| How to Soften Cuticles Posted: 17 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT Dry, peeling cuticles can be very unsightly. If left unattended for too long, they can become cracked and damaged which can lead to a variety of fungal or bacterial infections. You can purchase a commercial cuticle oil to apply to your nails, but using common household ingredients like coconut oil, lemon, or vinegar is an easy, affordable way to keep your cuticles soft and healthy naturally. [Edit]Using Home Remedies - Soak your nails in lemon water for 5 minutes. Add of lemon juice (the juice from about 1/4 of a lemon) to of very warm water in a small bowl and mix together well. Soak your nails in the mixture for about 5 minutes. Pat your hands with a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. Use a cuticle stick to carefully push back your cuticles. Finish by rubbing in a dab of your favorite moisturizing lotion.[1]
- Add of honey to the mixture to promote healing and enhance hydration.
- Avoid soaking your nails in lemon if they are cut or damaged. The acid can lead to painful burning and stinging.
- You can use this remedy once a week to soften up your cuticles.
- Plunge your nails into vinegar if you want a simple solution. It doesn't get much easier than this. Fill a small bowl about one-third of the way full with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Soak your nails for about 5 minutes. Rinse your hands, then pat them dry with a clean towel.[2]
- Vinegar is acidic and can burn and sting wounds. If your nails or fingers are cut or damaged, do not soak them in the vinegar.
- An added bonus if you plan to paint your fingernails after your soak: the vinegar will help your nail polish last longer. The acidic vinegar removes oil from your nails, allowing the polish to adhere better.[3]
- Massage coconut oil onto your nails to soften your cuticles. Coconut oil is a natural emollient, meaning it works specifically to soothe and soften. It also has antibacterial properties, which makes it great to use if you have hangnails, cuts, or scrapes. Coconut oil also helps to strengthen your cuticles. Add 2 drops to each nail bed. Use your thumb to really work the oil into your cuticles. After a thorough massage, put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves to trap the moisture and allow the oil to soak in. Remove the gloves after 10 minutes and wipe off any excess oil that wasn't absorbed.[4]
- You can use cuticle oil if you want something specifically designed for your cuticles.<[5]
- Do this at least once a week to keep your cuticles moisturized and strong.
[Edit]Healing Damaged Cuticles - Drop of raw honey into a small bowl. The honey encourages the skin to retain moisture which helps nourish your cuticles and nail beds. It not only cures fungal and bacterial infections—which is a health risk associated with cracked and damaged cuticles—it also works to prevent them.[6]
- Make sure you use raw honey rather than regular honey, as the regular honey tends to lose a lot of enzymes and antioxidants during the pasteurization process.[7]
- Add of aloe vera gel to the raw honey. Aloe vera is an antimicrobial agent that works to fight against bacterial and viral infections. Its nourishing properties help heal dry, cracked cuticles and work to remove dead skin cells, making your skin feel soft and smooth.[8]
- Use fresh aloe vera from a plant if you have one at home. Just be sure to wash the leaf before cutting it open and scooping out the gel.
- If you don't have your own aloe vera plant, you can purchase a commercial gel from your local drugstore or department store. However, it will not have as many healing properties as fresh aloe.
- Add of extra virgin olive oil to the mixture. Olive oil is a wonderful moisturizer that helps soften your cuticles and leaves your nails shiny as well. The oil continues to work by strengthening the cuticle tissue.[9]
- If you don't have extra virgin olive oil, virgin or regular olive oil will do, but they may contain more chemicals and fewer antioxidants.[10]
- Olive oil even by itself works great to keep your cuticles soft and healthy.
- Mix all of the ingredients together well. Use a small spoon to thoroughly mix the honey, aloe vera gel, and olive oil. Make sure to scrape along the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are mixed together.
- Apply the healing mixture to your cuticles. Dip your fingers into the bowl, or use one hand to scoop some of the mixture out and put it on the cuticles on your opposite hand. Massage the mixture in for about 4-5 minutes for soft, healthy-looking nails and cuticles.[11]
- For the best results, use this healing mixture on your cuticles 2 to 3 times per week. You should notice an improvement each time you use it. Once your cuticles are healed, use this treatment to keep your cuticles moisturized and healthy.
[Edit]Maintaining Healthy Cuticles - Use lotion daily to keep your cuticles soft. Apply the lotion or hand cream at least once a day, but ideally, after each time you wash your hands or whenever you notice your skin is dry. A small scoop of coconut oil massaged into your hands also works great.
