Tips from our skincare and laser specialist, Cherie Cochrane, on how to deal with aging hands
You work hard to look youthful: you cover up your gray hair, apply anti-aging creams and protect your face with sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats when you’re outside. But, you neglect your hands, and just like that… you’ve revealed your true age!
Why do hands often give away your age?
Hands tend to develop dry, crepey skin and dark age spots with time – all of which are classic age-giveaways!
NOTE: The term ‘age spots’ is deceiving as these spots are not directly connected to your age. Rather, it’s the excess sun exposure over time that causes dark spots to appear in our 40’s / 50’s.
How to make your hands look younger
If your hands already look older than you’d like them to, it’s not too late. Most problems can be treated to bring back a more youthful appearance.
Let’s take a look at the best cosmetic treatments out there:
| PROBLEM | FAVE GO-TO TREATMENT | HOW IT WORKS | |
|---|---|---|---|
AGE SPOTS | BBL (Broadband Light) | For top results, a laser treatment like BBL laser can be done to dramatically improve the appearance of dark marks and sun damage. Additionally, prescription strength retinol creams can also assist with improving the texture of the skin. | |
CREPEY SKIN | BBL laser and a Nano-Laser peel combination | The BBL laser treatment removes brown sunspots, while the Nano laser peel removes dead skin and improves the texture of the skin at the same time. You can also use topical retinol or AHA cream to further enhance treatment outcomes. | |
THIN, BONEY HANDS | Restylane Skinboosters with SkinTyte laser | As you age, your hands also lose fat and elasticity as your skin loses volume. This produces translucent skin which is easily predisposed to developing wrinkles and age spots. We use Restaylne Skinboosters to plump up thin looking skin by increasing its hydration levels, in combination with SkinTyte laser treatment to stimulate collagen production and tighten loose skin. | |
What you can do at home to prevent aging hands:
- Sunscreen, Sunscreen, sunscreen – UV exposure is one of the main culprits when it comes to aging skin. Get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will go a long way to prevent age spots, wrinkles and crepey skin. Don’t forget that UV rays come through your car window which leaves your hands very exposed to damage!
- Avoid harsh soaps – We’re all washing and sanitising our hands a lot more than we used to! This can break down our skin’s barrier function resulting in rough, dry and inflamed skin. Reduced barrier function leaves the skin susceptible to increased penetration of chemicals, allergens and other infectious agents.
- Hydrate – There are two kinds of products to use to help heal your skin. The first are humectants, which contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid that bind to water in the skin. Second, there are products containing lipids or fats that are the emollients that improve the barrier function of the skin, helping to keep all of the unwanted things out. Moisturise the skin after bathing and showering as your skin’s pores are open and more effective at locking in moisture then. My favourite: I like SBR repair cream to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
- Wear protective gloves while gardening or doing the dishes.
- Exfoliate — When you’re exfoliating your body or face, don’t forget about your hands. Don’t forget to moisturize immediately thereafter.
- Eat a healthy diet — A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids nourishes your skin and helps you to grow healthy nails. If your diet is low in certain proteins, vitamin C, or vitamin Bs; or if you have gut is poorly absorbing nutrients, then your nails can become brittle. Make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet which contains all the necessary vitamins to nourish your hands from the inside out.
