Hands and Nail Care

You know your hands like, well, the back of your hand- but do you like what you see? Our hands are frequently less attractive than we'd like. Between dry, wrinkly skin and nails that have seen better days, they could really look and feel a lot better. And it isn't that hard to let them. Just a few minutes here and there, and a few handy tips, will keep your hands looking
beautiful and feeling great.

With everything we put our hands through, it's no wonder they don't always look their best. They're constantly exposed to the elements, in the sun and in the freezing cold, their skin getting baked and frozen and dried in the open air. And we use them hard, whether we're cleaning, roughing them up on the job, or gardening.  Some of this can't be avoided, but a lot of
it can, and should. 

First, protect your hands when you can. In the summer, they need sunscreen just as much as the rest of you, and in the winter, protect them from the cold that dries them out with gloves and heavy moisturizer. When you wash the dishes, don't soak your hands in the soap along with the dishes- when it dries afterwards, your skin loses some of the moisture that keeps it healthy.
Wear gloves to protect your skin from the soap. And never, ever use heavy cleaning products without gloves, especially products that include bleach. These products can do irreparable damaged to your hands' skin, causing premature wrinkling, and, in extreme cases, even injury.

Keep your hands moisturized, whether this means throwing out your old harsh soap and replacing it with one that helps keep your skins moisture in balance, or just getting a good hand moisturizer. To make sure you apply it regularly, have a small bottle that you keep in your purse, as well as one that you take with you to your work. You'll be able to feel the difference. 

To truly do your hands justice, you have to keep your nails nicely trimmed and tended. They should all be trimmed down to the same level, and cut into the same shape for the cleanest look. File their edges smooth, to avoid tearing your nails or ruining your favorite sweater with a bad snag.  Keep your cuticles under control by soaking them in warm water and pushing them
back, to make your nails look longer and healthier. You'll be glad you did, every time you offer a new friend your beautiful, soft hand for a shake.

"Hands and Nail Care" is a courtesy of BeautyItems.com, a beauty supply catalog, and a beauty salon directory.