FREE gloves for use with gadgets – Etre Touchy giveaway

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Etre Touchy has joined with ELIXIR to offer readers the chance to win one of five pairs of their fantastic new gloves.

Etre Touchy gloves www.etretouchy.com are a fun way to keep your hands warm and dry while using mobile phones, portable games systems, music players, cameras and other electronic devices.

Their missing thumb and index fingertips allow you to touch, tap, stroke, slide and pinch these devices’ displays in any way you desire – a facet of their design that is particularly important when interacting with touch-screen devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch, since their capacitive touch-screen technology means that they only respond to your bare naked fingertips.

The gloves are 100% lambs wool and are available in four different sizes – men’s, women’s, youth’s and children’s – and in four different colour combinations:

· Charcoal with turquoise trim

· Grey with pink trim

· Black with charcoal trim

· Chocolate with mint stripes

If you would like to receive a pair of Etre Touchy gloves, please email us at readeroffer@elixirnews.comwith your name, address, size and preferred colour combination and enter “ETRE TOUCHY GLOVES” into the email subject header.

This competition closes on 31 October 2009. Your name will be entered into a draw for the tickets and the winners will receive them by post. Please note that the Editor’s decision is final and no cash equivalent is offered.

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Britain hangs out its dirty washing and more

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London: A new survey has revealed that 6.6 million people in Britain do not wash their hands after going to the toilet. The survey of 3,000 people conducted by hygiene and sterilising experts Milton, has uncovered the grimy truth about Britain’s attitudes to hygiene and cleanliness.

Britons may be renowned for their demure appearance but the results of the Milton survey reveal a very different story in our attitudes to personal hygiene. 36% – that’s 21 million people – said they don’t take a bath or shower every day, but that’s nothing compared with the 6% – 3.6 million people – who bathe weekly and the shocking 1% – around 600,000 Britons – who are taking a bath or shower just once a month.

82% of people change their socks and underwear on a daily basis, however there are still a significant number – working out to be around 600,000 people in the country – who claimed they only changed their underwear on a monthly basis!

The grubby tale continues when it comes to the topic of Brits and their food with a massive 69% not washing hands before eating, 27% of people claiming they pick up and eat food from the floor.

Regionally, people in London and Scotland are the cleanest with 68% bathing
daily, compared to just 23% of Irish and 58% of Welsh. However, while the
majority of Londoners are keeping clean, the capital also had the highest percentage of people only bathing once a month. In the UK, people in the South West of England have the best hand hygiene with 95% washing hands after going to the toilet, closely followed by the North West 93% and Wales 91%. Worst for hand washing were the Northern Irish with over a third not washing hands after going to the toilet, followed by Scotland 15% and the Midlands 13%.

Steve Riley from Milton Pharmaceutical commented: “Britain’s are often accused of being over the top in our attitudes to cleanliness but as these results show, for some people the opposite is true. While not washing daily may not pose any major health threats, the lack of hand hygiene, particularly after going to the toilet and before eating could be putting people at risk of serious infections. Hands are the biggest carriers of germs and viruses including Influenza, E-coli, Rotavirus and MRSA”

Milton’s Top Tips for cleanliness

• While you might maintain excellent standards of personal hygiene,
can the same be said for the person sitting next to you on the bus? It’s very easy to pick up germs and viruses from public surfaces left there by dirty hands. Keep Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel in your bag to keep hands clean while on the go and kill any germs you might pick up

• Wash towels, clothes and linen weekly as germs can quickly build up

• Don’t be tempted to pick up food dropped on the floor, even if you
keep floors really clean, the food could still be coated in millions of bacteria in a matter of seconds

• After you have prepared raw meat, germs may be left behind on the
chopping board or work surface, which will then be transferred to other foods prepared on the same board or surface. Wash chopping boards in warm soapy water, rinse and wipe over with Milton to destroy strong smells and to disinfect the surface to avoid cross contamination of foods

• When you, or others around you, have a cold use Milton
Antibacterial Hand Gel to sanitise hands and prevent the spread of the virus. Keep areas, such as your desk, free from cold germs by cleaning regularly with the Antibacterial Wipes.

