NAILED FROM HEAD TO TOE!!!

If any of you know me personally you know I"m obsessed with my nails, not only the shape, length, color, crazy inspired art but most important the health of the nails and the skin surrounding them. I have a ritual I try to do on the regular to both my hands and feet to keep the nails and the delicate and often ignored skin healthy and looking fabulous:
-Start by taking off any polish with a non acetone based remover, if you are a regular nail polish wearer you probably use pure acetone(thats ok I have done it too!)
-Rinse hands and or feet with warm water to remove any residue left my the nail polish
-If you file, shape or cut the nails do so now
-Take a bowl and fill half way with warm water, squeeze the juice from a half of a fresh lemon and add a few drops of non detergent based soap, some like Mrs. Myers hand soap, and a dash of baking soda. The purpose of this mixture is to soften the cuticles, brighten and whiten the color of the nails and eliminate any lingering bacteria trapped under the nail beds or in the delicate skin. Soak in this mixture for 5-10 minutes, if you are a fan of essential oils you can tincture this mixture as well
-Removes hands and feet pat dry(if you are focusing on the feet this would be a good time to file or scrub away any dry skin on the heels and pads of the feet with a foot file or pumice stone)
-Using an Orange Wood Stick or a cuticle pusher, gently push back the softened cuticles. If you desire to cut or trim just work on the excessive skin being sure not to cut too close to the actual nail bed
-Using a carrier oil like Olive, Grape Seed or Jojoba gently massage a into the hands and feet focusing on the cuticle and nail area
If you would like to polish wait 15-20 minutes to let the oil fully absorb in.

I find this treatment is great all year around and does not take much time at all.