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Wear sunscreen and hand lotion
Don't overlook your hands when you're applying sunscreen. It's not only critical for skin cancer prevention, but to protect hands from the aging effects of UVA rays. Go for at least an SPF 30. You'll also want to regularly apply hand lotion, whether or not your hands are dry.
Dr. Carl R. Thornfeldt, the CEO and founder of Epionce, suggests layering products that help repair the damaged skin barrier and help stop inflammation in the skin, such as Epionce Restorative Hand Cream, $20, or if your hands are very dry and cracked, Epionce Enriched Body Cream, $41, which is a thicker, more hydrating product.
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.
