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The hands are the first part of the body to show signs of aging. The skin loses its elasticity, which results in saggy and wrinkled skin as well as age spots and broken blood vessels. Although you can’t completely reverse the signs of aging, you can help minimize them.
Some tricks will help you improve your skin’s appearance. One of the recommended tricks to get youthful skin is with the help of supplements like the ones you can find on BestInSupplements. However, consider these tactics to help your hands look younger:
1. Moisturize
One of the easiest things you can do to make your hands look younger is moisturizing. If your hands are dry, they’ll crack and look older than they are—not what you want if you’re trying to reverse time. We recommend applying a thick lotion or cream twice a day, morning and night.
Use a moisturizer with an SPF when you’re outside. Sunlight degrades collagen and elastin in the skin, so it will age faster than it would otherwise. You may also be able to find specialty creams that promise wrinkle-reducing or other age-defying properties—you don’t need them, but they might be helpful for some people.
2. Wear Sunscreen
Sunlight causes most premature aging, and it’s especially hard on your hands. Protect them with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you’re outside for more than a few minutes. When using sunscreen, apply it under your fingernails as well; if you have darker skin, look for tinted versions.
Suppose you live in an area where it gets cold during wintertime; consider switching to a cream version of sunscreen that won’t run as much when your hands get wet from frequent hand washing.
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3. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is bad for many parts of your body, but smoking tobacco products damages blood vessels and can lead to dark spots on your hands. These spots don’t go away once you quit smoking—and they could become permanent if you don’t stop before significant damage has been done. Quitting isn’t easy (though there are some great apps that can help), but making an effort to quit will pay off in more ways than one. Not only will it make your hands look younger, but quitting smoking also reduces your risk of heart disease and lung cancer. For extra motivation, ask yourself how long you want to be around to enjoy looking at younger-looking hands.
Smoking dehydrates the skin, which is already prone to wrinkles and creases. Nicotine also irritates skin cells, preventing them from replenishing collagen, making skin sag and form lines. Smoke cigarettes regularly? Cut back or quit now if you want your hands to look younger.
4. Take a Multivitamin
Though we don’t fully understand all of it, scientists do know that antioxidants can help stop oxidative stress in its tracks. Eating well is a significant first step, but start taking a multivitamin every day if you want to give your hands some serious anti-aging help.
For best results, choose one with no iron or calcium. They are less absorbable than other vitamins and minerals in multivitamins. Vitamins E and C are very effective at slowing aging. If not, ask your doctor for advice on which ones are right for you.
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5. Massage Your Hands Regularly
Staying hydrated is key for younger-looking hands. Dry, scaly skin is prone to cracking and flaking, making it look even older. Give your hands a good rub every night with lotion or thick body butter—your hands will thank you in the morning.
Consider investing in a professional hand massage once or twice a month if you feel like splurging. It’s certainly more enjoyable than a foot massage.
6. Stop Overusing Your Hands
We all use our hands throughout our days, but if you’re noticing wrinkles around your fingertips or knuckles, you may be putting too much pressure on them. Try to reduce stress and avoid activities that cause pain or fatigue in your hands. It would be best to opt for wrinkle-reducing lotions and moisturizers that contain collagen, glycerin, and other hydrating elements. Even just a few minutes of light hand exercises every day can make a huge difference over time.
7. Eat Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids Food
Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel are all high in Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to making your hands look younger, Omega-3s also promote heart health. Other foods that contain a high concentration of Omega-3s include pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Regardless of how you eat them—coldwater fish is always preferred. These essential fatty acids can help prevent heart disease, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions common in seniors. Oily fish is one of nature’s richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids; grass-fed beef is another excellent source.
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8. Take Treatment Yourself (ex. microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing)
Skin resurfacing procedures remove dead skin cells, giving your hands a more youthful appearance. Some of these procedures can be done in-office by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Others are performed as outpatient procedures in a doctor’s office. The length of recovery time depends on what method you choose and how well your body responds, but you may have some mild redness and swelling after treatment.
The good thing, before any treatment or solution to your skin, the doctor will run some tests. That ensures the doctor will recommend a solution to your skin based on the results of the tests. Some skin may not require some treatments like laser resurfacing.
Conclusion
Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that there is no real fountain of youth. They’ll also tell you that some supplements are effective while others are often a little overhyped. While collagen does play an essential role in keeping your skin looking smooth and attractive, most products claiming to be collagen-boosting are more hype than helpful. One good thing about vital supplements is that they give users a jolt of moisture, making skin appear healthier and smoother. Consider these solutions listed above to get wrinkles under control and keep hands looking young for longer.
