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Managing itchy, flaky skin

I have had an issue with dry skin for the last few weeks, and would like to know how to remedy this problem. I’ve been using lotion every day but still have itchy flaky skin. What should I do? — Whitney Dykes

Dry skin is mainly due to lack of water. A healthy intake would be 8-10 glasses of water to cleanse and hydrate the body. Avoid hot showers as this depletes the natural oils. Application of a rich mask of ripe avocado beaten to a creamy paste added to 1 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp glycerine works well. Apply a thin film to the dry skin and rinse off after 30 minutes. Brush your body when dry with a natural bristle body brush, starting from your toes and going towards your heart. Brushing the body activates the natural oils, making skin supple and smooth. Do this daily for excellent results.

I have many pimples on my face. Can I use honey and cinnamon as a face mask? — Name withheld

Cinnamon and honey paste is a super treatment for pimples. Apply this daily and leave on for an hour or overnight. The pimples will soon clear.

I’m a 19-year-old girl from Nigeria. I have dark patches behind my left and right temples, which are much darker than my chocolate complexion. What do I do?. — Name withheld

It seems you have 
pigmented skin. Take 1 tsp of coconut milk and add 
a little cane sugar; apply this mixture to the 
dark patch. Scrub it 
off after it dries. Do this treatment every day. Keep skin protected from sun 
by using a sun-block cream or lotion.

I’m an avid reader of your column in the magazine. It’s part of my Friday routine and your work is worth every second! In one of your columns (dated November 30), you mentioned a mixture to combat hair fall using almond oil, rosemary oil and castor oil. I am unable to find rosemary oil in shops or pharmacies. Kindly advise. — Aurora

Thanks for being my avid reader. Kindly check in supermarkets like Spinneys or go to the lifestyle store in Home Centre or The Body Shop as these are the stores that ususally stock this aroma oil.

I am a regular reader of your column and your remedies have helped me quite a lot. The problem is that whenever I comb my hair, small little strands spring up and stay there. It looks very bad, especially when I go outside. Even if I apply oil, the same problem occurs. I have a lot of hair fall as well. My mother faces the same problems. Please suggest a remedy, keeping in mind that we are vegetarians and do not eat eggs either. — AP

Thanks for your email. Dry hair needs care. The tiny hairs that stand up indicates dry hair. You need to oil your hair 20 minutes before shampooing it and add a few drops of glycerine to damp hair in your final rinse. This will keep the hair in place. You may also condition the hair so that after the hair dries, it will not stick out.

(Rima Soni is a Dubai-based beauty consultant and Olay Ambassador, Arabian 
Peninsula. She is now working on her second book. Write to her at

wknd@khaleejtimes.com)