Nail Care Tips & Advice

In the past, going to a day spa meant you probably received a manicure and a pedicure and maybe received a massage while you were there. Today, most day spas provide far more advanced selections than the day spa your mother and father used to go visit. Technological enhancements have made day spas a one-stop destination for treating numerous body parts, offering a wide range of exciting and satisfying treatments. Whether you have tired skin, acne scars or brittle nails, there is something for everyone at a day spa.

Throughout the world, numerous day spas have made a name for themselves by offering healthy, all-natural procedures that aim to revitalize, rejuvenate and refresh the body, face and skin. As people scramble to take hold of the reins of a youthful appearance, the day spa offers numerous selections to achieve health and beauty goals. It is also a great alternative for those who do not wish to go under the knife and surrender to cosmetic surgery. Below you will find some of the common and not-so-common treatments that a day spa may offer.

Facials

When it comes to relaxing the muscles in a tense face or smoothing rough, tired or sun-damaged skin, a facial is a great way to go. Today, seaweed treatments are popular in day spas. These place a nourishing and hydrating mask to the face. This organic treatment uses ingredients from nature to cleanse and massage the skin. There are also facials that focus on only the revitalizing qualities of a mask. Sometimes ingredients, such as honey, cucumber and almond are included.

More intense facials may include a process that uses numerous layers to achieve results. These kinds of facials may use seaweed treatments, hydrating creams and facial massages, as well as various minerals. The results of a facial range from renewed layers of skin, increased elasticity, a smoother skin texture, reduced pores and even skin tone. Usually, a really good facial takes anywhere from 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Massages

When the body is in need of one-on-one personal relief, day spa massages are great for providing relaxing results. Some day spas will charge by the minute, using a portable massage chair. Then, there are the full-body massages, which relieve the most stress and tension. An employee, who uses a combination of long strokes and muscle kneading, performs these types of massages. This is called a therapeutic massage. You may also opt for an aromatherapy massage, which incorporates many different essential oils that work wonders on the mind and spirit.

Sometimes, you will encounter body part-specific massages at a day spa. For example, scalp and head massages aim to rejuvenate these areas. Not only do tight muscles loosen up, relief from headaches and sinus problems are also experienced. Depending on the day spa, reflexology might be offered, which manipulates the pressure points of the feet to achieve decreased stress and increase relaxation.

Hand and Nail Treatments

You can get your nails done at any salon, but what about the deeper procedures that treat your hands, fingers, cuticles and nails like royalty? Day spas go beyond the usual trim and polish of nails. While artificial nail services are commonplace at the spa, you will benefit from a wide-range of selections that some nail salons do not offer. Many day spas offer acrylic, fiberglass, sculptured, linen or silk options.

Basic nail treatments usually involve the trimming of the nails and cuticles, followed by a relaxing hand massage. To complete the procedure, buffing and/or polish application follows. Want softened hands and feet? Try a warm, paraffin wax treatment, which also relieves tension in the muscles. As for the feet and toes, spa pedicures are some of the best, especially when the day spa features hydrotherapy whirlpool foot spa treatments. Sometimes exfoliating scrubs are given.

Tanning

Want the look of sun kissed skin every day of the week? Year-round tanning may be offered at the day spa of your choice, providing the latest in sunless tanning options. Sometimes an exfoliation of the skin is offered before applying a self-tanner. How deep you wish your tan to be determines the number of sessions you may need.

Body Treatments

The entire body deserves attention when visiting a day spa. Their answer to providing well-rounded visits is to feature numerous treatments for the body. Herbal wraps provide a great way to hydrate the skin, as well as provide detoxification. For those looking for a natural way to lose a few inches, an herbal wrap is a nice, natural choice, showcasing one of the most effective approaches toward reducing cellulite. Sometimes an herbal wrap is accompanied by a massage. To reenergize the body, you may choose a sea salt scrub. Seaweed body masques add much-needed moisture to the skin. The possibilities are endless when it comes to day spa body treatments.

Hair Removal

While body waxing is often associated with a day spa visit, the advancement in hair removal techniques has brought laser treatments to the forefront. Along with electrolysis, this is the closest thing you will come to for achieving a near-permanent hair removal treatment. Laser treatments are also much faster than other methods. Face and bikini areas can be completed in less than ten minutes.

