We all get older. There’s no way around it, and there’s not much we can do about it.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t take simple steps to reduce the visible signs of aging and delay the aging process a little bit.
One of the first places you might notice some visible signs of aging is on your hands.
It’s not just about function – it’s also about appearance.
Hands do so much for us, and people notice them almost as much as our face, so we want to keep them looking and feeling healthy as long as we can.
Dry Skin and Nails
Dry and scaly skin on your hands can make them look older and less healthy. It can also be uncomfortable and irritating.
While it might seem like dry skin and brittle nails should be rinsed or soaked to add back hydration, this can do more damage.
Skin is hydrated from the inside out, so drink more water.
When washing your hands, you strip off the protective oils that hold the moisture in. Moisturizing lotions replace and repair that skin barrier and prevent your hands from drying out.
Keep a non-irritating hand lotion by your sink and moisturize after washing your hands.
Wrinkles and Age Spots
As we age, the skin on our hands becomes thinner and less elastic. This contributes to wrinkles and creases on our face and hands.
In addition to the many terrible health consequences, Cigarette smoking, also harms your skin. Quitting smoking can help improve the coloration and elasticity of your skin, lessening wrinkles and, of course, uplifting your overall health.
UV exposure is also a significant contributor to collagen loss and skin damage. Age spots – blotches of discoloration – are primarily caused by a lifetime accumulation of sun damage.
Use sunscreen every time you are out in the sun for any length of time, even in the winter, and fully cover your hands.
Protruding Veins
With thinner skin and less elasticity, veins become more prominent on the back of our hands.
Exercise, quality sleep, and a nutritious diet can improve your circulation and help your blood pressure.
Maintaining a healthy body weight – not overweight but also not too skinny – may also help reduce the prominence of veins on your hands.
While getting older is unavoidable, maintaining your overall health will help you age well. Almost always, looking healthy means being healthy.
Take care of your hands by taking care of your whole body.
You might not be able to do all the things you used to do, but you always have the opportunity to bring more health and happiness into your life.
