Our hands are one of our most sacred tools when it comes to our skin care—be it applying day cream or placing a sheet mask ever so gently atop our complexion—yet we often forget to pamper and treat that very body part which does so much for us. It may not seem like a big deal on the surface but when you take into account that hands are among the first areas of skin to show signs of aging—picture: dryness, age spots, and wrinkles—paying adequate skin-loving attention to your paws suddenly bumps higher up on the to-do list. Want to help turn back the clock on your hands? Ahead, we’re sharing tips on how to help make your hands look younger. Because we all deserve hands that look as young as we feel, wouldn’t you say?Wear GlovesThink UV rays only damage the skin on your face? Think again. No area of skin is safe from the wrath of UV rays…not even your hands! Wrinkles, brown spots, fine lines, and even some cancers can take up residence on your hands if they’re not adequately protected against sun exposure. We realize that it’s not practical to wear winter gloves when temperatures rise, but it’s a good idea to wear them while completing any outdoor yard work or recreational activities for prolonged periods of time. If you drive a lot, wear gloves to protect your hands against the UV rays penetrating through your car windows.UV rays aren’t your hands’ only concern though. Harsh chemicals and the elements can also leave your skin looking worse for wear. One skin care tip I learned at a young age (thanks Mom!) is to always, always, always wear gloves while washing dishes. Also, if it’s particularly cold and windy outside, wear gloves to help shield your hands from the rough conditions that can dry out your skin and accentuate any preexisting wrinkles.Sunscreen, Sunscreen, SunscreenAs mentioned, wearing gloves is less practical during hotter than hot summers. That’s where sunscreen comes in. You should be wearing broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher on your hands every day—regardless of whether gloves are in the picture—to protect them against harmful UV rays. One of our favorites—formulated with SPF 15, soy, wild yam, and sea algae—is Lancôme Absolue Hand. Don’t forget to apply often, at least every two hours.Moisturize RegularlyDry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, but it can certainly make wrinkles look more apparent. When skin is dehydrated or dry, issues like wrinkling, creping, sagging, and flaking will appear more exaggerated.To help hands appear plump, moist, and smooth——be sure to moisturize regularly. Decleor Hand Cream offers essential care for hands and nails, providing hydration for dry, tired hands. Keep a tube handy on your bathroom sink to use after showers or hand-washing, on your desk at work and/or in your purse for on-the-go moisture.Exfoliate Your SkinDead surface skin cell build up can leave the skin looking dull, tired, and well…aged. In addition to frequent moisture, exfoliate your hands with a scrub a few times per week using a homemade sugar scrub or your favorite body scrub. The Body Shop Spa of the World African Ximenia Scrub—formulated with shea butter, beeswax, and oil from the fruit seed of the Ximenia Tree—can help to moisturize the skin while it sloughs away dead skin cells from skin’s surface.Give Yourself a ManicureChipped nail polish and messy cuticles can not only draw additional attention to your hands, but also make them look less than ideal. Renew your hands and achieve healthier-looking cuticles by maintaining regular manicures, either at a salon or at home. If you choose the latter option, trim and file your nails first. Then, be sure to tame unruly cuticles with hand cream or cuticle oil, like Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, and push them back using an orangewood stick. (Don’t cut them—this can lead to an infection!) Ready to paint? We recommend choosing a bright color that will draw attention to your nails rather than your hands. Finish off with some top coat and you’re good to go!
