Previously my skin was oily but now it’s dry and dull, and there are rashes on my cheeks and forehead. 

Chhanda, 18

It is possible that the rashes are due to dryness. Apply fresh aloe vera gel mixed with a teaspoon of honey as a mask all over the face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash off. Not only will this soothe the skin but also help settle the rashes.

I have a dusky complexion with oily skin and I have been suffering from pimple and acne problems since adolescence. The pimples leave dark marks on my face. My doctor says that this is due to excess androgen. The skin around my lips is darker than the rest of my face. Please suggest a remedy.

Banani Mondal, 30

The secret is to keep your skin clean and oil-free at all times. Lifestyle plays an important role in the way we look and feel. Drink at least 12 glasses of water daily and reduce intake of fried food and sweets. Add lots of salads, fresh fruits, green vegetables and lean meat to your diet. 

Make a tonic with 100ml rose water and add 1tsp of camphor powder to it; stir till it dissolves completely. Wipe your skin with this three-four times a day. You can make a face pack with 1tsp sandalwood powder, 1tsp neem paste, 1tsp fuller’s earth and two ground cloves mixed with rose water. Apply on the skin and leave it to dry. This should be done on alternate days.

Can you please tell me how I can use papaya as a face mask to keep the skin soft and glowing?

Priyasi Das, 18

Papaya mask is excellent for skin glow. Take the pulp of 2tsp of papaya and mix with 1tsp of honey and 1tsp of sandalwood. Stir in a little milk and apply all over a clean face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Unlike clay masks, this mask will help nourish and lighten the skin too. It can be used two-three times a week as papaya has softening and cleansing enzymes. 

I’m a 20-year-old girl. My forehead is two shades darker than the rest of my face. I apply balm on my forehead when I get a headache and I have been told that the pigmentation is because of that. I have applied lemon juice on the affected area and I also drink a lot of water but I don’t see any results. 

Vrindaa Raj, 20

Pigmentation due to pain balm is something new to me! Pigmentation on the forehead could be due to not using a sunscreen, not enough hydration or an improper skincare regimen. You will have to figure out what applies in your case. It could also be due to hormonal changes. I believe that anything to do with the skin has to be due to an internal problem and should be treated accordingly. Please consult  your doctor.

My daughter is 12 years old. She has normal skin but has rashes and acne around her nose and forehead. Her face and hands have got tanned. Please suggest remedies.

Reena K

It is possible that your daughter has a combination skin and her T-zone is oily. So it is important for her to keep this area oil-free to prevent whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Wipe the skin with rose water thrice a day and use the following scrub — 2tsp red lentil powder mixed with 1tsp sandalwood powder and 1tsp fuller’s earth. Stir in fresh mint juice and a little water to make a thick paste and apply all over the face. Leave till dry and then dab with water and scrub in a rotating manner; wash off with water and pat dry. This should be done three times a week for best results.

I have normal skin but during summer I sweat too much, especially around my face and neck.

Jayanti Sinha, 45

Get your blood pressure checked.

I have a fair complexion but my face is reddish and becomes dark when I go out in the sun. I have dry skin that looks listless and dull. 

Subhasish Sen, 35

Use a sunscreen at all times with an SPF of at least 30+. Moisturise your face with 1tsp of honey followed by a cooling mask of sandalwood powder and milk. Wash off after 10 minutes and pat dry. This will help lighten and soften the skin considerably.

I have chapped and dry lips throughout the year. I also have dandruff, which is very annoying. Lastly, I have dark spots on the nape of my neck. Please help.

Sharanya Mukherjee, 13

Dandruff is an internal problem and is usually lifestyle-related. The causes of dandruff can be prolonged illness, internal weakness, lack of water, lack of exercise, lack of a balanced diet, sleep deprivation... you will have to find out what applies in your case. 

Oil your hair with a good quality mahabhringraj oil and follow with turban therapy. Eat healthy, be sure to drink plenty of natural fluids, like buttermilk, coconut water and, of course, water, which will also help your chapped lips. Apply almond oil to the lips, mixed with a drop of coconut oil at least two-three times a day. Using cold cucumber slices on the lips will also help soothe them and you should do this two-three times a day, for a week. As for the spots on the neck, please show them to a specialist immediately because it’s difficult to suggest remedies without seeing them.

Suparna Trikha is a nature care expert and a columnist. Find her on Facebook @suparnatrikha. If you have questions, write to her at t2onsunday@abp.in with your age, skin type and other details