Microdermbrasion

When choosing an exfoliating treatment for the skin, microdermabrasion uses a flow of microcrystals to penetrate the skin and remove dead skin cells. Flaking skin will also be eradicated. A rejuvenation of skin is achieved through the stimulation of skin cells and collagen to provide a more youthful appearance. Instead of plastic surgery, consider this approach as it is non-invasive and does not use any harmful tools to infiltrate the things blemishing your skin.

Customers who wish to achieve a smoother texture with a feeling and look of renewal, microdermabrasion is quite satisfying. This treatment also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, as well as eases some pigmentation concerns. People suffering from acne and chicken pox scars will also benefit from this sort of treatment. This is also a good way to treat stretch marks and is also used to even out skin tone. Additional examples of skin damage can be treated with microdermbrasion as well.

A manicure is classified under cosmetics, a beauty procedure or treatment for finger and toe nails. Hygiene practices are usually limited to the regular trimming of the nails. Manicure, however, attempts to beautify and treat the fingernails to be more presentable. This has been practiced in ancient India and China. In ancient times, they use henna or plant dyes to color the nails. Nowadays, treatment applications are made up of a mixture of various solvents and oil bases.

The usual process includes trimming the fingernails, using a filer to shape the nail, painting the fingernail and eventually applying polish to make them appear glossy. Most manicure treatment is followed by a paraffin treatment, a beauty process that relaxes and softens hands and fingernails by dipping them into a paraffin wax basin, washing the hands with a cool solution and end the treatment with a dab of a lotion. The latest trends in fingernail treatment include the application of special acrylics or other artificial gels. Intricate designs using imitation jewels and other similar materials are also applied on the nails.

Today, there are an assortment of manicuring products and tools. There have been cases, however, of bacterial infection on the flesh along the sides of the fingernails and even on the fingernail itself. This bacterial infection can be caused by the wounding of the skin by a manicuring tool. Aside from this, an allergy is the most possible reason for an infection to appear.

Because of this, artificial nails had its share of popularity. Artificial nails are more of an extension of the real fingernail. Its purpose is similar to that of hair extensions that aims to enhance the look of the hair. The artificial nail is made of plastic and is pasted atop the natural nail. Acrylic and other paints can then be readily applied on the nail as if the fingernails were under manicure. While the artificial nails do look nice, it is important to note that some people have experienced problems with their own nails as a result of using the adhesive backed press on nails. Among the problems cited have been situations where the natural nails became soft and would often rip when the adhesive backed nails were removed. In other instances, the natural nails became brittle and would break off with ease. In the end, you may find that a manicure is more desirable and healthy for your natural nails.

Are you looking for a great gift for your mother this Mother’s Day ? Why not give her a day at the local spa ? Spas offer a variety of services that any busy, stressed out, or overworked mom would enjoy.

Massage – Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy, it’s a system of kneading, pressing, and rubbing parts of the body to achieve pain relief or relaxation. It’s also a great way to stimulate blood circulation. Any spa worth a grain of salt has a good massage therapist on staff. You can usually get a variety of massages, from deep tissue massage to hot or cold stone massage. Each one is guaranteed to be a relaxing experience for Mom.

Manicure and/or Pedicure – Make mom feel really special with a manicure or pedicure. If your Mom is a really busy Mom, she may not always have the time to keep her nails runway model gorgeous, so treat her to some professional nail help. New nail color, a set of acrylics, or just a trim and clear polish. She’ll enjoy the pampering.

Body Wraps – Has your Mom been dieting lately ? Show her you’ve noticed her efforts and give her a nice body wrap for Mother’s Day. Body wraps are great for toning skin, especially after recent weight loss or childbirth. They also help relieve joint and muscle aches and pains.

Facials – Facials are skin treatments that refresh, re-hydrate and rejuvenate dry, tired, and stressful faces. Specialized facials exist for a variety of purposes including facials treat acne or blackheads, facials that energize or relax the skin, and deep cleaning or moisturizing facials.

Permanent Cosmetics – Ideal for the busy mom who is always on the go. She’ll love the fact that her lipliner, eyeliner, or eyebrows are done before she even starts applying her makeup in the morning.

