Hand care in the summer

Everyone enjoys the return of summer – the hot, fun season that is so easy to love. With so many interesting things to do in the summer, many people are tempted to abandon their hand care practices or leave everything to the sun, water and air. This carelessness can lead to unpleasant surprises – premature wrinkles or age spots.

With careful attention and armed with the advice of specialists you can avoid and prevent many of the problems your hands can develop in the summer.

Unfortunately there is no time of year when hands are not exposed to the ravages of the environment. In late spring and summer they suffer from sun emissions and intensive pollution due to garden work or spending a lot of time outdoors. They also suffer from the drastic change of temperatures between the heat outside and the AC inside. As a result of all these influences the hydro lipid balance of the skin is destroyed, the skin becomes dry and rough and loses its tone. This is why you should strive to give it proper care and nourishment.

So let’s go over the basic needs of your hands during this season.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

When cleansing the skin, it is very important that we do not deprive it from the moisture it needs. Cleansing products remove not only dirt and germs from the top layer of the skin, but also lipids – its natural protection layer. This destroys the acid-alkaline balance of the skin and it dries. To avoid this, use cleaning products containing natural ingredients. Especially recommended are products containing grape, strawberry, kiwi, raspberry, greet tea, chamomile, peach and cornflower extracts.

As you may know, there are three basic types of cleansers – hard soap, liquid soap and cream soap. The latter is considered to be the most gentle toward the skin and can be used even with dry skin. If you are selecting a liquid soap, choose one which contains mild surface active substances, such as glycerin. Hard soap can cause dryness and irritation of sensitive skin.

It was previously thought that hydration and nourishment of the skin is required only in the winter and after using hard soap. Today experts advise that you apply moisturizer after each washing of your hands. Lotions containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and other deep hydration substances are preferable. They work toward a lasting effect and restoration of the natural moisture balance of the skin.

Is sun always our friend?

There is scarcely more to be said about the dangers and benefits of sun exposure than it is already said. In any case you should not turn a deaf ear to the advice of specialists who urge for protection from the sun, no matter how good you look with a tan. Your hand and nail care products should offer UV protection. Even so, avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially in the heat of the day (between 2 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon). Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied after every dip in the water and after every washing of your hands.

Fingertip summer

Nail care should not be limited to just painting your nails every once in a while. You should visit a specialist at least once and have him treat your cuticles. To avoid the excessive growth of the cuticles, massage your nails with oils. The richer the oils, the better effect they will have on the nail and finger.

The aggressive effects of the sun lead to a general lack of moisture which makes the nails dry and brittle. To prevent this, use nail care products specially designed to restore the hydro lipid balance. They should also contain high quality UV filters for maximum sun protection. If you feel inadequate to do this at home, then go to a beautician. This is also often the cheaper way to go.

Remember that during the summer your hands are always visible, so a good manicure and a healthy look are essential for your overall beauty.