A helping hand

Keeping your hands soft, smooth and supple requires regular attention.

Hands are one of the first body parts to show signs of aging, such as loss of volume and elasticity, age spots and cracked skin, so protect them from irritants including the sun, water and weather conditions.

Hand care doesn’t have to be a chore. Keep a tube of hand cream handy and use regularly, such as when relaxing in front of the television.

Here are some tips from Metropol:
1. Apply hand cream regularly, several times a day if possible. Look for a formula with emollients, such as glycerine, shea butter, and natural oils.
2. Use vitamin E oil to moisturise your nails and keep cuticles healthy. Apply around your nails nightly before going to bed, or use a cuticle cream.
3. Treat your hands with a mask weekly, to deliver extra hydration, and then follow up with a hand cream to lock in moisture.
4. Exfoliate your hands weekly. Use a hand scrub once a week to buff away the dry, rough skin and then apply your favourite hand cream.
5. Wear gloves for activities such as gardening, and cleaning house.