Our hands often prise things open and spend time cleaning or washing-up. Here are simple ways to look after your hands and nails, without harsh chemicals.
Like rhino horn, our nails are made from keratin (don’t use toxic liquid for nail-biting, it can harm babies and pets if licked – some say giving up gluten has stopped nail-biting overnight, due to blocking vitamins that cause anxiety?) Also read how to stop biting your nails, naturally.
This plant-based bristle nail brush is made with sisal fibres on a FSC-certified beechwood base, ideal to clean gardening hands, and biodegrades at end of life (air-dry away from damp sinks to prevent mould).
Sienna Glass Nail File is an everlasting nail file that never goes blunt and has over 3,000 top reviews. Glass nail files have a finer grit than emery boards, so you can file in both directions without worry of splitting or peeling, though file in one direction, for best results. Or use a Swedish sandstone reusable nail file (orsa sandstone is millions of years old, and so resistant to abrasion, it’s used for millstones).
To care for your feet, wear Fair Trade rubber gloves for washing-up, cleaning and gardening, drink water and eat well. Use a biodegradable hand cream (avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions).
How to Prevent and Treat Nail Infections
Avoid contact as most fungal infections are contagious and reduce alcohol, refined grains and sugar (including fruit juice). You could try using a cotton bud to ‘paint’ nails with coconut oil then cover with plaster, continues until healed or nails grow out. Most podiatrists do not recommend tea tree oil as it could cause contact dermatitis. Also switch to a natural nail polish.
A Natural Hand Balm from Cornwall
Scence is a Cornish company run by two friends, who make zero waste beauty items, using solar energy from their roof. This hand balm is packed with rich butters and oils for your face and neck, like mango seed butter, organic borage and organic jojoba, plus organic calendula oil.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions (asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure etc).
The oils may darken the cardboard, but does not affect quality. The balm will soften at 30 degrees, but firm again if cooled, so store in a cool dry place. Use within 12 months of purchase and do not use on broken skin or after shaving or waxing.
