Tips for Keeping Hands and Feet Soft and Supple

Keeping hands and feet moisturized can be difficult at any time of the year. Here are my tips for keeping hands and feet well hydrated.

Hands

·         BYOS (Bring Your Own Soap): If you wash your hands as much as I do on the go i.e., at the mall, office, restaurants etc. You may find that those places tend to use very harsh soap. I travel with my own favorite moisture rich soap in a 3oz. bottle.

·         Keep Cuticles Moisturized: Nothing ruins a manicure more than dry ashy cuticles. I moisturize my cuticles with my Carmex Lip Balm, it’s always with me and for less than $2 a pop it provides a dual service. With clean hands I apply a dab to each cuticle and massage into the nail bed. Vaseline works as well.

·         Wear Gloves: In the winter gloves not only help show off your personal style but they also protect your hands from the elements.

·         Use Nylon: Wash your hands and slather on a generous amount of Vaseline to hands and cuticles, slip on a pair of disposable powder-free nylon gloves for about one hour (if you have allergies please selected the appropriate material for the gloves or use cotton gloves). Remove the gloves and wash your hands on warm water if they are still a bit greasy, then apply a heavy moisture rich lotion to hands. Your hands should be soft and smooth.

·         Re-Apply: Always re-apply a creamy hand lotion after washing hands and as often as needed.

·         Exfoliate: Exfoliate your hands twice a week with a body scrub. Many people exfoliate their face and body but ignore their hands. I even take a travel sized exfoliating scrub to the salon when I get a manicure to exfoliate my hands during my service.

Feet

·         Wear Socks to Bed: Apply a generous amount of Vaseline to feet and cover with a plastic sandwich baggie. Then slip on a pair of cotton socks before bedtime. In the morning remove baggies and socks, bathe as usual. Towel dry your feet and apply a heavy lotion to feet, they should be soft and supple.