How To Stop Your Hands Ageing You
Did you know, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots as your face and neck? In fact, it’s probably more prone to ageing than any other part of your body. A strong statement, we know, but bear with us for a second.
Unlike other areas of your skin, the skin on your hands has only a very thin layer of fat. It also, for the most part, contains no hair follicles which means it’s seriously lacking in natural oils to help keep it soft, supple and moisturised. Throw in some collagen loss (which is inevitable as you age) plus environmental damage, daily wear and tear from being constantly submerged in water and, well, your poor hands stand zero chance in the battle against premature ageing.
If you feel like your hands are seriously letting the side down, here are three easy ways to make sure you’re doing your best to treat, care and protect them.
1. Oh My Wash!
As important as it is, sadly washing your hands upsets the protective hydrolipidic film that covers your skin. This can make your hands feel rough and parched if you’re not super careful about how you wash them.
And it's easy to 'nail' when you know how...
- Always wash your hands in lukewarm rather than hot water.
- Stick with gentle, natural soaps and avoid than anything too harsh.
- ALWAYS apply hand cream straight after washing (preferably while your hands are still slightly damp to help lock in moisture).
2. X-Foliation Marks The Spot
As you get older, your skin cells turn over at a much slower rate which results in dull, dry, uneven-looking skin. We recommend gently exfoliating your hands a few times a week with Natural Luminosity Scrub to make them smoother, softer and youthful by encouraging dead skin cells to beat it.
Moisten your hands with lukewarm water, then work a small amount of scrub all over the skin, massaging it in circular motions all over. After rinsing thoroughly and gently patting your skin dry, follow with
Natural Luminosity Body Butter to reduce dryness and keep your hands soft and supple.
Top tip: Spend a little extra time massaging your cuticles to help your nails grow stronger and healthier.
And the Ultimate Hand Treatment?... Mix a couple of drops of Organic Age-Defying Facial Oil with Natural Luminosity Body Butter, massage into your hands, then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Sit back and relax for at least ten minutes before removing gloves and massaging in any remaining super-boosting hand care.
3. Sorry, Not Sorry Sun...
The enormity of what UV radiation does to your skin is indisputable. We’re talking damage to the tune of around 80 or 90 percent of all visible signs of ageing. Ouch! When it comes to your hands, this usually manifests itself in dark spots, thin skin and the inevitable wrinkles and crepey-looking skin.
Thankfully you can keep those numbers down by treating the skin on your hands exactly the same as your face – after all, it’s equally as exposed to sun damage on a daily basis. Apply broad-spectrum sun protection to the backs of your hands whenever you do your face and neck.
Top Tip: Wear a pair of lightweight gloves while you’re driving to protect your hands from UVA radiation. Because yes, those skin-ageing rays can penetrate right through that windscreen.
You see, just three simple steps your hands will be so grateful for.
Fancy treating yourself to a duo of awesome treats for your hard-working hands? Then try our Scrub & Glow Luminosity Set which contains Natural Luminosity Scrub and Body Butter for best value!