Now that Winter has well and truly hit, our nails are seriously suffering. So we have revisited a favorite topic of ours, how to care for your nails during the Winter months. Plus we have a few top tips in case you are already suffering from the inevitable damage that Winter can cause to your nails.
Winter is regarded as the most damaging season to your nails for a number of reason, the biggest issue with Winter is the moisture loss that both your nails and skin suffer from. Erin Gilbert, a NY dermatologist stated, “In winter, you’re constantly moving between the hot, dry air indoors and the freezing temperatures outdoors. These extremes can reduce the moisture level in your nails, leaving them dehydrated.” When your nails dry out, they are much more likely to break, split and chip, luckily we have a number of ways to prevent this.
The first tip is obvious- moisturize! Keep a moisturizer/hand cream/lotion in your bag, at your desk, by your bed and make sure you use it after you wash your hands and before you go to bed. We recommend moisturizers with urea and beeswax, which lock in moisture, also try to avoid overly scented lotions and moisturizers as fragrances contain additives, which can be very drying. We love Kiss My Face Moisturizer with Olive and Aloe as it’s fragrance free and cruelty free, plus is only $11.95 for a huge pump bottle, talk about a bargain! Our nails are comprised of flattened dead cells that contain keratin, meaning that moisturizers prevent them from breaking too. Don’t forget to slather your nails in moisturizer too, or even cuticle oil, if you’re in a pinch you can even use your favorite lip balm.
Tip #2- retain moisture in your hands is to make sure you wear gloves and cover your hands whilst outdoors, they double as a fashion accessory and a barrier between your skin and the wind and dry air that Winter is providing at the moment.
Tip #3 is to exfoliate your hands, removing the dead and dry skin cells to keep your hands soft and healthy! We love the L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub and follow it with the Kiss My Face Moisturizer to leave our hands feeling fresh and soft.
If you are already suffering from Winter dryness, don’t despair as we have tips for you too!
You can save your split, cracked or torn nails by dropping a tiny amount of nail glue on the nail where it’s damaged, then lay a tiny piece of tissue over the glue. By using facial tissue rather than fabric, you wont see anything once the glue dries, as the tissue will go clear. If you use fabric you can see the individual stitches in the fabric once the glue has dried. Secondly, if the weather is reeking havoc with your mani, dab a tiny amount of polish remover over any chips so that the remaining polish is an even layer and a new coat can be applied easily and blended. Finally, if it’s too late for your nails and these tips cannot help you, treat yourself to a hydrating spa visit. (Who really needs an excuse though?) Schedule a paraffin manicure service to ensure soft hands and nails in no time!
Let us know how the weather is treating you by sending us a tweet or a message via Facebook.
Love,
The Pedicure Team
