You’re probably doing a good job of taking care of the skin on your face and body. Probably also your hair. But are you paying enough attention to your hands and nails?
Here’s how they deserve to be looked after and the products you need to keep them in great condition.
Care for your cuticles
Our cuticles are the thin bits of skin that surround the base of our nails. Their role is to prevent dirt and bacteria from going into our nail beds and causing infections. They can, however, easily become broken and are often dry and sensitive (whether from chewing them or just general wear and tear).
Keep yours in good condition by keeping them well nourished. Achieve this by regularly – as in, after washing your hands – applying a cuticle oil or balm and massaging it in.
Tend to your nails
While our nails might seem quite hardy, they still require care to keep them healthy and strong. If your cuticles are growing over them, use a cuticle remover, rather than clipping or tugging at them, so that your nail bed isn’t compromised.
Nails can often become brittle for various reasons, from our diets to medication to having a manicure addiction. If yours are weak, use a brush-on strengthening treatment. Also, give them a break from gel and acrylics and use a polish with ingredients to promote growth.
Help your hands
Our hands work hard for us, so it’s only right that they get some regular TLC to keep them in tip-top shape. This will prevent them from becoming chapped, dry and calloused. Applying hand cream after you wash them is the first step.
If a regular hand cream isn’t heavy-duty enough, an emollient-based balm or salve can help to seal in moisture. Sitting back and treating yourself to the occasional hand mask is another way to keep them looking youthful and feeling fabulous.
