How Not to Hate Your Neck and Hands!

It is hard to believe that in just eleven days I will be leaving for Nashville and meeting many of you at the BAM conference.  Just as Julia Child looked forward to meeting Avis DeVoto, I look forward to meeting you! There are some I have been speaking online with for years…what a joy it will be to give you a hug.  Until then, let’s continue our discussion of tips from TOSS THE GLOSS by Andrea Q. Robinson.   This book is specifically written for midlife and beyond women by an industry insider.  It has so much helpful information.  I encourage you to purchase this one, for I am just touching over some highlights.

Let’s begin today with a question…is it wrong to desire our necks and hands to look youthful?  Of course, accepting aging is important for our own mental health and enjoyment. But, I also believe it is perfectly acceptable to assist those pesky, forgotten areas with a little TLC.   Many of us give our faces all of the attention and then one day, our eyes go to a sagging décolletage area and we wonder – what happened??? Usually, this realization begins in our forties.  Robinson believes it is never too late to begin skincare on places we tend to ignore.

She recommends three main steps for the neck and hands:

1. Moisturize the neck morning and night as if it were an extension of your facial care. “Moisturizers provide protection for the skin by limiting the evaporation of water from the epidermis, lubricating and softening its surface, and therefore providing a comfortable and healthy appearance.”
2. Exfoliate once or twice weekly for healthy, glowing skin. It encourages cell turnover and lessens the sunspots and crêpe-texture that suddenly seems to appear!  I have been exfoliating my neck for a couple of years and just began on my hands…it makes a huge difference as far as I am concerned. Now, I keep it near the bathroom sink for my hands.
3. Protect all areas of your skin with sunscreen. I have the hardest time remembering my hands for sunscreen, but it is so important we do.   We need gloves in the cold, but are never around for warmer weather…so use sunscreen daily.  Remember your hands are exposed often while driving.

The author gives specifics for dealing with a jowly chin line and excessive wrinkles on the neck.  However, a good dermatologist will also help with these concerns. Now, for the hands, remember the following:

1. Pamper your cuticles – Push them back when you are in the shower where they are warm and wet. Treat often with a cuticle oil or (I use) olive oil.
2. Cut and shape your nails conservatively – longer lengths and nail art screams too old. A nice, round shape is less likely to break.  An occasional manicure is a nice treat and keeps them looking groomed and healthy.
3. Wear gloves when washing dishes and doing housework to protect them from harmful cleansers, and chemicals.
4. Keep lotion everywhere – in your purse and at your desk. I do this and find that once or twice during the day, placing lotion on my hands is a good way to calm myself and just breathe….when teaching high school, it helps!
5. Finally, moisturize your hands every night!

This one quote says it all, “Your hands and neck can reveal telltale signs of age faster than a driver’s license, but they can also continue to be hallmarks of your natural elegance and beauty.”  That is what I want…just to know they look healthy, cared for, and show that I cared about me.

Do you tend to forget these areas…as many of us do?  Or have you had success with a particular product or technique not mentioned here…let us know.  Pull up a chair in the Joy Boutique!

Thanks for stopping by…have a great week…stay safe and warm!