Because the hardest-working part of your body needs lots of TLC
While many of us concentrate on achieving a youthful glow and anti-aging creams for the face, caring for our hands can go by the wayside…. which isn’t good.
This is especially true when you consider how hands are exposed to the elements and the stresses of daily life on our skin.
As Leanna Zaman, Boots beauty specialist, says, “Taking care of our skin is a top priority for many of us, but hand care can be overlooked.
“Our hands are constantly exposed to environmental factors such as sun damage and pollution which can lead to visible signs of ageing.”
Hand cream & lotions
Zaman suggests adding a hand cream to your daily skincare regime to combat this. “Look for ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide to help reduce the signs of aging, such as dryness, dark spots, and wrinkles.”
She says pure retinol formulas promote cell turnover, reduce fine lines, texture, and melanin production, and minimize hyperpigmentation.
“I like to apply a hand cream liberally before bedtime for an intensive overnight treatment,” says Zaman. “During the day I suggest opting for a hand cream with the protective power of an SPF.”
Mini Hand screen SPF40 -$14
Zaman suggests looking for creams with an SPF of 30 and UVA protection, as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. “Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides help to reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydrated hands.”
Exfoliate
“Taking care of hands is often overlooked in the ‘healthy-aging’ journey,” says Georgina Henry, UK education manager for Perricone MD.
“Hands often display early signs of aging due to continuous exposure to harsh weather and sunlight.”
Henry suggests exfoliating hands with face or body exfoliant 2-3 times weekly for youthful-looking skin.
Moisturize daily. Top up as needed. Don’t forget SPF when stepping outside.
Nourish cuticles
Henry says to ensure your hands retain a youthful and radiant appearance, “Pamper your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils and regular manicures to complete the rejuvenation process.”
Use a soap substitute.
Regular hand washing dries the hands, especially when they’re in constant use…
“The lack of moisture in the air draws moisture from the skin; therefore, we need to keep it hydrated at all times,” says Ali Headley, medical and professional affairs manager at Epaderm.
She says a two-in-one emollient and cleanser can also be used as a substitute for soap. “Wash your hands with emollients rather than detergents or soaps, as these can often increase water loss from the skin.”
Headley notes that using cream as a skin cleanser helps ensure dry skin can be adequately washed without losing additional moisture.
Maintain your nails
“Regular professional treatments help maintain tidy, nourished hands,” says Sherrille Riley, founder of Beauty Edit Mayfair. “Choose nudes or natural-looking polish colors as they are more flattering on weathered hands.”
Furthermore, with pastel shades and barely any polishes trending for spring, you’ll be banging up to date in the stylish nail stakes.
