Green Options

This season can be particularly hard on nails.  Dry, cold weather and central heating all work to sap us of vital moisture, which takes a toll on skin, hair and nails, too.  Brittle nails crack and break more easily and dried out cuticles can become torn and tender.

Special care needs to be taken to soften and strengthen nails in winter months.  But before you run out to the nearest beauty supply store, take a look in your kitchen cupboard.  “Soaking your nails daily in almond or olive oil strengthens the nails better than any conventional nail hardener,” says Julie Gabriel, author of The Green Beauty Guide.   Simply soak for a few minutes, wipe hands and massage gently.

To moisturize and smooth hands and nails try a mixture of equal parts (a tablespoon or so) brown sugar and grape seed or olive oil mixed with a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  Scrub hands and cuticles gently then rinse under warm water and pat dry for an instant manicure.  These should both be used on clean, bare nails and you should see immediate results.

My fingers are like dried up sausages wrapped in sand paper and the skin on my hands is so rough, dry and cracked I look like I’d be more at home on the beach amongst the barnacles. If its true that you can tell a person’s age from their hands I must be about due for retirement.

I love my job but sewing and handling fabric all day long can be really tough on your skin so I think it might be time to try my hand at something a little more rejuvenating.