Beauty

5 Bad Habits That Are Aging Your Hands

"There are some fundamental bad habits that you need to fix immediately to prevent your hands from looking older and feeling dry and rough."

Administrator

8 September, 2024

The skin on our hands is one of the most exposed parts of our body and is prone to premature aging. Even if you have a meticulous skincare routine for your face, your hands can still show signs of aging. The following are common mistakes that can lead to dry and aged-looking hands, which should be avoided to keep your hands looking young and healthy:

Using Soap with Strong Detergents

While it may seem that using a strong detergent soap will get your hands cleaner, it can actually strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. These types of soap often have a high pH, which can disrupt the protective barrier of your skin, leading to dryness and even contact dermatitis and premature aging.

Strong detergent soaps can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dry and aged-looking hands.

Over-washing Your Hands

While it is important to maintain good hygiene, overwashing your hands can lead to rough and dry skin. If your job requires frequent handwashing, make sure to moisturize afterward to keep your hands soft and supple.

Frequent Gel Manicures

Gel manicures require curing under a UV light, which can be damaging to the skin. The UV rays can contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you enjoy getting gel manicures, be sure to use sunscreen on your hands and limit your exposure to UV light as much as possible.

UV light from gel manicures can damage the skin and accelerate aging.

Lack of Moisturization

After a long day, your hands need some TLC. Invest in a good hand cream or oil to nourish and protect your skin. Massage a generous amount into your hands before bed to keep them soft and prevent signs of aging. Find a moisturizer that suits your skin type and needs, and don’t forget to include your wrists and cuticles in your moisturizing routine.

Not Using Sunscreen on Your Hands

Just like the rest of your body, your hands are susceptible to sun damage. UV rays can cause dark spots and premature aging. Apply sunscreen to your hands daily, especially if you’re going to be outdoors, to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.

Frequently asked questions

There are several habits that can prematurely age your hands, including: smoking, excessive sun exposure without protection, frequent hand washing without moisturizing, neglecting to wear gloves when doing household chores, and biting your nails and the skin around them.

Smoking narrows the blood vessels in your hands, reducing blood flow and resulting in wrinkled and dry skin. It also stains your fingers and nails with a yellow tint, and can cause thickening and discoloration of the nail beds.

The skin on your hands is delicate and prone to sun damage, which can lead to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. It’s important to apply sunscreen to your hands regularly, and wear protective gloves when exposed to the sun for prolonged periods.

While regular hand washing is important for hygiene, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and roughness. It’s crucial to moisturize your hands after washing to prevent this, and opt for mild, hydrating soaps.

Household cleaning products and chemicals can be harsh on your skin, causing irritation and dryness. Wearing gloves protects your hands from these substances and helps maintain their softness and youthfulness.

Nail-biting is not only a bad habit for your oral health, but it can also affect the appearance of your hands. It can lead to infections and damage to the nail beds, cuticles, and surrounding skin. Biting can also cause teeth marks and tears in the skin, making your hands look older and less well-groomed.