JOY-CAFE.COM :: Beauty & Scents

YOUNGER LOOKING HANDS

Because your hands can show the telltale signs of aging and sun damage, give them the same
attention you give your face. Here's what you can do to keep your hands looking their best:

1. Banish brown spots. Chances are there are more freckles and spots on the backs of your
hands and arms than on their undersides. This is because these spots are a sign of sun
damage. Although they're commonly called "liver spots," it's not fair to blame your poor innocent
liver! For some spots a dermatologist might typically use a laser or liquid nitrogen spray, which
freezes them off. If there are many spots, a light chemical peel can remove the surface sun
damage.

2. Remember to wear sunscreen on your hands — UV rays can be strong on a clear day, even
when it's freezing outside.

3. Plump up thin skin. As time goes by, we lose collagen and fat in our hands, so our skin gets
thinner. As a result, hands look bony and veins become more prominent. Look for a hand
cream with retinol to help support the collagen in your skin. Try Sally Hansen Age Correct
Retinol Hand Cream. Because thin skin also bruises more easily, be sure you're eating fruits
and veggies with vitamin C, which helps strengthen blood vessels. Also, a plastic surgeon can
inject your own fat into your hands to help camouflage the veins and bones.

4. Remove rough patches. While hand sanitizer kills germs, it contains a high concentration of
alcohol, which can dry out your hands. Keep hands soft and smooth by reapplying hand cream
throughout the day. Choose a cream with glycerin (to soften) and urea (to remove dead skin),
such as Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Creme. Be on the lookout for scaly bumps that
don't heal — they could be a type of precancerous growth called actinic keratosis. Any non-
healing growths should be examined by a doctor.

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