Fall Nail, Hand, and Foot Care Tips

Fall is here, and cooler weather and drier air means that our skin has some extra needs too! We've talked about getting glowing fall skin and fall haircare tips, and now we're helping you keep your hands, feet, and nails healthy as the weather transitions. Read on for our best fall hand, nail, and foot care tips! Fall Hand Care

• Watch when you wash: If your hands get really dry, switch to more moisturizing hand soaps instead of stripping or foaming ones. Make sure to wash your hands with lukewarm water instead of hot water.

• Moisturize: Put hand cream on a few times a day, or as often as you feel you need it (especially after you wash your hands). Put some by the sink, in your purse, and on your nightstand. Choose fast-absorbing ones during the day and a thicker formula at night to put on before bed. Use a daily moisturizer with SPF for the added sunscreen benefits.

• Wear gloves: An easy way to make sure your hands stay moisturized is to wear gloves: when you're doing the dishes, when it's cold on your morning walk, or when you're out gardening. If you want to bump up the moisture, grab a pair of old lightweight gloves (or invest in some new ones), slather your hands with lotion, and put the gloves on before bed.

• Exfoliate: Once or twice a week, use a gentle hand scrub to buff away dead skin cells and help your moisturizer penetrate more deeply.

• Pamper: If you feel like giving yourself a little extra pampering while you're watching TV at night, put a hand mask on (you can buy these, use a wash-off facial mask you already have, or make a DIY version) for 15-20 minutes. After rinsing, put on a thick lotion and enjoy your glowing hands!

Fall Nail Care:

• Protect your cuticles: After washing your hands, rub cuticle oil or cream into your cuticles when you put your hand cream on. Use coconut, olive, or castor oil for inexpensive at-home options--these are especially good for nighttime since they're a little heavier, but can be used during the day, too. Put cuticle oil in your bag, by your nightstand, and by the sink to help you remember to reapply.

• Manage your nail length: Long nails can get snagged on things easily, so be sure to trim them right away if you break a nail. Trim any hangnails, too.

• Nail slugging: Dry, cracked cuticles? Slather on a thick treatment like coconut oil or Vaseline before bed and put gloves on to help repair.

• Wear gloves: Just like with your hands, wearing gloves when washing the dishes, doing yardwork, and other activities that are hard on the nails will protect your polish and keep your nails hydrated. (Check out our fall nail polish trends here.)

Fall Foot Care:

• Footwear transition: Be aware of how your feet feel as you transition from your summer sandals to wearing closed-toe shoes every day. Rotate your shoes to give them time to air out between wears and minimize odors and buildup. Use blister prevention methods like protective padding if you've been living in sandals all summer and your feet aren't used to boots.

• Moisturize: Apply a hydrating foot cream at least once a day, ideally when your skin is damp right after a shower. Avoid moisturizing between the toes in case moisture gets trapped and encourages fungal growth. (And be sure to put cuticle oil on your toes, too!) Put socks on after your moisturize to lock in the moisture, especially before bed.

• Cut your toenails: Toenail length is very obvious when you're in closed-toe shoes all day long, so make sure you cut and file them down regularly (or get a pedicure). Trimming them prevents ingrown nails from crowded shoes.

• Exfoliate: Add your feet to your weekly body exfoliation routine and give them a scrub in the shower. This will slough off any dead skin cells and help your lotion work better. After you exfoliate, add a little extra pampering time and put a foot mask on (buy a box of foot masks, put a wash-off facial one on your feet, or create a DIY one with some coconut oil and honey) for 15-20 minutes, rinse off, and add your foot cream and cuticle oil, and enjoy your smooth, soft feet! (Schedule a milk bath pedicure for extra hydration!)

There you have it! Salon Patrice is here to help you maintain healthy, happy skin, nails, and hair all season long. Book a pedicure or manicure by calling (815) 223-8643 or find all of our nail services here.