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Along these lines, a second element that can age your hands quickly is constantly washing them — a practice that amped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kopelman tells Glam that even though washing is vital for hygiene purposes, it’s important to avoid harsh soaps or washing too much, as this can result in dehydration or even a compromised skin barrier. If you’re washing your hands more frequently than the average person — maybe if your occupation requires it or you’re immunocompromised — be sure to balance it with extra nourishing products in your hand-care routine.
“Additionally, incorporating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants can help keep the skin hydrated and protected from environmental damage,” Dr. Kopelman adds. Along with regularly moisturizing with products containing these ingredients, the dermatologist recommends exfoliating your hands one or two times a week to shed dead skin cells. The Bella & Bear Very Cherry Hand Scrub is a highly rated vegan option, while the Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub is designed for the entire body.
Exposing your hands to the sun and other harsh sources will age your hands
The sun is essential for giving us nutrients like vitamin D, but unfortunately, those ultraviolet (UV) rays can wreak havoc if we’re not careful. Along with potentially causing cancer, UV rays can lead to eye and skin damage, making them “another significant culprit [of aging],” as Dr. Hannah Kopelman says. “Many people are diligent about applying sunscreen to their face but forget to protect their hands, which leads to the development of sunspots, fine lines, and skin thinning.” To counteract this, the dermatologist recommends wearing SPF on your hands every day, particularly when doing activities where you’re vulnerable to the sun, such as driving. Of course, it’s essential to wear SPF on exposed skin when spending time outdoors, especially during those summer beach days when the sun is at its strongest. That said, the myth of being able to skip SPF when it’s overcast has been put to bed: You even need SPF when the sun isn’t obviously shining, as cloud cover doesn’t offer sufficient protection from UV rays. You can opt for something hand-specific, like the Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion Sunscreen; otherwise, a regular SPF will do.
It’s also important to protect your hands from other sources of damage, such as household cleaning products containing chemicals. “Additionally, performing household chores without protective gloves, such as washing dishes or cleaning beauty tools, exposes the hands to prolonged contact with water and detergents, further dehydrating the skin and accelerating the aging process,” Dr. Kopelman says in our exclusive chat, advising the use of gloves for everything from washing your beauty brushes to doing the dishes.
