Beauty QnA

What are the best ways to treat hands and nails in the cold season? - Lerato Thepe

Cold weather can really take its toll on our skin! It's important to get your hands on a reliable hand cream that keeps your hands feeling soft and smooth instantly. I would recommend using Neutrogena's Fast Absorbing Hand Cream (R79,95). It's fast-absorbing, non-greasy, budget-friendly and has a delightful scent. Your dry hands will feel moisturised as soon as you use it! To keep nails and cuticles nourished and strong use Badger's Cuticle Care (R112). It contains shea butter and olive oil, which makes a perfect combination for healthy nails. Neutrogena is available at selected retail stores and pharmacies or phone 0860 410 032 for more stockist details. Badger Balm is available online at www.naturescolours.com or phone 011 640 5721.

What can I use to remove acne scars from my face? - Anusha Naidoo

Owner and Skincare Therapist of Kimakai Spa in Plumstead, Anna Viljoen had this to say: In order to successfully reduce the appearance of acne scars from the face, there needs to be a good level of commitment towards a skin care regime that includes, over and above the basic cleanse, tone, moisturise and exfoliation. In order to encourage fresh new cells to be created within the skin and to create an even surface, exfoliating 2 - 3 times per week is essential. (Alpha Hydroxy Acids are my personal favourites as they are suitable for most skin types and conditions and are very effective in removing dead skin cells without creating trauma to the skin which is what could potentially happen with granular scrubs. Granular scrubs encourage friction & potentially exacerbate inflammation within the skin and are certainly not suitable for sensitive skin. RegimA is a brand that I endorse fully and for an effective exfoliation, RegimA has two Exfoliating Night Moisturisers (Rejuvoderm Night Repair & Night Renewal Booster) and a great exfoliant (Exfoliating Natural Treatment Masque).

Furthermore, a corrective cream that is designed to encourage the healing and repair process that is necessary to treat scars, should also be used daily. RegimA's Scar Repair is one of the most dynamic products I have ever worked with and has been formulated specifically for the purpose of treating scars.

An additional step that is important for preventing scars from darkening on the face is to use a good SPF, one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB thus limiting any cellular damage and supporting the skin as well as protecting the skin from the external aggressor, daylight. A dual-function daytime moisturiser with a built in SPF of at least SPF15 is ideal. Aim for SPF 30 (RegimA Daily Survival SPF 30), especially in our South African climate and use it all year round.

In addition to the home care that has been discussed, it is crucial to have a course of peels. This is the best way to achieve an advanced exfoliation which will accelerate the process of reducing any scarring by working on the skin at a much deeper level. Communication at this level is key for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which both form part of the natural scaffolding in the skin and are important structures involved in the repair process of the skin.

What product can I use for frizzy hair? With the humidity in Kwazulu-Natal, my hair just frizzes! - Shannon Mostert

Never fear Shannon! We have the solution for you! The Moroccanoil Treatment or Moroccanoil Treatment Light is a nourishing and conditioning hair treatment, which contains argan oil. Only a few drops of the product is applied to the hair, which in turn, leads to shiny, frizz-free locks. Drying time is also sped up due to the lightweight product. Moroccanoil is available from selected salons or phone 011 305 1600 for further stockist details. Prices may vary from salon to salon.

Do you have a question for our beauty team? Ask us in the comments section below or on Facebook.