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Spring Cleaning and Your Nails

Feb24

How does one begin?  Some may want to take a whole day?  Some, those of us that work all day, take a room a day, maybe a Saturday or our one day off.  And, some may do it the Mary Kay way. . . The 5 a.m. Club.  Or it could be the 4 a.m. Club.  It would depend on what time your day starts.  It would mean that you have to get up one hour earlier to do your cleaning for that one club hour.  I can’t even now imagine those with CHILDREN.  How long will this take with you doing it the Spring Cleaning way?  It  will depend on whether or not you linger or reminisce when you find something you use to wear or your child use to play with or made for you from the second grade(they are now 30).  It’s been a while.

No matter your method of cleaning.  We have to be mindful of the care of our hands, nails and cuticles.  Cleaning supplies and just plain old neglect can wreck havoc on the skin of our hands during this time of year.  Our skin and nails have gone through the cold, dry season to now be dried out even further with cleaning chemicals and harsh soapy water.

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The key to all this drying out is moisture, moisture, moisture, not grease or lotions filled with more chemicals and alcohol.  Try natural oils such as coconut, olive or jojoba added to your favorite lotion if you must.  ALWAYS wear gloves when cleaning with chemicals and cleaning detergents, you’ll be glad you did.

 

Nailtiques – What comes close?

Oct27
Nailtiques

Nothing else comes close

 

Nailtiques is dedicated to the development and maintenance of healthy, natural nails.  The complete line of prescribed, salon-tested products provides the best nail care system available today.  

Each product’s unique formula promotes natural nail growth, strength and moisture retention.  Nailtiques nail care system treats multiple nail problems with six specially formulated protein strengths:  Formulas 1, 2, 3, 2+, A and B.  Formulas A & B are not sold separately, they are progression polishes for nails with issues that will take three to six months to repair.  That’s growth from cuticle to free edge.  It will also depend on how fast your nails grow.  But with persistent care and maintenance, that includes regular manicures and use of the product, positive nail results are inevitable. 

Dew Drop Nails is partnered with Nailtiques as a distributor.

 

Think About It ~ What we hate, we must learn to love.  What comes easy will be difficult to endure.  What comes with work will give us rest.  Riches are discovered in poverty.  Safety in place of risk.  More in place of less.

Life Wisdom

Sep1

I love, love this time of year.  It’s not too hot nor too cold, just right for sleeping.

As fall swiftly approaches, this time of year calls for changes in fashion as the weather turns.  Time to pull out our heavy oils and creams to keep hands and feet nice and supple.

It’s time to start that exercise and weight loss journey before the holidays.

Sept wisdom2

What are your nails saying about you? continued

Feb16
Healthy, happy nails

Healthy, happy nails! Check out the healthy cuticles

 

Healthy nails are not . . .

Purple nails – When nails turn purple or blue, says Dr. Graf, it could be a symptom of Raynaud’s. The syndrome causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to spasm, and while it’s usually just a benign inconvenience, Raynaud’s can also be an early symptom of more serious disorders.  This can also be a sign of poor circulation.

Dark Spots – Those small, vertical plum lines you see running along your nails? They’re called splinter hemorrhages, and sometimes they can be chalked up to a run-of-the-mill injury. However, says Dr. Graf, it’s important to pay attention. “If you see dark, longitudinal lines, those are definitely things to get checked. They could be birthmarks, but if they go below the nail plate, they need to be evaluated for melanoma.” These tiny blood clots are also loosely associated with a host of other health issues, from lupus to heart inflammation, so schedule an appointment to rule out anything serious.

If a dark stripe or band suddenly appears at the cuticle or on in the nail plate, get it checked out.

If any of these apply to you, please see a licensed manicurist or podiatrist for advice. 

There are some conditions that may be helped by visiting your pedicurist on a  regular basis, not just when you have to or some special occasion.

Think About It:  Does your outer appearance match who you are on the inside?   You are the only one that can really see you.

What are your nails saying about you? continues

Feb13
Hands and feet do not have to match.

Hands and feet colors or designs do not have to match.

 Healthy nails are not . . .

Weak, brittle nails – “Ridges and weakness can be just dry nails,” Dr. Graf says. “The nail is made of keratin, so if you have rough and dry nails that break easily, that means they’re getting thinner.” Fortunately, treatment is easy: take 500 mcg of biotin daily.  Do not buff your nails, instead smooth with light block or smoothing file, this too will cause thinning and splits if not done correctly.  Polishing with nail strengthener (not hardener) will add to the overall appearance and health of your nails.  With that said, weakened nails are sometimes a sign of nutritional deficiencies. “Selenium, biotin, and other minerals are very important,” she continues. “If you have weak nails, get a checkup to rule out anemia or thyroid issues.”

Yellow, green, or white nails – Nail polish can cause a slight yellowing of the nails, which is temporary and largely harmless. But if your nails are yellow, green, or white, that may be a sign of a serious health issue. “Yellow or green nails can be indicative of lymphatic obstruction in the fingers,” Dr. Graf says, adding that significant color changes could also be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

This condition can also be due to overlays that have lifted, been on too long and/or moisture and dirt has gotten between the overlay and natural nail causing fungus which will lead to discoloration.  This can be dangerous to the future health of the nail and nailbed.

“Basically, if your nails look funky, you’ve got to get them checked out.”

The last of this three-part series will post next week.  If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Think About It:  The more things change, the more they stay the same. —Alphonse Karr