Have you noticed the skin on your hands becoming drier and looking a little aged? It's no wonder with all that we put our hands through during the course of a day. From house cleaning to yard work, we somehow manage to do it all and our hands often show it. Here are some ways to prevent your hands from premature aging and to keep them healthy looking and absolutely lovely:

1. Keep your hands clean. Washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for twenty seconds can effectively clean your hands and remove dirt and bacteria. Always dry your hands thoroughly with a clean cloth or a warm hand dryer.

2. Wear gloves during household chores. Many household cleaners have strong, harmful chemical ingredients that dry out your hands. Some dishwashing liquids have harsh degreasing ingredients that are harsh to your skin. Wearing gloves while you are performing your household chores can greatly reduce premature aging of your hands. The best gloves are the ones that fit your hands so that you can adequately perform your tasks. Have several pairs of gloves - one for dishwashing, another for cleaning jobs and then another for outdoor work such as gardening. Gloves may take some getting used to but they do provide the best protection for your skin.

3. Use sunscreen. As you spend time outside during the warm summer months, be sure to use a good sunscreen to protect your hands just as you protect other exposed areas from sun damage. Sun exposure can cause premature aging of your hands as well.

4. Use moisturizer. Always keep your hands clean and moisturized. Since many household cleaners can dry out your hands and cause them to crack, you need an intensive moisturizing lotion to keep your hands soft and supple. If you have nothing more than petroleum jelly, that will do the trick nicely. After every hand washing, dry your hands well, then add a small amount of lotion on your hands to help replenish moisture to your skin.

5. Outdoor chores cause hands to need added attention. While gardening your hands take a great deal of stress and need extra attention during these chores. When using chemicals like pesticides and insecticides always wear garden gloves. Not only can these strong chemicals be damaging to your skin but they could also cause skin rashes and other skin breakout conditions.

Caring for your hands and taking the extra time to find ways to protect your skin will provide many benefits as time goes by. Helping your hands to maintain the skins natural oils will keep your hands looking much younger and healthier. Keeping your hands clean, moisturized, protected from the sun and the regular use of gloves will greatly reduce the signs of premature skin aging. One day your hands will thank you for a job well done!