Say Goodbye to Crocodile Skin

When we think of wrinkles, we often think of those telltale lines along the eyes or around the mouth: laugh lines and crow’s feet, and when looking for a quality wrinkle cream, you probably want a product that can be safely applied to your face.

However, when was the last time you took a good look at your hands? Doing load after load of laundry, washing dishes, and scrubbing toilets can take its toll on your hands, leaving you with dry, dish pan hands or even the dreaded crocodile skin. The more you expose your hands to harsh chemicals or conditions, the faster the skin on your hands will age.

Fortunately for you, we’ve asked the experts on how to reduce the effects of age on the delicate skin of your hands, and here’s the inside scoop.

Photoaging of the Skin

“Photoaging” is a term used by Dermatologists that describes the damaging effects of UV radiation to the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin as well as the middle layers (dermis). Prolonged exposure to sunlight not only puts your body at greater risk for skin cancer, but it can leave your skin with the following symptoms:

• Dry, itchy, and flaky patches (crocodile skin)
• Wrinkles (due to loss of elasticity)
• Easily bruised (significant loss of padding/fat)
• “Age” or “liver” spots (discolored, rounded brown areas)
• Dotted red or pink areas created by enlarged blood vessels (cherry angiomas)

5 Easy Steps to Avoid Crocodile Skin

If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms and feel that your hands are aging faster than the rest of you, don’t worry, you can say “Goodbye!” to your crocodile skin by taking these preventative measures.

Apply Sunscreen: Because the sun is the number one culprit for causing wrinkles and skin damage, the best method for protection and healing is to apply sunscreen whenever you head outdoors. Look for a water-resistant sunscreen that is at least an SPF 15 or higher, and be sure to avoid exposing your skin to the hottest parts of the day between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Skip the Tanning Beds: Lately there’s been an obsession with the sexy beach body look, and though staying toned and tanned may give you temporary wrinkle-hiding results, the best method for keeping your skin healthy and young is to avoid tanning altogether.

Stay Hydrated: Experts recommend that we drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily, and by keeping your body hydrated and your skin moisturized, then you’ll be more resistant to damage and your skin will take less time to heal.

Wear Protective Gloves: Whether you’re cleaning the inside of your home or working outside in the yard, wearing protective gloves is essential for younger looking skin. Exercise caution, however, as Latex is known to cause an allergic reaction for some individuals.

Use Mild Soaps: The more you wash your hands, the more you strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to stay moist and damage resistant. Although there’s still the need to eliminate germs on a regular basis, we suggest that you wash your hands with gentle soaps and mild water.

Additional Suggestions

These tips can slow the signs of aging on your hands, keeping your skin smooth and healthy rather than dry and scaly.

However, if you feel that your hands may need a little extra help, then you might want to consider applying one of our best wrinkle creams or even consulting your dermatologist to assess your individual needs.