Milton Pharmaceutical has over 60 years of experience in creating hygiene and sterilising products which are clinically proven to kill harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses. The range includes Antibacterial Hand Gel, Antibacterial Surface Wipes and Spray and Sterilising Fluid and Tablets.
For further information and tips on hygiene and cleaning visit < ahref="http://www.milton-tm.com">www.milton-tm.com or call 01202 780558.

Get glamorous hands

Glamorous girls’ hands work hard – surely they deserve some extra special TLC…with Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream and according to to a survey this is what girls in the UK do to their hands in just one week:

· 2, 400 minutes typing away at keyboards

· 6 hours lugging around shopping bags with the latest Louboutins

· 60 minutes filing broken nails

· 35 minutes sloughing off dead skin cells in the shower

· 2 fake tan applications

· 14 make-up applications

· 30 minutes washing up glasses and spills from a girly wine session

Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream is a natural way to soothe and relieve dry skin from first use. Its non-greasy formulation moisturises for up to 24 hours, combining Johnson’s Baby mildness with the most pure form of Vitamin E and Olive Leaf Extract – both of which have skin beneficial antioxidant properties, to soothe and protect. A third component, Skin Essential Amino Acids and Minerals, strengthens the skin’s delicate barrier.

This is the first time this powerful combination of naturally sourced ingredients has been used together and is proven to be more effective than each ingredient alone in soothing, moisturising and relieving dry skin, even extra dry patches, from very first use.

Developed for the most delicate skin, you can be sure your hands will be left Johnson’s Baby soft…naturally! And it comes in a handy tube, ideal to pop in your latest Fendi handbag, so you can get a quick moisture fix, whenever and wherever you need to. With its mild, fresh scent and skin softening properties the Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream is a perfect skin solution.

Introducing NEW Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals – A natural way to soothe and relieve dry skin from first use. The soothing, non-greasy formulations moisturise skin for up to 24 hours.

Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Intensive Moisture Cream costs 100ml, £1.99 Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Nourishing Lotion: 250ml, £2.49

Beauty for hands and feet

Veiny feet and wrinkly hands have always been the ultimate giveaway of a person’s age. Hands in particular are more vulnerable to ageing and sun damage than other parts of the body because they are almost always exposed and have little subcutaneous fat.

The cumulative effects of ageing, sun and exposure to other pollutants are brown spots, uneven pigmentation, skin cancers, thinning skin, and prominent veins.

The best way to keep hands and feet healthy and beautiful is to protect them from environmental damage in the first place. But if your hands are already showing signs of ageing or looking a bit worse for wear after some DIY, then there are several new treatments which can restore them to an earlier time.

There is a huge range of preventative and curative products and treatments on the market, containing the latest anti-ageing ingredients including cell-protecting anti-oxidants such as Co Enzyme Q10, vitamins A, C and E and essential oils.

One of the most effective anti-ageing treatments, which can be used for hands and feet, and has no harmful side effects is Restylane Vital from Swedish company Q Med. This treatment uses hyaluronic acid, a natural substance which is a precursor to natural collagen and is used to bulk out the hand or foot making it plumper and younger looking. It is delivered in a multi-injection and makes a difference from the very first treatment. The downside is that it is expensive at £400 and top up treatments will be as it is slowly reabsorbed by the body. (Fiona & Marie Aesthetics, 30 Devonshire Street, LONDON W1. T: = 44 (0)20 7908 3773)

Dr Georges Roman (Devonshire Medical Chambers, LONDON W1 + 44 (0) 20 7323 2123), is London’s leading expert on the mesolift which is a vitamin- based injection popular with French women and normally used to rejuvenate the face. He has adapted his technique for use on the hands, with a special “gun” that delivers 200 tiny injections at a time. The combination of vitamins improves the quality of new skin and plumps it out . Although an improvement is noticed after the first treatment, best results are obtained after two to four (at £350 each)treatments.

Sun damage such as age spots are best treated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) lasers which “vaporise” the thin layer of dark coloured skin by breaking down the melanin. Removal is permanent, although new spots may appear. Again hands can also be plumped out with IPL which gives a kick-start to collagen growth. Prices vary but start from £100 (Xfolia Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, Unit 1 Horizon Building, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, LONDON E1. T: + 44 (0) 20 7538 1001 and 52 Lambs Conduit Street, LONDON WC1 T: = 44 (0)20 7242 5749 email info@exfolia.co.uk

Structural fat grafting is another option. This is best carried out by a cosmetic surgeon since it involves the removal of fat from the leg or abdomen. The fat cells are treated and reinjected into the hand or other part of the body that needs plumping up. (BUPA Hospitals. www.bupahospitals.co.uk T: 0800 6644 434. Prices on application).

