During these times of Covid-19, we are all protecting ourselves by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and also washing hands frequently. Both these methods can make the skin of the hands really dry, even leading to flaking and peeling of the skin. The nails also become dry and brittle, breaking or chipping easily. So along with protecting ourselves from the dreaded virus, we also need to protect our hands. Actually, the hands begin to show neglect and aging sooner than most parts of the body. Firstly, the skin on the back of the hands is thin and has few oil glands. The hands also come in contact with soaps and detergents daily, when we perform our washing chores at home. These also play havoc on the skin, making it rough and dry. So, daily care of the hands is very necessary. Massage a cream after your washing tasks, working it into the skin. This takes only a few minutes of your time. You should massage cream on the nails and the skin around the nails too.
Try some home remedies to keep the skin of the hands soft and smooth:
- Before your bath, apply warmed oil on the hands and massage it into the skin to soften it. Use coconut oil, which is very nourishing.
- For dryness of the hands, warm some milk and soak your hands in it for ten minutes.
- Take 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 3 tablespoon coarse sugar. Mix together till it becomes a paste. Apply and rub into hands. Wash off after 15 minutes. Do this three times a week.
- Take fresh orange peels, pierce them with a fork. Rub the peels on the hands to brighten them.
- Choker (wheat bran) and besan (gram flour) can be mixed with turmeric and milk into a paste and applied on the hands. Wash off after 20 minutes. This softens, cleanses and tightens the skin.
- Mix almond oil and honey in equal parts and massage into the nails and cuticles.
- For dry nails, warm any vegetable oil and soak fingers in it for ten minutes. Wipe off with a moist towel.
- A few almonds eaten daily make the nails strong. Include whole grains, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, sprouts and fruits in your diet.
Shahnaz Husain Neem-Turmeric Germicidal Hand Wash
Specially designed for hygienic hand disinfection, this highly effective liquid soap offers total protection from microbes. Based on advanced research, it contains herbal extracts with powerful germicidal and antiseptic properties, like tea tree oil, clove oil, neem, turmeric, basil and mint. Lemon, with powerful antiviral properties, helps to cleanse, while aloe vera moisturises and softens the skin. This unique hand wash prevents the spread of infection and ensures complete protection.
Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets.” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.
