Our hands are constantly under pressure from the likes of sun exposure, hot and cold water, harmful cleaning chemicals and general wear and tear from our physical activity. Our hands are not only susceptible to the first signs of ageing but seem to show signs faster than the face. This is because there is very little fat on the backs of the hands, so when even a small number of collagen or elastin fibres begin to break down it’s more noticeable.
Wrinkles, dark spots and sagging are all common complaints when it comes to identifying prematurely ageing hands.
Keep hands looking young with these tips from My Thirty Spot…
Wear gloves when cleaning
Protect your hands when you are cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, floors, etc. The harsh cleaning chemicals can break down, and dry out your skin to make it look old. Hot water, bleaches, degreasers, soaps, and anti-bacterial agents are all culprits for drying and ageing. Try applying a balm or moisturiser on your hands before putting on your gloves. The hot water will be beneficial to help the lotion penetrate your skin better.
Protect your nails
Try not to bite your cuticles. It can possibly cause loose, torn skin that can eventually crack. Your nails, cuticles and skin can become more dry and fragile as you age because of your body’s lower oil production. Make sure to rub lotion or healing ointment every morning and night. A good alternative is to use Chapstick to keep them moist. The right supplements can also help. Taking a 2.5 mg dose of the B vitamin biotin improves nail strength and reduces brittleness after six to nine months, said a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Exfoliate your hands every week
Try using an enriched, oil-based scrub. Your skin’s elasticity may be getting loose and a good exfoliation can help restore some silky smoothness. A homemade scrub can do the trick just the same. Combine 1/4 tsp of olive oil and sugar and rub into your skin. Olive oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which is a potent moisturiser. The sugar will exfoliate by removing dead, old skin cells to reveal younger skin.
Pay attention to dryness
If you have dry hands, try to use a lotion or cream that contains lactic acids, alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs and hydrating urea. Apply after washing hands, bathing, or shower so that it locks into your skin.
Wear driving gloves
For some reason, this never occurred to us at SkinBase, but it really does make sense! In the winter the cold weather exposure can cause cracked skin and that results in small wrinkles. Sun exposure in the summer can do the same.
Stop Stained Nails
First, make sure your discolouration isn’t the fault of a fungal infection (your doctor will be able to reassure you). If the discolouration is purely caused by other external factors, then try running your nails with a lemon wedge, just like you would when you’re rubbing off nail polish (the natural fruit acids will lighten the nail bed), or soaking in denture cleaner for 15 to 20 minutes to remove the stains.
Beauty expert Kelly Saynor, founder of Renew Aesthetics told online beauty and lifestyle magazine, Sheerluxe that moisturising is essential to keep hands looking youthful…
“Hands are often left dehydrated by the end of each day making it harder for the skin to produce collagen in the way it should, leading to premature ageing. Look for formulas containing shea butter, macadamia nut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and glycerine. You should also look for one containing SPF, which will help protect your skin from the dreaded sun damage that can cause everything from brown spots to wrinkles. Apply hand cream three times a day to ensure your hands are nourished throughout the day.”
Do you have any tips of your own to keep hands looking beautiful? If so, we’d love to hear them…
TIP * A little birdie has told us that Hemp foot cream is supposed to be amazing on hands * We’ll try it and let you know!
SkinBase x
image:istock.com/nd3000
