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I am 39 years old. I have dry skin on my hands, at the back of my palms and especially on my knuckles. Can you suggest a cure for me?
- Dilsha
Sesame oil is very nourishing and should be the solution you're looking for. Add 1 tsp of sesame oil to oats powder and 1 tsp of honey; mix well and apply on your hands and knuckles. Do this every day and your problem will soon go away.

I am a 16-year-old dealing with a problem of body hair (mainly on the back and stomach). Also, my bikini area is darker than my body tone. My sister's wedding is in two months and I have to wear a sari. Please suggest some remedies to get rid of body hair naturally and quickly, as I don't wish to wax.
- Kareena
My best wishes to your sister. For the back and stomach hair, take 2 tbsp of lentil flour, add 1 tsp of turmeric powder and mix with coconut milk. Add 1 tsp of ground semolina powder and apply the thick paste to the stomach and back. Scrub against the hair growth when the pack turns semi-dry. Do this thrice a week or every day, before your shower. Your body should be dry when applying the pack. Skin will soon clear and begin to glow.

I am a 12-year-old and have a whole bunch of beauty issues. I have a lot of dandruff on the scalp, which is always dry. My lips are very dry too. I tried using Vaseline but the condition hasn't improved. I also have thin strands of hair, as well as white scales on my legs and white spots on my face. My skin tone is a bit dark and I'd really like to lighten it. Please suggest home remedies for all these.
- Name withheld
Treat dandruff and dry scalp by massaging your head twice a week with 2 tbsp of yoghurt, 1 tsp of castor oil and 1 tsp of lime juice. Massage thoroughly so that the mixture coats the entire scalp. Leave on for an hour or two. This will smoothen your scalp, get rid of dandruff and thicken your hair. You can apply cream of milk daily to moisturise lips. Coconut milk massaged on the face and body will lift the dead skin and lighten the skin tone. Do this every day. I would, however, suggest you contact a dermatologist for the white spots on your face and legs.

Can you suggest a remedy for small pimples or boils?
- Name withheld
Make a paste of cinnamon mixed with honey and apply on the pimples or boils. I would recommend leaving it on overnight. Do this daily until the problem clears.

I have been reading your column regularly and always try to follow the remedies that apply to me. Now, I have a question: what would you suggest to get rid of the hair on the ear (for males), especially on the tragus, helix and lobule areas? Normal waxing or trimming only results in the hair growing back thicker and faster. I am looking for a permanent solution to remove the hair. Any suggestions?
- Name withheld
For men, if the hair around the ear is soft and has never been tampered with, a mix of egg white added to sugar and oats powder will work well. Make a sticky paste, ensure the concerned areas are dry, and apply the thick paste. When the paste has dried, scrub against hair growth. Do this thrice a week to get best results. If this fails to yield results after a month, then I'm afraid a laser treatment might be your best bet.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

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