How a professional hand model keeps hands youthful

HAND CARE:

“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I can't stress enough how important it is to moisturize your skin every time you wet it. Lotions, creams and oils help retain precious water needed for beautiful skin. Also, I change moisturizers frequently and try to stay away from fragranced formulas as they [may] contain a lot of alcohol."

ABOUT SKIN CARE TIPS SHE LOVES: 

“Like I said, hydration is important. How you wash your hands and with what you do it is also key. Soaps in public bathrooms and antibacterial varieties are some of the most drying products you can ever put on your hands. Hard soap is gentler and I always carry it with me, scrubbing for at least 30 seconds. I also wash my hands immediately after using nail polish remover. Unfortunately, it's not always possible on set due to lack of time, but I try to do it as much as possible."

ABOUT MOISTURIZING…:

"I moisturize so many times a day I can't even think of a number."

Looking for hand-model-worthy moisturizers to add to your daily skincare routine? We recommend: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector, Lancôme Absolue Hand

ON ACTIVITIES SHE AVOIDS:

“I don’t wash dishes, so I always have a dishwasher in my apartment. Other activities such as carpentry, welding, glassblowing and pottery are also prohibited. Finally, I don't wear black-lined gloves as these dark fibers can get stuck in the gaps between my nails and skin."

ABOUT THE GREAT CUTICLE DEBATE:

To cut or not to cut? That is the question. “I am not a cuticle cutter. If there is a small burr on the side, I cut it off, but I never cut the cuticle at the base of the nail. I keep my cuticles in great shape by moisturizing them several times a day with cuticle oil.”

Products we recommend: Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil The Body Shop

ABOUT AVOIDING DRY NAILS:

“I always protect my hands with latex gloves when I clean the apartment and do chores like washing my hands, dusting furniture, cleaning the cat litter, etc. And again, I moisturize as much as possible! Gently rubbing cuticle oil into the nails helps hydrate the area.”

ABOUT HER READY MANICURE:

“I love the classic, clean, understated neutral look with a mid-length oval shape. It goes with everything and allows you to show the natural beauty of nails. All nails are shaped differently, so my general rule of thumb is to reflect the shape of the nail according to the shape of the cuticle at the base of the nail. This is how you find your ideal nail shape.

We recommend: L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Sweet Nothings, Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle

ABOUT TRICKS FOR SOFTER HANDS:

“Change your moisturizers often and exfoliate your skin. As a special treat, I like to heat up a thick emollient cream, oil, or body butter in the microwave for a few seconds.”

ABOUT PREPARING FOR SHOOTING:

“I start with an exfoliating peel right before bed. This is followed by a super nourishing oil or cream. I also use a corrector serum, foundation, and concealer to keep my skin looking flawless [throughout the day].” 

Want more hand care tips? We also used a famous manicurist to get her to reveal all her secrets! Read our interview here!