How To Get Younger-Looking Hands

Moisturizing isn't the only skin-care routine you need.

This article was written by Aly Walansky and repurposed with permission from Daily Makeover.

True story: Hands show a person’s age more than any other part of the body, due largely to the fact that people frequently wash and strip them of natural oils, says Revision Skincare expert Emily Velez. Hands also end up with more sun damage due to constant exposure, and washing them throughout the day makes consistent protection difficult. Finally, the hands tend to lose fat and volume as you age, which leads them to have a bony and veiny appearance. Treat them to some TLC for a healthy, younger-looking complexion.

Always Wear Sunscreen
Hands get extra sun exposure from their position on the steering wheel when you’re driving your car—the backs of your hands get all the sun’s damaging rays right through the windshield, says board-certified dermatologist David Bank, M.D. Use a higher SPF sunscreen on the backs of your hands when you know they’ll be exposed for long periods of time, just as you would on the rest of your body.

Wash Your Hands Gently
When you wash your hands, use the mildest anti-bacterial cleanser you can find to prevent them from drying out too much (which can cause your hands to look older faster), says Bank. Also, be sure to wear gloves when washing dishes or bathing your children (or pets!)—hot water really dries out skin.

Keep Moisturizers Close By
“It’s a great idea to keep moisturizers by your sink,” says Charlene Deegan-Calello, director of research and development at Borghese Cosmetics and Skincare. Apply moisturizer to still-damp hands after washing to minimize moisture loss, especially in the colder months. Don’t forget your cuticles, either—they’re subject to drying and cracking, so be certain to take a moment to massage them with moisturizer, too.