10 Hand Care Tips

Many of us talk with our hands, and your hands haveSimply rub one palm over the back of the opposite
a lot to say about the state of your health. Your handshand in a circular motion. The massage motion
do so much that they really need some TLC, and itincreases circulation, which helps warm up your hands.
makes sense to take good care of them. Here are6. Finger massage
some tips to keep your hands looking young andSoothing for arthritis, a finger massage with a little
beautiful.warm coconut oil is very healthful. Gently pull each
1. Use sunscreenfinger in a "milking" motion and finish by moving each
You probably know that dermatologists and otherfinger joint gently to the side. This relaxes and loosens
experts recommend wearing sunscreen on your facethe joints and gives your hands better flexibility and
every day. But you may not have thought aboutcirculation.
sunscreen on your hands. Hands can develop "liver7. Exfoliate
spots" or age spots, brownish areas that are actuallyDid you ever think to exfoliate your hands? Gently rub
sun damage. Apply sunscreen to your hands as youdamp hands with salt or sugar, then rinse. The grainy
would moisturizing lotion, and it will become secondtexture of the salt helps scrape away old skin cells,
nature to keep your hands protected from the sun.and, once again, it improves circulation.
2. Moisturize8. Manicure
At least three times a day, moisturize your hands.A professional manicure is a real treat, but be sure
Because of all the things your hands get into -that the emphasis is on nail health and not covering up
especially soap and water - they tend to dry outweak nails with acrylic ones. Go for a manicure that
quickly, particularly in winter.nourishes your existing nails and pampers your hands.
3. Take care of your nails9. Feed your nails with good nutrition
Rather than putting acrylic nails over unhealthy naturalDeficiencies in the B-complex vitamins can cause
ones, take a look at some of the simple things you canridged nail beds, and a lack of calcium can result in
do to improve the health and look of your fingernails.brittle, dry nails that chip and flake easily. Be sure to eat
First, file them into a neat oval after trimming. Second,foods high in these vitamins or take supplements to
when you moisturize your hands be sure to workimprove the look of your nails.
some in around each nail.10. Adjust your computer
4. Wear gloves when gardening and washing dishesThe position of your computer monitor, keyboard, and
Soap and water can strip your hands of healthfulmouse can have a profound effect on your hands.
natural oils. Wearing gloves keeps hands out ofRepetitive motions such as typing and mouse-clicking
cleaning chemicals and soap. When gardening, glovescan result in tired, sore hands or even inflammation
protect your hands from the sun and from injuriessuch as carpal-tunnel syndrome. Be sure your mouse
such as briar scratches and contact dermatitis fromis comfortable and easily reached, and that your
handling weeds.keyboard is positioned at a comfortable level.
5. Palm massage