Hands up! Products you’ll want to get your hands on Here, dermatologist and founder of Dermatology M, Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji explains the importance of hand care all year round. Discover what to look for in a hand cream, ensuring soft hands, ready to show off that shiny new wedding ring come the big day. “Our hands have unique needs compared to other areas of the body due to their constant use, exposure to external elements, and delicate skin structure,” Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji says. Here are some key differences when considering hand care. FREQUENT EXPOSURE AND USE “Hands are exposed to water, chemicals (soaps, sanitisers, detergents), and environmental factors (sun, wind, cold) more than most body parts. Frequent washing and sanitising strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.” THINNER AND MORE DELICATE SKIN “The skin on the back of the hands is thinner and has fewer sebaceous (oil) glands, making it more prone to dryness, wrinkles, and damage. The palms, meanwhile, have thicker, tougher skin but lack sebaceous glands, making them reliant on external moisture sources.” HIGH RISK OF AGEING AND DAMAGE “Hands show signs of ageing faster because of constant sun exposure and reduced collagen production. Sunspots, wrinkles, and thinning skin are common without proper protection.” NEED FOR SPECIAL MOISTURISATION “Unlike other areas, hands require a balance of hydration and protection. Heavy-duty hand creams containing mineraloids like Vaseline aren’t recommended, as they act as heavy occlusive agents without stimulating the skin’s natural oil production. Instead, an effective hand cream should support the skin’s ability to maintain its own moisture balance. “The best hand creams contain natural, nourishing oils such as shea butter and cocoa butter, which serve as a natural barrier to prevent excessive water loss from the skin. Additionally, ingredients that stimulate ceramide production are essential for long term hydration and lasting skin health.” IMPORTANCE OF SUN PROTECTION “Most people apply sunscreen to their face but forget their hands, leading to premature ageing and pigmentation. Daily SPF application is essential to prevent sun damage during periods of high sun exposure.” unsplash.com@curatedlifestyle WHY DO OUR HANDS AGE FASTER? “The skin on the hands is thinner, has far fewer sebaceous glands and is constantly exposed to UV light, detergents, and environmental stress. Over time, collagen and elastin breaks down faster, and the lipid barrier weakens. At a cellular level, fibroblasts produce less collagen and hyaluronic acid, keratinocyte turnover slows, and oxidative stress from UV light accelerates pigment change and loss of elasticity.” What habits can make the biggest difference with hand care? Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji Tells us more. Wear... gloves for washing and cleaning. Apply... hand cream immediately after handwashing and before bed. Use... SPF daily on the backs of hands. Protect... from cold and wind by wearing gloves in winter. These small, consistent steps maintain the skin barrier, hydration, and even tone better than any occasional treatment. 72
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