Ask Wendy FAQ

PIMPLES, BE GONE!

Q: I’m prone to breakouts. What can I do to get rid of pimples fast?

A: Be sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water. If the pimples are chronic, I’d suggest first seeing a dermatologist. He/she can prescribe something topical to speed things along.

Next, be sure you are using a skin care program tailored to your skins needs, being sure to stay clear of harsh ingredients. For an occasional “quick fix”, take an Advil at the first sign of an outbreak, (check with your doctor if you have any health concerns) which will relieve swelling.

Dabbing on a little hydrocortisone cream will also help the redness. I don’t recommend using concealer, as this can make the pimple even more obvious. Instead try covering the area with a wet/dry powder, using a small eyeshadow sponge or cotton swab.

EVEN OUT BLOTCHY SKIN

Q: My skin is always blotchy, and nothing I do seems to even my skin tone. Is there something I can use that won’t make me look like I’m wearing lots of makeup?

A: A tinted moisturizer should work quite well. If your skin tends to be red or pink, try a yellow based product.

Tinted moisturizers can be applied to clean skin just as your regular moisturizer. You will get the benefits of a light foundation while still looking healthy and natural.

COMBINATION HAIR? HERE'S HELP

Q: I have thin, rough hair. How can I take care of my hair considering that my scalp is oily but my hair is dry? I would also like to know how to strengthen my hair, increase its growing rate, and make it look glowing and healthy. I heard about a hair product that is used during styling and can make hair look shiny, is this true?

A: The first thing to do is to make sure your diet is healthy and that you are getting plenty of protein and B-vitamins. Supplements such as C, E, and zinc can also be beneficial. Our skin and hair reflect what's going on inside, so eating well is key. To keep hair soft and shiny, use a good conditioner and apply starting about three inches from the scalp. An herbal based, rosemary shampoo may help combat an oily scalp without drying the rest of your hair. Massaging the scalp every evening before bed is also a good idea, as this boosts circulation which helps hair to grow healthy and strong.

I believe the products you mention are those that are silicone based. Any silicone based styling cream will indeed add shine, but do be careful not to use too much, as this can exacerbate oiliness and leave hair looking greasy.

Lastly, if you still experience problems after incorporating these ideas into your regimen, I would suggest seeing a physician. Occasionally scalp conditions can reflect a hormonal imbalance.

FADE AGE SPOTS AND SKIN DISCOLORATIONS

Q: Do you know of any effective fading products that help to remove skin discolorations?

A: You can remove or lighten skin discoloration several ways. Retin-A is effective, but you need to be VERY careful about going in the sun while using it. Sunlight exposure (without a good s.p.f.) while using any kind of retinol can cause pigmentation to worsen.

Hydroquinone is a skin bleach that is available by prescription. It works effectively, often best in conjunction with alpha hydroxy acids. Kojic acid is a non-prescription lightener that appears to work as well as Hydroquinone, but is not necessarily less costly. It's found in products such as emergenC spot-lightening gel ($48) and Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Skin Brightening Gel Complex ($50). Lastly, a dermatologist can laser the spots, and the results are near immediate. However, costs begin at about $300 for this type of procedure.

STRONGER, HEALTHIER NAILS? YOU BET!

Q: My nails seem to be weak and lack color. Could this be related to a vitamin deficiency of some kind?

A: Your weakened nails could indeed be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Try incorporating greater amounts of protein, calcium, and b-vitamins into your diet. Flax oil, about two tablespoons a day, is also wonderful for the skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, you may want to massage the nails daily, which will increase circulation and improve nail health. If you don't see any improvement in a few weeks, do see your physician to make sure there isn't something more serious going on.

CLEAR PROBLEM SKIN, WITH DILIGENT REGIMEN

Q: I would really like your help. Over the past two years my skin has gone from occasional breakouts on one cheek to acne on my entire face. I don't know what to do to control it. This problem has really affected me socially and emotionally because it seems to be the first thing everybody notices. Family and friends are always making comments about my skin. That I should use this soap, or that I should take these pills. At this moment, I am using a product that I saw on tv and I really haven't seen any improvement except that it has made my skin feel softer. Do you have any suggestions? Also, I’m on a budget so I don’t want to spend a lot.

A: Please know you are not the only one that has "faced" this sort of skin crisis! Sometimes people who are extremely healthy in every other way develop serious skin problems, without apparent reason. Oftentimes there literally seems to be no relief in sight, as one tries every product/diet imaginable. As frustrating as problem skin can be, I do have some suggestions.

As I’m always saying, our skin does reflect what's going on "inside." Food allergies, improper nutrition, lack of water, hormone imbalances, stress, and even the air we breathe can all affect the look of our skin. I would begin by paying close attention to your diet. Try a very simple, healthy diet and see if this helps. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein such as fish are all good bets. (Eating plenty of RAW foods has helped me keep my skin in tip-top shape.)

