How to File Almond Nails

 

 

Here are some tips and tricks for filing almond nails made easy.  This technique and nail shape have become very popular in todays time so its important to stay on top of the trends. 

8 Life-Changing Benefits of Hand Massage

Hand massage is a therapeutic technique that involves the manipulation of the hands and fingers to promote relaxation, relieve stress and tension, and improve circulation. Although overlooked, this type of massage plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the body. Massage therapy for hands can alleviate various symptoms and provide many benefits that extend far beyond the hands themselves. When performed regularly, hand massages can help relieve pain, improve the range of motion, and promote a feeling of calmness and wellness.

What Are the Benefits of Hand Massage?

Hand massage has numerous benefits, both physical and psychological. Physically, it helps to improve circulation, relieve pain and stiffness, increase flexibility and mobility, and reduce swelling. In addition, regular hand massages can improve the skin’s overall health, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.

The simple act of having someone touch and massage your hands can create a sense of comfort and even boost your mood. Moreover, hand massage can provide relaxation and stress relief, making it an effective way to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also help reduce tension, increase energy levels, and improve focus and concentration. So, overall, hand massage can positively impact your well-being by providing a calming and rejuvenating experience, making it an essential aspect of self-care.

What Health Conditions Can Benefit From Hand Massage?

Hand massage can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions. Those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive strain injury can experience relief from pain and inflammation in the hands. Hand massage can also benefit individuals with stress and anxiety, releasing tension in the hands and promoting relaxation.

1. Arthritis

Massage therapy can relieve arthritis pain and stiffness in the hands by increasing blood flow and circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.

The gentle pressure and manipulation of the massage can help loosen stiff joints and relieve tension in the hand muscles, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Also, hand massage can help promote relaxation and stress relief, improving the overall quality of life, especially for those with arthritis.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Hand massage is a therapeutic technique that can benefit people with this condition.

Regular massage can stimulate blood flow and increase circulation, reducing inflammation and pain. This can improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, which can be especially beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis who often experience joint stiffness and limited mobility.

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome

This condition affects the wrist and hand, provoking numbness, tingling, and weakness. Studies have shown that hand massage therapy can help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing inflammation and pressure on the median nerve.

By gently massaging the wrist, hand, and forearm muscles, a massage therapist can help reduce pressure and alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are a type of overuse injury that can develop from repeated motions and prolonged use of specific muscles and tendons.

Massage therapy can help manage the symptoms of repetitive strain injuries. It relieves tension in the affected muscles and improves circulation, reducing pain and promoting healing. It can also enhance the range of motion and flexibility, helping to prevent further injury. However, it is essential to address the root cause of repetitive strain injury through rest, ergonomic modifications, and physical therapy.

5. Hand and wrist pain

Massage is an effective way to relieve pain and improve the overall health of the hands and wrists. One of the ways massage helps with hand and wrist pain is by increasing the blood flow to the affected area, bringing oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. The improved circulation helps reduce pain and swelling and speeds up the healing process.

Massage therapy also alleviates muscle tension which can help with hand and wrist pain.

6. Anxiety

Massage therapy has a powerful impact on reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It can stimulate the release of endorphins, widely known as the body’s natural painkillers, which can create a general feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Moreover, hand massage decreases cortisol levels, thus reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also help alleviate various anxiety symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, and sleep problems, by promoting relaxation and reducing physical strain.

Lastly, massage therapy can also provide a much-needed break from daily stressors and a sense of escape from life’s worries. A therapist’s calming environment and personal attention can help create a feeling of safety and relaxation, which can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety.

7. Stress

Massage therapy can help individuals manage stress and maintain overall well-being by creating a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Massage stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with positive moods and feelings of peace.

Just like with anxiety, massage can also help with stress by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Additionally, massage can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance sleep quality, all of which can reduce stress levels.

8. Hand swelling and inflammation

Hand swelling is a common condition caused by the buildup of fluid in the tissues, which can be triggered by various factors such as injury, inflammation, infection, or different medical conditions.

Massaging hands can help increase blood flow and reduce swelling and fluid accumulation, as well as the pain and stiffness associated with swelling. Source

Biotin for Hair and Nail Growth: Does It Really Work?

