You may be a skincare devotee with an enviable complexion to prove it, but what about your hands? From housework to gardening and everything in between, our hands can bear the brunt of life’s daily chores. The skin on the back of your hands is naturally thin and highly susceptible to aging and dryness because of constant exposure to the elements. But how best to give them some TLC, including your nails?
We caught up with award winning beautician, Fiona Douglas of Gelishis Beauty in Ellon. She’s been bringing hands up to scratch for almost 20 years, and has a few top tips in keeping your hands looking lovely. “We put so much time and effort into our skincare, makeup and hair but hands often get forgotten about,” she said. “I see dozens of pairs each week, and hands really can tell your story. I always recommend wearing powder free gloves for cleaning, especially if you’re using bleach and hot water which can be very drying on your hands. I love a good hand cream but I advise my clients to avoid creams which have oil in them, because this can actually lift a gel manicure. Cuticle oil is so under-rated, it hydrates your nail bed and surrounding skin and can even encourage faster nail growth. Be kind to your hands is my ultimate advice, and don’t skip on the SPF. If you apply it every day, you can prevent ageing and dark spots. A gentle exfoliation scrub once a week will remove dead skin cells, and enable moisturiser to be absorbed more effectively.” As for nail trends, it’s all about French polish, nudes and French ombre. “Oval shaped nails are very popular at the moment, there’s definitely a trend for a chromed or metallic effect,” said Fiona. “Nails really are a passion of mine, and my clients seem to be going for simple nail art at the moment. This can be small flowers, dots or love hearts. It’s a real privilege to help care for people’s hands, a good manicure can make you feel so confident.”
