With so much focus on our face, hands are often neglected when it comes to caring for our skin. Our hands are constantly exposed to the elements, including pollution, cold wind and UV sun rays, and let’s not forget all those hash soaps and sanitisers over the past couple of years. With this type of damage to our skin barrier, it’s easy for our hands to show our age before our face does, and who wants this?
Everybody ages, but we’ll choose ageing slowly and gracefully, thanks! Signs of premature ageing on our hands can include pigmentation (freckles and sun spots), fine lines, extreme dryness and uneven texture. Don’t panic – it’s never too late to add a few hand care rituals to your skincare routine, as well as some high tech treatments, to reverse some of that damage and keep your hands looking younger for longer.
We’ve all heard the sun ages the skin, but it may come as a shock to some that it’s responsible for up to 80% of the signs of ageing we see (think sagging and loose skin, fine lines, pigmentation and that crepe-like texture).
Obviously we still want to be out and about in the sun, so start making a habit of applying a sunscreen to your hands before you head out in the daytime, and keep some in the car to reapply. Think going for walks outside, driving, outdoor dining, and even working in an office next to a window (UVA light, which is responsible for most of this damage, can penetrate straight through!).
A mineral sunscreen is your best bet for safe, physical protection from UVA and UVB rays using natural zinc. We love Suntegrity Body Sunscreen, which is also infused with age-defying antioxidants.
Protect and nourish your body with this broad spectrum sunscreen containing 20% non-nano zinc oxide and infused with age-defying antioxidants.
A light, uplifting citrus lotion (or unscented) ideal for year round protection and hydration.
If you’re noticing brown spots, dark patches or freckles on your hands, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is your ticket to clearer, even and more youthful skin, and can provide some phenomenal results right from your first treatment.
Also known as a photofacial, this treatment uses precise amounts of powerful light which is absorbed by melanin (pigmentation) in the skin. These spots will darken slightly for a few days, then flake off (almost like a small scab) within a week. IPL is a gentle alternative to laser, and after two to three sessions, a few weeks apart, you’ll be on your way to seriously younger looking hands.
Still using a supermarket hand cream?
Give your hands the TLC they really deserve and upgrade to something rejuvenating, nourishing and natural that’s full of rich oils to deeply nurture your skin.
Our favourites are our Ginger&Me or Sodashi Hand Creams for an experience so luxurious, you’ll look forward to applying it. They’re antioxidant rich and contain a blend of botanical and active ingredients for brighter, hydrated and more youthful hands.
Keep a hand cream in your car and at work or somewhere easy to spot around the house for topping up during the day (especially after you’ve been using drying soaps and sanitisers).
Another hot tip? After using your serums and hydrators on your face in the morning and evening, apply the remainder product from your hands to the backs of your hands.
You might have already tried Dermapen microneedling to keep your face looking younger, so why not extend that level of care to your hands too?
This advanced treatment uses tiny, sterile needles that lightly prick the skin to stimulate the natural healing process for the production of fresh new collagen and elastin. A series of microneedling sessions for your hands spaced a few weeks apart will work to thicken your skin, improve hydration, texture and elasticity, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As a bonus, it will diminish any small scars you’ve had pop up over the years.
Need an excuse for a regular manicure?
They aren’t just a pampering treat. As well as keeping your nails and cuticles healthy and preventing infections, a spa manicure will help keep your hands and nails looking younger.
Think of it as a facial for your hands! Deep nourishment and rejuvenation for your skin and boosted blood circulation along with stronger nails (which become more brittle as we age) achieve long term benefits, while perfectly groomed and beautifully coloured glossy nails will give an immediate look of youth for your hands.
Did we mention a manicure is also great for stress reduction and mental health?
