There are two things that give away your age? My answer is absolutely. The décolletage (the French word for neck and chest region) and your hands. I once heard the expression, “The easiest way to tell a woman’s true age is to look at her hands.” I think this statement is quite accurate. These areas tend to age the quickest. This is also where we struggle with dryness, sunspots and wrinkling.
If you think about it, our chest region and hands tend to get neglected. We spend money on creams and serums for our face but don’t always apply this to our chest, and definitely don’t even think about our hands. Our hands are constantly exposed when we’re outdoors and when we’re driving. Many women who commute have said that after years of driving they notice they have age spots that are consistent with where the sun is hitting their hands and face. This is obviously more prominent on the left side of the body.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to reverse, prevent and treat the damage. It’s never too late to start! Here are some steps to take to help combat this problem that all women face:
1. Do the same routine to your neck & chest that you do to your face:
Yes, this will make you go through your product faster. Yes, it will be more costly. It’s worth it. You don’t want a 20-something face with an aged body. When you apply your serums and moisturizers, extend it down onto your neck and chest as well. You want a fluid transition in the appearance of your skin from your face to your chest.
2. Always, always, always use sunscreen:
They’ve been telling us this for years and it’s time to listen. Apply it daily to your face, neck and chest. Apply it to your whole body if you’re smart. I don’t do this, but I should be! Also, always use more sunscreen than you think you need. It really needs to be slathered on thick.
3. If you buy a face cream and don’t like it, don’t throw it away:
Instead, use it on your chest or hands. Just because it didn’t work on your face doesn’t mean it won’t work on your décolletage or hands. Creams and moisturizers are usually pricey. Don’t let them go to waste when our hands and chest are sitting here crying out for help. I’ve been using moisturizer samples I’ve received from bonus gifts and putting them to good use. I figure with all the anti-aging ingredients some of these contain, it has to be better than using that 2-year-old Suave moisturizer I have sitting in my bathroom.
4. Use a hand cream with SPF:
These are so great and convenient. I found one of these with retinol and SPF. That’s exciting! I’m going to go pick this up, like yesterday. This right here solves all of our problems in one little package.
Palmer’s Therapeutic Hand Cream with SPF 8, $4.99 at drugstores.
Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream with SPF 12, $17 found at Ulta or here.
5. Keep all areas moisturized:
This is especially important for the hands in the dry and cold months. The skin can become brittle and crack easily. Keep moisturizer in your car, desk and purse. Apply it at every chance you get.
I’m sure we can all use improvement in this area. I know I can. I actually slathered my hands in moisturizer while I typed this. I’m definitely going to start making a conscious effort to no longer neglect my chest and hands. I hope you all do too!
Do you remember to take good care of these areas? What improvements do you need to make?
