by: Linda Robison
"Why are my hands so wrinkled?" you wonder, flipping them over to check out the back.
Yikes. Are they looking a bit rough? Spotty, dry, or wrinkled?
Don't panic. Your hands may have been through a lot, but it's not too late to give 'em some love.
I’ll show you some easy and effective solutions for every budget. From simple DIY home remedies to, yep, even Botox if you're ready to go all out, this article has got you covered.
Let's dive in.
Our poor hands! They wrinkle faster because their skin is thinner and has fewer oil glands, so they dry out and wrinkle more easily.
Plus, they endure a lot of abuse from the sun, water, harsh chemicals, etc... All this extra exposure makes them age faster.
Common signs of aging hands include:
Our hands start to look older due to several reasons, including:
Environmental Factors:
Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about pollutants and environmental factors. But over time, they will cause a breakdown of collagen, elastin, and accelerate skin aging not just on our hands, all over our body.
Genetic Predisposition:
Here is another area where we don't have much choice. Unfortunately, some people are more susceptible to early signs of aging. But taking extra steps to live a healthier lifestyle can help make a difference.
Lifestyle Choices:
Now here, you have control! We'll talk about that in the section below. Aging hands can be caused by a poor diet, smoking, too much sun, drinking too much alcohol, not taking care of your skin, and not wearing gloves when using hot water or strong chemicals.
Start with a healthy daily routine. Those little things you do everyday, can make a difference between smooth or wrinkled hands.
Gentle Wash:
Try to keep those hands clean without turning them into the Sahara! For many of us, antibacterial soaps can be super drying, if not irritating.
So, here's a list of some gentle yet effective antibacterial hand washes that won't wage war on your skin:
Even with these gentle options, don't go overboard. Even over-washing with gentle cleansers can still dry out your skin.
Moisturize:
Here's the golden rule: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Slather on that lotion right after washing. Your slightly damp skin will drink it up like a sponge. It's like catching water before it evaporates.
Remember, this isn't a sometimes thing. Make it your daily ritual.
Tip: I keep a small tube of hand cream everywhere – by the sink, in the car, at my desk.
Sunscreen:
Yes, this is tough one if you're always washing your hands!
But there are some amazing sunscreen products that are formulated for your hands that contain special moisturizers. So, unless your skin is extremely dry, you can skip the moisturizer.
Here are the five sunscreens specifically designed for hands. They're listed based on their effectiveness and durability:
These products offer hydration with sun protection, perfect for daily use on your hands.
Treatments can range from professional office procedures to over the counter products, to simple, DIY home remedies.
Let's take a look at some effective options.
Professional Treatments:
If you want instant results, dermal fillers are the best way to reduce hand wrinkles. Watch the video below to see how they restore lost volume in just minutes.
Video Source: Advanced Dermatology, ABC13.com
Other in-office treatments to improve the look and feel of your hands include:
Over-The-Counter Magic:
Your local or online drugstore is a treasure trove of hand-saving goodies. Look for inexpensive, anti-aging creams that contain powerful, active ingredients.
Many of the ones listed below are the same ones I use on my face with great results.
Tip: A few times a week I apply an anti-aging cream right before bedtime and slip on some cotton gloves. It's like an overnight spa treatment.
Home Remedies:
No matter which option you choose to reduce hand aging and wrinkling, it's always helpful to add DIY home remedies to your routine.
Home remedies and DIY treatments provide a natural, holistic approach to smoothing out wrinkles, age spots, dryness, and uneven skin tone.
They complement other treatment options beautifully. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Practically any scrub or mask used for the face will benefit the skin on your hands too.
Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals:
Always wear gloves when doing household chores that involve the use of chemicals or water.
Tip: When driving in your car, your hands are exposed to sun while holding the steering wheel. Consider wearing white cotton gloves to shield your hands from UV rays.
Nutrition for Healthy Hands:
Your diet plays a bigger role in healthy skin than many realize. Just making a few changes here and there can help.
For example, try to eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens. Also consume omega-3 fatty acids for skin hydration and inflammation reduction.
And, consider collagen supplements to improve skin elasticity
Exercises and Techniques:
Massage the tops of the hands several times a week to help improve blood circulation, boost collagen production and help smooth out wrinkles.
Check out this video. It helps make your hands look better instantly.
Video Source: Carolyn's Facial Fitness
Conclusion:
While aging is a natural process, taking proactive steps can significantly slow the visible signs of aging on your hands.
By incorporating these prevention strategies, treatment options, and lifestyle changes, you can maintain youthful, vibrant hands that complement your overall appearance.
Remember, consistency is key in any skincare routine. Start implementing these tips today, and enjoy the benefits of younger-looking hands for years to come.
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