I would also suggest "fasting" one day a week and consuming nothing but fruit and vegetable juices — many people see huge improvements simply by doing this. (DO check with your doctor first though before doing any type of fasting.) Start the day with a large glass of pure water with some fresh lemon. This is great for cleansing and skin tone. Continue to drink plenty of water or herb tea throughout the day. I have found dandelion and parsley teas to be especially effective.

Next, skip caffeine, alcohol, sodas, and high sodium foods. It sounds drastic, but ONE or more of these substances could be causing you trouble. Eliminate for several weeks and see if you notice a difference.

As for skin care, I feel that simple is best. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer should be all you need. Cucumbers make an excellent "toner" and are very inexpensive! Wear as little makeup as possible, as even those that are labeled "for sensitive skin" can cause irritation.

I would also suggest forgoing drying, over the counter acne treatments, as these can sometimes make the problem worse by causing further irritation. Wash your face with tepid water, and rinse with distilled water, if at all possible. Don't cleanse the skin more than twice a day, as again, irritation can result.

Lastly, vitamins C, E, and Zinc can help improve skin condition. I would take them every single day for optimum benefits.

I know this sounds like an awful lot, but I think you'll find the results worth it! If after two weeks you don't see an improvement, I would suggest seeing a physician. The problem could be hormone related and easily treated by your doctor.

CONDITION DRY HAIR, WITH HOMEMADE RECIPES

Q: My hair is very dry, no matter what types of conditioner I use. What can I do to get soft, shiny hair?

A: Severely dry hair responds well to at-home deep conditioning treatments. Olive oil is especially effective.

Massage 1/3 cup of olive oil in to dry hair and let sit for up to an hour. Shampoo as usual. Done weekly, this should help restore hair's shine and texture.

Leave in conditioners can also rescue hair that's abused or prone to dryness, as can cutting back on heat styling such as blow-drying. If you can't eliminate blow drying completely, try to let hair air dry, using the dryer only to finish your style or create volume.

Many people have reported that flax oil (found any health food stores), when supplemented in the diet, improves the condition of hair and skin. For best results, take a tablespoon or two capsules of flax oil daily.

GET RID OF UNDER EYE CIRCLES, FOR GOOD

Q: I have under eye circles that won't go away, no matter how much rest I get. Do you know what I could do, besides using makeup to cover them, to solve this?

A: Under eye circles can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes toxins in the body end up as under eye circles, allergies, or acne. You may want to try juice fasting one day a week, as well as taking vitamins C, E, and Zinc in supplement form. Eating very healthily (plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and drinking at least eight glasses of pure water every day can also help.

It may also be that you are suffering from allergies and don't even know it. I would suggest seeing your physician, as allergies are an extremely frequent cause of chronic circles and are fairly easily treated in this case.

Concealers can actually draw attention to the problem, so try covering circles with a little flesh colored eye shadow. This will make circles disappear and still look very natural.

LOSE WEIGHT, AND KEEP IT OFF

Q: I want to lose weight, though I've tried every diet and can't seem to keep the weight off. Any suggestions?

A: I really believe that changing our actual lifestyle is key to permanent weight loss. The goal is optimal health -- not starvation or punishment. I've found the hardest part to be the initial decision - deciding that you truly WANT to be fit and healthy is half the battle! Here are some simple and effective tips for losing weight permanently:

1. Do something active every single day. Even if it's just for 20 minutes, aerobic activity boosts our metabolism and keeps fat burning for the rest of the day. (I like to walk or hike.)

2. Put on your exercise clothes first thing in the morning, right when you get out of bed. The clothes you wear really put you in the right frame of mind to exercise! By getting it over and done with, you'll feel you've accomplished something and will start the day off happy and energized.

3. Juice fasting is a wonderful way to jump start any diet and to help keep weight off permanently. Try drinking only fruit and vegetable juices for one day a week to flush out toxins and boost energy levels. (Do check with your doctor first.)

4. Pay attention to what you are putting in your body. By consuming more healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins, you will lose weight naturally.

5. Drink plenty of water! We've all heard this before, but water flushes the body of toxins, and helps to regulate your entire system. If you don't like water, try adding some lemon or drinking herb tea throughout the day. By making basic lifestyle changes, weight loss will never be an issue. Of course, don't forget to indulge in the occasional treat - life is too short not to! :)

SO YOU WANT TO BE A MODEL?

Q: I really want to be a model. Can you help me or give me some advice?

A: The best thing to do is to go see an agent in a city near you. (NOT a school.) Find a reputable agency and call and ask them when they have open auditions. They will give you a scheduled time to meet with the booking agent and give you honest feedback. You don't need to bring any pictures, just show up with your hair pulled back off your face and very little makeup...The agent will want to see what YOU look like, as they know exactly what hair and makeup can do to enhance your looks.

ADD SOFT HIGHLIGHTS, NATURALLY

Q: I'm looking for a way to highlight my dark blonde/light brown hair naturally. Any suggestions?

