Many people work hard to look younger, but often they neglect their handswho are most exposed to the sun and other harmful elements. How can we properly care for them and, why not, make them look “younger”?

We’ll talk to the doctor about it Maria Antonella SpurioDermatologist in the center Humanitas Medical Care of Monza.

What are the symptoms of skin aging?

The signs of skin aging are diverse. We can name a few.

• dilution. With age, certain changes occur in the two most superficial layers of skin (dermis and epidermis) that make the skin thinner;
• Relaxation. As skin ages, it produces less elastin and collagen, making it more vulnerable to the effects of gravity.
• Fold. The thinning of the skin and the reduction in elastin and collagen make areas of the face, especially the most stressed ones like the eyes and mouth, more prone to wrinkles;
• age spots. Age spots are a result of the increased number of melanocytes that accumulate in certain areas of the skin. Areas exposed to the sun, such as the backs of hands, are particularly prone to this type of stain;
• dryness. The aging process leads to a reduction in the activity of the sebum glands, which can make the skin more susceptible to conditions such as dryness, roughness, and bumps itching;
• Broken capillaries. Capillaries in thinner skin are more likely to break than capillaries in thicker skin.

Why do hands look older?

Dry skin, brittle nails and blemishes are signs of thishand aging. With age, the skin on the hands tends to Lose fat and elasticity, becomes thinner and drier, while the spots caused by sun exposure become larger and darker. Excessive sun exposure is the most important external factor that contributes to the aging of the hands.

What are the causes of aging hands?

L’sun exposureespecially when exaggerated, the most relevant external factor is inhand agingalong with excessive use of alcohol-based sanitizers and frequent hand washing.

As for the internal causes, these are mainly due to genetic factors, although in women even the drop in estrogen associated with menopause can have other causes loss of collagen.

At what age do hands start to look older?

In general, the first signs of aging appear on the hands about 40 years old.

How to prevent aging hands?

In order to protect our hands and thus prevent aging, we must follow a few rules.

1. Moisturize the skin. Don’t let your hands get dry and make sure you use one regularly moisturizerespecially in colder weather, as the skin dries out faster;
2. Definitely adopt Measures to protect skin and nailsespecially in activities such as gardening or when using aggressive soaps and chemicals, but also in bad weather;
3. Integrate a peeling in your beauty routine; it is not only useful for the face and body, but can also be very effective for the hands;
4. Always wear the sun protection because it prevents the signs of aging;
5. Follow one nutritious diet to ensure the health of the skin and nails; Vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for this.

How to improve the appearance of hands?

Hands are exposed to the elements and age faster than other parts of the body. Luckily there is treatments which help to give the hands a more youthful appearance.

Brightening creams and lotions, chemical peels And laser treatments All of these are effective ways to reduce the appearance of age spots.

Thin, bony hands can be padded with it filler injections or fat or with treatments to increase collagen production and tighten the skin.

Taking vitamins, staying hydrated and using sunscreen are essential to fighting the signs of aging.

Younger hands: expert advice

Be sure to use a mild detergent frequent hand washing and replenishing the skin’s natural protective film with moisturizing creams that also act as a barrier.

These creams may contain:

• ceramides
• urea
• hyaluronic acid
• collagen

There sun protection must be applied regularly throughout the day. Some creams may also contain antioxidants, such as Vitamins C And ANDand natural ingredients that help prevent premature skin aging.

However, care is required age appropriate, habits and work activity of the person. If there are signs of aging such as stains, atrophychange in elasticity or exposedTreatments are available such as brightening – kojic acid, ascorbic acid or carbolic acid – and outpatient treatments – such as peelingtransplant from hyaluronic acidbiorevitalizing e Laser – what needs to be discussed with a professional.