The cold, biting wind of winter can send shivers down our spine but it can also make our hands and nails look dry and dull too. One reason why your nails don’t really love winter is because of lack and moisture. Since you’re exposing yourself to extreme temperatures such as dry to warm air when you enter your home or building to extreme cold when you step outside, your nails tend to loose moisture causing them to become brittle and prone to cracks and splitting.
Wearing mittens can save our hands from the constant bombardment of the wind but there are other tips that can help save your nails in the winter.
Keep a hand lotion handy. Moisturizing your hands regularly is one way to ensure that your nails remain healthy and strong in spite of the weather. Keep a hand lotion in your bag, desk, drawers, and bathroom at all times so you can apply the lotion whenever you wash your hands. Look for lotions that contain beeswax and urea to help retain moisture.
Wear gloves. Aside from the changing temperatures, keeping your hands wet regularly can also contribute to lack of moisture. If you are constantly in contact with water such as washing your clothes or washing dishes, use rubber gloves. This way, your hands won’t be immersed in the water too much which can also protect your nails.
Apply cuticle oil. The problem with dry hands is that the sensitive part of the skin near the cuticle bed can actually start to peel when your hands don’t have enough moisture in them. Hangnails can cause discomfort but you can keep them at bay by applying cuticle oil, balm, or even cream handy so you can apply them when your hands start to dry.
Mittens are your friends. Don’t forget to wear mittens when you’re outdoors to help keep your hands warm and moist. Another trick to keeping your hands properly moisturized is to apply your moisturizing lotion first before covering your hands with cotton gloves. Wear this at night to help trap the moisture for better looking skin.
Use hydrating spa. If your hands are already too dry for these measures, you need to use hydrating spa to nourish your dry hands and nails. Schedule an appointment with your favorite nail spa and get a paraffin nail service to banish dryness. Just make sure that you don’t cut your cuticles as of yet as it may cause infection in your nail beds.
Intensive treatment. Soak your hands in a bowl of lukewarm water for 10 minutes, coat your hands and nails with cuticle oil, then wear cotton gloves over them for an hour. This will help your skin absorb the oil to bring back moisture in your otherwise dull and dry hands and nails.
The same amount of attention that you give on your face should be applied to your hands especially since they do all the work. Keep in mind that your nails can be affected too when your hands become too dry. If you want your nails to be healthy and strong especially during the winter season, use the tips mentioned above as often as possible to prevent your nails from becoming brittle and prone to breakage.
Don’t let the winter season ruin your fine looking nails because you can still protect them by making sure that they are moisturized at all times. Remember to wear protective clothing at all times when stepping outside the cold to keep your hands, face, and the rest of your body properly moist and hydrated.
