Our hands are exposed to the elements almost as much as our faces, yet tend to receive less TLC. Therefore our hands can end up aging faster than the face without the right attention. Here are some steps you can take to keep your hands in tip top condition:
Manicures:
Having regular manicures gives hands a put together, polished look (pun intended!). A well groomed appearance can be achieved either at the salon or at home. Either way you will also receive the benefits of carving out some time to practice self care. Click here to read my 10 steps for a DIY manicure.
Exfoliation:
Just like your face, your hands also benefit from regular exfoliation. Alpha hydroxy acids
(AHAs) encourage the turn over of skin cells which naturally slows down as we age. Shedding the top layer of skin cells reveals fresh new ones underneath to give a younger, fresher appearance. I love giving nature a little help! The same exfoliating pads designed for facial use can also be used on the backs of your hands. Pictured are Pixi’s Glow Peel Pads. Sun protection is a must when using acids as they sentisize skin to UV rays. This brings us to the next step…
Sunscreen:
Our hands are exposed to the sun’s rays on an almost daily basis (unless you live somewhere really cold!). When applying your daily facial spf remember the backs of your hands too to protect them from sun damage and the associated premature aging. I try to use a minimum spf of 30. Pictured above is The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants.
Retinol:
Why restrict retinol’s anti-aging benefits to your face? Retinol stimulates collagen production which can help your hands to look youthful for longer. Try to make adding retionol to the backs of your hands a part of your night time routine (I would recommend doing this on alternating nights to those which you exfoliate if you have sensitive skin). Pictured L-R: Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift +Retinol, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane and Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream.
Cuticle & Nail Care:
Regularly applying a rich oil or salve will keep cuticles soft and supple and extend the life of your manicure. Pictured above L-R: Soap and Glory Melty Talented Dry Skin Balm, Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner.
Hand Lotion:
Regular application of lotion wards off dryness and keeps hands smooth and supple. Pictured L-R: The Chemistry Brand’s Hand Chemistry and Soap and Glory’s Hand Food. Both of these lotions smell delicious and leave hands super soft.
What’s your favourite way to pamper your hands?
Details:
Pixi Glow Peel Pads, Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and Soap and Glory Hand food are available from www.boots.com
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid in Squalane and The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemistry are available from www.fabled.com
CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner is available from www.amazon.co.uk
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift +Retinol, Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream and Smith and Cult Nail Polish are available from SpaceNK. New customers can receive £10 off a £40 spend by using this link: www.spacenk.com
Makeeverydayluxe.com is affiliated with Boots, Feelunique and SpaceNK.
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