Body Care
Care of the Hand and Feet
Our Hands are always on display. We use them constantly,
in our work and even in conversation. Your hands say a lot about you. They
show how much you value yourself and if you are the kind of person who
pays attention to the details of your appearance.
The hands begin to show signs of neglect and ageing
sooner than most other parts of the body. Firstly, the skin on the back
of the hands is thin and has few sebaceous glands. The hands also come
in contact with soaps and detergents daily, when we perform our washing
chores. These play havoc on the skin, making it rough and dry. So, daily
care of the hands is very necessary.
Protect your hands
Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves for
your household washing chores. Apply a hand cream at least twice every
day, massaging it into the skin. This takes only a few minutes of your
time.
Care of the Nails
The nails also reflect neglect, as well as the
state of your internal health. A pinkish colour of the nails indicates
good health, while a bluish tinge shows poor blood circulation. A healthy
nail is smooth and free from ridges and grooves.
Regular care prevents the nails from becoming
dry, rough and brittle. These are nails which chip and break easily. Dietary
deficiencies can also show up in the form of flaking, cracking, dryness
and other problems.
The Cuticle
The cuticle should be kept soft and smooth to
prevent it from growing up the nail plate. If the cuticle is not pliable,
it adheres to the nail plate and gets dragged by it as it grows. This causes
the cuticle to get stretched and torn, leading to what is known as hangnails.
It can also be prone to infection and soreness. The daily application and
massage of your hands should include the cuticle. Apply cream on the cuticle
and massage with your thumb.
Home Care for the Hands
A weekly manicure goes a long way in keeping
the hands in good condition. You can also give your hands a luxury treatment
at home.
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What You Need
The equipment that you will need are:
| A bowl for soaking your hands |
Nail clippers |
| An emery board |
Cottonwool |
| An orange stick |
Polish remover |
| Hand cream |
Nail varnish |
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Remove old nail varnish with cotton wool and polish
remover. Do not apply too much remover, as it dries out the nail.
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If you wish to cut the nails, use a nail clipper.
Then shape your nails into an oval shape, using the emery board. Work in
one direction only, not back and forth.
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Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
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Wrap cotton wool around the orange stick and push
the cuticle back gently. If it tends to adhere, apply some hand cream and
then push it back.
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Wrap cotton wool around a thin stick, or use a cotton
bus to clean beneath the nails.
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Apply hand cream into the cuticles and skin of the
hands and massage for a few minutes. Wipe off excess cream with a moist
towel.
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Apply polish, using smooth strokes, from the base
to the tip of the nails. Two coats of colour will be needed for an even
and smooth finish.
Remember ....
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Avoid very hot water to soak your hands, as this
can dry out the skin and nails.
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Never cut cuticles, or use sharp metal instruments
to clean under the nails.
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Avoid hard nail brushes.
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If you have brittle nails, avoid frosted nail varnish.
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If you have any infection of the nails, avoid filing
and using nail varnish. Seek medical attention, as it can be a fungal infection
or psoriasis.
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Your daily diet should provide adequate amounts of
calcium, sulphur, amino acids, phosphorous, Vitamins B and E. These are
available from milk and milk products, whole grains, eggs, fruits and vegetables.
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Shapeach has been specially formulated for the
care of the hands. It contains apricot and rose oil, along with extracts
that are rich in Vitamins B and E. It keeps the skin smooth and youthful
and also gives lusture to dry, dull skin.
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