Driving relieves my mom of stress. I remember her wearing white cloth gloves while at the wheel, saying it was her way of protecting her hands from the sun.
Now I understand the source of my vanity. But seriously, I believe my mom was just being practical. Now let’s expand this train of thought.
We buy moisturizers, eye creams, exfoliants and other products, applying them on our face and body at night. Our skin needs tender, loving care if we want it to stay youthful and healthy.
But what about our hands?
I think it’s useless if we take care of our face and neck, but neglect our hands. We may have stretched, taut skin on our face that makes us look 10 years younger, but wrinkled hands spoil everything.
Sunspots
If you’re prone to sunspots on your face, don’t ignore your hands. Since I’m fair-skinned I try to use SPF every day, always remembering to dollop on my hands, too. I don’t necessarily think you have to buy sunscreen specifically for the hands (although you can, if you’re very particular).
Sun exposure leads to collagen damage that thins the skin, creating a crumpled paper appearance. Aside from sunscreen, a dermatologist can give you a prescription for retinoid creams that will enhance the texture of your hands.
Hand creams
If you’re on the heavy side, your hands look younger. Losing weight will make veins more visible. But there are quick solutions, like fillers. I’m sure your dermatologist can prescribe creams that will handle the plumpness, too.
I know mature women who’ve gotten their hands injected and the results are visible. Still the best thing to do is consult a doctor. I’m sure they have stronger lotions than over-the-counter products, so might as well get the best since time is of the essence in this case.
Dry hands
But too much washing and spraying hand sanitizer will dry your hands. It’s important to always have hand lotion in your purse.
My go-to is L’Occitane intense hand cream. Formulated with a high concentration of 25 percent shea butter to provide intense nourishing care, it forms a protective film on dry or uncomfortable skin suffering from environmental aggressions (cold weather, air-conditioning).
With its ultra-rich texture, this balm melts into the hands and nails from the moment it is applied and massaged in. Enriched with allantoin, it helps to immediately soothe the skin, bringing comfort and softness.
Used daily, it helps protect the hands from dryness. There is really no excuse not to have this. It is handy and L’Occitane is easy to find. I get mine at the Power Plant Mall or Rustan’s.
Nails
In the ’90s the French tip was born. And in 2017 it should be buried.
Brutal as it sounds, the style of your polish, even the shape of your nails, can make your look dated. And if you think it’s important to go to the salon and have your nails done, I presume it’s also vital to keep abreast with nail trends.
I will not have printed manicures done; just one color is fine with me, but I also ask about new shades.
I occasionally like buying polish from Chanel because it stays shiny and doesn’t chip fast. It also comes out with amazing colors for the season.
So, check it out.