Fixing summer damaged hair

Sun, salt, and chlorine all contribute to damage by stripping hair of moisture. Even if you haven't been to the beach in weeks, your thirsty strands suffer even more abuse from heat styling and chemical processing, explains Paul Perez, senior stylist at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles. Dried-out hair loses shine and has a tendency to frizz.

If you're not willing to cut off a few inches, at least go in for trims every six weeks to remove the most damaged portions, Perez says. And add a deep conditioner to your hair-care arsenal. Look for products that contain natural oils. When used once a week, these nourishing conditioners can help return your strands to their pre-summer state.

"When styling your hair, use cream- or oil-based styling products to help condition the hair. If used sparingly, the product will not weigh your hair down," says Perez, even if you have fine locks.

How can I clear up butt acne?

Breakouts on your backside (also called butt-ne) can be caused by clogged pores, just like facial acne. Other common causes include plugged hair follicles (keratosis pilaris), sweat bumps (miliaria), and friction from clothing. In some cases, a bacterial infection (like staph) can cause pimples on the butt. To keep your booty clear, follow these tips:

• Exfoliate. The skin on those cheeks doesn't turn over as quickly as the cheeks on your face, so help it along by exfoliating with a loofah or a moisturizing body scrub. I like Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub.
• Medicate. If the bumps are rough, a buildup of dead skin cells is probably the culprit. Look for scrubs and lotions with lactic or salicylic acid (like Oxy Maximum Hydrating Body Wash with 2 percent salicylic acid) to help dissolve them. If the bumps are whiteheads, try a benzoyl peroxide wash like DDF Pumice Acne Scrub with 2 1/2 percent benzoyl peroxide.
• Wear loose clothing. This will help prevent friction, which can clog sweat glands and lead to sweat bumps. If you must wear tight, stretchy workout clothes, try to shower immediately after.

Lash Myth

Applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your eyelashes has absolutely no effect on their growth or nourishment. Eyelashes may appear longer and shinier but that is where it ends.

Are my nipples normal?

Here are the most common queries she fields about nipples:

Why are my nipples flat or inverted?
Some nipples don't protrude because the connective tissue in the deeper layers of skin tugs on the underside of the nipple, pulling it downward. In some cases, flat or inverted nipples can be treated with a filler like Restylane or Juvéderm. If the nipples don't respond to injections, a simple surgical procedure that cuts and loosens the ligaments pulling down on the nipple may be an alternative.

Is it strange for women to have nipple hair?
Nipple hair is more common than you'd think, although it's actually more likely to sprout from the areola than the nipple itself. While it is safe to pluck nipple hair or clip it with cuticle scissors, waxing may irritate the sensitive skin around the nipples. If you're a woman and you suddenly notice a large number of hairs growing on your breasts, it may be a sign that you have a hormonal imbalance, which you should discuss with your doctor.

What are these bumps on my areola?
Bumps on your areola may be a sign of enlarged and clogged oil glands. Squeezing may turn the bumps into pimples or nasty boils, so try to leave them alone. If the bumps drain liquid or pus, or don't go away on their own, tell your doctor.

Should I be worried about having an extra nipple?
Yes, that's right — some people have extra nipples. Technically known as supernumerary nipples, they're usually much smaller than the main nipples, and they tend to appear on the chest below the main ones. Not to worry though — they're relatively common, and they're usually harmless. However, if your extra nipple feels tender, grows, or changes in shape or appearance, consult your doctor.

Is there anything I can do about hair on my forehead that grows above my brows?

Many women have unwanted hair in various places. And while contending with extra fuzz between the brows, above the upper lip, and even on the chin may be more common, there are many women like you who struggle with excess hair on their foreheads, and a Japanese razor might be the right tool to help.

Here's what you need to know before shaving your forehead:

1. I suggest picking up Sephora's eyebrow razor (which is made in Japan), Noxzema's eyebrow shaper, or a personal eyebrow trimmer — these are basically mini personal razors that are designed to maneuver around your brows.
2. Use an eyeliner pencil to draw a line where you want the hair to stop, and be conservative. Take a little off one side, then the other, and keep going back and forth so you're able to keep your brows and your hairline even.
3. Keep in mind that stubble will grow wherever you shave, just as it does on your legs. You will also be susceptible to ingrown hairs, so make sure you exfoliate before shaving.
4. If you get razor burn with whiteheads, dab a bit of nonprescription benzoyl peroxide on the area to dry up the breakout.
5. To avoid razor cuts, don't press too hard — the skin on your forehead is thinner and has more blood flow than the skin on your legs.
6. Don't use a magnifying mirror when shaving your forehead, because you may end up taking off too much hair. Stand back and take in the full picture for the best results.