If you take biotin for hair or nail health, you’re not alone. Almost 20% of Americans consume some type of biotin, and they don’t always tell their healthcare providers. Biotin is found in many health and beauty products, and even some physicians recommend it. 

With all this marketing and hype, many people assume that biotin works to improve hair and nail health. But is this actually true? It turns out there’s not much science to back up these claims. 

What is biotin?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a B vitamin that’s found in many foods — like fish, meat, seeds, and some vegetables (like sweet potatoes). Some bacteria in the intestines also make biotin, which is then absorbed into the body. 

So what is biotin good for? Biotin is needed for your cells to work correctly. It helps cells break down fat, glucose (sugar), and protein. It also helps regulate your genes and how cells communicate with each other.

What does biotin do for hair and nails?

If you walk down the supplement aisle, you may notice that biotin seems to be everywhere. There’s biotin for hair loss and biotin for nails, and it’s often combined with other vitamins. But does it really work?

It turns out that there’s not much research to back up the claim that biotin works for hair or nail growth. Let’s take a look at each one separately. 

Does biotin work for hair loss?

There’s no evidence that it does. Several studies have looked at the effect of biotin on hair growth. Based on the results, it’s not possible to prove that taking biotin helps hair grow. There are a few reasons for this:

• The studies were not of good enough quality to prove that it works. None of the studies were randomized controlled trials, the strongest type of study. 
• Many people in the studies had low levels of biotin caused by inherited health conditions. Most people don’t have low levels of biotin, so we can’t apply the results of these studies to the general population. 
• Many studies didn’t describe in detail the type of hair loss being treated. It’s possible that hair would have regrown even without the biotin. 

So far, biotin only seems to help people who have low biotin levels. This may be the case for some people with hair loss. One recent study found that almost 40% of women with hair loss had low biotin levels. In this situation, taking biotin may help if there isn’t another reason for hair loss. 

Does biotin work to strengthen nails?

Biotin may help some people with brittle nails. Studies show that taking 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) biotin daily may improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. In one study, over half of the people taking biotin 2.5 mg a day had a 25% increase in thickness of their nails. 

So far, the studies evaluating biotin and nails have been small and not of the highest quality. This is why more research needs to be done to prove that biotin really helps strengthen nails. 

Biotin is a vitamin that helps your body do many important things, like turn your food into energy. Most people get enough biotin through their diet with things like fish and seeds. Many people take extra biotin for their hair and nail health. 

Studies show that biotin only helps hair grow if you have low biotin levels. But some people with brittle nails may benefit from extra biotin. Taking biotin is pretty safe, but keep in mind that it can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests. Source

Nail Art For Halloween

 

Here are some cute halloween nail art designs to try at home! Get into the spooky season spirit with these simple nail designs!

 

Cold weather And Your Skin

Cold winter weather can wreak havoc on our bodies. Due to the drop in temperature and lack of humidity, our skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. A board-certified dermatologist shares essential tips to help keep your skin moisturized and healthy during the colder months.

“Keeping our hands, feet and face protected from the cold weather is an essential part of preventing dry skin as well as stopping it from worsening,” said Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, FAAD, who is in private practice in Chicago. “We can’t hibernate inside all winter, so when you’re out and about, make sure that as little skin as possible is exposed to the elements and you protect your lips by wearing lip balm.”

The weather changes year-round so it’s important to make sure your skin care routine fits with the season. What works well in the summer might not work as well when the humidity drops. In addition to causing dry, itchy skin, dry, cold air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

“You don’t need to change every product you use, but you should switch to heavier creams when it’s cold,” said Dr. Kiracofe. “I recommend that my patients cut back on products that have alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid, which can reduce the signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. In the winter months, these products can be irritating for the skin even when combined with moisturizing creams.”

When the weather gets colder, the humidity drops outside and inside our homes. Turning up the furnace or lighting the fireplace creates dry heat and takes moisture out of the air, causing your skin to become dry and irritated. Dr. Kiracofe recommends that people bundle up by wearing warmer clothes and blankets when indoors rather than increasing the heat or using a fireplace. Adding moisture to the air also can prevent your skin from getting rough and cracked.

“Adequate sleep is such an essential component to maintaining healthy skin, and that uninterrupted time in the night is the perfect opportunity for the skin to recover,” said Dr. Kiracofe. “This is why, in winter, I recommend patients consider adding a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in their bedrooms. Not only can this help treat dryness, but it can be an effective tool for prevention. You don’t need to wait until you get irritated or cracked skin to make an improvement to your environment.”

