Reapply, reapply, reapply
Applying hand cream multiple times a day is especially critical for those constantly washing their hands with antibacterial soaps. "If this is not done hands will be one of the first areas of the body to reveal true age," says Jenise Lockett, BABOR expert esthetician. "Dryness, sunspots, irregular pigmentation and wrinkles are the most common signs. Over time, the skin becomes thinner and collagen proteins and fat diminish revealing hands that may appear more veiny, thin and prone to wrinkles." She recommends applying Doctor Babor Power Serum Ampoules Vitamin C Serum, $49.95, before the hand cream for a supercharged antioxidant, hydrating, brightening nighttime hand treatment.
On a more general level Lockett suggests looking for hand-care products with vitamin C, vitamin E, enzymes that support a healthy microbiome and phyto-actives to nourish and strengthen skin.
Consider adding oils to your diet and beauty routine
"Oils are great for hand health," says Suzanne Shade, founder of Bare Hands. "Two oils that do a great job mimicking the skin's own sebum are jojoba and olive squalene." (We suggest the budget-friendly The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, $7.90.)
Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care, also recommends adding oils to your diet, specifically fatty acid-rich foods like olive oil and avocado.
Exfoliate and protect
When exfoliating, don't forget your hands! "Exfoliating two to three times a week to deeply cleanse the skin and remove dead skin is highly beneficial for skin health," says Lockett. You might also want to consider covering your hands with Foxgloves Protexgloves ultraviolet protective gloves, $19-$31. While wearing gloves might not be realistic all day, every day, they're easy to wear while, for example, driving.
Consider in-office treatments
There are a few in-office options, including LED light therapy. "LED Light grows collagen in quantifiable percentages," says Vargas. "In my salon we do several different treatments that involve LED light, but by far the most popular uses my patented RevitaLight Bed, which gives a client a full body treatment of healing LED. Studies have shown that LED light speeds healing of the body by 300 percent, corrects fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and acne scars. It's sort of like having a magic wand. "IPL is another popular form of light therapy that works to fade sun spots and gives a more even skin tone."
Image courtesy of Joanna Vargas
