You may pat yourself on the back for religious dedication to your daily facial skincare regime, but unfortunately, hands are often neglected. They’re constantly exposed to the elements and have to weather lots of daily wear and tear, so if you’re conscious about the look of yours, a little extra TLC and attention will help keep them looking young.
We've rounded up eight easy ways to reverse damage and stop it in its tracks, with the best products for hands and nails.
Take a supplement
Start the process working from the inside and take a supplement designed to strengthen nails and improve the appearance of fine lines on skin. Marine Collagen, Silica, Horsetail and Biotin are ingredients to look out for. Try: re.skin re.vive supplement, MitoQ® Skin Support Complex and Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails+
Switch to liquid soap
We wash our hands so many times a day, with women of young children doing so even more frequently. The process can be incredibly drying, so, where possible, use a nourishing liquid soap that hydrates and nourishes skin as well as cleanses. Try: Linden Leaves Olive Leaf & Cypress Flowing Soap and ECOYA French Pear Hand & Body Wash
Protect
We all know sunscreen is non-negotiable for the face, and because the tops of hands are also always on display, they need the same treatment every day. Use an SPF to protect from the damaging and aging effects of UV rays – pigmentation, redness and wrinkles. Try: Natio Wellness Hand Cream SPF15 and L’OCCITANE Almond Velvet Hands SPF 15
Treat with lotion
Why not choose a multi-tasking hand lotion? Use one with alpha hydroxy acids or exfoliating properties to speed up cell renewal for smooth and soft hands and nails. Try: Nutrimetics Hand & Nail Treatment Créme and La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream
Banish brown spots
Age spots are usually the first sign of aging on hands, with in-clinic laser treatments an excellent option for removing these. If you’re on a budget but serious about blitzing them, using a vitamin C serum designed for the face is an effective way to replicate this process at home. Go one step further and use a microneedle device to infuse the product deeper and improve skin strength and texture. Try: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum and Skinsmiths Derma Roller
Nail care
The bad news is that it’s not just the skin on the tops of hands that age - nails can too, with common symptoms including splitting and deep ridges. Regularly massaging in cuticle oil helps nourish the nail bed and promote strong, healthy nail growth. Ridges can be gently buffed down, then slathered with oil once again. Try: Dr Hauschka Neem Nail and Cuticle Oil and Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab
Add more moisture
The more moisture you can work into your mitts, the better. Soft, plump, hydrated hands look far more youthful than parched, thin and crepey ones. Have more than one tube on the go if you can – one in the car, in your handbag and on your beside table. They’ll replace the moisture that’s stripped from skin due to cold weather, hand sanitiser, detergents and harsh cleaning products. Try: Nivea 3-in-1 Anti-Age Hand Cream and kōtia Revitalising Hand & Nail Cream
Get a manicure
When in doubt, opt for a chic mani. A neutral, modern shade on neatly shaped nails will always look well-groomed and sophisticated, no matter the condition of your hands. Bright hues will attract attention, so try creams, soft nudes and greys, always remembering to apply a base coat first. Try: O.P.I Always Bare For You Sheers Collection and DB Cosmetics Quick Colour Nail Polish
This article originally appeared on beautyheaven.
Words: Amy Houlihan