What makeup can I use to cover adult acne without making it worse?

It seems so unfair that we're susceptible to acne again as adults, but it's not uncommon, especially among women. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation and menopause may be to blame. Adult acne can be successfully treated, so first I'd suggest making an appointment with a dermatologist to evaluate your acne and help you find the right treatment.

In the meantime, if you're trying to cover up a blemish or breakout, your best bet is to use a loose powder, such as Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder. It's better than liquid foundation because it provides natural-looking coverage without clogging your pores; if you need more coverage, then it's better to use a liquid concealer than an oil-based stick, which is almost certain to clog your pores and make your acne worse. Dab on a little concealer and cover it up with a light dusting of the loose powder, then repeat if necessary.

When choosing makeup for acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or "oil control" on the label. If your skin tends to be oily, go with a powder that has a matte finish to help reduce shine. You may want to consider using a medicated concealer with salicylic acid, like Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer; this kind of product does double duty, helping to control your acne while covering up your breakout.

How To Make A Good Olive Oil Facial Scrub

Olive oil has been prized as a skin care and beauty product since the ancient Greek and Roman era. It is a quick drying oil that is useful for those with dry skin. It also serves as an excellent hair conditioning ingredient. Making a good olive oil facial scrub doesn't require a lot of experience, and it will really help improve both your complexion and your confidence in your ability to fashion your own beauty products.

Ingredients

Gather the following materials from a botanical soap supply store:

1 ounce vegetable glycerin

2 ounces extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon aloe butter

1/2 cup distilled water

This is all you need to make a good olive oil facial scrub at home.

Preparation

Put the extra virgin olive oil, aloe butter, and distilled water in a glass mixing bowl. Microwave the bowl on high for three minutes. This melts the ingredients and brings them to a suitable temperature for adding the vegetable glycerin. Stir in the vegetable glycerin and whisk the mixture for approximately five minutes.

Use

Apply the scrub to your face and work it in with your fingertips. Leave it on your face as a mask for five minutes and then rinse with warm and then cool water. Rinsing with warm water assures that no residue is left behind, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Rinsing the final time with cold water tightens and closes your pores after they have been cleansed with your homemade facial soap.

Washing your face like this once a day is an ideal way to achieve a healthy glow and clean complexion. Twice a day is optimal, especially if you are wearing makeup. If necessary, use a makeup removal cream first to remove the makeup before washing your face with this homemade soap. This is because this soap is gentle and may not fully remove your makeup. Makeup that is left behind eventually gets stuck in your pores and blocks them.

Easy Treatments For Back Acne

Back acne can result from clogged pores, just like facial acne, and can be related to other conditions such as plugged follicles (keratosis pilaris) or sweat bumps (miliaria). It is often exacerbated by friction from clothing. Even in the winter, layers of clothing can cause irritation and sweating, resulting in breakouts on the back. To keep your back clear, follow these easy tips.

Exfoliate

The skin on the back doesn’t turn over as quickly as the skin on your face, so you need to get rid of dead cells by exfoliating it with a body scrub. Scrubs for the body and back contain exfoliating ingredients that use larger and coarser particles than those in face scrubs, since back skin is less sensitive. You can apply the scrub with a bath brush, a natural loofah, or try a nylon bath strap, available at your local Asian market.

Medicate

Scrubs made specifically for back acne with lactic or salicylic acid (like Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, Pink Grapefruit with 2 percent salicylic acid, $7.99, at drugstores) are best at dissolving the buildup that causes body breakouts. Or try a wash with benzoyl peroxide, like DDF Pumice Acne Scrub, $35, Sephora.com.

Homemade sloughers

Make your own scrub (and save money in the process) by combining exfoliating ingredients from your pantry, like oatmeal, cornmeal, sugar, salt, coffee, or crushed almonds, with moisturizing and detoxifying ingredients such as yogurt, honey, olive oil, avocado, citrus fruits, and essential oils.

