If there was a prize for the hardest working part of the body, then your hands would win, err…hands down. When looking at the hands, they usually give the game away when it comes to age. This is down to the fact that they are exposed to the elements on a daily basis, including chemicals, smoke, extreme temperatures and UV radiation. They also produce less collagen the older you get, especially around the time of the menopause. Causing fine lines and wrinkles to become more prominent and the skin to thin out. The Fountain of Youth is sadly, still undiscovered and as a natural process, ageing cannot be stopped. It can, however, be slowed down and the appearance of the skin much improved. Follow Pevonia’s Handy tips for soft, youthful, happy hands…
Glove Up
Whether you’re a keen gardener or avid spring cleaner, wearing gloves really is essential when it comes to protecting the delicate skin on your hands. Avoiding contact from the chemicals found in household cleaning products will stop reactions, areas of dryness and chemical burns. When in the garden, wear a thicker glove to avoid scratches, thorns and sharp stones breaking the skin and causing infections. It’s surprising what materials can work their way through a pair of gloves.
Gently Does It
Only use mild soap and handwash when washing your hands and always look for natural, responsibly sourced ingredients. Avoid exposure to extremely hot water and when it comes to drying them, gently pat the skin rather than rubbing with a towel and try to apply hand creams soon after washing. Slightly damp skin will help to seal in the moisture.
Exfoliate your hands? Yes, and try and do this at least once a week. Gentle exfoliation will help the skin to look fresh and glowing by removing dry, dead and dull skin. But make sure to do this very gently as the skin on the back of your hands is particularly thin.
Use Sunscreen
Especially on your hands as they are always overlooked when it comes to SPF protection, even in the cold weather, they will still be exposed to the sun. Age spots are most commonly found on the hands and are caused by frequent exposure to the sun and UV light. Using a SPF of 30+ is the best form of protection and use one which has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. Pevonia's Hydrating Sunscreen Board Spectrum SPF40 provides immediate protection with a greaseless emulsion from UVA, UVB and infra-red rays.
Moisturise
Moisturising is essential for healthy hands as they are washed many times throughout the day, leaving them dry and cracked. Using a gentle but deeply nourishing cream or oil, massage your hands gently all the way up to your fingertips, then down to the palm of your hand, then moving to the back of the hand in small circular motions. To make sure you don’t forget to moisturise, keep a hand cream by the sink in the kitchen, bathroom and in your bag or car. Pevonia’s Collagen Hand Cream Effectively caring for this fragile zone, this high performing Hand Cream is mindfully formulated with proven effective active ingredients and a fluffy, light, non-greasy texture to ensure it appeals to all. It is sure to entice with its delicately uplifting aroma and works to quickly repair, protect, deeply moisturise, and rejuvenate with immediate and long-term results.
