Staying kempt can be a tricky business. Our award-winning grooming editor, Leo Petaccia, answers your questions.

Burn!
I’m going to be traveling to South Africa this summer and I’m prone to sunburns. I always wear sun block, but in case it happens, what’s the best and easiest way to treat one?
Raf, Victoria, BC

First, jump into a cold bath. This won’t feel pleasant, but it’ll reduce the temperature of your skin quickly. Next, “apply a mild topical steroid to the affected area, like Cortate, as well as a thick, greasy moisturizer or a calamine lotion,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist based in Toronto. “Take a couple of ibuprofen pills as well, if the pain is intense, make sure the area is well protected for the next six months or it’ll get burned again pretty easily.”

The Pits
Why the hell do I keep getting yellow armpit stains on my shirts? I always use an antiperspirant, but they keep showing up. Help.
Hugh, Lethbridge, AB

That’s your problem right there, Hugh, antiperspirants. Antiperspirants are great for things like hyperhydrosis (profuse sweating), or for business professionals who can’t afford to be walking around with puddles under their arms. But the thing is, most antiperspirants tend to contain a high amount of aluminum chloride, and that’s the stuff causing those pit stains on your shirt. Switch to a deodorant and you’ll be fine.

Mechanic’s Hands
I recently bought a ’67 Corvette and I’m restoring it in my spare time. Thing is, it’s next to impossible to get the grease and oil out of my hands with regular soaps. What would you recommend?
Sean, Stratford, ON

My old man’s a classic car nut and he’s gone through enough soaps to settle on one, and that’s Cherry Bomb ($100, available on amazon.com). The guy swears by it.  It gets rid of dirt and grime in seconds and, better yet, it won’t roughen or damage your skin. Another good method is mixing dish soap and sugar (which acts as a pumice). The grease won’t come off as quickly, but it works.