Beautiful You by Suzanne Edmonds

Each week, beauty enthusiast Suzanne Edmonds explores the best ways to take care of ourselves so that we love the skin we’re in.

Chilly temperatures, dry air and central heating can play havoc with your skin, but did you know that winter weather can also dry out your nails?

Nails are about 10 times more absorbent than skin, which makes them extremely sensitive to the fluctuating temperatures of the colder months. On minute you’ve sitting by the fire, with your hands wrapped around a steaming hot cuppa, the next you’re scraping frost off your car windscreen.

As yo-yo temperatures take their toll, fingernails start to become brittle and split. That is when many people make the mistake of reaching for nail hardening products, when in fact they should be doing the opposite.

The alcohols, formaldehyde and other chemicals in nail hardeners dry out the natural oil in your nails. While your nails may feel harder initially, after a few weeks they will be in even worse shape.

Like your skin, you need to pay extra attention to your nails during the winter. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

The golden rule is to always moisturise your hands after they are exposed to water. Whether it’s taking a bath, washing your hands or doing the dishes, lather your hands with your favourite cream, oil or ointment immediately afterwards. The thicker the cream the better, particularly at bedtime, to ensure it doesn’t rub off.

But be aware that this is not an overnight solution. Your nails take six months or more to grow from the cuticle to the end of your finger, so you will need to be patient and committed to see results.

Nail oil pens are a quick and handy way of keeping your nails hydrated on the run - keep one in your handbag. Nail vitamin and moisture treatments are also handy to have lying on the coffee table so you can apply them while you’re relaxing on the sofa in the evenings.

The other side of the coin is to protect your nails. Harsh soaps and cleaning products, solvents and rough work can make problematic nails even more vulnerable. Always wear gloves when handling chemicals and doing work that knocks your nails about.

Also, remember to soak your nails to make them more pliable before clipping them, as cutting dry nails can make splits worse.

With regular moisturising and protection, you will soon have strong, yet flexible nails, that ensure you always put your best hand forward.

Suzanne Edmonds is owner of De Lux salon in Cherrywood, Tauranga.

Giveaway!

This week we’re giving away a Jessica Cosmetics nail treatment pack, which includes a ail oil and a treatment. To be in the draw to win, just email us with your name at delux.beauty@xtra.co.nz Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DeLuxBeauty?ref=settings