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Your beauty problems answered by Bharti Vyas

If you would like Bharti to help solve your beauty problems, you can write to her at:
Bharti Vyas/Your Beauty
24 Chiltern Street,
London W1M 1PF
Alternatively, you can email: info@black beautyandhair.com or visit www.bharti-vyas.com

UNEVEN SKIN
I have uneven pigmentation on my face, which has got worse after having a baby. What can I do?
Pigmentation is a common problem amongst black and Asians and it gives the skin an uneven tone. It is usually linked to bad circulation in an area leading to pigment becoming concentrated in patches. Often hormonal changes, which take place during pregnancy, will exacerbate the problem. The most common areas affected are the cheeks, eyes and around the mouth. I have developed a Pigmentation Facial (£90), designed to specifically target pigmentation. We combine acu-lymphatic massage with a concentrated pigmentation serum and microdermabrasion. These work to disperse pigment, stimulate circulation and give your skin a healthy even tone. The treatment also includes 30 minutes on the Flowtron Lymphatic Boost to help give your body’s lymphatic system a boost. Call 020 7935 5312 to book an appointment or visit www.bharti-vyas.com
TAKING IT ON THE CHIN
I have started noticing wiry black hairs on my chin that grow back as soon as I pluck them. How can I get rid of them for good?
There are some fantastic treatments on the market at the moment, one of the most popular of which is laser hair removal. Permanent hair reduction is achieved when a laser light penetrates into the hair shaft and kills it at the root – we use an ND:Yag laser, which works really well on black and Asian skins in particular. Choose a salon that is registered with the Healthcare Commission as this is now a legal requirement. Then you should be given a consultation and a patch test. If your skin doesn’t react, you can begin monthly treatments and by your tenth, you should notice a substantial difference in hair growth. Eventually, hairs will take months and then years to grow back. The results are fantastic and the treatment can be done all over the body. Do research the system you choose before starting treatment, though, to ensure it’s right for you and your skin.
A NAIL BITING MOMENT
How can I make my hands look less ugly – I bite my nails and they look awful?
Whenever you get the urge to bite, apply hand cream – great for the hands, but it doesn’t taste so good – and massage around the cuticles at the base, from where the nails grow, to stimulate nourishing blood flow. The circulation boost will also give nails a healthy pink glow. Bend the fingers of both hands in towards the palms and press the nails and fingers together three times a day for a minute. Relax hands then rub the two sets of fingernails against one another for one minute. And massage your hands and nails with cream or oil every night before bed, using moisturisers containing wheatgerm or vitamin E oils, which are among the most nourishing.
TAKING IT ON THE CHIN
I have started noticing wiry black hairs on my chin that grow back as soon as I pluck them. How can I get rid of them for good?
There are some fantastic treatments on the market at the moment, one of the most popular of which is laser hair removal. Permanent hair reduction is achieved when a laser light penetrates into the hair shaft and kills it at the root – we use an ND:Yag laser, which works really well on black and Asian skins in particular. Choose a salon that is registered with the Healthcare Commission as this is now a legal requirement. Then you should be given a consultation and a patch test. If your skin doesn’t react, you can begin monthly treatments and by your tenth, you should notice a substantial difference in hair growth. Eventually, hairs will take months and then years to grow back. The results are fantastic and the treatment can be done all over the body. Do research the system you choose before starting treatment, though, to ensure it’s right for you and your skin.
A NAIL BITING MOMENT
How can I make my hands look less ugly – I bite my nails and they look awful?
Whenever you get the urge to bite, apply hand cream – great for the hands, but it doesn’t taste so good – and massage around the cuticles at the base, from where the nails grow, to stimulate nourishing blood flow. The circulation boost will also give nails a healthy pink glow. Bend the fingers of both hands in towards the palms and press the nails and fingers together three times a day for a minute. Relax hands then rub the two sets of fingernails against one another for one minute. And massage your hands and nails with cream or oil every night before bed, using moisturisers containing wheatgerm or vitamin E oils, which are among the most nourishing.
WEAK AT THE NAILS
My nails are really weak after years of wearing false nails? What can I do to strengthen them?
A good way to help strengthen your nails is to “massage” them every day. This nail exercise will help improve circulation to your nails and strengthen them. It stimulates blood flow to the nail bed helping to nourish them; the extra blood flow will also give them a healthy pink glow. Bend the fingers of both hands in towards the palms and press the nails fingers together three times a day for one minute. Relax hands then rub the two sets of fingernails against one another for one minute. As well as that, massage your hands and nails with cream or oil every night before bed. Use moisturisers containing wheatgerm or vitamin E oils, they are deeply nourishing and have an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help to boost oxygen supply to cells, and so reduce any toxic build up. Wearing nail varnish can also help protect your nails. Go for a clear one if you like the more natural look.
BREAKING POINT
I have very dry cuticles and hands, but worst of all my nails break and flake. What can you suggest that may help?
It sounds like your circulation is stagnated and needs some help. Try having fortnightly manicures. As a home treatment, polish your hands and feet daily. Make up a scrub using two tablespoons (tbs) of finely ground oatmeal and one tbs of almond oil and massage into your hands and cuticles using small circular movements, pushing the cuticles back as you go along. After rinsing follow with a therapeutic hand cream and massage in exactly the same way. The treatment is very invigorating and you will find it brings blood up to the surface helping to stimulate the circulation, making your hands and nails look healthy and vibrant. If you find this too messy you can purchase a mild polisher over the counter.