Tips for Making Your Hands Look Youthful

Our hands always need care and attention but seldom get what they deserve. As we reach 50 and beyond, the skin on the backs of the hands loses it's elasticity and is an age "tell tale", despite how much care you've given your face, neck and body.To keep your hands looking beautiful and to minimise the signs of aging, there are a few simple changes (or additions) you can include in your beauty routine.Give Yourself a Home-ManicureIf you've never done a manicure for yourself at home, it's really not that difficult, and you probably already have all the tools you'll need somewhere around the house.What You'll Need

Cuticle oil (baby oil will do)

Nail clippers

Emery board

A cuticle stick

Exfoliating scrub

Hand cream or Lotion

Nail polish (Be brave and select a bold colour)

A few cotton balls
Set some "me time" aside, and follow these simple steps:• Remove old nail polish with an acetone free nail polish remover.• Rinse your hands in warm water and massage an exfoliate into your hands and nails, including around the cuticles and in between the fingers.• Rinse off the exfoliant and pat dry with a towel.• Put one drop of warm cuticle oil or cream on each nail and massage around the cuticle and nail.• Use a cuticle tool to gently push the cuticles back. If you are using an orange stick, wrap some cotton wool around the end.


When you've done every nail, rinse your hands in warm, soapy water.

If your nails need a trim, use nail clippers rather than scissors.

Using an emery board, file across the top of each nail to tidy them up.

File in one direction since a sawing motion will make the nails peel and split. To

create a neat finish, file from side to centre.

Before painting your nails, remove any residual grease with a cotton pad soaked in an acetone free nail polish remover.

Apply a base coat to each nail from base to tip.

Apply two coats of a fabulous colour, or go for something natural, and then add a final clear topcoat. Allow two minutes between applications to allow each coat to dry.
To maintain a great set of hands:

Wear sunscreen (always) to protect your hands against sun damage and age spots.

Always use hand cream after you wash your hands.

Your nails aren't tools! Use a staple remover or screw driver rather than your nails.

Harsh chemicals seriously dry out your hands, so wear gloves when cleaning, washing the dishes and doing the gardening, etc.

Treat yourself to a spa manicure once in a while!