Your most embarrassing beauty questions answered
1. What is the most effective way of getting rid of chin hair?
The most effective and permanent method of removing chin hair is by electrolysis. This is a process involving the use of laser rays. Once the hair is burnt off, it will not grow back.
“While this method is permanent, what you find is that hairs that had started growing inside will continue to grow out so you will have to do the method again,” one beautician warned.
2. How can I stop myself from sweating so much?
One way to reduce sweating is to use an antiperspirant. There are those which can also be used on the hands and feet as well as the underarms. These work by blocking your sweat ducts with aluminum salts, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin. However, the downfall is that for many people these antiperspirants can cause irritation and even dermatitis. Wearing light colours and light clothing in warm climate helps too.
3. How can I get rid of stretchmarks on my butt?
The LPG machine, found in reputable skin care centres like Jencare Skin Farm, is ideal in both tightening the skin and smoothing out stretch marks on the butt. Another option is the cellulite eraser which can be used in-between LPG treatments.
4. Is there any way to get rid of toe corns?
Podiatrist Dr Owen Bernard at the Diabetic Association of Jamaica, says using over-the-counter corn removal is a no-no, as this only makes the problem worse by burning out the skin colour around the area. Instead, have the toe analysed by a doctor who will then recommend whether or not the corn/callus needs to be surgically removed. However, never attempt it on your own as should you be at risk of diabetes, this could be very dangerous.
5. I have a cold sore. How do I get rid of it fast?
Cold sores generally clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days. However, keep your hands and face clean during an outbreak and use a prescribed cream that might shield the sore. Also, avoid salty and acidic food. Citrus fruits and foods high in salt and acid content can further aggravate the oral herpes symptoms and can add more to the discomfort caused by the blisters. Applying teabags are said to be quite effective in speeding up the healing process as the tannic acid in tea has strong antiviral properties.
6. What’s the real cure for dandruff? Help!
Washing regularly, and keeping the scalp healthy with Aloe Vera is always a good choice. However, for the more severe cases, prescribed shampoos will solve the problem. Therefore, visit your doctor.
7. My armpits are darker than everywhere else, what do I do?
Darkening of the armpit can be caused by a number of conditions. It can be hereditary or a medical condition. It is recommended that you try topical creams containing lactic acid or glycolic acid to help exfoliate the dark patches, but the underarms can be very sensitive, so be sure to use these products sparingly and stop if you experience redness or irritation. You may also want to find a dermatologist who has experience in prescribing fading creams.
8. I got a hickey. How can I cover it up without using a Band-Aid?
Several methods have been tried in the removal or cover-up of hickeys. Some are:
. Put a spoon in the freezer until it is extremely cold or use an ice cube. Once frozen, take the spoon out and place it on the spot where your hickey is. This will help surface stimulation which will disperse the blood. Gently rub and massage the area. Continue to do so until the hickey is gone.
. Apply a warm, moist, used tea bag as a hot compressant. Repeatedly re-wet and re-warm the tea bag as needed until the hickey disappears. This will warm the blood and cause it to flow back through the body normally instead of packed in one place.
.Immediately after your make-out session, put ice on the hickey, it will diminish in appearance.
9. Why does my breath smell even though I brush? How can I know if people are smelling my breath?
Start with a trip to your dentist. Oral care can be the first step to finding what the source of the odour is. It could be a decayed tooth or a problem with your gums. Or it could be an issue with your throat and stomach, example an abscess or infection. This is particularly important if you ache in other areas.
The problem could be that you do not brush and floss properly or regularly. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and the top of your mouth as well. Finish by using mouthwash to sweep all the lose particles away.
The breath test: Place your palm over you nose and mouth, then blow. If you can smell your breath, bet you last dollar, others can too!
10. My face is too shiny? What can help?
Creams do help, but it is recommended that you first have your skin analysed by a skin specialist in order to know what is best for you skin type. Though a particular cream may work for someone else, doesn’t mean it will work for you.