- Put a heavy layer of lotion on your hands at night before bed, and then sleep in a pair of white cotton gloves to retain the moisture.[12] Spa gloves or even loose rubber gloves will also work.
- Select a thick, high-quality lotion or cream for the best results. Cheaper lotions tend to be heavily scented, but lack the elements required to help your skin retain moisture.
- Push back your cuticles with an orange stick about once a week. This will prevent the cuticles from becoming overgrown, which can lead to dryness and more risk of damage. Use the flat surface of a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push the cuticle back towards the bottom of your nails. Run the tool along the bottom of your nail bed to smooth out the cuticle.[13]
- Take care not to press too hard, because it can be painful and/or damage your cuticle.
- Apply cuticle oil to soften the skin. You can put a drop or two of store-bought cuticle oil onto each of your cuticles before you push them back to make them easier to move. Cuticle oil is also great to use any time you want to soften and moisturize your cuticles.[14]
- Look for cuticle oils that contain nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.
- Sterilize grooming tools before and after each use to prevent infections. Soak nail files, cuticle pushers, clippers, and buffers in isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes after each use. Before using a grooming item, pour some alcohol on a cloth and wipe down the surface. Allow the items to thoroughly dry before using them or storing them.
- Alternatively, use a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to clean items. Rinse the item and allow it to dry completely before using or storing it.
- Throw away orange sticks after use and always use a new stick.
- Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your nails and cuticles. Wear a pair of rubber gloves for any cleaning job you do—whether it's wiping down mirrors or scrubbing the floors. The gloves will protect your hands from the harsh chemicals, which can dry out and damage your cuticles and nails.[15]
- If rubber gloves are too bulky for your cleaning job, try using a pair of latex or vinyl gloves instead. Any protection is better than no protection.
- Carry travel-size lotion in your car or purse to keep your hands moisturized on the go.
[Edit]Warnings - Using cuticle clippers to cut your cuticles should be avoided if possible. If done incorrectly, you can injure yourself and become more prone to fungal and bacterial infections.[16]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Using Home Remedies - Small bowl
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Coconut oil
- Rubber or latex gloves
[Edit]Healing Damaged Cuticles - Small bowl
- Raw honey
- Aloe vera gel
- Olive oil
[Edit]Maintaining Healthy Cuticles - Lotion
- White cotton gloves
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Rubber gloves
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Dry Paint Out of Clothes Posted: 16 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT It's a scenario that might be very familiar to you. Maybe you're repainting a room in your home, putting the finishing touches on your latest work of art, or doing some at-home crafting with your kids, when you accidentally get a splash of paint on your clothes – but you don't notice until it's dry! You might think your clothes are ruined, but don't give up hope. With a few simple techniques, you should be able to remove the dried paint – whether it's latex, acrylic, or oil – and have your clothes looking like new again in no time. [Edit]Removing Latex or Acrylic Paint - Determine if the paint is latex-based. Oil-based paints are rarely used in home decorating anymore, so your paint stain is probably a water-based latex. Check the label on the tube or can of paint you used to see if it says 'latex' or 'acrylic latex.' Proceed with the following method if the paint is latex-based, also called water-based.
- If you can't find the original paint tube or container and still aren't sure, try testing a small area of the surface you were painting. Dip a cotton ball into a little bit of denatured alcohol and rub it over a tiny surface area of your painting project. If the paint comes off, it's latex-based. If it doesn't come off, it's oil-based.[1]
- If you don't want to risk wiping paint off your project, think back to how you cleaned your brush. Oil paints require solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine to wash brushes, whereas latex-based paints only need water.[2]
- Spray the dried paint stain with aerosol hairspray to loosen the paint. Saturate the stain completely. The alcohol in the aerosol hairspray will loosen the dried paint.[3]
- Use rubbing alcohol instead if you don't have hairspray. Dab the paint stain with a clean wet cloth, then saturate it with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Slowly pour the alcohol straight out of the bottle directly onto the stain.[4]
- Do a test first on an inconspicuous spot of fabric to make sure the hairspray or alcohol won't discolor your clothes.
- Rub the fabric with a butter knife to remove as much paint as possible.[5] If your fabric isn't too delicate, use a butter knife to gently scrape at the paint. Run your knife back and forth across the saturated stain until the paint loosens up.[6]
- Use a toothbrush instead of a knife for more delicate fabrics. Take a soft bristle toothbrush and rub it back and forth across the stain. Loosen up as much of the dried paint as possible.[7]
- Run the clothes under hot water to rinse away the loosened paint. Blot the fabric with a towel to dry it a little. Repeat the process of saturating the stain with hairspray or rubbing alcohol, scrubbing at it, and then rinsing until the stain is no longer visible.
