These days, hands reveal a person’s true age. Penny Jenkinson outlines how to put your best hand forward.
Hands begin to age fairly soon, often between the ages of 30 and 40. Patches of hyperpigmentation (dark) appear. The skin becomes dehydrated and starts to wither. Between the ages of 40 to 50, the dark marks grow and solar keratoses (rough sun spots) are visible. Hypopigmentation (white spots) will also begin to appear. Between 50 and 70, in parallel with a decline in sex hormone production (more gradual in men than women), signs of atrophy (thinning) in the epidermis, subcutaneous fatty tissue, muscle and bone start to appear. Rheumatic disorders often develop, deforming joints. Veins, that have become more sinuous, stand out through the thinned epidermis. Fragile capillaries easily cause bruising, friction wounds are more frequent as the epidermis is not held as tightly to the dermis.
Although we can’t stop the ageing process, we can certainly delay it by leading a healthy life style, ensuring that our diet contains vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids; keeping out of the sun and maintaining good estrogen and progesterone levels.
So how can we repair our damaged hands? A variety of treatment modalities are available. Freezing and fat fills can be considered. Chemicals Peels, IPL and needling are ideal for smooth flat sun spots, rough and dehydrated skin. After completing a course of three to four treatments, the skin quality is better, stronger and well hydrated. Applying topical active products and sunscreen will complement these treatments. A course of treatments should be done annually as maintenance.
Be proud to show off hands that look as young as your face!
Recommended products:
Skin Tech: DHEA Cream , Atrofillin Cream
Zone: Night Cream
Dermastine: Emulsion with Vitamin A
Sun Protection: Heliocare, Bioderma, Avene, Skin Tech
REFERENCE: TEXTBOOK OF CHEMICAL PEELS 2ND EDITION BY DR PHILIPPE DEPREZ
