10 ways to take care of your hands & feet

~ Washing is essential. Ensure water is lukewarm and use a gentle soap to avoid stripping the natural moisturizing factors within the skin.

~ Exfoliation weekly helps to rid the surface of dead skin buildup. This allows moisturizing ingredients to penetrate into the layers of the skin and enhances the skin’s functions.

~ Moisturize daily. Choose “humectants” which attract moisture, locks it in, and prevents water loss.

~ Gently massage hands & feet for at least 5 minutes to stimulate circulation. This reduces tension, keeps blood flow moving, stimulates the lymphatic system, and also increases joint mobility and flexibility.

~ File & trim nails regularly. Use clippers that are curved for fingernails, straight edged for toenails; dull clippers tear the keratin structures, causing peeling of layers. Bevel edges smooth with a very fine file.

~ Protect your hands & feet. Whether you are performing a chore indoors or out, gloves for hands and socks/closed shoes for feet are best defences against chemicals, grease or dirt.

~ Protect & nourish cuticles. Cuticle skin is dense and provides barrier protection for the matrix of our nails. To keep this skin soft and malleable for forward nail growth, oil has more restorative and penetrative benefits.

~ Stretching exercises. Flexing the muscles and structures of our hands and feet keep us agile in our gait and allows our fingers to stay nimble, thus reducing or preventing muscle and/or joint pain.

~ Inspect your hands and feet daily for cuts/scrapes/sores/cracks. Any portal of entry is a gateway for microbes to invade and cause infection.

~ Pamper yourself! Indulge in a good quality manicure/pedicure at least seasonally to help manage overall skin care, reduce callus overgrowth, and lower stress levels.