In preparing for the big dance event, our energies become tightly focused on practicing those dance steps, picking out our best dancing clothes, making sure those shoes are shiny, our hair is just right. But, despite all this effort, many of us will walk under that spotlight without giving a second thought to one very important and very overlooked aspect of dancing: our hands! By Rachel Holland
Our hands come in constant contact with our partners. If they are dry and rough, our partners are going to be quite uncomfortable after a few dances. Beginners especially should spend extra attention on their hands because they tend to grip their partners hands more than necessary. The combination of rough hands with pressure can literally leave a lasting impression. Here are some simple ways to ensure your hands are baby soft and as immaculately groomed as the rest of you.
Softening Up
A simple way to soften dry, coarse hands is by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of sugar into a cup of warm water. Rub this mixture into the hands for five minutes then rinse with warm water. The sugar is abrasive and rubs off all rough areas, whilst lemon juice will cleanse and naturally bleach the hands. Afterwards rub in plenty of moisturising cream. Another skin-softening method is to mix one third of a cup of glycerine with two thirds of a cup of rosewater. Combine the ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Massage into the hands regularly. Exfoliate dead, dry skin from your hands by mixing two tablespoons of baby oil with three tablespoons of sugar. Form a paste and rub the mixture into your hands for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
If the Glove Fits, Wear it!
Try to wear gloves as much as possible when washing up, doing housework or gardening. Our hands come wrapped and sealed with their own natural hand cream, made from sebum, cholesterol and water. We break down this natural barrier each time we immerse our hands in hot or chlorinated water, detergents and harsh chemicals. The result can be dish pan, hands and nails which have lost their lustre, suppleness and strength. "I have had to increase my moisturizing routine for my hands and nails because they get so dry and brittle," says Sandra Thebaud, who makes her own natural skincare products at www.BotanysDesire.com. "The reason why the hands age so quickly is because they are lacking in the same oil glands that the rest of the body has. They produce very little oil. So we must provide it ourselves," Sandra explains.
"Cold weather can also be very harmful to the hands and nails," says dermatologist Dr Joshua Fox M.D. It can decrease circulation to the fingers causing pain and stiffness and cause the nails to dry out, promoting cracking," he warns.
Hope for Hopeless Nails
The single most important thing you can do for your nails is to eat correctly. To feed your nails the nutrients they need, eat foods rich in iron, protein, calcium, vitamin B and potassium. These nutrients can be found in bananas, celery, yoghurt, seafood and dark, leafy greens. Biotin-rich foods such as eggs, soy products, whole grains and liver are also extremely helpful to nails, along with foods rich in sulphur minerals like apples, cucumbers, grapes, garlic, asparagus and onions. Foods rich in essential fatty acids -- the good fats -- such as salmon, tuna, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil help to keep nails shiny and pliable.
"For healthy nails -- watch your stress level", says Stephanie Tourles, aesthetician and author of The Herbal Body Book. "Stress zaps your body of iron and vitamins A, B and C -- necessary nutrients for strong, healthy nails. It also reduces the blood flow to your fingertips, leaving your nails looking pale and lifeless. Nothing packs a more nutritious punch than dark green leafy vegetables; foods such as kale, seaweed, bok, choy, collard/mustard greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves. Drinks made from spirulina, chlorella, barley grass and alfalfa are chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. Try to enjoy at least 2-3 servings of these foods daily and watch your nails blossom with health and vitality." Nail growth relates directly to nutrition -- the faster they grow, the well-nourished you are. Our nails grow at an average rate of 1/8 of an inch every month and completely replace themselves every four months.
Nails grow faster in summer than winter since heat increases the rate of all metabolic processes. Also, we tend to eat more fruit and vegetables in summer, plus we are likely to take more exercise and drink more water.
If you have brittle, dry nails, nail technician Leigh Little recommends putting one drop of jojoba oil on each finger. Gently rub the oil into the nail and cuticle. This practice takes about ten seconds and should be done every single day. Try it for two weeks; you will see a noticeable difference. If kept up, this practice will keep the cuticle soft and pliable and the nails moist and firm. If you have weak, splitting nails, keep your nails away from water and detergent, even when soaking in the tub. Weak nails have too much moisture. Nails are porous, not water-repellent like our skin. Too much immersion in water leaves them soft and weak. To improve weak, splitting nails, try soaking your fingernails in warmed wheat germ or olive oil for five minutes. This will strengthen the nails without harming them. Dorie Byers, author of Natural Body Basics, suggests you add one or two drops of carrot seed and lemon essential oils to the warmed oil.
"Never cut or chemically dissolve your cuticles," advises Dr Fox. "The cuticle is there to seal out bacteria. Gently massaging back the cuticle is far better than haphazardly cutting them." For cleaner, brighter nails simply rub your nails with half a lemon. "Lemon will remove stains from your nails and restores the natural ph balance of your skin," says Norma Weinberg, author of Natural Hand Care.
Another way to liven up dull nails is to mix one tablespoon of jojoba oil with one teaspoon of baking powder to achieve a paste like consistency. Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the surface of your nails. Then use a cotton bud to clean under the nail tips. "Taking supplements of essential fatty acids like flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil will make your nails noticeably glossier and more flexible," says Fran Manos, author of Beautiful Hands and Nails Naturally.
