One
of the biggest telltale signs of age is the skin on your
hands. In the effort to fight the signs of aging, too
often are the hands left out of the mix. What good is it
to use the latest anti-aging serums on your crow’s feet
and wrinkles, when your hands give away your true age? By
practicing proper hand care, your entire body can age
gracefully.
It is
virtually impossible to go through the day without using
your hands. From writing to driving and greeting others
with a friendly handshake, the hands are one of the most
used body parts. Like anything that is used frequently,
daily wear and tear give off very visible signs. You don’t
have to technically be “old” to have old-looking hands.
Take a
look at the skin on the back of your hands. Do they look
dry, thin, wrinkled, veiny or dull? These are the most
common signs of hands that have been neglected. And, no,
putting on regular lotion once in a while doesn’t qualify
as proper hand care. If you really want to keep your hands
looking youthful and fresh, there are some steps you’ll
need to take and isn’t difficult to do.
Moisturize
Hands
that are dry tend to look ashen and dull and can give off
the appearance of looking older than they really are.
Keeping your hands constantly moisturized is the biggest
step you can make to improve the condition of your hands.
Use hand creams and lotions designed for the skin on your
hands as opposed to regular body lotion. Hand care
products that contain oatmeal, shea butter, cocoa butter
and other natural ingredients are ideal for maintaining
proper hydration.
Exfoliate
Just
like your face, your hands build up layers of dead, flaky
skin. Invest in a special hand exfoliating cream or use
cornmeal as a scrub to gently slough off dead skin cells.
Massaging your hands with a homemade blend of lemon juice,
glycerin and rose water will also help keep the skin on
your hands looking vibrant.
Protect
Sun
damage can also happen to your hands so it’s important to
include them in your sun care. Apply sunscreen to your
hands as well as the rest of your body when you plan to be
outdoors for an extended period of time. If you are a
commuter, carry sunscreen with you and apply them
liberally to your hands. When driving, hands on the
steering wheel are at the mercy of the sun’s rays through
the windshield and side windows so protecting them on a
daily basis will prevent premature aging. In addition to
protecting your hands from the sun, keep them from other
damaging environmental elements and pollution by wearing
gloves while doing activities like gardening and washing
dishes. When drying your hands pat them, don’t rub.
