Hand Care

Believe it or not, your hands say a lot about you, how well you take care of yourself, or even how old you are. In fact, your hands are the first part of you that show age! Did you know that some savvy people will look at your hands and mentally try to guess your age?

Every day, you use your hands and they become exposed to more than you can probably imagine. With sun exposure and dry air, they take a beating. Chipped nail polish and chapped hands are common problems that are easily fixed. With proper care, they can help make our overall appearance simply stunning.

Caring for Dry Hands

Dry hands are caused by many things. Excessive washing, hot water, or the dry winter air. Here are some tips to keep them soft and younger-looking:

• The top of your hands dry out quicker. If you wash often, focus on your palms.
• Keep a bottle of lotion by the sink and use it after you wash your hands. Apply it while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
• Wear rubber gloves when you wash the dishes to reduce exposure to harsh soap and hot water.
• Strong or perfumed soap has a tendency to irritate skin. Stick with mild, moisturizing soap, particularly in the dry winter months.
• For emergencies, coat your hands with petroleum jelly, vegetable or mineral oil. Put on some gloves and wear them overnight.
• Turn down the heat and take cooler showers and baths to reduce dry skin and the itch that often goes with it.
• When drying your hands, blot them. Don't rub.

Aging

The best way to slow down the aging process is prevention. The sun plays a large role in wrinkles and your hands are most vulnerable since they're more likely to be exposed. It doesn't matter how old you are, the sooner you begin protecting your hands, the better.

• Care for your hands as you do your face.
• Wear sunscreen to protect you hands from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Look for waterproof formulas.
• When your working or gardening, always wear gloves to avoid dirt and chemicals. This also helps prevent blisters.
• Dry hands age faster so keep them moisturized.
• Apply aging cream or treatment before you go to bed at night.

Rings

There's nothing like the perfect ring! You may be surprised to learn that different styles flatter different people. If you have long, bony fingers, oval and round settings will complement your hands. Wearing a wider band will add some bulk will make your fingers appear less thin.

Rings that are oval or marquise shaped tend to flatter short fingers. However, if it extends past your knuckle, it will only make your fingers look stubby.

The most common size is standard. If you have large hands, small rings will make them appear larger yet. Keep in mind that the reverse is also true. Large rings will overpower small hands.

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This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Consult your dermatologist before beginning any skin care regimen. Use these tips at your own risk.