Give your hand a helping hand

Your hands are one of the first areas your body that shows premature signs of skin ageing due to relentless use, washing and exposure to all kinds of weather. The hands begin to show neglect and ageing earlier than most other parts of the body because the skin on the back of the hands is thin and has few oil glands.

The thin skin on your hands can develop wrinkles, dark spots, loss of volume, and even dullness due to exposure to all sorts of germs, dirt, harsh substances, sunlight which play havoc on the skin, making it rough and dry. Hands are one of the most neglected areas of our body when it comes to beauty care due to lack of attention, pampering and relaxation.

In fact, there is no need for visiting the salon/image expert for getting a manicure done all the time for pretty, young and soft hands but showing them some extra love by spending 15 minutes every day on good routine and giving your hands a helping hand can keep them away from dryness, cracks and wrinkles. It is very essential to keep the glow and fairness of your hand in sync with your face as hands are part of your body that people notice most after your face.

Our hands are always on display. Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves for your washing chores. Surgical gloves are easily available at a chemist shop. Massage a cream after your washing tasks, working it into the skin. This takes only a few minutes of your time. You should also massage cream on the nails and the skin around the nails too. Massage the hands also at night with a good nourishing cream.

Apply the cream on the back of the hand. This is the area that is prone to early wrinkling. Work down each finger, starting from the tip. Use tiny circular movements on the joints of the fingers. Massage the back of the hand, using strokes moving from the fingers towards the wrist.

Bath time is appropriate to pamper the hands and supply them with the oils and moisture they need. In fact, applying body lotions and creams soon after bathing, while the skin is still damp, helps to seal in moisture. Before your bath, apply sesame seed (til) oil, or pure almond oil on the hands and massage it into the skin. This helps to soften the skin also removes tan over a period of time. It also protects the hands from the drying effects of soap and chlorinated water.

If the hands are dry, use a soap-free shower gel for bathing or you can use a mild glycerin soap. For extreme dryness, it is better to avoid soap. Oil massage and wiping with a moist towel can help to cleanse the skin adequately.