I
tend to obsess over lines and wrinkles on my face, but my hands are an
area I often overlook. I do occasionally get a manicure, or slather on
some cream (when I remember to), but for the most part, I barely give my
hands much thought.
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My
perception of my hands changed a couple of weeks ago. They appeared to
be paper-dry, wrinkly, veiny and were splattered with spots.
And while my face may not show my age, my hands clearly give it away.
So, I made it a point to give my hands a little TLC. Here's what really
works for me:
Why Do Your Hands Show Their Age?
Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits for aging hands. So, as a rule of thumb, I like to keep the following motto in mind: 'More time in the shade means less skin damage as you age'. I also abide by a new golden rule: 'Treat your hands as you would your face' - moisturizing
frequently, using sunscreen and minimizing exposure to the elements to
help keep my hands looking young. But, there's more...
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1. Give Yourself a Hand Massage
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A hand massage isn't just
relaxing - it increases blood flow, tightening up sagging skin. Once a
week, shake out your hands for one minute, loosening them up, then add
three to four drops of olive oil to your left palm. In small circular
movements with medium pressure, work your right thumb over your palm,
and up and down each finger. Then, turn your hand over and repeat the
process, following the same techniques on your right hand. Olive oil
will keep your skin hydrated, smooth and supple.
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2. Moisturize Daily
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For the best results, opt for
an anti-aging hand cream with brightening ingredients. Look out for
moisturizers with ingredients such as kojic acid, mushroom extract,
vitamin C and licorice to help clear any dark spots you may have. A
moisturizer should be used twice a day and within two to three months,
you'll notice a difference in the way your hands look.
3. Exfoliate
Once
a week, exfoliate your hands with a homemade scrub. Preparing it is
easy. Just combine equal parts sugar and olive oil and massage it into
your hands. When done, wipe the scrub off with a towel, and if your
hands feel greasy, wash them.
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4. Protect your Hands
Keep your hands out of the sun by
wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. UV rays cause skin-plumping proteins
like collagen and elastin to break down quickly. Whenever possible,
wear gloves to help protect your hands not only from the sun, but other
weather elements too.
5. Cover Up with Makeup
To
instantly camouflage fine lines and age spots, add a drop of liquid
foundation to a dollop of hand cream, rubbing it all over the top of
your hands. This makeup trick will also help to even out your skin tone
and smooth the look of wrinkles.
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6. Care for Your Nails
For better-looking hands, your
nails need some attention too. Start off by applying some cuticle oil
every day (even over a manicure) to help maintain stronger nails.
Periodically, give your nails a break from polish, giving them at
least a few days to recover. To further protect your nails, wear gloves
when doing the dishes, as harsh soap and hot water may make them weak.
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