Pic credit: Jocelyn Petroni

Winter takes its toll on the health of nails and skin, often resulting in dry, dehydrated, inflexible and ragged results. It’s time to bring them back from the brink, giving first-impression confidence back.

Our top tips for restoring nail health, strength and presentation…

1. Invest the time

There are no quick fixes, gleaming healthy nails take work, period. By consistently taking the time to nurture nails as part of your daily self-care practise, you will create results quickly. Much like our skincare, winter is the time to switch to a more ritualistic approach when it comes to caring for hands and nails.

2. Rehydrate

Nails need a combination of water and oil to be nourished. Keep up your daily water intake and apply Nailactan (massaged into skin at base of cuticle) every evening to counteract dryness and increase the nail’s elasticity and suppleness by providing nourishing ingredients to the nail root. Make a switch to moisture-focused products… use acetone-free products, as acetone has a drying effect on nails and cuticles, and topical nail treatment options options like Mava-Flex and Barrier-Base Coat.

3. Use a cuticle oil and hand cream on repeat

Regular use of a cuticle oil and hand cream will make a noticeable difference to their condition. Look for handbag-compatible options to make frequent application achievable. Cuticles can dry out from repetitive hand washing and weather exposure. By massaging cuticle oil into the cuticle and nail root, blood flow is stimulated, and the area is nourished decreasing the risk of cracking, splitting and infection.

4. Keep nails short and well groomed

Long nails are not only impractical but make nails more prone to breakage. Winter is a great time to trim nails weekly to foster healthy nail growth. Ideally limit water exposure and wear gloves when doing the dishes, cleaning or gardening.

5. Don’t forget your feet

For all-round nail health, don’t forget your toenails, which can be treated in the same way as fingernails. For super dry and cracked heals, apply targeted creams with both exfoliating and nourishing benefits. Super-charge results by wearing socks at night.