When you think of excellent skin care, cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising your face is likely what comes to mind.
But while these practices are crucial for a youthful look, other parts of the body are easily overlooked when the sole focus is on your complexion.
This is why areas such as the neck, décolletage, and hands tend to be huge giveaways when it comes to age – you forget that these areas are prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging too.
What makes matters worse is that in some instances, such as the hands, the skin actually ages much faster than on our faces.
“The skin on the hands is thinner and is affected by ageing in the same way as the face,” explained Margaret Dabbs, founder of luxury foot, hand, and leg care company Margaret Dabbs London.
“Oil glands that help to maintain elasticity elsewhere in the body are missing from the skin of the hands, accelerating the signs of ageing.”
She pointed out that constant UV exposure and environmental factors damage collagen, while regular handwashing with harsh soaps makes dehydration worse.
To combat this, the beauty guru recommends combining specialised skin care with cutting-edge technology.
Speaking to skin care enthusiasts, Ms Dabbs stated: “LED light therapy is particularly effective. Red light helps stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation, while near-infrared light works deeper into the dermis to improve elasticity and firm the skin.
LED therapy, strategic skin care, and wearing gloves during the winter are all key
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“With consistent use, skin texture becomes smoother and tone more even.”
Now more accessible than ever, these LED devices have moved from dermatology clinics into our homes.
According to the expert, just 10 minutes several times weekly can noticeably reduce fine lines and improve pigmentation.
Beyond this technology, carefully selected hand care ingredients can also make a major difference.
For Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji, dermatologist and founder of Dermatology M, your go-to products should contain specific components.
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‘The skin on the hands is thinner and is affected by ageing in the same way as the face’
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PA“Look for humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid, emollients such as shea butter or cocoa butter, and antioxidants including vitamin E, lily bulb extract, and rose extract,” he advised.
These ingredients work together to “help even tone and strengthen the barrier”, he confirmed.
He’s particularly keen on bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol, in severe cases where you want to get rid of hand blemishes.
Sun protection is also key, so when you’re slathering your face with SPF, always pay the same attention to your hands.
For Dr Al-Khafaji, the best course is daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30-50. “A light, non-greasy formula applied each morning and after hand-washing is usually enough,” he said.
Skin care guru Ms Dabbs recommends treating your hands like you would your face, explaining: “Daily use of a good-quality, hydrating hand wash and repair cream will help to minimise moisture loss through the skin of the hands, enhance skin firmness, improve elasticity, and boost collagen production.”
Dr Al-Khafaji agrees that regular care beats occasional treatments. “Wear gloves for washing and cleaning, and apply hand cream immediately after hand-washing and before bed,” he suggested.
As temperatures plummet over the coming months, you’ll also want to protect your hands from the cold weather with gloves.
“Hands are often neglected, but they deserve the same attention as the face,” Ms Dabbs concluded.