Taking care of your hands and nails is as important as taking care of the skin on your face. It is often said that your hands reveal your true age, and that’s because the skin on your hands loses its firmness over time, leaving them susceptible to wrinkles, sun spots other signs of aging. Yet your hands often don’t get the attention they deserve.
Keep Hands Moisturized and Sun-Protected
You may have a dedicated routine to keep your face hydrated and protected from the sun (which is a good thing), but what about your hands? They need moisture to keep them supple, and they are also at risk for sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and dark spots. It’s important to keep them protected every day. Look for a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and try to choose one with emollient ingredients like shea butter (which also offers some sun protection) and vitamin E (which has been shown to reduce wrinkles and skin roughness). Remember to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply as needed (every two hours is a good general rule, but reapply sooner if you’ve been swimming or sweating).
Take Care of Your Cuticles
Just like your hands need to be moisturized, so do your nails. While you have the moisturizer out, rub a little into the base and sides of your nails, including the cuticles, the protective barrier between your nails and the skin underneath. Moisturizing your nails and cuticles keeps those areas more pliable and less at risk for cracking, tearing and hangnails, which can open the door to skin infections. If your cuticles are very dry and prone to tears, you may want to consider applying nightly cuticle oil to offer an extra dose of moisture.
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