Wear loose clothing

This will help prevent friction, which can clog sweat glands and lead to sweat bumps. If you are wearing tight, stretchy workout clothes, or heavy layers of sweaters, try to shower more often, especially after being active.

By following these easy tips, your back will clear up soon--and look sexy and ready to bare by summer!

How To Control Pimples? Open Facial Pores Treatment And Exfoliate Your Skin Tips

Pimples can be a small nuisance, or they can rage completely out of control, covering your face, neck, and back. Do you need to get a pimple problem under control? Try the following tips.

• Identify your skin type. Is it dry? Oily? Combination? With this in mind, you can select the over-the-counter pimple or acne medication that will work best at helping you control your pimples.
• Get the right face wash. Wash your skin with facial cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide.
• Avoid touching your face during the day. The oil and dirt from your fingers can aggravate pimples, making them harder to control.
• Pull your hair away from your face. The natural oils in hair can make pimples more difficult to control. Wear your hair in a ponytail, and grow out bangs so your hair isn't lying on your forehead.
• Check your linens. Sleep on clean cotton pillowcases that have been washed in hypoallergenic and unscented detergent. The perfumes in scented detergents and fabric softeners can cause pimples to spread. Change your pillowcase daily so your skin touches only clean fabric that hasn't been exposed to the oils and bacteria from your face.
• Stay away from oily foods. Banish greasy foods from your diet — the excessive oils in some foods can aggravate pimples. The kind of food typically served in fast-food restaurants is a nightmare for pimples. Specifically, you should avoid anything fried (fried chicken, french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, zucchini sticks, mozzarella sticks and other fried cheeses, and so on), oily salad dressings, foods sautéed in oil (stir-fries), pizza, and meat cooked on the stove (hamburgers, chicken cutlets). Opt for foods that have been roasted, steamed, or poached. Purify your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water to flush oils from your body.
• Slough it off. Exfoliate your skin daily to remove dead skin cells. Use a gentle scrub with glycolic acid. Pat dry — don’t rub! — so you treat the fresh skin gently.
• Cut down on bacteria. Minimize the bacteria in and around your pimples by using a toner that contains an antibacterial agent such as alcohol, and a cream that contains benzoyl peroxide.
• Make your own. Try these home remedies to control your pimples:
  • Mix lemon with coconut oil, spread on your face with a cotton pad, and leave in place for 15 minutes; then steam off
  • Put toothpaste on your pimples, leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off. (Do not, however, put gel-formula toothpaste on your skin.)
  • Crush an aspirin tablet in a small bowl and combine with lemon juice. Dot on pimples and leave overnight.
  • Wash your face with baby shampoo to dry pimples and the surrounding areas.
  • Drink apple cider vinegar every day.
  • Down a shot of aloe vera gel each morning.

Silky Solution

We should be spending nearly a third of our lives asleep, assuming we are getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. So, why not slip in to something silky? Japanese and Chinese nobility believe that not only is silk bedlinen luxurious, but it also has practical health and wellness benefits. Silk is cool in summer and warm in winter. It is material that breathes and conforms naturally to your body. It is hypoallergenic (meaning it won't cause allergic reactions) and silk is very unfriendly to bed mites. 

Sleepy secret

 Sleep is not called your beauty sleep for nothing. Sleep rejuvenates our bodies and minds. Did you know that a spoonful of honey taken just before going to sleep helps fuel your liver, speeds up your fat burning process, and contributes to the easing of your stress hormones? Honey also has vitamins, minerals plus antioxidants and amino acids. 

Chuck it out

Lip gloss only has a lifespan of between 18 - 24 months. If it starts to smell funny, throw it away and get a new one. You can extend its life by cleaning the wand regularly (with gentle soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly) to avoid the 

buildup of bacteria occurring too soon.

Treating Brown Spots

Brown spots on the skin can be caused by many things — sun exposure, pregnancy, or just the vagaries of aging. But there are several tricks you can use to treat brown spots and make them fade. Here’s how to clear away the dark spots.

Stop further damage. Sun exposure will only deepen brown spots and make them harder to fade. Be sure that you avoid sun exposure during the peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you do need to be outside, apply a full-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and skin from ultraviolet rays.

