Cussons Care - July 16

I have been using the same make-up styles and colours for the last 10 years – earthy brown and green colours for my eyes, and brownish colour blusher and lipsticks. Now I am tired of it and would like to change. However, I don't want to get one of those 'make-up consultations' for three reasons. Firstly, they make you look like someone you are not. Also they are very expensive. Finally, I know that when I go home I will not be able to apply the make-up myself. What can I do?
Beatrice, 32, Abu Dhabi

Dr David Russell: Why don't you enrol in a make-up course? A course of this nature will show you different types of products and how to apply them. Usually the school is not tied to one brand of makeup and there will be no pressure to buy. You will be able to experiment with guidance and develop different looks for yourself before buying any new make-up. The Cleopatra and Steiner Beauty Training Centre at Wafi City offers courses of this nature.

I have very hairy arms and my friends tease me about it. Should I shave the hair off or is there a better way. I've heard about waxing but it sounds very painful.
Jyothi, 15

There are many methods of hair removal, it is just a matter of finding one that is right for you. If you decide to shave, you must be prepared to do this
every day and the hair will feel rough as it is coming back. Waxing will last longer but to some people it is a little painful, although not unbearable. The main advantage of waxing is that it will last for up to four weeks. You could try depilatory creams, such as Nair or Immac, as these will remove the hair for up to a week. The main advantage is that it is totally painless but the main disadvantage is the risk of an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the cream. Before using for the first time try a little of the cream on your arm to check that it will not irritate the area.

I have very big pores, especially on my nose, and it looks very ugly. Is there anything I can do to make them smaller or even look smaller?
Tony, Dubai

Unfortunately, once your pores have become enlarged it is almost impossible to return them to their original size. Large pores are a problem for many people who live in hot humid climates as constant sweating leads to the pores becoming permanently dilated. The appearance of the pores can be improved by ensuring that they do not become clogged by regularly using a skin exfoliant. There is also a cosmetic treatment called "microdermabrasion" or "power peel" that will also help to improve the texture of your skin. These treatments are carried out at most good beauty clinics.

I have lost a lot of weight recently, and now I have extra skin around my stomach. What should I do about this? I am exercising a lot, but it is not helping.
Joanne, aged 37

After a great deal of weight loss, sometimes the skin loses its elasticity and can form folds in certain areas, particularly the stomach and upper arms. There is a surgical procedure known as a "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty which will remove excess skin and fat. The best candidates are people who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by loose skin or excess fat that will not respond to diet or exercise. It is a major procedure and there will be an incision from hipbone to hipbone. Before you embark on this procedure you must have a thorough consultation with the surgeon who will advise you on whether you need a partial or full tummy tuck.

I have varicose veins on my legs, which are very unattractive. I only got them about two years ago, after the birth of my second child. It's summer now and we're going on holidays. I am really embarrassed to wear shorts or swimsuits as I hate people to see my legs. What treatments are there for getting rid of this problem?
Philomena, Al Ain

Veins can become enlarged with pools of blood when they fail to circulate the blood properly. These visible and bulging veins are called varicose veins and are most common on the legs. Arrange a consultation with a specialist surgeon who will perform an ultrasound treatment to determine the cause and stage of development of your varicose veins. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat small varicose veins. It is a minor procedure where an irritant is injected into the veins that makes them scar and seal off. This forces the blood to detour to healthier veins. Stripping or vein removal is a major procedure. Parts of the vein are removed or tied off or the entire vein can be removed. Which procedure is appropriate for you will be decided by your doctor.

Write to Dr David Russell at Gulf News, Tabloid, P.O. Box 6519, Dubai or fax to 04-3429720, or email to tabloid@gulf-news.com