The Fount-hand of Youth: 5 Ways to Keep Your Hands from Aging You
As far back as I can remember, my mother always protected her skin from the sun. She rarely sunbathed, and during the cooler seasons she wore scarves around her neck. Protecting my skin from the sun was something that I grew up with, and have carried with me throughout my life.
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As a native New Yorker and Latina, I naturally use my hands to speak. Your hands reveal a lot about who you are - your lifestyle, your personality, your work, and especially your age. As an art historian, we talk at great lengths about hands as symbols of the subject's way of life. I'm no aristocrat from the 18th century, but I certainly wouldn't mind having the hands of a woman of leisure. There are so many campaigns designed to protect your face from wrinkles, but our hands are actually the first place we see the signs of aging. Here are 5 anti-aging tips for your hands:
1. Develop a cleansing routine When I lived in New York City, I noticed how tough the environment was on my hands. One day of subway hopping and walking around town led to dry, chapped fingers. I could even smell the city on my hands when I got home. Both air and water pollution can strip skin of moisture, causing discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It's important to develop a cleansing routine that is thorough and consistent. I typically use soaps that are organic or mild with natural ingredients, like Aveeno Active Naturals.
2. Exfoliate your hands Exfoliating your skin is the easiest way to restore your skin's youthful appearance. It revitalizes your skin and evens tone and texture. I don't use chemicals to exfoliate. I prefer natural scrubs, oatmeal and sea salt scrubs. Your skin immediately looks radiant and soft when you go the natural route.
3. Nourish your hands I have a jar of cream pretty much everywhere in my house to keep my hands moisturized all day. Right now, I am in love Jergen's Crema Hydrating Coconut Milk and actually have it handy at the office.
4. Use sunscreen I've said it before and I will say it again. Keep sun screen in your car. The sun is beaming on your hands as you drive. Coat your hands with a good sunscreen several times a day and every time you get behind the wheel. Direct sunlight, especially on your hands, causes sun spots and wrinkles.
5. Say no to dish pan hands This is one tip that I have to keep reminding myself to do. Wear plastic dishwashing gloves whenever you wash dishes and clean your house. The excessive exposure to water and soaps can cause dry, flaky skin.
-By Rachel Mátos
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