on my nose. The scrubs available don’t really help. Can you suggest a home remedy? —Neha
No scrub will help black heads, you need to wash your face with warm water and then use a good cleansing cream with say glycolic acid for five minutes and then use a clean extractor to remove them. Wash with cold water after this and use a soothing pack with Fullers earth or simply Calamine lotion. Use a pore minimising cream and wash your face thrice a day. Also, apply cleansers and toners regularly.

I am a 40-year-old woman. I wanted to know more about botox. How safe is it to use and how long do  the  results last? —Anjali
Botox is a magic remedy for a lot of aesthetic concerns. It is safe and has been used over years for other medical conditions even in infants in higher doses safely. All the hype began when we started using it for aesthetic indications. Botox can ease those lines on the face, contour your jaw, slim your face, give you a great brow lift and close open pores. Whether it is well done or you have a look that shouts botox only depends on the doctor you choose. So do that with a lot of care.