AGE-DEFYING TIPS
For the Hands and Feet
Babying your face is not the only way
to maintain your youthful appearance.
Hands and feet, like your décolleté, also
can show tell-tale signs of aging. Here are
some helpful tips for keeping hands and
feet looking youthful.
Keep yourself well moisturized.
As you age, your skin begins to thin and
become dry, so it is especially important
to keep your skin well hydrated. Apply a
collagen-rich lotion that absorbs and
penetrates into the skin daily on hands,
feet, and any other part of your body
that feels dry.
Visit your nail technician regularly.
Don’t let too much time go by between
nail appointments. Visit your nail technician
at least every two weeks for a manicure
and at least once a month for a pedicure.
Keep your nails well protected.
Just as skin becomes thin and dries out with
age, nails tend to become more brittle.
Protect them from the damaging effects
of the sun by applying a top coat with a
built-in sunscreen. And don’t forget
about polish, which helps protect nails as
well. Moisturize nails and cuticles with a
daily dose of cuticle oil. Your nail tech
may also recommend a moisture-
replenishing nail treatment.
Maintain a youthful glow.
As we get older, it’s not uncommon for brown
spots to start appearing, especially on
our hands. And all those years in the sun
can make hands look more wrinkled
than you’d prefer. Ask your nail tech for
a skin-lightening treatment you can use
at home, which will help diminish the
look of age spots. Also, don’t forget to
apply sunblock to protect your delicate
skin from the harsh effects of the sun.
Take care of your feet.
Toenails receive daily abuse through ill-fitting shoes and
moisture. Always dry your feet well and
check between the toes for cracks and
dryness, which allow bacteria to grow,
increasing the risk of infection.
Use a nail brush and a mild scrub to
gently remove build up and dead skin
cells from your feet. If your feet are
susceptible to infection or perspiration,
apply talc containing cornstarch or
baking soda. Cotton socks will also help
to absorb moisture and draw it away
from the foot area.
Take your hands and feet for a dip.
Even if you’re not scheduled for a nail
appointment, you may want to stop by
the salon for a quick paraffin dip,
especially if you suffer from arthritis or
have very dry skin.
Baby your nails.
While you should leave most of the work for your nail
technician, you can file your nails at
home. Always use a fine-grit file, which
can range from a 240-400 grit, and
gently file in one direction. Never file
nails in a back-and-forth motion, as this
can cause your nails to fray and split.
Keep bacteria away.
Half of people over age 65 suffer from fungal infections
on their feet. Help prevent that by using
an antimicrobial cuticle oil and base coat
to protect against yeast, fungus, mold,
and bacteria.
If you’re sick, stay at home.
If you have a contagious skin or nail disease,
wait until it clears before visiting the
salon again. If symptoms persist, make
an appointment with a dermatologist.
Know what you have.
Allergic reactions to nail products are
uncommon, but it’s important to be able
to detect if you have one. Allergic
reactions are characterized by redness,
itching, and swelling around the nails, or
irritation around the eyes and mouth.
Call your doctor if you develop any of
these symptoms.
MMA INFO
FLORIDA HAS PUT INTO EFFECT THAT ANY SALON USING MMA CAN FACE INPRISONMENT.
MORE INFO AND LINKS COMING SOON .
(YOU CAN VISIT MYFLORIDA.COM DBPR LINK )
MMA Facts
In the 1970’s, someone in the Dental Industry discovered that the Liquid chemical and powder that is
used to make dentures and partials could be used to make a covering on top of your fingernails to produce a durable coating
that would prevent your fingernails from breaking so easily.
This product quickly became popular and known as "Porcelain Nails". Shortly thereafter, problems with
using the chemical came to light. With enough complaints, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) looked into the issues concerning
it’s use on fingernails. When the FDA issued a recommendation AGAINST using MMA, all manufacturers of the nail product
voluntarily stopped producing it, and started producing a less harmful chemical called Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA) as it’s
replacement.
Therefore, since everyone had stopped using the chemical in the nail industry, the FDA did not
put a ban on the product. With the new chemical being used, and so show a definite change, the term "Acrylic Nails" came in
to play.
The lack of placing a ban on the product left a window of opportunity open. Producing EMA is a more costly
process than it is to produce MMA. Not so long ago, someone saw that MMA was cheaper and saw that clients were paying a lot
of money for Acrylic Nails because of using the EMA. They also noticed that there were no laws to prevent them from using
the MMA products either.