A: While there is really no way to get drastic highlights without visiting a salon, you CAN lighten hair a bit by mixing some strong chamomile tea and lemon juice. (Two parts tea to one part juice.) For best results, use a spray bottle to spritz on hair, especially around the face on the top of head, where highlights naturally occur. Sit in the sun for 30 minutes or so (of course wear a GOOD spf on entire body) then shampoo and deep condition to re-hydrate hair.

You may also want to talk to your stylist about the new color "brighteners", which add shine and subtle highlights but without the drying or chemical effects of regular hair colors.

GARLIC AND PAPAYA...THE SKINNY

Q: I've read about the Garlic and Papaya tablets on the site. Can you tell me how they work and if they are safe? Also, do you purchase them separately or as one tablet?

A: Garlic and Papaya work as a mild natural diuretic. Yes, they are safe, but I do recommend consulting with your physician if you have any concerns. Women under 18 should not be dieting in any way, so these tablets are meant for those over 18.

Additionally, the garlic and papaya should not be continued for longer that a few days - they are a means to "jump start" a healthy lifestyle, not eliminate the need for consuming healthy foods and exercising. They will also lose their effectiveness if taken continuously. (Though not harmful - papaya is just a digestive enzyme and garlic is wonderful for maintaining good health.)

Many health food stores carry garlic and papaya as a formula, though you can purchase them separately with the same effect. An average dose would be one tablet with meals.

MAKE EYES POP, WITH THE RIGHT MAKEUP

Q: How can I make my small eyes look larger?

A: Eye makeup is like clothing...the darker the makeup, the "smaller" the effect. To really make

eyes sparkle, use a light shade like vanilla over the entire lid, and if you choose to use liner, don't go too dark -- stick with colors like taupe. Also, be sure to curl lashes, which really opens up the whole eye area.

EXFOLIATE YOUR WAY TO CLEAR SKIN

Q: How can I get rid of blackheads? The rest of my skin is clear, but no matter what I do, this problem continues.

A: Be sure you are exfoliating at least three times weekly, which will help keep pores clear and healthy. Also, using a retinol and/or an alpha hydroxy product on the affected area has been shown to help tremendously with blackheads. Apply every evening before bed, and you should see results in as little as a week.

EYELINER, MADE EASY

Q: How do you correctly use eyeliner? It never looks quite right when I apply it.

A: The key to good eye makeup is to BLEND! You want people to notice you, not your makeup. I like earth tones like taupe. Pencil eyeliners are generally the easiest to work with, and the ones that come with a sponge tip are especially convenient.

Begin by lining the upper lid first, starting at the inner corner. Hold the eye a bit taught so you can get as close to the lash line as possible. Make a series of short, quick strokes, working
outward. Do the same thing with the lower lash line. Then, using the sponge tip, blend gently outward for a "smudged" effect.

To soften the look even further, apply a bit of powder over the lines. (This will also help makeup last longer.) It will take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it you'll have great looking eyes in no time flat!

END RAZOR BURN PERMANENTLY

Q: I have bad shaving rashes on my legs. How can I get rid of them?

A: Redness generally comes from any process that increases blood flow. Typically on the legs this occurs from inflammation due to an irritation. The inflammation can occur from allergic processes or by a reaction to a mechanical irritation. Try to first figure out whether the shaving is actually causing the problem. If it is, the redness is from a low grade infection around the hair follicle. If the redness is surrounding the hair follicle then I suggest the following:

1. Shave at the end of a bath and shower when the skin is well hydrated.

2. Experiment with new razors to find one that doesn't irritate your skin...typically the multiple blade razors create less irritation.

3. Minimize the number of passes you make with the razor.

4. Initially shave in the direction of the hair growth until the blotches have disappeared

5. Use a good lubricating shaving cream,

6. Initially use a topical antiseptic immediately after shaving. This will control low grade infections. Try something such as Neosporin ointment.

If the redness is not related to the location of the hair follicle, you may just be predisposed to this process and may have to learn to live with it or place topical agents to cover up the discoloration such as make ups, topical astringents that close blood vessels such as which hazel. Or, an alternative would be to take a mild non-sedating antihistamine, though this would not be advised on a regular basis. Finally, make sure that you are not on any vitamins, particularly niacin or stimulant containing products and/or medications that dilate blood vessels.

GET RID OF BLOATING, WITH DANDELION

Q: Every month for about five days before my period I’m terribly bloated. Is there anything natural I can take to relieve this discomfort?

A: Yes. I’ve used dandelion tea for years, and it really works! You can find dandelion tea at any health food store. You can also by a “blend” of herbs literally called “PMS Tea.” I’ve found this mixture to work effectively as well. Try sipping 3-5 cups of dandelion tea throughout the day beginning about a week before your period. Also try to eliminate salt and alcohol during this time, both of which can exacerbate bloating.

© 2006 BeautySoul.com All rights reserved.