Microdermabrasion is another option which helps improve appearance by removing fine lines and also texture by removing dead skin cells.(Xfolia, Unit 1 Horizon Building, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, LONDON E1 T:+ 44(0)20 7538 1001 and 52 Lambs Conduit Street, LONDON WC1 T: 020 7242 5749 email info@xfolia.co.uk

As with hands, feet need regularly attention to keep them looking good so you should exfoliate, moisturise and protect. And a good manicure or pedicure gives an instant feel good factor.

These are some of the latest products to try at home and salon treatments

Proto-Col’s Beauty In An Instant

A range of spa-inspired scrubs for body, hands and feet that work in just 60 seconds. The Instant Manicure costs£24.95 for 250g and is a revitalising blend of eight essential oils plus dead sea salts. Jojoba softens, rosemary invigorates, orange oil is uplifting and grapeseed essential oil is a powerful anti-oxidant, perfect as hands can show signs of ageing more than other parts of the body. The Instant Pedicure £24.95 for 250g is an exfoliating and soothing Swiss lavender and energising, stimulating capsicum, easing aches and revitalising tired feet. Tea tree oil helps keep feet fresh, whilst lemongrass works as a natural antiperspirant. Available along with the complete range from Urban Retreat at Harrods, LONDON, from www.on-beauty.co.ukand at selected salons nationwide. For other stockist info call 0870 770 3860

Marks & Spencer’s new Spa Retreat at home

This is a lovely range of products for use at home that don’t cost the earth but smell and feel wonderful. Walking on Air is a buttery balm for exhausted feet to be used at night. It contains tamanu oil , sweet almond, cooling peppermint, beeswax, shea butter and vitamin B5.Costs £4.00 The Spa Midnight Moisture for thirsty hands is designed to work while you sleep. Made of cocoa butter and palm oil it is slighter richer than a daytime formulation and also contains keratin. Costs £4.50 The range also contains some sachet treats including the foot soak and the hands exfoliating scrub. Cost £1.00 each. From Marks & Spencers stores nationwide.

Airplus – high-heel hell prevention

The foot cushion favourite of the Hollywood A-list, these non-visible insoles take the pressure and pain out of the sexiest of stilettos and skimpiest of sandals. They are made from medical grade silicone, which has a silky-smooth surface, is cool and breathable and won’t loose its shape. They are available in a variety of different shapes. £5.99 for a pack of two at www.airplusfootcare.com

Scholl Luxury feet and nail range

Rough Skin Remover, £3.55; Dual Action Foot File,£4.69; Deep Moisturising Cream £4.25; Intensive Night Treatment with Socks£8.99; Cracked Heel Cream, £2.99 for 25ml or £7.99 for 100ml; Party Feet Invisible Gel Cushions £4.99 and Busy Feet Insers £8.99. Available at Boots and other pharmacies. For more information phone the Consumer Care Line tel: 0800 074 2040 www.scholl.co.uk

Supersalve Therapeutic Skin-care balm

New to the UK market this product from South Africa contains a nourishing blend of honey and essential oils and is so versatile is can be used to moisturise the face and body, hands and feet and can be applied to sunburn, insect bites, stings, minor allergies and irritations as well as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It also a very green product as it does not contain parabens, petrochemicals, solium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrances and lanolin. A 175ml tube costs £14.95. A complementary product is the Recovery-Rub, developed for arthritis and rheumatism and helpful for aching joints and muscles costs £13.95 for a 150ml tube. Online purchase at www.supersalve.co.uk or at selected health-food stores. Contact 0845 095 6505 for stockists.

Tisserand Essential Oil Rich Hand & Nail Cream

One of Tisserand’s hero products and celebrity favourite; this classic Essential Oil Rich Hand & Nail Cream moisturises and conditions hands and nails, leaving them delicately fragranced with the aroma of pure essential oils. It contains lavender, rose, geranium and sandalwood essential oils in a base of jojoba and kukui with chamomile extract to soften, protect and add fragrance. The Hand & Nail Cream costs £4.50 and is available from shops, by mail order 01273 325666 and online at www.tisserandshop.com

Lamisil Once

A new product from the specialists in treating that nasty fungal infection “athletes foot.” Lamisil Once is a gel-like solution that is a breakthrough in that sufficient active ingredient is delivered in a single application. Costs £9.99 from Boots and other pharmacies.