Body Peels – Body Peels combine glycolic and TCA acids to safely and effectively treat non-facial skin, such as that found on the neck, chest, back, arms and other areas with stretch marks, discolorations of the skin, or wrinkles.

Waxing – Organic Waxing is totally derived from plant extracts. It is gentle, comfortable, prevents ingrown hair, minimizes redness and irritation of skin. Waxing slows down re-growth of hair, leaves the skin silky smooth, and gives weeks of freedom from unwanted hair.

Microderm Abrasion – This is a fantastic skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. The technician uses a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin.

All the services I’ve mentioned should be provided by any local spa. So if you were trying to think of something different for Mom this year, try the local Day Spa.

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis), is a truly awful condition for a number of reasons. It’s very unsightly and can become the topic of unwanted conversation for those that get it bad enough and have their feet exposed to the world. Once the nail is infected it will likely turn yellow, brown, or both, and as the condition worsens it’ll become thick and overgrown. If gone untreated the nail may even start to crumble and fall off.

When allowed to advance too far the toenail fungus may begin to stink as foul smelling debris forms under the nail, but that’s not all! As the nail(s) become overgrown with fungus, it may be very uncomfortable, painful or even impossible to wear shoes until it’s got under some control.

Unfortunately, toe nail fungus is pretty common. Just like another common fungal foot infection (athlete’s foot), toenail fungus can be easily picked up by folks that walk around bare footed in public swimming pools, locker rooms or showers. Fungi just love warm moist places and it’s wise to be mindful of this if you are prone to infection.

We’ve all stubbed our toes against a hard object from time to time and if we hit hard enough sometimes that nail can lift away from the toe a bit. This allows a perfect opportunity for fungus to creep in under the damaged nail, so some good preventative measures should be taken if this happens to you.

But before we look at prevention and cure, let me just summarize the risk factors so that you can become aware of how this fungus is contracted. Firstly, the chance of getting toenail fungus increases with age. Males are also more prone to the condition than females. Other risk factors include: nail trauma, sweaty feet (common), poor blood circulation, and poor hygiene.

Prevention: Wear sandals, flip flops or other water shoes when in public showers, and locker rooms. Always wash and dry your feet (particularly between the toes) before leaving such places.

Let your feet breathe. Wear 100% cotton, or wool socks. Not only do these breathe easy, but they also absorb moisture (sweat) from your feet. If you socks get too damp through sweating make sure you take them off at the next opportunity, and dry your feet thoroughly before putting on a fresh clean pair. Also, wear leather or canvas shoes whenever possible as these allow your feet to ventilate.

To summarize footwear then, use natural materials which breathe easy, so cotton or wool for socks and natural uppers for shoes. Also, periodically sprinkle an anti-bacterial product into your shoes if you are prone to fungal infections.

Common Cures: If gone untreated for any length of time, toenail fungus can become very stubborn and difficult to treat. Try over the counter remedies first but if the condition does not improve or even gets worse, then go see your doctor without delay.

Tea tree oil is used quite successfully for the treatment of early toe fungus. The careful application of bleach is also used by some, as is Vics VapoRub, but quite often a prescribed oral medication is required along with topical ointment of some sorts.

But as pointed out earlier in this piece, toenail fungus can be stubborn and is not always easy to treat using home remedies. By all means try one or 2, but do not hesitate to seek professional advice if your condition does not improve.

Nail biting generally results in the transfer of germs from your nails into your mouth. It is the same at nail salons also. When nail salon tools are used on different persons, it could lead to infection. People generally find using the hands a lot more difficult due to biting nails. Most of the compulsive nail biters find it difficult to write, draw, drive and type. Sustained biting for long period of time could also lead to substantia adamantinea of the front teeth which could lead to caries.

It is quite surprising that there are many who claim that hypnosis proves quite useful to stop nail biting. There are many who claim that sheer will power could also do the trick. There is one more popular option. It is using nail biting creams. You need to paint your nails with this very bitter tasting nail cream and you are never going to put your nails in your mouth once you do it.

These quit biting nails creams boast of some good characteristics. Creams to stop biting nails generally contains aloe and vitamins A and E and all the ingredients being used are natural. Stop biting your nails creams also works wonders for your cuticles making it all smooth and makes your nails stronger. And there is no age bar as such for using these creams.

Despite all such good effects of stop nail biting creams, the problem is that it is not a permanent solution. You apply the cream and its disgusting taste doesn’t allow you to put the nails into your mouth. But once you stop applying the cream what happens? Yes, you revert back to the same old habit of biting your nails and all the good effects that your nails and cuticles experienced vanish.

It might sound surprising but there are many types of medications available to stop nail biting. Some of these medications like some of the recent anti-depressants prove very effective. The same medications like fluoxetine, clomipramine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram, citalopram, nefazodone and venlafaxine also prove effective in treating Trichotillomania (the compulsion to tear or pluck out the hair on one’s head and face and often to ingest it) and OCD.

These anti-depressants might be used with anti-psychotics in small amounts to enhance the effectiveness of anti-depressants. Anti-psychotics like olazapine, risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole and ziprasidone are generally used to cure schizophrenia. But this doesn’t mean that if you are being treated to stop nail biting with these, you are a psychotic. To stop biting nails, your physician might use B vitamin inositol which enhances serotonin activity in the brain resulting in lessening of nail biting tendencies.

With medication one could also go for behavioral therapy to stop biting nails. It starts with Habit Reversal Training (HRT) which includes four parts and intends to make you stop biting and if possible make you learn a better constructive habit. Then you have the Stimulus Control therapy which is used to recognize and remove the stimulus for nail biting.

Various aversion therapies exist to stop biting ones nails. It might be coating the nails with some kind of special nail polish which tastes bitter. One could war a rubber band on the wrist. Friends and family members could also point out whenever and wherever one starts nail biting. Eating chewing gum has also helped some to stop biting my nails. If you keep a record of your previous bites, it might reveal the reason for it.

Applying the nail care tips below will help you maintain your fingernails in prime condition.

As our fingernails are so noticeable and convey a message about us to everyone we meet, it is essential we take just a little time and educate ourselves on how to care for them well.

What follows is a list of nail care tips divided into do’s and don’ts:

Nail Care Tips: The DO’S

DO drink plenty of water each day. It’s good for your general health and a well hydrated body contributes to healthy nails. Cracked nails may indicate the need for greater fluid intake.

DO apply varnish remover before applying nail polish. This removes any grease on the surface of the nail and gives extra life to the nail polish, so make sure you do this regardless of whether there is old polish on your nails or not.

DO take vitamin supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise due to other health considerations. Vitamins A, C, E, and B12 are especially important. Additionally, calcium, zinc, iron, protein, and folic acid will help avoid white marks appearing on the nails and prevent nails from becoming brittle. Research the foods you need to provide you with these essential vitamins and supplements.

DO use a good quality buffer preferably once a week, no more than twice a week. Be sure not to buff too vigorously and not for too long to avoid damaging the nail. Just a brief gentle buff before applying nail polish can help prevent the polish from peeling due to a rough or uneven surface on the nail.

DO use a soft nail file rather than an emery board. Emery boards can be too rough and damage the nail easily unless used with great care. Better to use a soft cushion nail file and wash it regularly for repeated use. It almost goes without saying, metal nail files are a definite NO NO!

DO wear protective gloves when doing any work that requires the hands to be submerged in water or come in contact with chemicals. Preferably use gloves with a cotton lining so they remain dry inside. Fungus loves a moist environment.

DO give attention to the cuticles regularly, using a moisturizing cream often to avoid the cuticles from drying out. Overgrown and ungroomed cuticles can adversely affect nail growth.

Nail Care Tips: The DON’TS

DON’T file backwards and forwards as this can cause splits in the nails which become even worse if water penetrates after hand washing. Rather use a gentle one way stroking action with the file along with a little patience.

DON’T file the corners of the nail as this can weaken them and make them more susceptible to breaking. File straight across in a way that produces a soft, oval shape. Pointed nails break easily.

DON’T file nails when they are wet. Make sure they are completely dry.

DON’T use varnish remover and reapply nail polish more than once or twice a week. Preferably select a varnish remover that contains moisturizers to avoid the nails drying out.

