Most women work hard to keep their face healthy and happy by moisturizing and using sunscreen when they’re exposed to the harsh rays of the sun. But what about your hands, which suffer from all those years of washing dishes and cleaning the house? They need protection and care, too. Neglecting your hands could lead them to look much older than you are.
“Most of us have a skin care regimen for our faces, but we often forget about our hands,” says hand and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryan Michelow of the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. “And that’s a mistake for two reasons — nature and nurture.”
Ever wonder what causes aging hands? The answer is found in the way your body changes as a whole over time. But you can intervene in how it happens. Take these five tips from the experts to keep your hands soft — and young.
Moisturize
Don’t let your hands get dried out. Make a habit of putting on lotion regularly during the day and every time after you wash your hands. Stock up and keep a bottle of moisturizer on the sink so you never forget an application. Protect your skin and nails. Wear cotton-lined gloves when gardening or when cleaning with harsh soap or chemicals. Use a gentle pH soap to wash. Look for mild or ultra-mild versions. Your doctor may have more recommendations if you’re not sure what’s best.
Exfoliate
When you’re exfoliating your body or face, don’t forget about your hands. Use a gentle loofah or a mixture of sugar, lemon and natural oil to remove the dead skin cells off the tops of your palm and your fingers and knuckles. Don’t forget to moisturize immediately after.
Wear Sunscreen
“Get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day,” says Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Amy Kassouf. “A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) or higher will go a long way to prevent age spots and hand wrinkles." Protecting your hands from UV rays can also keep them from looking bony and shriveled as you age. And don’t forget that when you’re driving, UV rays come through your window.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can nourish your skin and help grow healthy nails. If your diet is low in certain proteins, vitamin C or vitamin B complex, or if you have poor absorption, your nails can become brittle and peel or flake easily. “Make sure to eat a balanced diet full of foods that are good for your skin and contain vitamins to nourish your hands from the inside out. You can also get yourself a good multivitamin,” Dr. Kassouf advises.
Treatments
There are many at-home and dermatologist office treatments that can help your hands become smoother and clearer. You can treat age spots at home with an over-the-counter topical bleach treatment or applying lemon juice. There are many creams that contain retinol to help. Remove outer layers of skin at the dermatologist’s office. You can schedule treatments that include dermaplaning, dermabrasion, chemical exfoliation and laser resurfacing. These treatments help improve the texture and tone of your skin. They also help reduce wrinkles and correct uneven or irregular pigmentation.