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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Your Embarrassing Beauty Questions — Answered

We all have questions about our less-than-perfect bodies that make us feel self-conscious. Why do I suddenly have facial hair? What’s with those bumps on my behind? Well, now you can stop blushing. We consulted the experts and found answers behind 10 cringe-worthy beauty conundrums.



tweezing



"What can I do about the whiskers that have suddenly sprouted on my chin? They're uncool, unfeminine, and so annoying!"

 
“A gentle yet firm tweeze is the way to go,” says Molly R. Stern, Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist. Use a sharp-angled tweezer, grasp the hair as close to the base as you can, and tug. Be careful not to pinch the skin and don’t dig under it to remove any hair left behind.
If you’ve got more than a few hairs, see your doctor. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, a disorder characterized by high levels of male hormones, or an adrenal gland problem could be to blame, says Doris J. Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University. If you’re moderately hairy (meaning you tidy your brows or upper lip monthly), there’s not much you can do to escape genetics.


"My pubic hair is almost completely gray. Is it safe for me to color it?"

 
The answer is yes, thanks to products like betty and Smart Bikini Colour, made specifically for “the hair down there.” “To be safe, don’t start any lower than your pubic bone and work your way up to the hairline,” says Mia Markey, owner of Studio 9 Hair Design in Cold Spring, New York. “Also, steer clear of products made with harsh chemicals such as peroxide or ammonia.” betty, for instance, is water-based and uses gentle ingredients, such as henna, chamomile, and lemongrass. And don’t overdo it: Only color as often as you would the hair on your head.




"I feel like a clown when I wear makeup. Are there any tips for choosing the most natural shade to match my skin tone?"

“Sample colors on the inside of your wrist or arm. Most women mistakenly use the back of their hand as a guide, which is usually darker than their face,” says Stern. “Second, always check the color in the sunlight. Most cosmetics departments are artificially lit, making it hard to see what your skin actually looks like. Ask to borrow a hand mirror and step outside; better yet, wear it for a few hours before you commit. Then see how the color looks after it mixes with your skin’s natural oils.”



"How do I get rid of dandruff once and for all?"

 
Those pesky flakes can be stubborn. Dry scalp or seborrheic dermatitis, a scaly condition caused by an overproduction of skin oils, are common culprits. Stress and hormonal imbalance may also contribute. Slipping back into your favorite black turtleneck may take some trial and error: “Look for shampoos that contain either salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione,” says Day. “Use one for two weeks, and if it doesn’t work, switch to the other. As a last resort, try alternating both products.” Wash your hair every day or every other day.




 

"How do I fix my yellow toenails?"

 
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the nail polish — but the reaction between polish remover and lacquer — that causes discoloration on your nails, says Day. Mitigate the problem by using a base coat. Or, add a drop of bleach to the remover for a more aggressive approach. If your nails are also thick and misshapen, you might have fungus. Make an appointment with your dermatologist pronto. Fungus is particularly tough to treat, and remedies range from topical over-the-counter solutions to prescription meds. The sooner you find a remedy, the better.


From - Good Housekeeping / Posted by Mags






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