by Donna Cosmato

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2012

The hands have thin skin with minimal fat deposits, just like delicate under eye tissue. As one ages and loses body fat, the skin on the hands begins to wrinkle, and veins become more prominent. Protecting skin from chemicals and exposure to water and sun coupled with daily moisturizing is the best way of keeping hands from aging.

Moisturizer Tips

Moisturizers work by restoring water and oils that have been stripped from skin. Petroleum jelly is the best moisturizer, but many people do not like the greasy feel. Homemade moisturizers are a good way to combine petroleum jelly with other ingredients to decrease greasiness. No matter what moisturizer is used, always apply it to slightly damp skin to increase the hydration of the skin.

Moisturize Daily

Make up a batch of this inexpensive homemade moisturizer and enjoy softer hands almost immediately. This feels greasy when first applied but absorbs quickly. Because it is so cheap and effective, you might want to make up extra batches for gifts. You will need: glycerin, aloe vera gel, petroleum jelly and baby lotion.

1. Put one tablespoon each of the aloe vera gel, petroleum jelly and baby lotion in a small bowl or container. 

2. Mix ingredients until smooth.

3. Add glycerin - two drops at a time - until a smooth cream forms.

Use daily after exposure to water, chemicals or the elements and apply at night before going to bed. Make this in small batches as you need it as it may spoil easily because it does not contain any preservatives.

Protect Your Skin

Rubber gloves shield your hands from hot water and toxic chemicals but may feel bulky and awkward. Try using a pair of medical gloves (latex-free if allergies are a problem) as an alternative. They are comfortable and provide more dexterity. A package of 100 gloves costs about $6.50 or just $0.07 per use. Apply moisturizer prior to donning gloves and benefit from an additional layer of protection.

Group tasks to accomplish as much as possible while wearing the gloves. For instance, do menu prep like chopping vegetables or fruits, wash dishes next (if you do not use a dishwasher), and finish up by cleaning.

Light Up Naturally

Increases in melanin levels in skin causes brown spots, so limit sun exposure and use sunscreen as preventatives. Age spots can be lightened using natural remedies like lemon juice, yogurt, anise seeds, and fruit acids. Here are some good recipes to get you started:

Natural Sunscreen Recipe

Organic Skin Whitening

Soft Hands

Age Spots Recipes

Aging is a natural part of life but does not have to be accompanied by skin spotting, wrinkling, and other signs. Here are three tips to keep in mind:

1. Limit sun and environmental exposures

2. Protect hands

3. Moisturize daily

These are simple, natural ways to have younger looking skin and keep hands from aging. They require no special skill and little or no financial expense.

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