How Your Hands Can Give Away Your Age & 6 Nail Issues to Look Out For

How Your Hands Can Give Away Your Age & 6 Nail Issues to Look Out For

With age the skin thins and becomes susceptible to tearing and injury, leading to skin breakdown.
The skin on the backs of the hands and the forearms is exposed to many environmental stressors and is the area where the impact of thinning skin is most noticeable.

How Your Hands Can Give Away Your Age: Treatment & Prevention

1.Age spots

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines can happen after exposure to UV light and can be tan, brown, or black in color.
Age spots may grow in size and occur in groups, giving the skin a speckled or mottled appearance.
They are quite common in areas that get repeated sun exposure, such as on the back of the hands. 
Age spots can affect women of all skin types, but they are more common in women with light skin.

Prevention of age spots

You may not always be able to prevent age spots, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing them:

• Get into the habit of applying sunscreen daily to your hands
• Select a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection
• Wear protective clothing such as hats, pants, and long-sleeved shirts to help protect your skin from UV rays

Treatment for age spots

If you are unhappy with the appearance of age spots, you can lighten or have them removed.
The pigment of age spots is at the base of the epidermis, the topmost layer of the skin.
Treatments can lighten the age spots and can penetrate this layer of skin.

Prescription lightening creams (hydroquinone)
Used alone or in conjunction with retinoids or a mild steroid, this may gradually fade the spots over several months.
Laser and intense pulsed light therapies
These emit a range of light waves that pass through the skin and targets melanin to destroy or break up the spots.

Microdermabrasion
This is a less aggressive treatment than dermabrasion and results in a smoother appearance of skin blemishes.

Dermabrasion
Uses a rapidly rotating brush to sand down the surface layer of the skin so that new skin can grow in its place.
Freezing, or cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen is applied to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment.
Laser resurfacing
Removes sun-damaged cells with lasers to freshen skin and fade spots.
Chemical peel
Involves applying an acid to the age spots, thereby removing the outer layer of your skin.

2.Crepey skin

With age, your skin gradually becomes looser and more flaccid.
Crepey skin usually can be traced back to sun damage, since exposure to the sun breaks down elastin, the fibers in your skin that allow it to stretch and return to its normal position.
Crepey skin usually begins to appear in your 40s, however, it can also be caused by genetics, dry skin, smoking, and pollution, or large amounts of fast weight loss.

Treatment for crepey skin

Many treatment options are available for crepey skin and treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is
Over the counter products
These include products containing retinol or alpha hydroxy acids.
It can take a few months before you are able to see results.
Prescriptions
These may include topical prescription cream containing Vitamin A or stabilized vitamin C.

Radiofrequency or ultrasound
This treatment involves heating up small areas of the skin with a radiofrequency device or a pulsed light device, helping collagen to regenerate and tightening the skin.
Fillers
This is a fairly non-invasive treatment and involves injecting filler into the skin, creating a volumizing effect on the skin.
Surgery
This is most suitable for people that have lost a great amount of weight and are left with excess skin.

Prevention of crepey skin

Wear sunscreen
This is the first and most important step in sun protection.
Also wearing protective clothing and wearing a broad-brimmed hat is a good idea.

Moisturize
A good moisturizer containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid helps to prevent or improve the appearance of crepey skin.
These ingredients absorb and hold moisture, so your skin stays hydrated and looks plump.
Alternatively, a cream containing retinol can be beneficial.

Exfoliate
Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser, or loofah once or twice weekly and moisturize afterward.

Eat fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants
There is a correlation between consuming fruits and vegetables and the health of aging skin, such as those found in colorful fruits and vegetables.
They can help support the health of your skin and the rest of your body. 
Vitamin C is very beneficial for skin health because it plays a role in collagen production.

3.Protruding veins

As you age, your skin becomes naturally thinner, making veins underneath the surface more visible, giving the appearance of less youthful skin.

Prevention of protruding veins

Veins can become more noticeable due to a lack of circulation.
You can help to reduce vein dilation with healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and a proper diet.

Treatment for protruding veins

The only way to treat protruding veins at home is with moisturizing creams and using camouflaging makeup.
More invasive treatments are available if the veins really bother you.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
A small incision is made around the vein to remove the bulging section of the vessel.
Sclerotherapy
A chemical is injected that causes scarring in the vein thereby closing the vein.
Laser therapy
Amplified light or radio waves are used to close the veins that are bulging.
Vein stripping and ligation
This required general anesthesia
The vein is sealed and tied off to close it.

Self-care routine to help keep your hands youthful

Exfoliation
Exfoliate on a weekly basis with a method best suited for your skin type.
Oily skin can benefit from scrubs.
Dry skin can benefit from chemical exfoliators, which are acids that get rid of dead skin cells.
Avoid exfoliation if you have sensitive skin as it can lead to irritation.

