Tips For Busy Moms To Prevent Premature Aging of the Hands
Mothers may be at an increased risk of unintentional sun exposure which can lead to early signs of aging hands such as liver spots, and thin, sunken skin.
Board certified dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, FAAD, and professor and vice chairman in the department of dermatology at Saint Louis University stated aging of the hands usually begin in women's in their 40's or 50's. When women enter their 50's and 60's, their hands will begin to display lost volume, where veins and tendons become more visible.
However, if women's hands are consistently exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays in activities such as carpooling children back and forth to school and a slew of activities, hands may begin to exhibit early signs of aging.
In hopes to reduce premature aging of the hands among women who are mothers, Glaser offer a few tips.
Keeping The Hands In Mind:
- Women should remember to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on the hands. Also, throughout the day mothers should reapply the sunscreen, especially after washing hands.
- Mothers who are responsible for carpooling duty, should be aware that radiation can pass throw the car windows, so it would be safe to keep a tube of sunscreen in the car and apply before driving.
- For mothers who do yard work, or participate in sport activities, they should wear gloves.
Topical Offer Mild Improvement Prevention:
- Mothers who are in their 30s and approaching 40s should invest in topical creams/medications. They are inexpensive ways to stimulate repair from sun damage. Keep in mind; in order for the creams to work they must be started prior to sun damage.
- Also keep in mind, creams such as Hydroquinone, tretinoin and retinoids cannot fully reverse the signs of premature aging but it can improve the skin and halt future damage.
Pump Up The Volume With Fillers:
- Currently dermatologists are exploring off label use of fillers that are usually used to restore loss of volume in faces, to see how it may restore fullness in hands.
- Filler can add volume back to the hand, lifting and shaping skin. This in-office procedure last about 20-30 minutes and requires no anesthesia.
Glaser finds tips on premature aging of the hands were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting.