Beautiful Bridal Hands

A bride's hands get more than their share of attention on the wedding day. When one is rushing about and wondering what needs to be done, hands can easily be forgotten. Your hands will be the focus of attention when you garland your husband, when you stretch out your finger to don the wedding ring, when you receive your gifts, as you pose for photographs and dozens of instances during the day. Several friends and relatives will even touch them as they lovingly wish you on your big way.

Hands are constantly exposed to elements that dry them out and rob them of their beauty-water, heat, sun, winds. One essential routine that will need to be incorporated into your life is to moisturise every time you wash them, ideally with a moisturiser specially formulated for hand care. Another sure-fire protective measure is to wear rubber gloves during chores around the house-especially when water or harsh chemicals like detergents are involved. It also helps to keep your hands away from extreme temperatures-washing with very hot or cold water will dry your hands faster and tends to damage sensitive skin. And remember to moisturise you hands every night just before you go to bed. Giving your hands a nourishing coat of moisturising sunscreen is the ultimate panacea for hands that have to face the harsh outside world.

Pamper Your hands with a stimulating massage as often as you can-put some hand cream or a little warm oil in the centre of your palm and massage with the thumb of the other hand. Work your way from the heel of your hand upwards. Rub the base of each finger in small circular movments. Massage the sides of the hand and then the back of the hand. pay attention to each finger, starting from the thumb and working your way to the little finger. Gently rub and pull each finger, ending by pressing the nail. Repeat with the other hand. This will help revitalise you during the hectic wedding preparations.

In the weeks leading upto the wedding, try using a body scrub once a week on your hands. This will remove the dry, old cells and reveal the fresh young skin beneath. Wash off, gently pat dry and moisturise. Massaging with cuticle cream or oil two or three times a week will stimulate nail growth, strengthen them and soften your cuticles. Give your nails a lift with a manicure once or twice a month but ideally don't use nail varnish for at least a month before the wedding. This gives your nails a chance to breathe and regain their natural rosy sheen. Now your hands are ready to be decorated with mehendi and shown-off-and you are ready to accept all the blessings of the occasion with booth hands!