Before I blame my genes (I inherited my mother’s hand-working hands), the skin on your hands has a rough life. Five times thinner than elsewhere on the body, this explains why they are one of the first body parts to show signs of ageing. So, if you, like me, are searching for remedies to alleviate those signs and show your hands in the best light, here's some helpful advice, says Editor Trudi Brewer.
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Of course, the skin will inevitably begin to wrinkle and slacken as we age, and our hands are the first to show it – mainly because they get so dry. Why? They're put through more daily wear and tear than other body parts. We cook with them, clean with them, expose them to the UV (holding the steering wheel of a car), and let them come into direct contact with different chemicals daily, not to mention the constant drying effects of washing them constantly, simply put, most of us neglect them.
What can help?
Restoring the skin's barrier is key if you're suffering from dry hands and those visible signs of ageing. Natural oils such as jojoba and apricot kernel oils are rich in fatty acids that work to seal in moisture. Also, look for hand cream stacked with sodium hyaluronate – the most absorbable form of hyaluronic acid, that moisture magnet. Not only does this keep your hands feeling hydrated longer, but it also helps other ingredients penetrate better for speedy results. Niacinamide or vitamins B3, C, and E are calming, reducing inflammation, brightening, and further strengthening the skin's barrier.
These are the hand creams we have on rotation
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusion Concentrate Hand Cream, $55.
POV: This is the mother of all hand creams. Why? This is skincare for your hands. It comes from excellent Ultimne technology with “ImuGenerationRED,” a blend of botanical extracts that boost skin immunity and create firmer, healthier skin. We love the delicate floral scent, while the gel-cream texture absorbs fast and is long-lasting.
ECOYA
French Pear Hand Cream, $30.
As far as the best scent goes, this cream wins hands down. The blend is Australian pear extract with clove and vanilla, which smells heavenly. But not so much that it clashes with the fragrance you’re wearing. Like all the Ecoya body care, its hydrating genius is a blend of nut oils, namely almond and macadamia.
Don't be swayed by the scent
Hand creams containing artificial fragrance can often lead to allergic dermatitis – especially if you're already suffering sensitivities. Certain alcohols can be incredibly drying, too. Go for fragrance-free if you suffer from eczema this way.
Exfoliating brightens skin
You might think you exfoliate enough just by washing your hands, but alcohol-based soaps and sanitisers can dry out the hands and cause irritation. An exfoliant once a week (containing glycolic acid) is a better option, as it swiftly removes the build-up of dead skin cells for softer, smoother, and brighter-looking skin.
Sebamed Clear Face Gentle Scrub, $21.
This is proof you don’t need to break the bank for find an excellent scrub for your skin, for face and hands, with gentle micro-peeling particles, it helps refines the skin, leaving it smooth, but what’s more, the pH of 5.5, ensures the skin’s natural barrier stays healthy.
Pure Fiji Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub, $55.
Nothing gives skin a new lease on life like this luxurious (lasts forever) body scrub. Sugar cane crystals with alpha hydroxyl acids buff away dry, dead skin cells without you having to do much. While the blend of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil and exotic nut extracts gets your skin glowing - it’s a staple in our beauty arsenal. We love the Gingerlily scent.
The polish shades that make your hands look younger
Today a regular mani is not only a self-care practice; it helps you look polished and well put together. But before you choose a colour, know this: Some shades can draw attention to ageing hands; others have the opposite effect, making your hands look younger in seconds. You may think delicate shades like sheer nudes or soft pinks would do the trick, but as it turns out, natural hues are so close to your skin tone, they can show up veins, wrinkles and uneven tone on your hands, which can accentuate your imperfections. Instead, try grabbing attention on your nails and not your hands.
Back to basics
Simple lifestyle tweaks, like always wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin from cleaning agents and detergents, will improve its condition. Also, always apply hand cream every time you wash your hands. We keep a stash in the kitchen and bathroom. If you habitually do this, you'll notice a massive difference in your skin's smoothness and tone. Likewise, wearing an SPF on the backs of your hands daily will prevent incidental sun damage and age spots.
Consider These Treatments
"If you feel the dryness or any damage on your hands has gone too far, there are treatments that can help. Peels, laser resurfacing, and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) are all great ways to treat dryness. Likewise, injectable skin boosters Profhilo can treat thin-skinned areas such as the back of the hands, which also works by stimulating the production of collagen and skin hydration with hyaluronic acid. The result? Softer, smoother hands with visibly fewer lines and wrinkles, thanks to the treatment's plumping effect.
Here’s what we are excited by.