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Hands are
especially vulnerable to premature ageing because they're exposed to the
sun's skin-damaging UV rays so often, yet most of us neglect the skin on our
hands more than any other part of our body. The result? Hands often look
years older than the rest of us. Yet with a few simple protective measures
and a little tender loving care, you can keep your hands looking and feeling
their best.
Keep your hands looking younger
Your hands are particularly prone to ageing, but here are a few ways to slow
down the process:
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As the skin on the back
of your hands has fewer oil glands, it tightens and chaps easily upon
exposure to sun and dry air, especially around the joints. Wear gloves
during cold weather and always dry hands properly after washing to avoid
further moisture loss. Apply hand lotion that's rich in super-hydrating
humectants (such as glycerin and lactic acid) regularly.
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Thinning bones and
shrinking fat cells cause skin to sag as we get older. Keep bones strong
with calcium supplements.
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Microcirculation (blood
flow in the capillaries) becomes less efficient as we age, making skin
look dull; gentle exercise will pump blood and its nutrients back into the
hands.
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Sun exposure, cigarette
smoke and the ageing process slow down production of collagen and elastin
- the proteins that make skin supple - leaving skin paper-thin, wrinkled
and age-spotted. Hand creams with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) help slough
away dead skin cells and increase cell turnover and may help lighten age
spots and smooth fine lines. Handcreams with anti-oxidants, like vitamin C
or E, help protect against skin-thinning free radicals.
Pampering treats
The skin's protective oil barrier is ten times thinner on the backs of the
hands than on the face. As a result, water evaporates and the top-most layer
can lose more than 90 per cent of all its moisture. To keep hands feeling
soft and smooth, pamper them with regular beauty treatments:
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The fastest way to
rejuvenate rough, chapped hands is to use a rub-off or peel-off
exfoliating mask twice a week to lift away dead cells. Or use a handful of
fine salt mixed with jojoba or almond oil. Follow with a hand lotion
packed with humectants and occlusives (like mineral oil, petroleum jelly
and silicone), that provide a barrier against further moisture loss.
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Once a week, give your
hands a deep treatment. Massage a neutral 'carrier' oil, such as olive,
hazelnut or almond oil, into your hands. Then put petroleum jelly on top
of the oil to seal it in. Pull on a pair of disposable plastic gloves and
slip your hands into cotton gloves - the warmth helps the oil to
penetrate. Once you wash away the residue, your hands will feel incredibly
soft.
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