Each week, beauty enthusiast Suzanne Edmonds explores the best ways to take care of ourselves so that we love the skin we’re in.

Chilly temperatures, dry air and central heating can play havoc with your skin, but did you know that winter weather can also dry out your nails?

Nails are about 10 times more absorbent than skin, which makes them extremely sensitive to the fluctuating temperatures of the colder months. On minute you’ve sitting by the fire, with your hands wrapped around a steaming hot cuppa, the next you’re scraping frost off your car windscreen.

As yo-yo temperatures take their toll, fingernails start to become brittle and split. That is when many people make the mistake of reaching for nail hardening products, when in fact they should be doing the opposite.

The alcohols, formaldehyde and other chemicals in nail hardeners dry out the natural oil in your nails. While your nails may feel harder initially, after a few weeks they will be in even worse shape.

Like your skin, you need to pay extra attention to your nails during the winter. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

The golden rule is to always moisturise your hands after they are exposed to water. Whether it’s taking a bath, washing your hands or doing the dishes, lather your hands with your favourite cream, oil or ointment immediately afterwards. The thicker the cream the better, particularly at bedtime, to ensure it doesn’t rub off.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.sunlive.co.nz/blogs/8356-jack-frost-nipping-at-your-nails.html