Salon

Padabhyanga Foot Massage and Karabhyanga Hand Massage at the Shymala Ayurveda Spa, Holland Park, LONDON, W11

A soothing foot massage with organic ayurbedic oils, combined with a full pedicure for the ultimate pampering experience. The hand treatment uses herbs and treats the whole forearm. Green tea and a selection of dried fruits, dates, apricots and ginger to accompany these treatments which are both 40 minutes and costs £70 and with a pedicure/manicure £100. Shymala Ayurbeda Spa, 152 Holland Park Avenue, LONDON, W11. T: = 44(0)20 7348 0018

Clarins Manicures and Pedicures at Beauty Essence Bow Lane, LONDON, EC4

Perfect for a foot or hand makeover at lunchtime or after work. Beauty Essence offers a 45 minute full manicure for £25 or the luxury 1 hour treatment for £37. A 45-minute full pedicure costs £40 and the luxury version £48. All use luxury Clarins products. Beauty Essence, 7 Well Court, Bow Lane, LONDON, EC4. www.beautyessence.co.uk T: + 44 (0)20 7248 0127

Crème de la Mer Ultimate Hand Treatment at Harrods

This ultimate luxury treatment uses sea quartz and diamond dust to buff and exfoliate and the luxury range of creams to hydrate. This costs £50 for 60 minutes and takes place in a room with flowing water. Available at the Urban Retreat, Harrods, knightsbridge, LONDON, SW1. T:+ 44(0)20 7893 8333

Rejuvenation treats for hands and feet

Veiny feet and wrinkly hands have always been the ultimate giveaway of a person’s age. Hands in particular are more vulnerable to ageing and sun damage than other parts of the body because they are almost always exposed and have little subcutaneous fat.

The cumulative effects of aging, sun and exposure to other pollutants are brown spots, uneven pigmentation, skin cancers, thinning skin, and prominent veins.

The best way to keep hands and feet healthy and beautiful is to protect them from environmental damage in the first place. But if your hands are already showing signs of ageing or looking a bit worse for wear after some DIY, then there are several new treatments which can restore them to an earlier time.

There is a huge range of preventative and curative products and treatments on the market, containing the latest anti-ageing ingredients including cell-protecting anti-oxidants such as Co Enzyme Q10, vitamins A, C and E and essential oils.

One of the most effective anti-ageing treatments, which can be used for hands and feet, and has no harmful side effects is Restylane Vital from Swedish company Q Med. This treatment uses hyaluronic acid, a natural substance which is a precursor to natural collagen and is used to bulk out the hand or foot making it plumper and younger looking. It is delivered in a multi-injection and makes a difference from the very first treatment. The downside is that it is expensive at £400 and top up treatments will be as it is slowly reabsorbed by the body. (Fiona & Marie Aesthetics, 30 Devonshire Street, W1. T 020 7908 3773)

Dr Georges Roman (Devonshire Medical Chambers, W1 020 7323 2123), is London’s leading expert on the mesolift which is a vitamin- based injection popular with French women and normally used to rejuvenate the face. He has adapted his technique for use on the hands, with a special “gun” that delivers 200 tiny injections at a time. The combination of vitamins improves the quality of new skin and plumps it out . Although an improvement is noticed after the first treatment, best results are obtained after two to four (at £350 each)treatments.

Sun damage such as age spots are best treated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) lasers which “vaporise” the thin layer of dark coloured skin by breaking down the melanin. Removal is permanent, although new spots may appear. Again hands can also be plumped out with IPL which gives a kick-start to collagen growth. Prices vary but start from £100 (Xfolio Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, Unit 1 Horizon Building, Hertsmere Road, E1. T: 020 7538 1001 and 52 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1 T 020 7242 5749 email info@exfolia.co.uk

Structural fat grafting is another option. This is best carried out by a cosmetic surgeon since it involves the removal of fat from the leg or abdomen. The fat cells are treated and reinjected into the hand or other part of the body that needs plumping up.(BUPA Hospitals. www.bupahospitals.co.uk T 0800 6644 434. Prices on application).