Try home remedies. All-natural home treatments for brown spots may take longer to get the job done, but they can be just as effective as the tools and therapies doctors use. If your spots are sun-related, try a little lime juice mixed with yogurt, or a solution of apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Castor oil may help fade liver spots. Lemon juice can be dabbed onto the spots to help fade them over time, or you can just place a slice of lemon in the area for 15 minutes each day. The lactic acid in milk can help speed cell turnover, which can help fade spots quicker — buttermilk contains more lactic acid than regular milk, so dabbing it on your spots several times a day may be even more effective. You can also include dairy products in a facial mask and apply it often.

Get a little vitamin therapy. Antioxidants can help your brown spots disappear. You can apply vitamin E oil directly to the marks, and you can also take it internally. In addition, creams that contain vitamin A or retin-A can help in treating brown spots.

Eat healthier. Flavonoids, antioxidants found in citrus fruits, ginkgo, tea, wine, and dark chocolate, may help make your skin healthier from the inside out. Soy products and fava beans contain other antioxidants, isoflavones, that may also help improve the appearance of your skin.

See a doctor. If home remedies don’t do the job, a dermatologist can examine your brown spots to ensure that they aren’t anything serious, like skin cancer. Your doctor may recommend more intensive therapies, like laser treatments, microdermabrasion, or even cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the spots to remove them. These more intensive solutions may be more painful and expensive, but they will also clear up your brown spots much faster than the natural home remedies.

Blue is a no no

A survey conducted on Planet Glamour produced conclusive results, (96%) confirming that blue lipstick is definitely NOT ON. It may be fine on kinky models but in real life, anyone with blue lips just look like they are dying of cold!

Eye catcher

To help eyeliner pencils glide over your lids and to achieve a less intense colour, dab a tiny bit of vaseline on each lid before starting to blend. Your look will appear more natural.

Be sparing

How often, when we buy a jar of face cream, do we ditch the spatula and use our fingers to take out the cream? We then wonder how come the pot is empty so soon.

A common fault we have is to use too much of the products, whether cleanser, shampoo, anti-aging cream or whatever.

• For cleanser use a dollop about the size of a 10 cent piece.
• Face cream, use enough to cover your little finger.
• A 50 cent blob of shampoo should be plenty for average length hair.

The Cure For Chapped, Dry Lips

Chapped lips are a common problem, thanks to ultrathin skin that's constantly exposed to the elements. But there are steps to take and ways to moisturize and treat dry lips that can give you back the softer, smoother lips you love.

Don’t ever lick your lips. It may feel good at the moment, but licking your lips just dehydrates them, increasing the chance that they'll become chapped. Instead, use a lip balm, but avoid the flavored kind, which can taste so good they may actually make it more likely that you'll lick your lips!

Invest in an effective lip balm. Look for moisturizing balms that include natural emollients like cocoa butter, beeswax, almond oil, and sunflower oil — they’ll provide an extra layer of protection from sun, wind, and rain and help seal in moisture. You don’t have to get anything fancy: Simple petroleum jelly is a fantastic lip sealer and healer.

Make sure your lips are protected whenever you’re outdoors. A lip balm with sunscreen will help you avoid sunburned or darkened lips. Be sure to apply a thick coat of balm to your lips whenever you’ll be exposed to the elements — especially during the winter, when dry, cold weather makes chapped lips common.

Skip anything that could irritate dry lips. Spicy or citrusy foods can cause chapped lips to burn; even some lip balms, such as those that contain menthol, may irritate them. Put your lipsticks and lip liners away as well when your lips are chapped — many of these cosmetics can further dry your lips.

Keep your body hydrated. Chapped lips often occur when the atmosphere is dry and your body becomes dehydrated. Run humidifiers at home to keep the air moist, and be sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Gently exfoliate your chapped lips. Dry lips often peel and flake, and a soft scrub can help reveal a fresh, undamaged layer of skin. You can use a soft toothbrush or a wet washcloth to exfoliate your lips, or create a gentle scrub by making a paste of sugar and oil. When you’re finished, slather on a thick layer of balm or some other lip treatment.