This introduced everyone to the "Discount Salon" where ANYONE could have long beautiful perfectly "manicured"
nails for a fraction of the cost that someone would pay in a Professional Salon. Who wouldn’t want to pay less money
for a set of nails compared to $25-and higher? I know I love to save money on anything I can!
The surge in the Nail Industry was incredible! EVERYONE had beautiful nails! Then it all started
again. The reactions and problems began to surface again. Complaints began to be filed against salons using the MMA chemical,
but the State Board of Cosmetology had no power over the situation because the chemical was not banned from use… just
a "recommendation" against using it was issued. A few states like California have succeeded in passing laws against it’s
use, but most states have been unable to accomplish this due to a large amount of cash available to pay lobbyists to win the
battle in favor of the cheaper product.
Not all "Discounters" use liquids containing MMA, however it is very difficult to tell which ones do or don't.
Remember the letters MMA! People tend to remember it is "M Something Something" and it's been seen in shop windows as saying
"No MSG". OK, MSG is a FOOD product... but it's being done because people don't remember about MMA and put the "non-lie" in
the window. Don't believe signs! I've seen "NO MMA" signs in shops that are KNOWN users.
Exposure Symptoms
Inhalation-- vapors irritate the respiratory tract. Symptoms of overexposure:
coughing, chest pain, headache, drowsiness, nausea, anorexia, irritability and narcosis. Very high levels may cause Pulmonary
Edema and death. Linked to several cardiovascular problems because of it’s ability to lower the blood pressure. Serious
symptoms include rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and conjunctivitis.
Skin Contact-- Irritation including redness,
itching, and pain. Repeated exposure can cause the additional symptoms of swelling, burning sensation, tingling, and the loss
of feeling in the fingertips. Resembles Eczema except for the absence of lesions.
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions--Persons
who have pre-existing skin disorders, impaired liver, kidney, or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects
of the substance.
Toxicity-- Research shows NO cancer causing properties or effects. What research HAS shown
is mutation and developmental malformations in laboratory animals.
Environmental--(MMA at issue is a liquid—the
powder form is safe.) Dissolves when mixed in water, evaporates into other chemicals when exposed to air, or soil exposed
to air. It does not bind well to soil, so it makes it’s way to groundwater easily. Plants and animals are not likely
to store the chemical. Low toxicity to aquatic life. Alone, it is not likely to cause environmental harm at normal levels.
Can produce photochemical smog (reaction to radiant energy) when it reacts with other volatile substances in the air.
Exposure Symptoms
II
While one person may have their nails done with an MMA product every two weeks for 10 years or more
and never have a reaction, this does not mean they will never have one.
Once a person reacts to it, they will continue to have the reactions once they start. These reactions
may not be realized if the person wasn’t reacting in the past, and the symptoms wind up being blamed on something else.
Symptoms Burning Itching Tingling Swelling and/or redness in the skin surrounding the nail. Numbness
in the fingers Any "contact dermatitis" symptom you wouldn't have normally.
Signs of MMA Use in a Salon
Though these are not "solid" proof that MMA is used in a salon, they are reasons to be concerned
about what the salon is using on your nails.
Strong, tangy sweet smell from the liquid when being applied.
Slight to strong "fishy" smell coming from the nail when filed.
Extremely difficult to remove, and turns into a smooth "jelly" like feel when soaked off with acetone.
Nail Technician secretive about products being used, or "flippant" when replying with a name brand.
Salon advertises "Porcelain Nails" (usually as an alternative to acrylic nails
Lawsuits have been filed, but the majority have been settled out of court—making no path for the government
to step in. The few that have been fought in court, have been overturned on technicalities. One case has been tried twice
already and is waiting for another court date.
However, due to the publicity of "If it is cheaper, it’s MMA", the cost of MMA based products
has risen dramatically to better match the whole sale price of EMA liquids. This is one of the long standing arguments that
supporters of MMA have held is that it is a money issue and not a health issue. Stating that "Main Stream" techs are only
jealous of the cheaper cost. With the rise in the whole sale cost of MMA products recently, this will basically no longer
be an argument in their favor
What Causes Greenies?
