Your face may be baby-soft and creaseless, but your hands will always give your age away. The passing years show on an aging woman’s hands, however well-preserved the rest of her body may be. The wrinkles, enlarged veins, and prominent tendons on her hands tell the story of her years.

To prevent your hands from drying and wrinkling, it is necessary to improve blood circulation and hydrate them. Skin experts advise the following:

• Wash without soap. Regular use of soap and hand cleansers dries skin easily. Hand sanitizers and alcohol are better alternatives.

• Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing cream after washing. If your facial moisturizer contains retinoid and alpha hydroxyl acids, it will work as well for your hands. These ingredients will help build collagen and plump up skin for younger-looking hands. Other moisturizing ingredients are shea butter, olive oil, glycerin, and vitamin E. A product with sun protection factor of at least SPF 30 is also recommended.

• Massage. Aside from stimulating blood circulation, massage speeds up absorption of moisturizers and creams. Massage palms and the back of your hands using upward and downward strokes.

While some women develop a glow about them when they are pregnant, others are less fortunate. Hormonal changes may make a pregnant woman’s skin drier. Dry skin tends to itch and, in pregnancy, could turn into eczema due to changes in the way the immune system works. To relieve itchy skin during pregnancy:

• Take a shower instead of a bath and reduce the number of times you bathe.

• Keep cool as much as possible, as overheating can aggravate the itching.

• Substitute your soap or shower gel with a soap free cleanser.

• Wear soft, smooth clothes and avoid woolly fabrics, which can irritate skin.

• Use a moisturizing lotion, cream, or ointment to protect your skin.

• Consult your dermatologist if you have a skin problem like eczema to determine which product is safe for expectant moms.