Pampering your hands after Christmas Cooking

The presents have been unwrapped, the turkey has been served and the champagne drunk dry. Now for the not-so-fun part… Cleaning up. Washing the dishes and scrubbing away that grease can leave your poor little mitts dry, scaly and wrinkly – not the prettiest start to 2013, hey?

With all the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle, it’s common to neglect your skin. And unfortunately our hands are often – quite literally – left out in the cold. Heaters, gloves, detergent… It all takes quite a toll on the sensitive skin and nails. While there’s no getting out of doing the dishes, you can help to protect and revitalize your hands with a few easy beauty basics.

Save your hands with Wild Rose Hand Cream, The Body Shop

The Body Shop has an extensive range of creams, oils and treatments specially designed for hands and feet. Keep some Wild Rose Caring Hand Wash (£5) next to the kitchen and bathroom sink – it’s softer than regular soap and gently moisturises while cleaning. A tube of soft Body Shop hand cream, like the classic Vitamin E Hand & Nail Cream (£8), is a handbag essential – plus it makes a great stocking filler if you’re looking for that little something special. If your hands have already been in the wars, you’ll need some serious repair – before bed, slather on some of the Wild Rose Nourishing Hand Butter (£11) and pop on a pair of the Thirsty Hands Moisture Gloves (£7) and let the rich cream work its magic overnight. Long-lasting and non-greasy, you’ll be saying good morning to deliciously soft skin.

Now that your skin is sorted, it’s time for the nails. Get your fingers ready for some New Year cheer with a quick at-home manicure. Remove any old polish with a non-acetone remover, then gently file the nails from outer edges towards the centre. Buff away any ridges and restore natural shine with the Big Nail Shiner (£2), before softening your cuticles with the two-in-one Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil (£7). Use an orange wood stick to push back the cuticles – never cut them though as this can lead to infection. Dry away any excess oil and apply a nourishing base coat. Follow with two coats of your favourite party shade and then seal it all with a glossy top coat.

So, get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions and treat yourself to a DIY pamper session – put your feet (and fingers) up, grab the hand creams and indulge in a little TLC… ‘Tis the season to be jolly after all!