What’s the first sign of aging? It’s all in the hands, baby. Check out these natural tips to help you take control of your aging hands.
by nikki yeh
Very vein
As you age, collagen and fat break down, which makes your hands less plump. What does this lead to? Bulging veins. Consider moisturizers with vitamin C* to help build collagen. If you want to minimize the contrast of your skin and purple veins, apply a concealer onto your veins after you’ve moisturized your hands.
Moisture matters
Wrinkles form on your hands when the skin produces less oil. Apply a daily moisturizer that contains shea butter* and vitamin E*, ingredients that both make your hands appear fleshy. Be gentle on your hands under harsh dishwater; first rub on hand cream and then put on cotton-lined gloves to protect your hands from drying out.
Sunny ideas
Sun exposure contributes to the breakdown of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), which is why brown spots have formed; consider rubbing sunscreen on the back of your hands. Don’t forget to wear gardening gloves when tending to your backyard — they won’t only protect you from cuts, but also from further sun damage.
Aging by the decade
20’s Moisturize your hands on a regular basis. Always apply hand cream after you wash your hands and after a bath or shower.
30’s Rub on a natural moisturizer to fill in any fine wrinkles and cover your hands with cotton or rubber gloves before bedtime. In the morning, your hands will be super smooth.
40’s Brown spots may have formed on your hands, face, forearms and shoulders. Aside from sunscreen, wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants and long skirts to protect your skin outdoors.
50+ Since the skin on the back of your hands is thinning, your wrinkles and veins are more noticeable than ever. Wear gloves when you’re working with cleaning products to refrain from drying and irritating your hands even more.
