As winter approaches, it's important to keep hands hydrated. Redbook Mag's November 2012 issue put together a list of tips for soothing and smoothing when the temperature drops.

  • Stop frayed cuticles from happening. Unless there's a bad hangnail, don't cut cuticles. "If you apply cuticle oil every day, they won't get ragged," said Ji Baek, founder of Rescue Beauty Lounge nail colors. The pros love CND SolarOil and also suggest household olive oil in a pinch.

  • Get the right hand cream. "For day, you want one that contained ceramides, which lock in moisture," says New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D. "Rub it on after every hand washing. Before bed, slather on a thicker formula that has petrolatum for intense hydration." Redbook suggests Crabtree & Evelyn Himalayan Blue Hand Therapy and Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream.

  • Nourish the nails. To nurse peeling, brittle ones back to health, apply a nail strengthener every day or under polish. Remove a mani the moment it starts to chip. Chipping can cause the top layer of the nail, which kicks peeling into gear.

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