Emergency relief for dry winter hands and nails

Around this time of year in Australia, our hands and nails tend to become so dry with the cold air they resemble something verging on reptilian, so it’s important to give them extra TLC during the colder months.

Nails can take a real beating in winter, as they are extremely porous and lose moisture
100 times as fast as the skin.

If you have a real problem with dry skin during winter, I suggest taking a vitamin supplement to improve the condition of your skin, hair and nails, such as silica, calcium, magnesium zinc and/or vitamin E.

You’ll also need a really nourishing hand and nail cream, such as the certified organic Mukti Hand, Nail & Cuticle Repair Creme. It’s important to carry your hand cream with you during the day and apply it a few times, especially when your hands are being exposed to the cold air regularly.

If you want a highly soothing and nourishing cream that leaves your hands feeling silky and soft, I recommend a certified organic hand cream that contains:

Calendula

Rich in beta-carotene, calendula has renowned anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is very useful for skin inflammation and dry mature skin. Calendula assists with the stimulation and formation of new tissue, has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties, and it promotes improved circulation. It’s wonderful for chapping, eczema, inflammation, irritation, itchiness, rashes, softening and soothing.

Aloe Vera

The magical aloe vera has soothing, moisturising and healing properties and contains a plethora of additional goodies such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and antioxidants, as well as mono and polysaccharides.  Aloe vera leaves no oily residue on the skin and will not clog the pores or increase sebum production.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is renowned for its ability to repair collagen. A lack of vitamin E can lead to blotchiness, loss of firmness of skin tone and give the impression of premature aging. It is an excellent moisturiser as it helps prevent moisture loss. It is readily absorbed and helps to maintain soft and supple skin. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and is required by the body to fight the occurrence of free radicals.

Tips for beautiful hands and nails

• Wear gloves when working with chemicals, in the garden etc
• Keep a jar of hand cream by the bathroom and kitchen sinks
• Never use your nails as tools
• Always carry a nail file in your purse
• Push back your cuticles when washing your hands and applying a hand cream
• Never cut your cuticles. The cuticle is the protective barrier between the nail and the skin
• To protect nails before gardening scratch a bar of soap first. This will prevent dirt form getting under the nails
• Keep nail length the same on all fingers
• Always file the nail in the same direction not back and forth

Quick Sugar Scrub

Massage 1 tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. Rinse off then apply a hand cream.

Cuticle Softener

Combine 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil, 1 teaspoon of almond oil and 1 vitamin E capsule. Mix together and store in a clean glass bottle. Soak cuticles in warm water for ten minutes. Dry hands then rub in oil treatment.

Image: Flickr