Margaret Dabbs on how to care for hands and feet in the winter
By Sophie Nutt | 10 January 2019 | Expert Advice, Feature
Founder of Margaret Dabbs London, celebrated podiatrist and foot expert, Margaret Dabbs, talks about how the cold weather can affect your feet as well as advising on how best to treat them.
How can the change in season and weather affect hands and feet?
Hands and feet are affected adversely by wet and cold weather conditions. Hands can become more weathered and chaffed, especially if they get wet in cold temperatures. It is important to wear gloves to protect the hands against the cold and to use a good quality hand wash and hand lotion to protect the skin of the hands. The skin of the feet becomes very dry and can crack as circulation is reduced. The skin can become very paper-like with the onset of cold weather, therefore on should reintroduce moisture to the skin of the feet, with a proper, results driven foot lotion. Closed footwear, heavy tights and socks worn during the winter months can also result in warm and moist skin, producing perfect conditions for bacterial and fungal skin problems.
What can women do to treat or avoid this?
Use good quality hand products with key anti-ageing ingredients. Margaret Dabbs London uses hemp seed oil in the Nourishing Hand Wash, Intensive Hydrating Hand Lotion and Intensive Anti-ageing Hand Serum. Used together they give incredible treatment results. Hemp comes from the cannabis plant and contains all 20 amino acids needed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which is exactly why it makes a difference. The Margaret Dabbs London Foot Lotion is perfect for daily use to combat common foot complaints. While it is non-greasy, it is also super effective; not only moisturising the skin very effectively, however also helping to combat and keep away bacterial and fungal skin conditions. It is silky and luxurious to use, while having the gorgeous scent of lemon myrtle. Feet will be left feeling like they are walking on air!
How are the cuticles affected by cold weather?
Cuticles in the hands are affected by the cold of winter, not to mention air conditioning and central heating. The cuticles become less elastic and very dry to the touch. It means that in cold temperatures the cuticles can split and this is very helpful.
What can be done to treat this?
Follow the same routine for the cuticles as with the hands, using good quality hand wash and hand lotion. Use a nail and cuticle serum throughout the day and carry both your favourite hand lotion and nail serum in your hand bag. If you need to use a hand sanitiser, make sure you use Margaret Dabbs London’s hand sanitiser, which is less harsh and more moisturising than many on the market. This is due to being formulated with essential oils. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water and wear gloves when you are using detergents around the house, as well as when you’re out in inclement weather.