Along with the neck and décolletage, our hands are often the first part of our body to show signs of ageing. A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that most people could correctly guess a woman’s age simply by glancing at her hands. So it goes without saying that investing in hand care now can save you a lot of heartache down the track.
According to dermatologist Dr Cathy Reid, our hands are exposed to as much ultra-violet light as our face, which is why they can be the first place to show your age. As a dermatologist, the first place I see sun-induced changes is on the back of the hands and the face,” Dr Reid explains.
In addition to the rest of our body, the skin on our hands tends to suffer most during the winter months, as cooler temperatures and artificial heat bring on excessive dryness. Dr Reid attributes this to winter’s low humidity, as well as our tendency to overheat during winter, as we sit up close to the heater, stand in long, hot showers, or leave the electric blanket on overnight. All those things that overheat the skin tend to dry it out,” says Dr Reid.
One of the best ways to combat the scaly-looking hands poking out beneath your winter layers is by regularly applying hand cream and other moisture-rich products. And while it’s important to know the difference between different types of moisturisers – humectants attract moisture to the skin, while emollients create a layer of moisture on skin, locking it in – it’s more important to find the one that works for you. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive, says Dr Reid.
Here are some new products for protecting hands in winter:
L’Occitane En Provence Honey Hand Crème
This limited-edition hand cream utilises soothing shea butter to protect and nourish hands. The perfect size for your handbag, the shea butter is produced by women in Burkina Faso as part of the L’Occitane Sustainable and Fair Trade partnership.
Free of petroleum, SLS and parabens, this 98 per cent natural hand and elbow cream smoothes and softens the skin. The pleasantly scented cream utilises melons, jojoba, sweet almond oil and, of course, carrots, to moisturise and firm.
Almond Milk & Beeswax Hand Crème
This 98 per cent natural hand cream contains sweet almond oil, beeswax and aloe to moisturise skin, leaving it soft and supple. With a beautiful almond fragrance, it smells just as good as it looks.
Great for removing dead skin cells, this Apricot Kernel Scrub contains tea tree oil, apricot kernels and pumice for exfoliation. Providing a thorough cleanse, it is ideal for use before a manicure (or pedicure, for that matter!).
The perfect preventative measure, this broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen protects hands from sun damage and prevents age spots and pigmentation. The ideal product to protect skin from the premature ageing we talked about earlier!
If hand creams aren’t your thing, this cloth mask can provide a luxurious experience in a different way. Enhanced with matrixyl 3000, it smoothes away the look of lines and age marks so hands appear softer, brighter and more even toned.
Priced at just $2.99, Lacura Complete Hand Cream is formulated to strengthen nails and soften cuticles as well as moisturise the skin. Containing keratin to prevent nails chipping and vitamin E to nourish skin, it is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave a filmy residue.
For a full list of brands with great hand care products, go to the .