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Win the war against whiteheads

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I've recently noticed that I have a lot of whiteheads on my nose. How are they different from blackheads and what can I do to get rid of them?
- Jency
Whiteheads are formed when excess oil from the pores dry up and end up blocking the pores. To get rid of them, mix equal amounts of oats powder and soda bicarbonate and add water to make a mask. Apply this onto the skin and allow to dry before scrubbing off with warm water, followed by cold water. This will help get rid of your whiteheads and leave you with smooth skin.

I have oily skin, but strangely, it's only during the night that my skin gets bad. When I wake up in the morning, I find my face glistening with oil. It usually goes away as the day progresses. Because of the oily skin, I also have pimples, though they occur less frequently now that I'm in my 30s. Is there a nighttime routine I can follow to get rid of my skin's oiliness?
- Anushka
Waking up in the morning to find a thin layer of oil on your face is normal for those with combination skin. Mix cornflour with orange juice and honey and apply this onto your face. Leave on for just 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water. For glowing skin, do this every day.

I've heard castor oil is really good for improving hair growth. Can you tell me how often I should apply it, and how long it will take to see results? Also, once I apply the oil, what should I use to condition my hair, as I don't want to go out with oily hair?
- Kritika
First, do a steam treatment for your scalp. Then, massage a mixture of warm castor oil and coconut oil, in equal proportion, onto your scalp. Leave overnight or for at least two hours before shampooing and rinsing. You do not have to use a conditioner after the treatment.
 
I am a mother of two lovely girls (aged 12 and 7). I'd like you to tell me a regular natural remedy I can use to help my girls have good, strong hair.
- Lakshmi
Coconut milk is a great treatment for natural hair growth. Simply massage it into your daughters' hair three times a week and follow this with a herbal shampoo. It is extremely nourishing.

I am 12 years old and have very dark underarms. Can you please tell me how to lighten the area?
- Name withheld
Apply a mask of sandalwood powder to your underarms every day and coconut oil every night. Not only will this lighten the colour, it will ensure you never have any odour problems.

(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)