During these times of Covid-19, we are all protecting ourselves by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and also washing hands frequently. Both these methods can make the skin of the hands really dry, even leading to flaking and peeling of the skin. The nails also become dry and brittle, breaking or chipping easily. So along with protecting ourselves from the dreaded virus, we also need to protect our hands.  Actually, the hands begin to show neglect and aging sooner than most parts of the body. Firstly, the skin on the back of the hands is thin and has few oil glands. The hands also come in contact with soaps and detergents daily, when we perform our washing chores at home. These also play havoc on the skin, making it rough and dry. So, daily care of the hands is very necessary. Massage a cream after your washing tasks, working it into the skin. This takes only a few minutes of your time. You should massage cream on the nails and the skin around the nails too.

Try some home remedies to keep the skin of the hands soft and smooth:

• Before your bath, apply warmed oil on the hands and massage it into the skin to soften it. Use coconut oil, which is very nourishing.
• For dryness of the hands, warm some milk and soak your hands in it for ten minutes.
• Take 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 3 tablespoon coarse sugar. Mix together till it becomes a paste. Apply and rub into hands. Wash off after 15 minutes. Do this three times a week.
• Take fresh orange peels, pierce them with a fork. Rub the peels on the hands to brighten them.
• Choker (wheat bran) and besan (gram flour) can be mixed with turmeric and milk into a paste and applied on the hands. Wash off after 20 minutes. This softens, cleanses and tightens the skin.
• Mix almond oil and honey in equal parts and massage into the nails and cuticles.
• For dry nails, warm any vegetable oil and soak fingers in it for ten minutes. Wipe off with a moist towel.
• A few almonds eaten daily make the nails strong. Include whole grains, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, sprouts and fruits in your diet.

Shahnaz Husain Neem-Turmeric Germicidal Hand Wash

Specially designed for hygienic hand disinfection, this highly effective liquid soap offers total protection from microbes. Based on advanced research, it contains herbal extracts with powerful germicidal and antiseptic properties, like tea tree oil, clove oil, neem, turmeric, basil and mint. Lemon, with powerful antiviral properties, helps to cleanse, while aloe vera moisturises and softens the skin. This unique hand wash prevents the spread of infection and ensures complete protection.

 Shahnaz Husain

Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets.” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.

No matter how much you deny it, people judge on the bases of how you look and act in public. And considering today’s scenario, where everyone is so prim and proper being well groomed is the only option we have.

Be it at your work place or in social circle, these tips will help you to be groomed instantly and make you feel more confident to face the world.

Tips for Women:

Wear a bright colour lipstick, it brightensyour face and makes you look fresh. Also, line your lips as it plumps up your lips and avoids smudging.

Not a great idea to go out with dark circles, so it is really important to conceal them. Invest in a good concealer to smooth your fine lines and    cover the dark circles.

Always use mascara;it makes your eyes look bigger by lengthening and darkening the lashes.

Use a primer before your make up, it closes open pores and gives a finished look to your make up.

If you have to go out or go for a meeting, spray rose water on your make up to pep it up, as it will give you and your makeup a fresh look.

Wearing good footwear is really important. I suggest you wear more heels as it gives you height and the right posture. Avoid wearing flats.

Always keep nail paint handy, chapped nails give a very bad impression.

Tips for men:

If you are wearing formal clothes, it is important that your shoes, belts and other accessories compliment your look. It doesn’t have to match but should compliment what you are wearing.

Invest in a good watch; it is men’s only accessory and surely caters an impression.

A good perfume will not only give you the confidence but will also make you stand out of the crowd.

It goes without saying that your hair be it your hairstyle or your beard should be well trimmed.  Untidy hair gives an impression that you are too lazy and are not concerned about how you look.

Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder & Chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies institutionalized