Experiment with a few all-natural treatments for chapped lips. Mix a teaspoon each of glycerine, lemon juice, and castor oil to make an excellent lip moisturizer. Apply the mixture to your lips and leave it on overnight. Aloe vera gel is a fantastic natural healer — spread it on chapped lips to help soothe them. Even cucumber slices may help moisturize your lips.

Getting Rid Of White Scars

Even the tiniest white scars can really stand out against your skin. While most scars will fade over time, there are things you can do to speed the fading. Here’s a rundown of a few of the most successful scar treatments available.

Silicone. This sleek and slippery product may be better known for its nonsticking, nonconductive qualities in the kitchen. But a little silicone gel rubbed onto your scar can help it fade, flatten, and disappear

Aloe vera gel. This all-natural healer can help minimize the appearance of scars, especially if you use it when a scar is still fresh. Apply the gel to white scars at least twice a day for optimal results.

Sandalwood. Applying a paste made of powdered sandalwood and water can be an effective scar treatment. Leave the paste on the white scars overnight, then wash it off in the morning.

Honey. This nectar of the bees can be a potent antibiotic, and some beauty experts also recommend it as an excellent scar treatment. Massage the honey into white scars and leave it on for at least half an hour. You may want to try a medicinal honey rather than the standard honey on your grocery shelf.

Vitamin E. This antioxidant can be applied topically to remove scars. Apply vitamin E in cream or oil form to white scars a few times a day to make them disappear.

Cocoa butter. This natural emollient can help soften white scars and make them fade — especially if it’s used when the scars are new.

Onion extract. Onion extract is actually one of the active ingredients in the popular scar treatment Mederma. You can make your own by chopping an onion and pressing out the juice.

Lemon juice. Swab some lemon juice — either alone or mixed with rose water — on white scars to help minimize their appearance. You can apply it several times each day.

Alpha hydroxy acid. Exfoliating creams that contain alpha hydroxy acid may help remove the top layers of scar cells and bring fresher, healthier skin cells to the surface. Apply this kind of cream to scars every few days.

Medical treatments. If you have larger, more persistent scars, a dermatologist may recommend injections of collagen or steroids to help them fade; microdermabrasion and laser treatments are other treatments that may be recommended to remove scar tissue.

Getting rid of moles

There are some natural ways people have tried to get rid of moles. These home remedies include:

• Garlic. Cut a thin slice and put on the mole, cover with a bandage and repeat twice a day for several days.
• Immerse the mole in sour apple juice three times a day for three weeks.
• Apply onion juice to your mole for several weeks.
• Mix a paste of baking soda with castor oil and dab on mole. Let sit overnight. Repeat for a week.
• Cut the roots off a dandelion plant and rub them into the mole until its juice covers the area.

Foot scrub made at home

Peppermint Patty Foot Scrub

1 cup coarse sea salt
5 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 cup fresh mint, minced
3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix thoroughly and massage into your soles, focusing on calluses and rough patches. For best results, first soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, or use the scrub after a bath or shower. Follow by applying a rich foot cream. Repeat every week to keep your feet soft and sexy.

Goats for a beautiful skin

Zene Kaye's range of goats milk beauty products have been launched under the label Soaps from Chardine. 

Cleopatra taught us that milk was good for our skin and these products, that contain added essential oils and natural clays, are a wonderful skincare invention. Goats milk soap has the same pH as skin. 

Visit the website at www.soapsfromchardine.co.za

Acne and exfoliation

Exfoliation can help clear acne, but harsh scrubs will irritate the blemishes. 

Opt for a chemical exfoliant that has salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid. These gently dissolve dead skin.

Dark circles

New advice on decreasing those dreaded dark rings, For dark circles under eyes, mix glycerine in fresh lemon and keep in the fridge. Use at night. It helps to lighten.

Oil rich

Aromatherapy expert and founder of Africology, Renchia Droganis, claims certain oils are better than others for livening up your skin. 

Geranium Oil maintains muscle tone. To use: a few drops into your palms and massaged into your entire face. 

Neroli Oil - regenerates and revives skin cells around your eyes, helping repair scar tissue. Put a few drops under your eyes before applying your eyecream in the morning and night. Helps reduce puffiness too. 

Rose Oil - An excellent balancer. Has the ability to slow the ageing process. Add a drop or two to your face creams, serums and masks two or three times a week. You can put a few drops into boiling water and enjoy a soft cleansing facial steam.