- If you want, try spraying the fabric with stain remover while you're running it under the hot water.[8]
- Launder the clothes as normal. Wash your clothes in the washing machine according to the instructions on the care tag. Dry them in the dryer or let them air dry, depending on their specific laundering instructions.[9]
[Edit]Getting Oil Paint Out of Your Clothes - Determine if your paint is oil-based. Latex-based paints are more common in home improvement projects, but your paint could still be oil-based. Check the tube or container your paint came in. If you can't find it, think back to whether you cleaned your brush with water or a solvent like turpentine or mineral spirits. Oil-based paints require solvents for washing brushes.[10]
- Perform a strip test on a small area of the surface you were painting. Dab a cotton ball in a bit of denatured alcohol and rub it across a tiny area of the paint. If the paint doesn't come off, it's oil-based.[11]
- Scrape off paint with a blunt knife, if your clothes aren't delicate. Rub gently at the fabric to loosen up as much paint as you can. Take care not to damage the material.[12]
- Use a soft toothbrush instead of a knife, if your fabric is delicate. Scrape the toothbrush over the paint. Loosen up as much as you can.[13]
- Lay the stain face down and blot with turpentine.[14] Put the fabric down on some paper towels or clean cloths. Dip a sponge in a bit of turpentine and dab the stain from the back to press the paint out of the fabric, rather than further in. Tamp the stain with the sponge. Repeat the process until you can't get any more paint out this way.
- Replace the paper towels or cloths under the stain as needed, if they become too covered in paint.[15]
- If you don't have turpentine, try another removal agent, such as paint thinner.[16]
- Blot the fabric with a cloth or paper towel to soak up excess turpentine. Put a clean cloth or paper towel behind the area. Blot to remove any remaining removal agent.[17]
- Rub a bit of laundry detergent into the fabric as a final spot treatment. Check your care instructions tag to see what laundry detergents are safe for your clothes. Place a small amount on the area that was stained. Lightly work it into the fabric with a cloth or sponge.[18]
- Launder your clothes as you normally would. Follow the care instructions on your tag. Wash and dry your clothes accordingly.[19]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Deal With Criticism Posted: 16 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT Criticism is never fun, whether it's coming from a well-meaning English teacher or from your arch frenemy. If the criticism is meant to be constructive, then you can use it to become a more well-rounded person. And if it's only meant to harm you, then you can work on shaking it off like a bad habit. Check out a few of our suggestions for dealing with all kinds of criticism. [Edit]Give the person a chance to talk without interuption. - Ask the person to explain their feedback. Instead of wasting time denying the criticism, give the person a chance to explain. Don't rush to cut them off or explain yourself—let them talk! If someone is in the middle of telling you something you can do to improve, don't say, "But actually, I already do that..." unless you feel like the person is really off base. [1]
- If your teacher says you need to work harder, don't give them a lame excuse for why you've been slacking off. Instead, note the feedback and try to address it.
- It takes maturity to stay quiet instead of making excuses for why the person is wrong when you're getting valid feedback.
[Edit]Remain calm and don't take it personally. - Tell yourself that criticism is meant to be helpful. It's not supposed to bring you down so you feel inadequate. For instance, if your boss says you've been a little less productive than usual lately, it's not because they think you're lazy; it's because they want you, their employee, to step up your game. If your best friend says that you have a tendency to zone out when she's talking to you, don't think that she's calling you a horrible friend; she just wants you to communicate a little better.[2]
- If your teacher has given you rather critical feedback on a paper, it's not because they think you're stupid or annoying in class; it's because they believe you can do better!
[Edit]Thank the person for constructive criticism that's helpful. - Take a moment to thank someone who gave you friendly, useful feedback. Let them know you appreciate the fact that they told you something that can make you an even better friend, partner, student, or professional. For example, say, "Thank you. I'll consider your suggestion," or, "Thanks, I hadn't thought of doing it that way."[3]
- Thanking people who give you honest criticism is also a sign of maturity and that you're open to improving yourself.