The most common way that
"greenies" occur is from the moisture getting trapped between the natural nail and the enhancement. What happens
is when you have on artificial nails, and the product lifts from the nail plate and forms a pocket, water gets trapped between
them and BACTERIA in the water and debris that gets trapped begins to feed off the natural nail.
When the bacteria eats, it produces waste also. This waste product is what gives the nail the
green color. Specifically, the bacteria is called Pseudomonas Bacteria. Generally harmless to you while still on the nail
plate, but can be dangerous if it enters the body, whether through putting your fingers in your mouth, rubbing your eyes,
through a cut, or God forbid, your Nail Tech or yourself ignores the stains.
What Do I Do about MY Green Nails?
There isn't much you can do about the green stain except to
let it grow out. Fortunately though, once the product has been removed and air has gotten to it, the bacteria is dead.
If you just "want to make sure" it's dead, apply rubbing alcohol
to the affected nail plate and that should do it. This works for pseudomonas that is trapped beneath the natural nail also.
Just apply a few drops to the underside of the nail and work it underneath by rocking the nail slightly from side to side.
For decades women have done alot to enhance their nails . Over the years technology
has come along way . Many companies and become more conscience of enviromental health of the planet, nail techs and
clients, developing products that are less harmful than the years before .Acrylics are the strongest of all nail enhancements
and are offered in many types . Either you can have a natural nail overlay , tip overlay , or sculpted form nails .
There are also pink and white enhancements for a french look with out polish pre-designed tips , and colored acrylics.
ABN also offers Fiberglass nails as tiped or over your own natural nails. Fiberglass is a more gentle product that is more
for clients that have good strong nails alredy but want slightly more endurance to what they alredy have. Fiberglass
is however weaker than Acrylic nails. Please make sure you have the best enhancement applied to fit your life style .
If you can't operate a phone, the remote control or type...... their toooo long
DID YOU KNOW?
Back in the day, the formula for acrylic was the same as dentures and floor tile.
This product is called MMA it was banned for nail use back in the 70's but some salons still use it today Illegally.
(but not me)
Another little tid-bit (one that makes you go EEWW)
Also back in the day , if a woman broke a nail she went to the salon to get it
fixed . How did they fix it ? The manicurist would apply a real nail that was clipped from another client that preffered short
nails, and when the tech cut the nails she would store them for ladies that would need a fix ..
Tips to Good Nails:
Be realistic on length you shouldn't have your tips longer than you nail beds are
otherwise you will be unbalanced and will lift
Speaking of lifting WEAR GLOVES durring ALL types of cleaning , doing dishes, and gardening.
GLOVES protect the nails from moisture and debris . Wear them !
How ever DRYNESS CAUSES LIFTING TOO keep your cuticles moistened with a vitamin cuticle oil
( available at the shop) or your local beauty supply store
DON'T PICK!! if you have a "bad nail" (chip, crack ,lifted) don't pick at it . That can cause
More Damage that what you started out with .
Glue ....... This I see alot a client looses a nail and glues it back on . 9 out of 10 times
the nail enhancement doesn't edhere when applied with glue . Now the one I hear the most is " I broke
it doing dishes so I glued it back on " NEVER DO THIS ! when this happens you glue the nail to your wet nail bed causing the
nail not to stay (not to mention you have glued dirty dish water onto your nail (EEWW) and BAM you have a greenie
(EEWW EEWW ) so If you break a nail don't glue it please . Call , I'll fix it . If you can't get to the shop
for the repair you can soak it in acetone or shorten it (if it's a tip break)
Nail Casualites:
Ways nails break
Making the bed: (probably the #1 way) tucking in the sheets , avoid this by tucking with your
fists insted (or get someone else to do it )
Laundry .... taking clothes in & out of washer/dryer (usually when working fast-paced
) just slow down
(or get someone else to do it :)
Car Doors: if the handle is wet OUCH comes to mind try using the side of your index
finger insted
Soda cans and soups with the pop-top: use a spoon it works
Imitation Tools: Craftsman doesn't have a fingernail division , (get someone
else to do it .)
Why ruin your nails?
Cooking: I hear this one alot too . Ever find a big crunch in potato salad? true story
I'm sure their is a million other ways nails break these are the most common . The funniest
one is "the set that melted in the shower" this was from a little scammer lady years ago wanting a new set of nails longer
than what she had . Thankfully now I have a great clientile at a great salon .
stick to these "tips" and you will have flawless nails all the time
