By Jill O'Donoghue from Killarney Toning and Beauty Studio

It's so important to look after your hands. Like our face, our hands are exposed all the time to the environmental stressor; sun, water, pollution etc.

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These factors cause pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles and thinning skin.

Just like after washing your face you would not forget to put on your moisturiser so you should be doing the same to your hands. As the skin on top of our hands has less sebaceous glands, they will dry out faster.

One of my top tips is to apply SPF to the back of your hands every day even winter months, or mix it in with your hand cream.

Even when driving your hands are exposed to the sun. Aside from sun, the cold can also affect the skin. This can also result in dry air that can draw moisture away from the skin. Harsh winter weather and dry indoor heat can lead to cracked skin. Eczema and psoriasis may also flare up during these cold dry months. The best advice is to apply a good hand cream every day especially every time you wash your hands.

Applying hand cream isn't just hydrating, it can also be very comforting. It can increase the circulation and elasticity, and it puts a glow in your skin. It can help with arthritis by easing sore joints from the improved circulation. Even if you're in a waiting queue for a coffee you can be doing it. Hand creams are usually small, so can fit in your hand bag quite easily.

In the salon a paraffin hand treatment/manicure is a fantastic way to improve skin's texture and elasticity and your hands will feel amazing. If you have any questions call Jill on 064 6632966.