Witches brew

If you can't afford a toner, tryWitch Hazel and Rosewater (which can be bought, ready mixed, at Dischem) after cleansing your face. It's fresh with a delicate fragrance and reasonably priced".

 Bio Oil or Dischem's Hydra Oil as an inexpensive, non greasy night moisturiser.

Puce pimple

To stop the redness and swelling after squeezing a pimple, tape a thin slice of potato (raw!) onto the area and leave it overnight, and try to resist the temptation to squeeze a spot again!  

Once-a-day sun protection creams

Once-a-day sun protection creams are a fantastic new invention - especially for children as they do not rub off. Bear these few things in mind, however:

• Once-a-day is, in fact, 4-5 hours.
• Do NOT put on moisturiser first as that hampers the day cream's "sticking" ability.
• Apply indoors at least half an hour before going out.

Your local cosmetic counters, Dischem or Weleda will stock once-a-day creams. A good make is Invisible Zinc 4 hour Water Resistant SPF 30+ or Aqueous Sunscreen SPF 30.

Blackheads vanish

Blackheads can be the bane of your life, especially in the hot weather when we perspire more and produce more oil in our skin.  

Try this: add a teaspoon of Epsom Salts and 3 drops of iodine to a small cup of boiling water. Using a cotton bud, apply the mixture to the blackheads. You will find this removes them without leaving any scarring.  

A lovely facepack for those oily, spotty areas is one made of coriander flowers, (half a cup) a cup of oats, and two cups of warm water. Leave for 12 hours in a thermos and then apply. 

Rinse off with tepid water after 10 minutes.

Clogged pores

Change your pillow case(s) at least once a week to keep the bacteria accumulated from your skin from melding with the 'gunk' on your face that is caused by many things, like perspiration, residue makeup, washing products not completely removed, etc.

Brush Away

Don't throw away your old brush heads of your electric toothbrush, rather use them as a gentle exfoliator which will remove all dead skin cells

Hair wear

Natural curls, waves and (a little) frizz are in this summer. You can pack away your straightening iron, according to Carlton Hair.

Remember that your hair will stay cleaner longer if you avoid touching it all the time. To detangle, though, use your fingers rather than a brush if possible.

Quick fixes

Oily roots? Wash the front parts of your hair and blowdry. Tie the rest of your hair up or back.

You can also dust your roots with a little translucent powder to absorb the oil. Try to avoid having a very sleek style because the oilyness will be accentuated.

Frizz free

To dispense of frizz forever, remove the nozzle on your hairdryer because it, the nozzle, concentrates heat which revs up the frizz factor, according to Tamlyn Jacks of O Magazine. Use a flat brush to evenly distribute the heat and switch to the coolest setting of your dryer.

If you have crinkly eyebrows try this: smear a small quantity (half a pinky nail) of hair gel on an old toothbrush and brush firmly from the roots in an outwards direction.

Coconut care

If your hair is in need of some moisture, an inexpensive option is coconut oil which can be bought at any pharmacy for as little as R17 for 100 ml. Apply to wet hair on ends or wherever moisture is needed. Leave on for 30 minutes or longer depending on severity of dryness. Wash hair twice thoroughly afterwards (thrice for good measure so as to get all the oil out.) Condition and style as usual. Hair will be left super glossy and ridiculously soft - with no oiliness!!!

Tea tree solution

Dandruff should vanish if you use 1 drop of tea tree oil to 10 drops of another oil, like lavender or almond. Massage gently into your scalp and then wash as you usually do.

Beer shampoo

Take one bottle of any beer - open it and let it stand overnight. The next day pour the contents into a plastic cup and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds. Add 2 teaspoons of runny honey and stir. 

Wash your hair with the liquid and leave on for about 2 minutes. The mixture cleans off any built up products and is a good moisturizer. You can use it twice a week if necessary.

Pass the parsley

Fresh parsley, eaten daily, will do much to clear the skin, break down oiliness and heal acne and pimples. An old fashioned parsley bath is also good for purifying your skin.

Boil 2 cups fresh parsley sprigs in 2 litres water. Add 10 cloves and 1 crushed nutmeg. Simmer gently (with the lid on) for 10 minutes then set aside to cool. Strain and use as a splash on lotion or add to your bath water.