Microdermabrasion is another option which helps improve appearance by removing fine lines and also texture by removing dead skin cells.(Xfolia, Unit 1 Horizon Building, Hertsmere Road, E1 T: 020 7538 1001 and 52 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1 T: 020 7242 5749 email info@xfolia.co.uk.

As with hands, feet need regularly attention to keep them looking good so you should exfoliate, moisturise and protect. And a good manicure or pedicure gives an instant feel good factor.

These are some of the latest products to try at home and salon treatments

Proto-Col’s Beauty In An Instant

A range of spa-inspired scrubs for body, hands and feet that work in just 60 seconds. The
Instant Manicure costs£24.95 for 250g and is a revitalising blend of eight essential oils plus dead sea salts. Jojoba softens, rosemary invigorates, orange oil is uplifting and grapeseed essential oil is a powerful anti-oxidant, perfect as hands can show signs of ageing more than other parts of the body. The Instant Pedicure £24.95 for 250g is an exfoliating and soothing Swiss lavender and energising, stimulating capsicum, easing aches and revitalising tired feet. Tea tree oil helps keep feet fresh, whilst lemongrass works as a natural antiperspirant. Available along with the complete range from Urban Retreat at Harrods, from www.on-beauty.co.ukand at selected salons nationwide. For other stockist info call 0870 770 3860

Marks & Spencer’s new Spa Retreat at home

This is a lovely range of products for use at home that don’t cost the earth but smell and feel wonderful. Walking on Air is a buttery balm for exhausted feet to be used at night. It contains tamanu oil , sweet almond, cooling peppermint, beeswax, shea butter and vitamin B5.Costs £4.00 The Spa Midnight Moisture for thirsty hands is designed to work while you sleep. Made of cocoa butter and palm oil it is slighter richer than a daytime formulation and also contains keratin. Costs £4.50 The range also contains some sachet treats including the foot soak and the hands exfoliating scrub. Cost £1.00 each. From Marks & Spencers stores nationwide.

Airplus – high-heel hell prevention

The foot cushion favourite of the Hollywood A-list, these non-visible insoles take the pressure and pain out of the sexiest of stilettos and skimpiest of sandals. They are made from medical grade silicone, which has a silky-smooth surface, is cool and breathable and won’t loose its shape. They are available in a variety of different shapes. £5.99 for a pack of two at www.airplusfootcare.com

Scholl Luxury feet and nail range

Rough Skin Remover, £3.55; Dual Action Foot File,£4.69; Deep Moisturising Cream £4.25; Intensive Night Treatment with Socks£8.99; Cracked Heel Cream, £2.99 for 25ml or £7.99 for 100ml; Party Feet Invisible Gel Cushions £4.99 and Busy Feet Insers £8.99. Available at Boots and other pharmacies. For more information phone the Consumer Care Line tel: 0800 074 2040 www.scholl.co.uk

Supersalve Therapeutic Skin-care balm

New to the UK market this product from South Africa contains a nourishing blend of honey and essential oils and is so versatile is can be used to moisturise the face and body, hands and feet and can be applied to sunburn, insect bites, stings, minor allergies and irritations as well as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It also a very green product as it does not contain parabens, petrochemicals, solium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrances and lanolin. A 175ml tube costs £14.95. A complementary product is the Recovery-Rub, developed for arthritis and rheumatism and helpful for aching joints and muscles costs £13.95 for a 150ml tube. Online purchase at www.supersalve.co.uk or at selected health-food stores. Contact 0845 095 6505 for stockists.

Tisserand Essential Oil Rich Hand & Nail Cream

One of Tisserand’s hero products and celebrity favourite; this classic Essential Oil Rich Hand & Nail Cream moisturises and conditions hands and nails, leaving them delicately fragranced with the aroma of pure essential oils. It contains lavender, rose, geranium and sandalwood essential oils in a base of jojoba and kukui with chamomile extract to soften, protect and add fragrance. The Hand & Nail Cream costs £4.50 and is available from shops, by mail order 01273 325666 and online at www.tisserandshop.com

Lamisil Once

A new product from the specialists in treating that nasty fungal infection athletes feet. Lamisil Once is a gel-like solution that is a breakthrough in that sufficient active ingredient is delivered in a single application. Costs £9.99 from Boots and other pharmacies.

