The Ultimate Hand Care Guide
In the vast landscape of skincare, hand care is often overlooked, only something we seek out when problems arise. Yet, our hands endure daily wear and tear, constant exposure to the elements such as the sun, and serve as markers of our age. Well-maintained hands and nails will enhance our overall appearance but also boost our confidence. Therefore, let us guide you through the ultimate hand care routine.
Step 1: Shape your nails
Use a nail clipper to trim your nails, if necessary, to give them all the same and preferred length. Then start with filing your nails in shape with a glass nail file, which tend to be more gentle for the nails. Well shaped nails sets the foundation for a put together look.
Step 2: Cuticle care
After filing, push back your cuticles to maintain clean and neat nails. Then, if you feel comfortable, trim your cuticles. This simple practice enhances the appearance of your nails and promotes healthy nail growth. Aim to push back your cuticles 2-3 times a week. Trim your cuticles once a week.
Step 3: Nourish with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural wonder for hand care. Its moisturizing properties help nourish both your nails and the surrounding skin. Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your hands and nails for added hydration and softness.
Step 4: Exfoliate your hand and nails
Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells, keep your hands clean and smooth, makes your nails whiter and extends the life of your manicure. Use a hand or body scrub. If you want to make your own scrub, you can use castor sugar and coconut oil. After exfoliating, wash your hand with soap.
Step 5: Hydration is key
Now, moisturize your hands with a hand cream and use a cuticle oil for the cuticles. Do this whenever you notice that your hands need it. Keep a small hand cream in your purse, especially in the winter, when your hands get dryer because of central heating and cold weather. Moisturize regularly, especially after washing your hands, a shower or swimming.
Extra hand care tips:
- Wear gloves while cleaning to protect your hands from drying out and harsh chemicals.
- Avoid over-washing and minimize the use of sanitizers to, again, prevent drying out your skin.
- Protect your hands from sun damage by applying SPF regularly. Keep a small bottle of SPF in your handbag and reapply every few hours, especially in sunny weather as your hands are always out. This will also moisturize your hands.
- Refrain from using your nails as tools to open cans or bottles. Preserve your nails and use your fingertips instead.
Your hands deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of your body. By following these practices, you can maintain beautiful hands and boost your confidence. Be proud of your hands and nails; there’s never a reason to apologize for them.
