Cussons Care - May 28

I am quite a skinny guy, and no matter how much I exercise, I never seem to get muscles. Have you any suggestions for me? I don't want to take any hormones or other drugs, but I am a bit desperate at this stage.
Akhil, Sharjah

Dr David Russell: If you think you are too thin, you should check with your doctor since there are a number of diseases, hyperthyroidism for example, that tend to cause weight loss. If you smoke, you should stop. Not only is it generally unhealthy but most smokers often gain weight when they quit. Most people who have been thin their entire lives do not have an underlying illness. You need to increase your calorific intake by increasing protein and carbohydrate consumption. Do not increase your calorific intake by eating foods that are high in fat. Although this will give weight gain, it is not a healthy way to achieve this. If you consume an additional 500 to 1,000 calories a day, you should put on one to two pounds per week.
Working out with weights will bulk up your muscles and should not lead to more weight loss.

Around my eyes, the skin is very delicate and I always feel that when I am removing mascara and eye shadow, I am causing damage to this area. I have been thinking lately that it would be a good idea to get my eyelashes dyed so that at least I wouldn't have to put mascara on every day. Is this a good idea?
Naomi, Dubai

Eyelash tinting is a great idea as this will darken your lashes and the effect will last between four to six weeks. Most beauty salons offer this service but you must insist on having a skin test at least 24 to 36 hours prior to the tinting as some people can experience an allergic reaction.

My hands are very dry and gives me an older look, although I am only 34. What can I do about this?
Sheryl

Stop using soap to wash your hands. Instead use a moisturising handwash. Always have a tube of hand cream handy by the sink, so you can moisturise your hands immediately after washing. When doing any household chores or gardening make sure you wear protective gloves and before leaving home each day, apply sunblock to prevent those brown age spots.
Your hands could also benefit from a regular luxury manicure which involves applying creams to them before placing them in heated mittens. The warmth will encourage penetration of the creams, leaving your hands soft and smooth.

I have been thinking of getting a bikini wax, but am a bit scared. Is there a less painful but effective way of looking good in a swimsuit?
Roshni, Abu Dhabi

Bikini waxing when performed by a trained professional is safe and extremely effective if a little bit painful. This is the best long-lasting results you can hope to achieve. Other methods do not last long.
However, the least painful, safest and easiest method to follow at home is the application of depilatory creams, such as Nair or Immac. You must however, try the cream first on a small area of your skin as allergic reactions to these chemicals are quite common. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always ensure you rinse the cream from the skin thoroughly. You will find you will have to repeat this every three to four days.

Some parts of my face are dry while others are oily. What does this speak about the type of moisturiser and skin products I should use?
Janna, Dubai

If the difference in the dry and oily areas of your skin is great then you should use different products for those specific areas. You can however buy products which have been designed for combination skins such as yours. The main difference is in the treatment of your skin. For example, your dry areas may need exfoliating only once a week whereas the oily areas may need exfoliating twice a week followed by removal of any blackheads.
When applying a face mask always use two different types for these specific areas.

Dr David Russell of Cussons, international, makers of the Imperial Leather range of products, answers queries on skincare. Write to him at Gulf News, Tabloid, P.O. Box 6519, Dubai or fax to 04-3429720, or email to tabloid@gulf-news.com