Hand And Foot Massage

Though we all spend a lot of time obsessing about how to stop crow's feet and facial wrinkles,we can't forget about the rest of the body.One of the places that can really show age is the hands.These helpful tips will help you keep your hands feeling soft and looking young.
Beautiful hands
Exfoliate once a month
Just like your face and body,your hands need to be exfoliated too.Use a sugar or salt scrub every two to three weeks to slough away the dead skin cells.Your hands will be smoother and softer.You can make your own salt scrub at home.
Hand moisturizer
Moisturize after washing your hands
Use a moisturizing soap and make it a habit to immediately put on hand lotion after washing your hands.If you keep a pump bottle of lotion next to your sink in the bathroom and kitchen,you can easily apply your moisturizing lotion and keep skin hydrated.When spending time in the sun,don't forget to apply sunscreen to your hands too!
Take a multivitamin
Healthy doses of Vitamins A,B complex,C and E can all improve your skin.Vitamins C and E are particularly important in counteracting the effects of sun exposure.Vitamin A helps maintain and repair skin tissue,while B complex vitamins are essential for healthy skin,nails and hair.You can also use these vitamins topically on your hands.
Consider fish oil supplements
If you eat a lot of oily fish or take fish oil supplements,your hands will feel softer and smoother.Sardines,mackerel,fresh tuna and other oily fish contain essential fatty acids(EFAs)-the good fats.EFAs keep your skin moisturized and reduce inflammation.They also do double duty because they're great for your heart!
Get a manicure regularly
Whether you do it at home or head to the salon,a manicure will keep your cuticles moisturized and your nails healthy.Healthy,well manicured nails will make your hands look younger too.
Rubber gloves
Don't forget your gloves
In the wintertime,gloves are essential.But cold weather isn't the only thing that can damage your hands.When washing dishes,cleaning your bathroom and working in the garden,you should always wear gloves.Latex or rubber gloves can protect your hands from chemicals and hot water which can dry and damage your skin.When gardening,gloves can protect your hands,cuticles and nails.
Treat your hands at night
Coat your hands with a thick moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly before going to bed.Cover them with white cotton gloves or even socks.In the morning,your hands will look and feel softer and younger.
How to Give a Foot Massage
1.Soak feet in warm water for about 10 minutes.You may wish to include drops of your favorite essential oil or bath salts.Peppermint or lavender oil is preferred by many.Make sure feet are completely dry before starting massage.
2.Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to hands to add to comfort and ease.Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort.Mineral oil is not absorbed in the skin,and it wipes off cleanly.
3.Begin by stroking top of foot,between cords located on top of foot at instep.Move in the direction toe to ankle.Then,continue by stroking sole of foot,first more gently,then increase pressure.
4.Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot,and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot.Start from the top and work your way down.Do not neglect the sides.
5.Hold the foot with one hand,use the other hand to rotate the foot,first at the ankle,and then near the ball of the foot.Be gentle.Repeat about 5 times in each direction.
6.Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other,using moderate pressure into the sole.Give enough attention to the arch.
7.Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe,take each toe individually.Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end,applying gentle pressure.Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
8.Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times.To complete the massage,use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole.End by stroking the sole and instep.
9.Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel.Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing,or slippers will suffice as well.
10.Try to give equal attention to both feet,as the body abhors asymmetry.
*Have receiver lean back against a pillow or a couch,and make sure he or she is relaxed and comfortable.Perhaps include some relaxing background music or lightly scented candles.
*Massage slowly and gently to induce relaxation,and massage more quickly and deeply to induce stimulation.Throughout massage,if you feel tension building up in your hands,periodically shake hands loose of energy and continue massage.
Warnings
*Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to cause discomfort,but apply enough pressure so as not to tickle the soles,causing laughter.This can ruin the mood.
*Make sure that the knees of the receiver are not locked(stretched all the way)while you massage.It will make them stiff and inhibit the blood circulation.Place a cushion or a rolled-up towel under the knee of the leg/foot you're working on to keep it relaxed and slightly bent.
*Do not overuse the oil or cream,or hands will be too slippery.
*If you are massaging a person who is either pregnant or suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes,avoid using strong pressure on the feet,as this could induce labor in pregnant women or aggravate the said conditions.
*If foot or feet are painful or overly sensitive,seek medical advice or care from a professional.
Things You'll Need
*Towels
*Cream and/or oil
*Warm water in a tub or basin
*Bath salts
*Favorite essential oil(preferably lavender or peppermint)
*Pillow
*(Optional)Soft background music
*(Optional)Lightly scented candles
*Thick clean socks or slippers