The Perfect Pre-Holiday Manicure: Don’t Forget These Two Essential Steps for Stunning Nails

Your skin tone also affects the aesthetic appeal of your nail art.

A fair complexion enhances any nail color, freeing you from the worry of choosing a shade that suits your skin tone. Additionally, smooth and supple skin without wrinkles or flakiness ensures that your nail art gets all the attention it deserves. To achieve this, incorporate these four skincare habits into your daily routine before the upcoming Tet holiday:

1. Exfoliate:

Dead skin cells, consisting of old, hardened cells, dirt, and oil, can build up on the surface of your skin, making your hands and feet rough, uneven, and dull. This is especially prevalent in cold climates like the North, where dead skin accumulation can lead to dryness, redness, and obstacles in your beauty routine.

Exfoliation can be easily done at home.

You can exfoliate 1-2 times a week using familiar ingredients like sea salt, coffee grounds, or adzuki bean powder, along with a gentle massage. For sensitive skin, combine these exfoliants with milk or natural oils to boost moisture.

Occasionally, consider investing in a professional pedicure, including a warm water foot soak and massage, for enhanced results.

2. Use hand cream:

Our hands and feet come into contact with numerous surfaces and objects harboring bacteria throughout the day. The act of washing them with soap and other cleansing agents, while necessary for hygiene, can have adverse effects on the skin. These harsh chemicals contribute to skin darkening and loss of elasticity over time.

This issue is also prevalent among office workers who spend their days in air-conditioned environments, leading to dry and dull skin on their hands.

To provide the best care for your hands, opt for creams suitable for daytime and nighttime use. During the day, look for hand creams containing Lycopene and Pro-vitamin B3 to protect your skin from within. For nighttime use, choose a richer formula packed with vitamins and nutrients essential for skin health. Night creams are typically softer, smoother, and more readily absorbed, leaving your skin feeling relaxed and refreshed.

3. Apply sunscreen:

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just your face that needs protection from UV rays and environmental aggressors—your hands and feet do, too. Without proper care, the skin on your hands is prone to dark spots and premature aging. Similarly, the skin on your feet can develop an uneven tone, depending on the type of footwear you choose, which is often based on comfort and style rather than protection.

Sunscreen designed for the body can be used on both your hands and feet.

Additionally, the process of getting your nails done can expose your hands and feet to UV rays, as most nail salons use gel curing lamps that emit these rays. If your hands and feet are not protected with sunscreen beforehand, they may become darker and develop signs of aging more quickly.

Even when getting your nails done indoors, your hands are exposed to the same amount of UV rays as if you were outdoors.

4. Moisturize with masks:

Just like your face, your hands and feet need ample moisture and essential vitamins to stay healthy, supple, and smooth. Depending on your specific needs, choosing the right type of mask can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine.

Hand masks are designed to deliver a concentrated dose of nutrients to your hands, offering quicker results.

The process is simple and can be done while you work or relax at home.

Some may also opt to “DIY” this treatment by using plastic gloves or bags to lock in their regular hand cream or serum. While this is a more cost-effective option, it may not yield the same results as dedicated hand masks.

Using natural ingredients for moisture can also be a relaxing experience due to their pleasant aromas.