Sometime in college, I went home to visit my parents in LA. At some point during the trip, I got into the car with my mom to go shopping. As we started the car and settled into the driver's seat, I saw her pulling on these ridiculous gloves that covered the back of her hands, all the way up to her her shoulders. They were a lightweight, beige cotton and had holes at the fingers, allowing the fingers freedom to securely grasp the wheel. I commented how embarrassing the gloves were and I hoped she wouldn't be walking around with them. She just shrugged and said "I don't care."
This encounter occurred B.S.E.---Before Skin Enlightenment---the dark time when I thought sunscreen was the only protective product I needed. Of course, I've evolved and am comfortable enough with myself to say "I don't care what people think about my skin care habits." If I'm in a car, I cover up my hands and arms because windows do a lousy job of protecting you from those damaging UV rays. Even though I've achieved a certain level of comfort with my sun practices, I do sometimes think to myself, "Am I crazy? Am I being fanatical? Is this really worth it?"
Well, I've had official confirmation that my glove wearing is indeed worth the time, effort and strange looks. I stumbled upon the article below, which addresses the increase in anti-aging procedures dealing with the hands:
The Fountain of Youth at Your Fingertips, New York Times
Aside from the face, the other major indicators of age are the throat, chest and hands. It's easy to protect the face, throat and chest with a large hat or parasol, but your poor hands are usually exposed to the sun. The most practical solution is sunscreen. I use sunscreen on my hands as if it were a moisturizer---whenever I wash my hands and I'm going outdoors, I'll apply and reapply it. The more drastic option is using gloves, which I've only employed in the car, although some brave souls may take to wearing them outdoors on a daily basis.
For those women who have already experienced visible damage, there are various options to reverse those signs of aging, some painful and invasive, and others less so.
Option 1: Sclerotherapy
Since the skin on the back of your hands is quite thin, veins become more prominent as you age. Doctors can inject a saline solution into your veins to shrink them. Cost: not given, but a quick Google search says it's about $100-$200 per needle used.
Option 2: Restylane
Restylane adds volume and makes veins and visible tendons less noticeable. Restylane injections, cost around $3,000 and the results can last up to a year.
Option 3: Injecting one's own fat into ones hands (eww)
This is pretty self-explanatory. Developed by Dr. Sydney Coleman of New York, this procedure is done in his office and costs at least $12,000. But the high price tag seems to be worth it---the results last over 10 years.
Option 4: Laser therapy
Used to reduce brown spots and/or stimulate collagen production in the hands for more volume. Cost: not given, but usually depends on the type of laser used and what doctor you are seeing.
Option 5: Anti-aging and/or damage reversal products
Generally painless and much more cost effective, this option takes effort and patience. The results aren't instant, but it's more affordable and infinitely less invasive than the aforementioned options.
If you're like me, you want to do everything possible to avoid medical procedures. I always encourage my customers, friends and family to take as many preventative measures as possible because reversing the signs of aging is both costly and painful. People may find it crazy to use gloves in the car or anywhere else, but if you want to preserve those beautiful hands of yours and save some money in the long run, then you better start slathering on the SPF or putting on some gloves. Read More
