When it comes to aging, the hands are one of the areas that show it the most. From age spots to wrinkles, our hands can give away our age or make us appear older than we actually are.

However, there are habits we can develop and maintain to help us have youthful and healthy-looking hands. Here are some of those habits:.

Avoiding sun exposure

Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage, including the skin on our hands. When the skin becomes damaged, it loses its elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging.

Over time, sun damage can also cause age spots, which appear as brown or dark patches on the skin. To avoid sun damage, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your hands every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Wearing gloves or using an umbrella can also help to protect your hands from the sun’s harmful rays.

Moisturizing

Dry hands can make your skin look older and can cause cracks, which can lead to infections. Keeping your hands moisturized helps prevent dryness and keeps your skin looking smooth and youthful.

Regularly applying hand cream or lotion can help to lock in moisture and prevent your hands from becoming dry. It’s especially important to moisturize your hands after washing them, as soap can be drying to the skin. Look for hand creams or lotions that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or glycerin.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating your hands helps to remove dead skin cells, which can improve the texture and appearance of your skin. You can use a gentle scrub or a pair of exfoliating gloves to exfoliate your hands.

Make sure to scrub gently, as excessive scrubbing can damage the skin. Exfoliating your hands once a week can help keep them looking youthful and smooth.

Wearing gloves

Wearing gloves can help protect your hands from the elements. Gloves can keep your hands warm during cold weather, which can prevent dryness and cracking. Gloves can also protect your hands from harsh chemicals, which can cause skin irritation and damage.

When washing dishes, cleaning, or using any chemicals or detergents, always wear gloves to protect your hands from the damaging effects of these substances.

Staying hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and it can also benefit the appearance of your hands. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin hydrated and plump, which can make it look more youthful and less wrinkled.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help keep your skin, including the skin on your hands, looking healthy and youthful.

Exercising

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall health, and it can also benefit the appearance of your hands. Exercise increases blood flow and helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin, which can improve its appearance.

Certain hand exercises, such as squeezing a stress ball or doing finger stretches, can also help to strengthen the muscles in your hands and keep them looking youthful and healthy.

Eating a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is another essential habit for maintaining overall health and keeping your hands looking youthful. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides your body with the nutrients it needs to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, strawberries, and spinach, can help to protect your skin from free radical damage and prevent premature aging.

Getting enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health, and it can also benefit the appearance of your hands. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, which can break down collagen and lead to wrinkles.

Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep a night to help keep your skin, including the skin on your hands, looking youthful and healthy.

Reducing stress

Stress can cause a multitude of health problems, including premature aging. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can break down collagen and cause wrinkles.

To reduce stress, try practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Taking breaks throughout the day to do something you enjoy, such as reading or taking a walk, can also help to reduce stress and keep your hands looking youthful.

Conclusion

With these habits, having youthful hands is possible. Taking good care of your hands is essential for keeping them looking youthful, healthy, and beautiful.

These habits are easy to develop and maintain and can make a big difference in the appearance of your hands over time. Remember, youthful hands are possible by practicing these simple yet effective habits for healthy skin.