Shahnaz Husain’s seven beauty secrets

Beauty is a matter of cultivating some good habits to last you a lifetime. Here are some tips that I swear by. They will give you that extra edge:

● Remember to cleanse your face every night, removing make-up and pollutants that are deposited during the day. I use an Aloe-Vera and Lemon cleanser for normal to dry skin. Glowing skin that is free from blemishes is the result of daily, appropriate cleansing.

● Remove all creams, like cleansing creams, nourishing creams and under-eye creams with moist cotton wool, so that there is no moisture loss. Moist cotton does not absorb moisture from the skin.

● I have normal to dry skin. So, I apply nourishing cream at night after cleansing, massaging it on the face with outward and slightly upward strokes. I include the neck in my massage routine and wipe off the cream with moist cotton wool before bedtime.

● Moisture and protection keep the skin soft and smooth, especially in winter. Sun-exposure also causes moisture loss. Use sunscreen or sun-block before going out in the sun. Choose high SPF for sun-sensitive skin, while SPF 25 would suit most skins. Use a sunscreen gel for oily skin. When you are at home, apply moisturiser.

● Use a facial scrub for blackhead-prone, oily skin at least twice a week. Avoid scrubs on pimples, acne or rash, as well as very dry, dehydrated skin. It can deplete both oil and moisture, causing flaking of the skin. For normal skin, a scrub may be used once a week.

● Use a Face Pack at least once or twice a week. I use a face pack daily. It consists of herbal powder and seaweed lotion, mixed with yogurt, honey and egg white. If your skin is oily, apply it more often. Packs help to deep cleanse the skin and tighten it, delaying ageing signs.

● Keep your hair clean and never neglect shampooing the hair. Use a mild herbal shampoo and hair rinse. After washing the hair, wrap it in a towel and allow it to soak up moisture. Avoid rubbing the hair dry. Avoid brushing wet hair. Use a wide-toothed comb.