Beinggirl : Ask Anna : Archive

How can I get rid of facial hair?
During your teenage years and even into your twenties, you might find dark hair popping up in the most unexpected and unwanted places on your face: your upper lip, your chin, even on your neck. Some women let these hairs be. But if you decide that your facial hair is excessive or particularly dark you have some options to remove these hairs.

For upper-lip hair you can try any of these methods:

facial-hair bleach, available at a chemist. Just remember, don't leave it on for more than the recommended time period because you can risk burning your skin. a depilatory: This is a cream that removes the hair. It, too, can burn and usually smells terrible. waxing: You can go to a beauty salon to get waxed, or do it yourself, although waxing at home can be tricky - and messy. For stray, randomly appearing hairs, tweezers are your best option. However, be aware that this option may cause ingrown hairs. One thing you should do is leave the razors for the guys. Shaving can cause hair to grow back coarser, whereas waxing can actually help hair eventually grow back thinner. Other much more expensive options for almost permanent hair removal are electrolysis and laser hair removal, but these approaches can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds. If you do decide to have one of these procedures performed, be sure to go to a licensed practitioner for the best service and enquire about the potential side effects of these procedures.

How can I get rid of my body hair?
There are various ways to remove body hair. Some cultures believe body hair shouldn't be removed. However if you would prefer to remove body hair, there are various ways to go about it, waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and shaving.

Shaving is probably the cheapest and easiest method. Firstly use a clean razor, disposable ones are hygienic, lather up the skin to be shaved with shaving foam and water, carefully shave the area, ensuring you don't cut yourself. Then apply a gentle fragrance free moisturiser. The hair will probably start to grow back within a week.

Your hormones govern many changes and you may get a few hairs on your breasts. This is quite normal, but if these stray hairs bother you remove them with tweezers.

Should I shave my pubic hair?
Some women prefer to get rid of the hair that shows beneath their bikini line by using a depilatory (a hair-removing cream), waxing or shaving. Whether you choose to get rid of bikini-line hair is a personal decision. As different people have different results with depilatories, it is important that you test the product out on a small patch of hair before using it on your bikini area. Waxing can leave skin red and irritated for a couple of days. Shaving with a well-used razor blade can also give you a rash, often called razor burn. So if you have hair you want to get rid of, it's best to plan ahead!

Why do I have facial and body spots?
Don't worry, 90% of young people get spots at some time. All the changes taking place in your body are completely natural and certainly nothing to worry about.

Here are some methods you could try:

MEDICATED FACE WASHES
These are better than ordinary soap for cleansing your skin as they remove spot-causing bacteria more effectively and avoid over drying.

MEDICATED LOTIONS
These serve as a good substitute for regular lotions since they also contain anti-bacterial ingredients. They unclog pores by removing the daily build-up of grease and dirt.

MEDICATED PADS
These are a convenient cleansing alternative. They are usually pads that are pre-soaked in anti-bacterial solutions. Not only do they cleanse the pores, they leave behind anti-spot ingredients to help prevent new spots appearing.

Spots don't just appear in facial areas. It's also common to have spots on your back, chest and other body areas.

Whatever your combat strategy is, you should never squeeze, pick, or pop your spots. Picking will only irritate the spot, making it more red and more conspicuous. Squeezing or popping can force the oil and bacteria back into the skin, and cause another spot a few days later. Also, popping and picking spots can leave little scars on your face that are permanent.

May I suggest you check out www.stopspots.org for more information on spots and skincare."

Why do I have stretch marks?
You are not the only girl who is experiencing stretch marks. During puberty, many girls get them on their breasts, hips, thighs and even on their buttocks. The marks are caused because you are growing so fast that your skin can't keep up with the changes you body is going through and has to stretch. Unfortunately, there really isn't anything you can do to make them go away. Over time they will begin to fade and eventually you will hardly see them. No creams, etc., can make them go away.

May I suggest you visit www.bbc.co.uk/health/yourweight/bmi.shtml, a website that is able to advise you of the correct weight for your height and build.

What is the average weight for my height?
There are no healthy weight ranges for Under 16's. This is because, at this age, your body is still growing, so dieting could put your health at risk. If you're concerned about your weight, see your GP for advice.

For interest only, you can visit www.bbc.co.uk/health/yourweight/bmi.shtml, a website that calculates correct weight by height and build for Over 16's.

I think I am overweight, should I go on a diet?
Ordinarily, it's not a good idea to try and lose weight at your age as you are still growing and developing. During puberty your body starts to lay down fat, around your tum, bum and thigh areas. This is to protect the reproductive organs, and is a sign that you are healthy and developing normally. Therefore sometimes you feel that you are getting fatter, when really your body shape is changing. However, it is a good idea to begin some healthy eating habits. Eat a well balanced diet, to include 5 portions of fresh fruit or vegetables a day. Try not to snack between meals. Also try to get plenty of exercise; this will keep your body toned.

Go rollerblading, skating, cycling, hiking or swimming with friends,
Walk or cycle to school instead of taking the bus,
Walk up stairs instead of using the lift,
Take a younger brother or sister to the park or playground and play some ball games,
If you go to the beach, walk or jog barefoot on the sand - it's great for your legs,
When you're talking on the phone, do some exercises such as tightening then relaxing your stomach muscles. No one will know you're chatting and exercise at the same time!
Dancing is a great way to burn off calories and have some fun - so turn up the stereo and get moving!

For interest only, you can visit www.bbc.co.uk/health/yourweight/bmi.shtml, a website that calculates correct weight by height and build for Over 16's.