Salon

Padabhyanga Foot Massage and Karabhyanga Hand Massage at the Shymala Ayurveda Spa, Holland Park

A soothing foot massage with organic ayurbedic oils, combined with a full pedicure for the ultimate pampering experience. The hand treatment uses herbs and treats the whole forearm. Green tea and a selection of dried fruits, dates, apricots and ginger to accompany these treatments which are both 40 minutes and costs £70 and with a pedicure/manicure £100. Shymala Ayurbeda Spa, 152 Holland Park Avenue, W11. T 020 7348 0018

Clarins Manicures and Pedicures at Beauty Essence Bow Lane EC4

Perfect for a foot or hand makeover at lunchtime or after work. Beauty Essence offers a 45 minute full manicure for £25 or the luxury 1 hour treatment for £37. A 45-minute full pedicure costs £40 and the luxury version £48. All use luxury Clarins products.Beauty Essence, 7 Well Court, Bow Lane, EC4. www.beautyessence.co.uk T: 020 7248 0127

Crème de la Mer Ultimate Hand Treatment at Harrods

This ultimate luxury treatment uses sea quartz and diamond dust to buff and exfoliate and the luxury range of creams to hydrate. This costs £50 for 60 minutes and takes place in a room with flowing water. Available at the Urban Retreat, Harrods, SW1. T: 020 7893 8333

Cindy Crawford confesses to being human

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has confessed that she keeps her looks in pristine condition with the help of aesthetic treatments such as Botox and collagen.

In a magazine interview the 40-year-old mother of two said she has getting cosmetic help for the past 11 years.

“I’m not going to lie to myself: past a certain age, creams work on the texture of your skin but, in order to restore elasticity, all I can really count on is vitamin injections, Botox and collagen,'”she tells this week’s Gala magazine.

“I have a very simple, healthy life, which works miracles. I drink a lot of water, watch what I eat and exercise. ‘But I owe the quality of my skin to my cosmetic surgeon.”

Miss Crawford who has her own skincare range called Meaningful Beauty. Products includes facial mask, skin softening cleaners, moisturisers and neck rejuvenating creams.

She says of her products: ‘I believe Meaningful Beauty is the best skin care available, and soon you will be able to discover the difference yourself. ‘Improve the tone and texture of your skin. Reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Reveal skin that is smoother, softer and more radiant. They’re products that treat your skin in a meaningful way now for more beautiful, younger-looking skin tomorrow.’

Hands are real givaway of age, says new study

New York: Hands reveal a person’s real age, says a study in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Roxanne Guy, MD, President elect of ASPS says: “A primary motivation to have plastic surgery is to look and feel better, often by seeking a younger looking appearance. However, looking younger after your facelift or eyelid surgery can conflict with aged hands that simply do not match the face.

“After the face, hands are the second most visible, tell-tale sign of one’s age. If your goal is to look more youthful or you are bothered by the appearance of your hands, you may seriously want to consider hand rejuvenation.”

In the study, people examined photographs of female hands and were asked to estimate the women’s ages. In the majority of cases, participants were able to accurately estimate the age of each woman in the photographs.

Participants were also asked to compare digitally altered photographs of female hands – blemishes and hand veins were removed or jewelery and nail polish were added – to unaltered photographs to assess which hands looked younger. The majority of participants felt that the altered photos of women’s hands appeared younger. However, alterations to photos of very elderly hands – characterized by thin skin, age spots, wrinkles, deformity, veins and prominent joints – did not change the participants’ ability to distinguish the person’s age.

Overall, the physical characteristic which most commonly gave away age was prominent hand veins.

In altered images where hand veins were removed, participants significantly felt hands looked younger. Fullness and a lack of wrinkles and veins characterized the youngest looking hands. Nail polish and jewelry were also found to make hands appear younger looking.

“The good news is, although your hands may reveal more about your age than you desire, there are remedies out there,” said Dr. Guy. “A good medical skincare regimen that focuses on the hands can be highly effective in maintaining skin thickness and fullness. Non-surgical procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels can reduce age spots. Fat injections can be used to plump up hands and reduce the visibility of veins and laser ablation of unwanted hand veins can reduce veins.”

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org