How to Soften Skin & Harden Nails

You can have soft skin and hard nails with daily care.

A good skin routine goes hand-in-hand with a good nail routine. Eating healthy foods rich in vitamins, avoiding products with harsh chemicals and following daily care routines keep your skin and nails healthy and clear. With a few minutes of your day and some at-home tips, you can get your skin and nails in top form.

Things You'll Need

• Cream-based cleanser
• Sugar
• Olive oil
• Bowl or sink
• Nail file
• Rubber gloves
• Nail strengthener

Instructions

Skin Softening

1. Apply a cream-based cleanser that also contains moisturizer. The cleanser can be in liquid or bar form. Using a gentle loofah, scrub gloves or pouf, apply the cleanser generously, being careful not to scrub too much in one area of your body.

2. Pour 1/2 cup of sugar into a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of olive oil and mix thoroughly. After soaking in a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes, slather the sugar mixture over your body and lightly scrub. Rinse thoroughly. Soaking beforehand allows your skin to become more pliable and the dead skin will slough off without much effort.

3. Place a bottle of body lotion in a bowl or sink filled with warm water while you shower or bathe. Apply the warmed lotion generously to your damp skin. Warming the lotion makes it feel soothing in the winter, and warm lotion absorbs well into your skin.

Nail Hardening

1. File your nails from corner to center, filing in only one direction. Filing back and forth stresses your nails and causes them to weaken.

2. Eat healthy foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and leafy greens. You may also take a nutritional supplement that boosts your vitamin A intake.

3. Wear rubber gloves when using cleaning products or dish detergent. Harsh chemicals can damage and weaken your nails, causing them to be brittle and weak.

4. Apply a nail strengthener as a base and topcoat when getting a manicure. Continue applying the nail strengthener to your nails daily. Not only will the strengthener make your nails grow and become stronger, it will also keep your manicure fresher and free of chips for a longer period.

References

• Bella So Savvy: Skin Softening Tips
• Styles 101: Brittle, Weak Nails... How to Grow Nails Stronger