Sunscreen
When applying sunscreen to your hands, apply moisturizer first, before applying sunscreen.
Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly if you are spending all day outdoors.

Washing hands
Wash your hands with mild, unscented soap only.
Immediately follow up with a moisturizer.

Keep nails in check
Check your nails for any brittleness or snags and file them in one direction to prevent breakage.
Using a non-acetone polish remover also helps to prevent brittle nails.

 

Keep your hands protected
To prevent prolonged contact with cleaning supplies, wear gloves when doing the dishes and other household chores.

Ditch those cuticle cutters
Cutting off cuticles can result in tougher or jagged outgrowth.
Instead, use cuticle oil or hand cream to keep your cuticles in check and push them back occasionally.

Protect your hands from sun damage
UV radiation is a major contributing factor to the thinning of the skin.
Simply by protecting your skin from UV radiation, you can do a lot today to ensure that in your 60s and 70s, your skin integrity is protected.

Eat more fruit and vegetables
There is a correlation between consuming fruits and vegetables and the health of the skin, resulting in fewer wrinkles and sunspots.
Make sure that you eat fruits and vegetables as they help your skin to handle some of the damaging effects of UV radiation better.

Cut back processed refined carbohydrate 
These foods generate something called advanced glycation end products in the skin, and glom onto collagen, generating inflammation that subsequently results in thinning of the skin.

Consider the amount of alcohol you consume
Alcohol impairs healing and generates a lot of inflammation in the body.
It also affects your sleep, which is vital for skin repair.

Don’t smoke
Smoking generates a considerable burden of free radical damage in the skin.

Make sure you get good sleep 
Sleep is vital for skin healing and repair.
There is evidence that when you sleep at night, free radical damage occurs as a result of everything you are exposed to throughout the day.
Good sleep helps your body process and repair this damage.
Sleep is also critical for proper immune function and poor sleep robs your body of total body healing.
Poor sleep also leads to increased stress levels and interferes with the production of good collagen.

Consider HRT treatment if you are menopausal
During menopause, estrogen levels start to decline.
Estrogen is important for building up collagen in the skin and as levels decline you will notice the thinning of your skin.
Consider talking to your gynaecologist about hormone replacement therapy.
It can make a difference in the health and integrity of the skin in menopausal women.

What your nails say about you

It’s been said that your nails can reveal clues to your overall health.
Liver problems, lung and heart issues can all show up in your nails.
Thrown into this mix is the condition of simply getting older and your nails being exposed to a lifetime of factors such as chemicals and ultraviolet light.

5 Nail changes you can expect as you age

Nail growth
Nail growth does slow down slightly as you age.
Your fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47mm per month; toenails only a third of that, or 1mm per month.
From about 25 years of age, that rate slows by about 0.5% per year.
As a result, by the age of 85, your fingernails may only be growing 2mm in length per month.

Nail texture
Age also affects the strength of nails, resulting in more brittle nails that are also more prone to breaking.
Exposure to cleaning chemicals or cosmetics such as nail polish removers can worsen the problem.
If brittleness becomes serious, it can cause ridges along the length of the nail and fragmenting of the nail tips.

Nail thickness
Nails may become thicker with age, this is due to changes in estrogen hormone levels.
Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can also result in thicker nails.

Nail contour
Your nails may change in contour as you age, becoming more curved.
A shape change known as clubbing can cause very rounded nails and is a sign of long-term oxygen deprivation.
It can occur due to a variety of cardiovascular, endocrine, or gastrointestinal diseases, and should be investigated by your doctor.

Nail color
Over time, nails may become discolored, turning slightly yellow or grey in color.
Fungal infections can also cause discoloration.
One type of color change involves dark stripes or ridges along the length of the nail, also known as longitudinal melanonychia.
Dark ridges can signal a more serious condition and may be a sign of melanoma, or malignant skin cancer and usually appear on one digit only, such as the big toe, thumb, or index finger.

6 Nail issues – What are the causes & how can you prevent them

Brittle splitting nails

Splitting, rough nails that crack easily, are one of the most commonly reported nail problems, especially in women.
This could be the result of using harsh chemicals such as acetone to remove nail polish or not moisturizing enough.

Other causes of brittle or splitting nails

Other factors and underlying conditions that can result in brittle nails include:

• Anemia
• Thyroid disorder
• Age
• Cancer treatment
• A nutrient deficiency

Prevention of brittle nails

Use gloves when doing dishes or getting your hands wet for extended periods of time.

Take supplements
Biotin supplements are beneficial but can take up to 6 months before seeing results.
Other supplements to consider include colloidal minerals, gelatin, and calcium.

