healthy hands & feet

Want the healthiest hands and feet you can possibly get? Creative Nail design passes on these top tips to keep nails and skin looking and feeling beautiful.

• Never cut cuticles. They act as a seal to the nail bed and protect against infection. Use a cuticle cream (Creative Nail Solar Balm) daily to keep them moisturized and try gently pushing them back in the shower with a washcloth.
• Don't use a nail file that is too coarse for your nails. Natural nails need a gentle file. Save harsher files for shaping enhancements and wraps.
• Always use an acetone polish remover. It's the most effective solvent to completely remove pigment from the nail. If you are worried about dryness, try adding a few drops of Solar Oil to the remover. Shake well before using.
• Use a top coat with UV protectors, to filter the sun's rays and prevent enamel from fading or yellowing. Especially when wearing a French manicure or a pale nail colour, look for a top coat with a blue or purple tint, which indicates that it contains optical brighteners.
• Always be sure to wash the nail of all excess oils and residue left behind by polish remover or cuticle oils before applying new polish to prevent peeling and chipping.
• Get regular pedicures, even during the winter. Feet require regular care and preventative attention, as their moist environment promotes faster growth of bacteria and other pathogens.
• Smooth calluses, don't remove them!
• Keep toenails rounded. Squared-off nails are more prone to infections and ingrown nails.
• Don't sleep with socks on - feet will remain damp through the night which increases the risk of infection (or worsens any existing infection).
• Place small loosely bound bags of marbles in a foot bath, and rub your feet back and forth over them for an invigorating, soothing and therapeutic experience.