If your skin does become very dry or raw, clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. Consider wearing soft fiber fabrics that won’t cause irritation, such as cotton or silk, and using a laundry detergent labeled “fragrance free.”

There are many ways to relieve dry skin, but keeping it hydrated is essential. Dr. Kiracofe and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend the following tips:

• Apply moisturizer immediately after washing, which traps existing moisture in your skin.

• Use an ointment or cream because they are more effective and less irritating than lotions.

• Use warm water instead of hot water during baths and showers to prevent dry skin from worsening.

• Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as antibacterial, deodorant, or scented soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Source

Your Skin Is a Superhero: How to Support Your Body’s Biggest Organ

When you think of organs, your heart, lungs, and kidneys may be first to come to mind. But you might be overlooking your body’s largest and most visible organ: the skin. Far from simply looking pretty, the skin plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful organisms and regulating body temperature. It’s much more than something you see in the mirror every day. Good skin health can lead to better overall health.

What does the skin actually do?

The skin accounts for about 15 percent of your body weight, says Barry Goldman, MD, a New York-based private dermatologist affiliated with Cornell Medical Center.

It also serves multiple purposes.

“It’s part of a team of organs that work together,” Goldman says.

“You can’t view the skin as simply something that wraps or covers up the body,” says Kemunto Mokaya (“Dr. Kemmy”), MD, a board certified dermatologist and author of “Live and Look Younger.” “It’s an important and essential organ system that’s complex and has many roles.”

The skin is a superhero organ for its ability to:

• provide immunity
• cover and protect internal body parts and functions
• release sweat
• synthesize vitamin D
• make melanin
• allow us to differentiate between textures, temperatures, and more via touch

Protects us from invaders

The top layer of the skin, or the epidermis, is the front line — literally — when it comes to defending our bodies against harmful external forces, like viruses.

“Intact skin can prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold,” says Goldman. “A disrupted skin barrier allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause infection.”

But even if pathogens penetrate the skin, this superhero organ will keep on fighting. According to a 2020 review, skin cells team up and organize immune signals to help the body protect against and attack pathogens. “White blood cells from the body constantly circulate through the skin, conducting immune surveillance,” Goldman says. The skin also contains epidermal keratinocytesTrusted Source, cells that create proteins and peptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The sebaceous glands also secrete oil that adds another layer of protection against foreign substances. As a bonus, it keeps the skin soft.

How to care for your superhero skin;

Skin care products are a dime a dozen. Looking at a list of the latest so-called “must-have” products can be overwhelming. But experts say there are simple ways to care for your skin. It may come as a surprise that you might want to look outside the beauty aisle.

Care from the inside out

Some dermatologists say there’s truth to the adage, “You are what you eat,” at least when it comes to skin care.

Mokaya recommends foods rich in:

• antioxidants, including dark, leafy greens, spinach, kale, and berries to counteract free radicals and environmental damage
• monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier
• probiotics, like yogurt, and prebiotics, found in high fiber items like fruit and vegetables to enhance the skin’s barrier
• Mokaya suggested limiting highly processed and sugary foods when possible.

Research suggestsTrusted Source a link between high-sugar diets and acne, and a 2021 study indicatedTrusted Source that eating processed food is associated with atopic dermatitis. Source

Blue Fall Nails Will Make You Ditch The Neutrals

Blue is here to crash the autumn party, and it's bringing the mood. From dark, moody navy to fun patterns that give major sweater weather vibes, these blue nail designs are anything but basic. Get ready to ditch the pumpkin and the neutral palette—this season, fall nails are all about those blue hues.

• Navy blue: A classic fall color that's elegant and tranquil, and pairs well with other fall colors. You can try a deep navy polish with flecks of blue that looks almost black, or a rich, deep navy blue that's vibrant and sophisticated. 

• Celestial blue: A dark manicure option that's inspired by the fall midnight sky. 

• Dark indigo blue: A dark nail polish with red undertones. 

• Dark blue-reds: A deep blue-red that looks great on many skin tones. 

• Moody blues: A deep blue that's chic without being spooky.

Other fall nail colors include: warm brown, rusty orange, burgundy red, and earthy green. Source