Getting adequate protein in the diet
Having enough protein is vital for boosting keratin production and maintaining strong nails since nails are largely made up of keratin protein.

Eating iron-rich foods
If you have an iron deficiency or anemia, eat more foods rich in iron, such as red meat or spinach.
You may also consider taking iron supplements. 
If you are taking medications, be aware there might be some side effects.

 

Soft or weak nails

Soft and bending nails are a sign that you might suffer from poor digestion or lack of essential nutrients.
Weak nails are most often associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. 
Some of the products you use, like nail polish, detergents, have chemicals that impact your nails negatively.
Also, being in contact with water from activities such as washing weakens the nails and results in bending and breakage.

Prevention of soft or weak nails

• Wear vinyl gloves while washing
• Use moisturizer after washing
• Make sure you have enough Vitamin B, calcium or iron in your diet or take a supplement

Peeling nails

An underlying health condition or external trauma can cause the thin layers of the nail to peel away.
When this occurs, it can leave the nails looking thin and nails may also feel more sensitive.

Causes of peeling nails

• Mild iron deficiency
• Washing the hands excessively
• Washing dishes without gloves
• Wearing gel or acrylic nails
• Using the nails to open things
• Buffing the nails too much
• Exposing the nails to certain chemicals

Underlying health conditions that can cause peeling or brittle nails include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Dehydration
• Underactive thyroid
• Lung disease, which may also cause yellow nails
• Kidney disease, which may cause brown discoloration
• Age

Daily care for healthy nails

• Avoiding wearing acrylic or gel nails
• Wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes or cleaning with chemicals
• Use your fingers rather than your nails for picking up things or opening them.
• Trim nails and gently file them to a rounded shape
• Keep nails moisturized
• Have a diet that includes iron-rich foods or take iron supplements

Nail Ridges

Vertical ridges
These are furrows that run from the tip of the finger down to the bottom of the nail and are not usually a cause for concern and are generally caused by aging.
The nails themselves may also become:

• Thicker or thinner
• Lose their smooth shape
• Begin to split
• Fissure
• Break easily

Anemia can also be a cause of vertical ridges.
As well as other medical disorders such as trachyonychia, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis.

Horizontal nail ridges
Beau’s lines are deep horizontal ridges that cross the fingernail. 
These may be one line or multiple lines that appear across the nail.
They may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Nails can stop growing until the condition is treated.

Beau’s lines might be a sign of:

• Acute kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Eczema may also cause nail pitting (tiny dents)

Anyone who develops horizontal nail ridges should see their doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible and get suitable treatment.

 

Yellow nails

Yellow nails are caused by:

• An infection
• Nail polish
• Stress
• Underlying medical conditions
• Smoking

In some cases, nails remain yellow despite repeated treatment and may instead be a symptom of something more serious, such as a thyroid condition, psoriasis, or diabetes.

Prevention of yellow nails

• Make sure that the nail salons you frequent practice proper nail hygiene
• Limit the use of nail polish remover to once weekly only
• Use a nail polish remover that does not contain damaging acetone

Treatment for yellow nails

Tea tree oil
If your nails are discolored due to a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is something that can help.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier and swab the mixture on the affected nail.

Baking soda
Soaking your hands in hot water mixed with baking soda can help to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that prevents fungus from growing and, leaves your nails much clearer over the course of a few soaks.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps cells retain moisture and look healthier.
Your skin, hair, and nails will all appear healthier when you have plenty of vitamin E.

White spots

Leukonychia is a common and harmless condition that causes white lines or dots to appear on the nails.
It is common for women to develop these spots at some point in their life, so developing them is likely not a sign of a serious medical condition.
The white spots may appear as tiny dots across the nail or they may be larger, stretching across the entire nail.
The spots may affect one nail or several nails.

Possible causes of white spots

• Frequent manicures and pedicures
• Use of gel or acrylic nails
• Allergic reaction
• Fungal infection
• Nail injury
• Mineral deficiency

Treatment for white spots

Treatment will depend on the cause of the white spots:
Allergic reaction
Stop using the polish or nail product if you think it may be responsible for your allergic reaction.
Fungal reaction
Oral antifungal medication is a common treatment otherwise a topical antifungal treatment may be used.
The average treatment time is 3 months, and it is important to complete the course, otherwise, you may not fully treat the infection.

Sources
mayoclinic.org – age spots symptoms and causes
medicalnewstoday.com – crepey skin treatment and causes
medicalnewstoday.com – hand veins what causes them to bulge
verywellhealth.com – how your fingernails change as you age
medicalnewstoday.com – white spots on nails
webmd.com – what your nails say about your health
medicalnewstoday.com – treatment for yellow nails
medicalnewstoday.com – ridges in fingernails
webmd.com – what causes brittle nails
webmd.com – peeling nails