Helping hands : seven rules for smoother, healthier skin and nails

WORKING OUT VIGOROUSLY beautifies your body like nothing else, but it can wreak havoc on your fingernails, hands and feet. Here, how to care for these overused body parts:

PROTECT YOUR HANDS

During activities such as lifting and cycling, defend skin against dryness and irritation with protective gloves designed for a woman's hand. Try Bally Women's Activity Glove ($19.95; www.igadget.com), which is ultra-light and has a dotted palm for a secure grip.

KEEP NAILS STRONG

"One of the best ways to protect your nails from irritants is to wear gloves when doing wet work, such as cleaning or gardening," says Phoebe Rich, MD, a dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.

SLATHER ON A MOISTURIZER

At night, when a slight elevation in skin temperature causes more moisture loss, slather on a rich cream before bed to hydrate your hands. We really like Nivea Body Restorative Night Hand Creme ($5; at drugstores), with hydrating ingredients such as evening primrose oil, urea and glycerin.

DON'T FORGET THE SPF

When participating in outdoor sports, use a hand cream with an SPF, such as Cellex-C Hydra Hand Cream SPF 15 ($25; www.cellex-c.com), a greaseless formula with a moisture barrier of water-repellent silicone.

NEVER CUT YOUR CUTICLES

The cuticle forms a seal between the nail and the skin so irritants can't get in, so never let your cuticle be cut or removed during a manicure or pedicure--it could result in an infection. Instead, push back the dead cuticle after showering when the cuticle is soft, using a towel or an orange stick (a stick made especially for taming cuticles that's available at drugstores).

PREVENT INFECTIONS

Fungal infections, which often cause swelling, pain and discolored nails, can be difficult to treat since the infection occurs under the nail plate or in the nail bed. "One way to reduce the risk of contracting toenail fungus is to wear shower slippers in public showers, locker rooms and around swimming pools," says Rich.

AVOID ATHLETE'S FOOT

When working out, try to keep your feet dry--and don't go barefoot in public places. But if you do get athlete's foot, you can relieve itching, burning and scaling with Tripod Labs Athlete's Foot ($13.95), an antifungal cream with tea tree oil, lavender and sunflower oil. Tripod Labs also makes Flexstat ($15.95; both at www.tripodlabs.com), an all-natural cream with menthol, eucalyptus oil and vitamin E that provides quick relief for muscle and joint pain.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group