THREE hydrating ingredients should be listed on the label of hand creams for them to effectively keep hands youthful, says an expert.

She shared must-try tips for targeting the areas of the body that are usually the first to show signs of aging. 

Saarah Mengrani is a Health and Skincare Specialist at Landys Chemist, a UK-based business specializing in wellbeing products and services.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared advice for defying the visible signs of aging. 

HYDRATED HANDS

Mengrani said hands should be hydrated daily to maintain a smooth appearance. 

“Moisturizing helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines,” she said.

“Look for hand creams with ingredients like Shea oil, which helps to nourish and repair the skin barrier function, urea, ceramides, and glycerin.

“These ingredients help to keep the skin well hydrated and strengthen the skin's natural barrier to keep hands looking smooth and youthful.”

She said glycerin can also be beneficial in hand washes for cleansing without “drying or disrupting the skin’s barrier.”

FLAWLESS FACE

Mengrani said the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face can be reduced by using active ingredients in daily skincare routines.

“Retinoids like retinol are derived from vitamin A and are known to boost collagen and elastin production and promote cell turnover, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” she said.

She revealed two other ingredients that can be topically applied as an alternative to anti-aging cosmetic injections.

“Peptides can help as they are used to make proteins like collagen and elastin,” she said.

“These can help plump and firm the skin by increasing collagen production and hydration, which may temporarily reduce the appearance of forehead lines.

“Hyaluronic acid is a popular skincare ingredient that can help plump the skin. It acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin.”

She said it’s important to routinely apply sunscreen as it may not cause wrinkles to disappear but can prevent new ones from forming. 

“UV exposure can be a major cause of premature aging and fine lines, such as those on our foreheads, and protecting the skin using a broad-spectrum SPF can help prevent skin damage,” she said.

SMOOTH EYES 

Mengrani said dark circles and under-eye bags can be caused by aging as well as genetics, fatigue, and lifestyle choices.

She recommended staying hydrated and reducing salt intake to diminish puffiness and improve a dull complexion.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, while retinol stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture. 

Saarah Mengrani

Topical ingredients that can be used to target wrinkles are also suitable for rejuvenating gentle skin around the eyes.

“When choosing eye creams and serums, look for ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol,” Mengrani said. 

“Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, while retinol stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture. 

“Vitamin C brightens the complexion, reduces pigmentation, and increases collagen production.

“Eye serums that combine hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine can help to target pigmentation and puffiness while plumping the skin.”