OPERATION CARESS
Turn your hands into a source of pleasure

Like a first impression, a woman’s first touch is never forgotten, so don’t underestimate the power of your hands. Let me help you select the best care to make them speak well of you!

SQUEAKY CLEAN

Schätz & Cattani Propolis + Lemon Hand Wash protects hands from environmental damage as you wash, while giving your skin the benefits of honey and propolis.

There is nothing more disgusting than sticky hands which carry all sorts of bacteria that weaken the nails. Washing them several times a day is essential, but avoid very hot water and preferably use liquid soaps with a neutral pH or those enriched with moisturizers. Before approaching the sink, do not forget to take off your rings, and when you leave, avoid dryers that parch the skin.

WELL NOURISHED

Pear and Pink Magnolia Hand Therapy by Crabtree & Evelyn provides intensive nourishment to the skin so it’s noticeably smoother after each luxurious application.

After washing, nourishing hands with emollient creams is a basic need. Choose one with fast absorption and always keep a pocket-sized one in your bag for touch-ups. For extended moisturizing, apply the cream in a rolling motion and do not leave any area untouched. Most of all, do not forget the nails. To keep them healthy it is imperative that you apply a special oil for cuticles with a circular massage. Before going to bed you can apply cream and wrap your hands in cotton gloves or wool to produce a sauna effect that will aid the absorption of active ingredients.

HEALTHY CUTICLES

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil moisturizes and conditions cuticles while increasing nail flexibility.

And cuticles? They are also part of your hands that serve as a natural barrier against germs, so please give them the attention they deserve. Remove dead, cracked or lifted cuticles, but never touch those still intact. To combat dryness, you can apply and gently massage a special cream twice a day.

SWEET SMELLING

For soft and hygienic hands in one go, try Vaseline 2 in 1 Hand Cream. It kills germs instantly and keeps hands soft.

Hands not only perspire excessively but are also the most exposed part of the body, so they tend to be the first to get impregnated with all kinds of unpleasant odours. For example, if you smoke and do not want to let everyone know (one cigarette is more than enough to leave a tobacco smell in whatever you touch) apply an anti-bacterial gel or use wipes. Later kill the smell by using an aromatic oil.

SUPER HYDRATATED

The sun’s rays have a drying effect and believe it or not, the skin on your hands is as thin as that of the neck. Thus it is always thirsty since it has very few sebaceous glands. To restore its smooth look and get rid of the crocodile surface, you need to drink at least two liters of water a day and use treatments to restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film (the invisible barrier that stops water loss).

REVITALISE THEM

If, despite all your efforts, the skin of your hands looks grey, use masks made from clay, oils, herbs or fruit. Although there are specialized products for this area if your purse allows, you can use face masks which may be more expensive but yield better results. Paraffin can be a good second step. It is used in therapeutic settings, but you can enjoy the treatment at home too. This kind of wax is a natural moisturizer that complements masks and contributes in treating the knuckles too.

TEMPERATURE CHANGES

In an area of the body so poorly vascularized (circulation), sudden temperature changes become a dangerous enemy for the skin and bones. If you’ve noticed that your fingers are crooked you must know that the condition will aggravate and maybe result in arthritic symptoms if no measures are taken. Be careful when you are cooking, sewing, playing an instrument or writing for a while, as your fingers are hot and can’t be immediately exposed to ice or cold water or an air stream.

STAIN FREE

In countries such as Pakistan where the mercury reaches record heights, you’ll be lucky if the only damage caused by the sun to your hands is that they look four or five shades darker than your face. UV rays can also unbalance your melanin production and in addition to the tan, spots

will appear. As far as possible, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and use a cream with an SPF of

30 or more. To clarify, choose bleaching creams containing retinoic acid, glycolic acid, hydroquinone, carotenes and Vitamin C. You can also use makeup on the hands: some powders with bright reflections divert attention and give a uniform look.

DEAD CELLS

To maintain smooth and radiant skin, buy a brush and rub it daily over your fingers and fingernails to remove dead skin, whiten nails and push back the cuticles. Once a week, apply a gentle scrub on the back of hands. If you like homemade recipes you can indulge yourself in this luxury: bottle together a cup of sea salt, a cup of olive oil and six drops of any essential oil (oil is the best stimulant). Wet your hands and rub them for a few minutes with some of the bottled mixture. Then rinse with warm water. This will reveal a fresher layer.

REJUVENATED

Like you do for the face, once you hit your thirties, it is time to act against flaccidity. When choosing a product, test formulas with collagen or elastin, both of which have the capacity to firm and strengthen the skin. Another option is products that include compounds that scavenge free radicals (antioxidants) responsible for cell aging.

THE VEIN GAME

Veins too apparent? It is not a genetic issue but due to poor circulation. Opt for a massage to relax and reactivate the blood flow. Start stroking the whole hand. Then squeeze it at different points. Take each finger for an individual rub with circular movements on the joints and knuckles. Use your thumb to rub the tendons of the dorsal part. Work the palm with strong movements. This exercise will help the veins to recede.