[Edit]Find the truth in the criticism. - Pay attention to the point of the criticism. Don't interrupt, argue, or correct the person who's telling you this. Instead, listen to their criticism so you can break it down and figure out what to do next. This way, you'll get useful information from the criticism instead of dwelling on the hurtful aspect.[4]
- It's totally fine to tell someone that you can't have a constructive conversation at the moment. Let them know you recognize their criticism and that you'd be open to feedback a little later.
[Edit]Remind yourself that everyone can better themselves. - Keep your mind open to suggestions and ways to improve. Think of criticism as a form of feedback. After all, nobody's perfect. Everyone has flaws and that's what makes up human. By recognizing that you're not perfect, you open yourself up for improvement and that's a good thing![5]
- Think about all of the people you know. Can you name a single one who is absolutely perfect? Probably not—everyone is human after all.
[Edit]Imagine how the criticism can make you a better person. - Remind yourself that criticism is a tool for self-improvement. Although criticism might feel harsh or too personal at first, think of it as a gift in disguise. You can use that personalized feedback to make a change so you're stronger as a person.
- For instance, if someone tells you that you've got natural musical talent and you just need to practice, think about what a great musician you could become instead of getting stuck on the criticism.
- If your friend told you that you're obsessed with yourself, that probably hurts. But could there be something helpful behind the message? Your friend might be telling you to be a little more empathetic, to spend more time thinking about others, and to spend less time thinking about yourself. It may be just the nudge you need to make some positive changes.
- The next time you hear some constructive criticism, embrace it! Think of criticism as a tool for personal growth.
[Edit]Create actionable steps to improve yourself. - Write down the things you want to work on and how you can improve. Okay, so you've decided that your English teacher, boss, boyfriend, or best friend is completely right, or at least somewhat right. Now, write down the thing you need to work on along with actionable things you can do to improve.[6]
- For instance, if your teacher tells you that you need to do more research for a paper, come up with a study schedule. Include research sources that you'll check out and mark off of your list as you go. This way, you'll be really prepared for the next assignment.
- Some criticism can be hard to work on. For example, if a romantic partner tells you that you're too needy, you may need to work on giving them some space—hang out with other people, stop texting them constantly, and make time for yourself.
[Edit]Differentiate between useful and harmful criticism. - Constructive criticism can be helpful while destructive criticism is hurtful. Figure out where the feedback is coming from to identify the intentions of the person who's giving it to you. For instance, if a teacher or parent gives you criticism, it's probably because they want you to improve and do better. Unfortunately, some people might criticize in order to make you feel bad and it's important to recognize that.[7]
- Try to focus on the message as well as the delivery. If someone's yelling at you, it's probably destructive criticism while someone giving constructive criticism will talk to you reasonably.
- If you think someone's criticizing you just to be hurtful, then you can think about why the person might have said such a thing. Maybe the person was jealous or just in a bad mood. Whatever the reason, remind yourself that it had little to do with who you are.
[Edit]Tell yourself that criticism only hurts if you let it. - Remember that words are just words. What was that thing your mother told you about "sticks and stones" not being able to break your bones? Sure, you thought it was silly in third grade, but now that you're older, it's probably starting to make sense. In the end, destructive criticism can't physically hurt you. It's just a series of words connected together, so try not to take it too personally.[8]
[Edit]Work on being less sensitive. - Challenge yourself to control your emotions and avoid overreacting. If people think you are sensitive or you tear up every time someone gives negative feedback, they will be less likely to tell you the truth. Plus, you don't want people to feel like they're walking around on eggshells whenever they talk to you. Work on accepting your flaws and looking for ways to improve.[9]
- Trying to be less sensitive? Ask people for feedback instead of running away from it and when you get criticism, listen for the useful information instead of responding emotionally.
- Remember, focus on the message and its intention to help you instead of dwelling on all of the "mean" or "hurtful" things that were said to you.
[Edit]Maintain your self-confidence. - Embrace the things that you like about yourself. It's easy to take criticism to heart and start feeling down, but you shouldn't let it affect your confidence. Love who you are and how you look—don't let what other people think make you think less of yourself![10]
- If you're unhappy with who you are, ask yourself why. Make a list of a few things you don't like about yourself and figure out what you can change. You might need to learn to accept things that you can't change, too.
- Hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself. If people give you destructive criticism, you may not want to spend much time around them.
- Keep in mind that criticism should be constructive advice. If it's meant to be harmful, you may need to learn how to deal with insults.
- It can take some practice to effectively deal with criticism. Keep up the good work and remind yourself that everyone experiences criticism at some point.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário