LOOKING GOOD: Melanie Morris takes your hands to task
Rough justice: Hands about as soft as sandpaper? Cuticles the length of the M50? Not surprising. Hands have to endure harsh climates, continual immersion in water, UV rays and environmental pollution, yet they're usually the last things to get any attention. Hands can betray one's years - and advance it by up to 10 years.
Where to start: Think about how you treat your face - moisturisers, serums, treatments and masks - and transfer some of that attention to your hands. You must apply a good hand cream twice a day without fail, and exfoliate hands weekly with your favourite body scrub so the moisturiser becomes more effective.
What to use: In your 20s you need a good all-round hand cream such as St Ives Coenzyme Q10 Hand Renewal Lotion. In your 30s check your product has AHA or Glycolic Acid to banish dead cells and keep skin bright. For 40s and beyond, you'll want to plump with collagen and tackle age spots with something such as Clinique's Stop Signs Hand Repair.
Spot-off: Use an SPF product on hands to keep age spots at bay - even faded ones will return without UVA protection. Hands that need extra attention should be slathered in cream and popped into cotton gloves before bed to let the product penetrate overnight.
A beauty boost: The most decadent, but equally beneficial thing for hands must be a paraffin treatment. After the usual exfoliating and filing, this warm wax is layered on to hands before they are encased in mitts or hot towels. The result softens skin superbly, boosts circulation and the penetrating heat is a wonderful relief for arthritis. Combine this with a proper manicure where cuticles are pushed back and nails are neatly filed and you can hold head and hands up high.
Nail it: When going to all this trouble with your hands, don't forget nails. Massage vitamin-enriched oil into cuticles (which should never be cut!) to keep them soft and to boost nail condition. For those who wear their nails au naturel, apply a layer of ridge filler (Mvala is excellent) every second day to create a consistent, clear base for whatever might come next. Barbara Daly for Tesco does an excellent undercoat that prevents nail discoloration and yellowing.
TREATMENT OF THE WEEK
Aroma Stone Massage, €85 Sakura Spa at the Roganstown Golf Club, Swords, Co Dublin (01-8432390). Every spa has its own take on pummelling the body with a smooth, heated basalt rock. At 75 minutes, the Yon-Ka treatment available at Sankura Spa is more indulgent than most, incorporating three aromatic oils to work out the gnarls of modern life. Lots of parking and experienced staff make Sankura a great alternative to city-centre salons.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Now that winter is here, it's time to rethink your tan. The deeper tones look out of place, but nobody wants to submit to grey Irish pallor. Apply very small amounts of tan over a few evenings . This will also prevent the telltale signs of sudden fading.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Nars eyeshadow brush, No. 15, €33 from Brown Thomas. Everyone knows the benefit of good brushes, but this one is a particular star. The short brush length gives excellent control, and ensures enough product actually makes it on to your eyelids; the long handle makes it easy to see what you're doing. Excellent for blending.