Keep your hands in tip top condition this winter

We all know the importance of looking after our skin, particularly at this time of year. The harsh weather and biting winds can transform our once glowing complexion into one that’s dull, dry and listless, but it’s just as important to take care of our hands. Unfortunately this is an area that we tend to overlook in our beauty regime but this can be a big mistake, because keeping them soft and smooth should form a central part of any routine.

You just need to think about what your hands have to go through on a daily basis to see why you need to take care of them. They’re constantly open to the elements and even gloves aren’t always enough to stop the wind from getting through, and what about washing up? Hands can quickly become dry, chapped and sore, and they can also be the most susceptible to signs of ageing. Just take a look at Madonna—all that healthy living and yet her hands are a dead giveaway (sorry Madge), so doesn’t it make sense to put hand care at the top of the list? Thought so.

It’s time to take action, and during the winter months you’re going to need a much more intensive treatment than normal. Invest in some rich, luxurious hand cream (non-greasy, of course) such as Nourish with Shea Hand Cream, and make sure to carry it around with you so you can moisturise whenever you need to. If your hands are already showing the effects of the cold then you can take it a step further by performing an overnight treatment—slather on a thick layer of hand cream then pop on a pair of thin cotton gloves (you can find gloves specially designed for this very purpose) to let it sink in overnight and voila! You’ll wake up to silky, smooth skin once again. Your hands will drink up moisture at this time of year so make sure to pay extra attention to them, and with the right regime you’ll be able to keep them soft, supple and youthful for longer.