DON’T use your nails to scratch hard surfaces, pick at an object, remove staples, or serve as a digging tool. Just take a minute to get a proper tool for the job and avoid sacrificing your nails!

DON’T over manicure the cuticles as this can damage them causing them to thicken and overgrow.

DON’T ever cut the cuticles or use metal or sharp objects to push them back. Purchase the proper tool for the job, an Orange Stick. Hold it at an angle and gently push the cuticles back without damaging them. Using a cuticle remover first will help make the job easier and avoid damaging this sensitive skin.

After a nail care session, conduct a little test. To see how smooth your nails really are run them down an old pair of tights or pantyhose. Any snags will help you locate the nail that needs further attention.

The nail care tips listed above require some time and effort and perhaps initially a small investment to obtain the necessary professional tools. However, once you have them and get into a nail care routine, the benefits will make it all worthwhile.

You will feel confident and flash your nails with pride.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nail Care

Do’s

” Leave your nails without nail polish once in a while atleast inorder to allow them to breathe.

” Keep a pack of hand lotion or cream near the kitchen sink and use it each time after washing your hands.

” Wear gloves while doing housework or gardening and rub some hand cream or lotion before putting on the gloves.

” Apply oil to your nails whenever possible inorder to strengthen them.

” Include ample quantities of calcium and vitamin A in your daily diet.

” Keep your manicure set clean inorder to prevent any infection.

” Have a professional manicure done atleast once a month.

” Prolonged exposure to the sun is not good for nails and a lot of swimming will dry them. This can be encountered by keeping the nails and cuticles well moisturised.

” Before doing chores like dusting or gardening, first dig the nails into a soap bar. This prevents dirt from getting embedded under them and also make them easier to clean later.

” To keep nail polish intact in the bath, smoothen a little skin cream on it before going for a bath.

” If a nail breaks, we can get, professional help in fixing ‘false’ nails. Otherwise, try to file them down. If the break is bad, remove all the polish from that nail and mend the break with a small piece of cello-tape, cut to fit. Then re-apply polish.

” If nails are brittle and break or split easily, keep them oiled.

Don’ts

” Don’t use your nails on a job that can be done just as well with a pair of scissors, pliers or a hammer

” Don’t file nails when they are damp.

” Don’t cut cuticles

” Don’t wash clothes or dishes in very hot water

” Don’t bite or chew your nails.

” Don’t clean your nails with a sharp metal instrument – use a nail brush and orange stick instead.

” Don’t be seen with chipped nail polish – it is a sign of careless grooming.

” Don’t leave your hands in detergent for long.

” Don’t peel-off your nail polish as you wish to – always use a nail-polish remover.

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Nail Polish Selection. Whenever we use nail polish, we should select the shade carefully. Deep toned polish looks good on long and slender nails. Pale colours make short nails look longer and they also look good on small, delicate-looking hands.

Nail- Length Decision. As regards the nail-length, not everyone can manage long nail. If we do a lot of typing or housework , play the guitar or are a sports freak, long nail are not for us.

File rather than cut as cutting weaken the nail and cause it to flake. File in one direction only from sides to centre, using the softer side of an emery board, not a metal file. Aim for a rounded tip: the shape at the tip should reflect the shape at the base to make a perfect oval.

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USEFUL TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL HANDS

” If your elbows have been darkened, apply a mixture of lemon juice mixed with milk cream. Wash off after 30 mts.

” To get rid of elbow darkness, you can also apply a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice ( in equal quantities). Wash off after 15 mts.

” If there is a lot of hair on your hands, apply a smooth paste of gramflour and oil on them. Wash off after 30 mts.

” Massaging hands with almond oil is most ideal inorder to maintain them in a good condition.

” If the hands are stained or discoloured, rub a little lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide on the stain after washing and before drying the hands. This lightens the stain.

” For big hands, wear exotic bracelets high on the arm and wide ornamental rings.

” Slim, small hands call for daintiness in the choice of jewellery and nail polish shade. Narrow bracelets and rings with delicate elongated settings look the prettiest.

” To suit small square hands use small and simple jewellery.

” On wrinkled hands, use rich cream after steaming the hands

” As one matures, one tends to get freckles on the hand. Use a good bleaching cream for this. Although the results are temporary, they are quite effective.

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