If you’re like most of us, you’re probably taking measures to maintain your youthful appearance. Maybe you have a strict gym regimen, avoid too much sun exposure, and you’re sure to always stay well hydrated.
But unfortunately, all those efforts could go to waste if you’re not taking care of your hands. Often overlooked, our hands may actually be the ones spilling the beans about our age.
Believe it or not, hands display the very first signs of aging – often even sooner than the face. There is very little fat on the backs of the hands, so when even a small amount of collagen or elastin fibers begin to break down (part of the normal aging process), it has a particularly noticeable effect. The result is wrinkly, crepe-like skin texture and the appearance of bulging veins. Luckily, there are several measures you can take to reduce the appearance of your aged hands:
Product treatments
There are several simple ways you can begin combatting the aging process today, using everyday products:
Moisturizer
Your hands are more exposed to the elements than any other part of your body and subsequently need the most moisture. Not to mention, frequent washing depletes skin’s protective oil mantle. Therefore, the first line of defense against aging in your hands is to keep them moisturized. Use a product that contains shea butter, macadamia nut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, or glycerin – and apply it when the skin is slightly damp after a shower, bath, or washing your hands.
Sunscreen
It’s no secret that sun exposure is to blame for many early signs of aging. If you’re going to be spending any time in the sun, make sure to coat your hands with a good sunscreen several times a day. Among the most protective products are sunscreens containing Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), and Helioplex. Both offer long-lasting protection from UVA and UVB rays responsible for brown spots and wrinkling.
Anti-Aging Cream
Another solution to reversing the signs of aging hands is anti-aging creams – which contain growth factors derived from plants. This innovative technology stimulates the production of collagen in your skin and leaves it looking smoother and refreshed. While these won’t yield the same results as a cosmetic treatment, daily use will greatly improve your hands’ appearance.
Professional treatments
Perhaps the most effective form of treating aged hands is to take advantage of cosmetic treatment options. Some of the most exciting new anti-aging advances in face and neck care are turning out to be amazing treatments for hands. These include:
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Another effective treatment is Laser Skin Resurfacing, which is used to treat sun-damaged skin, age spots, and discoloration. The laser emits a specialized beam of light that passes through the skin at varying depths. This action ablates (evaporates) very fine layers of skin, diminishing the look of the wrinkles and other unwanted textures on the hands. Older, aged collagen is then remodeled into newer, fresher skin. As new cells form in the healing process, the skin becomes smoother and softer.
Photorejuvenation
Cole also offers BroadBand Light (BBL) Therapy, which sends tiny pulses of light through the skin’s surface to inspire your body to begin producing its own collagen and elastin, without scarring, redness, or recovery time.
Fillers
Because the skin on the back of the hands is extremely thin, losing even a minimal amount of fat deflates it, and skin no longer has the support structure it needs to look and feel as firm as it used to. That’s why the number one professional hand care treatment to date is medical fillers, those same wrinkle-filling injections used on the face. These are used to add volume, and put back some of the cushions under the skin that has been lost through the years.
Among the most popular fillers are Radiesse, Perlane, and Juvederm.
Don’t let your hands give away your age – take steps to refresh their appearance, and allow yourself to look as young as you feel.
Fall Into Fabulous week is November 17–21st
Also, don’t forget now is your chance to refresh and rejuvenate with our Fall into Fabulous promotion! Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColeAestheticCenter for exclusive offers, discounts, and special deals to help you prepare for the holiday season and look and feel your best.
Ready to say hello to softer, smoother, younger-looking hands? Give us a call to schedule your consultation today!