a. Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40

b. Benzoyl Peroxide

c. DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA

d. (Triethanolamine)

e. Dioxin

f. DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl)

g. FD&C Color Pigments

h. Fragrances

i. Parabens

j. PEG (Polyethylene glycol)

k. Phthalates

l. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol

m. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

n. Triclosan

o. Sunscreen ingredients like benzophenone, avebenzone, methyoxycinnamates, paba

So ... what to do to keep our hands from giving away our age?

A number of physical changes in the skin's structure can be corrected. For example, using a moisturizing sunscreen applied to the backs of hands after each washing can prevent sun damage. You can avoid being one of the 90% over the age of 60 with brown spots on their hands. And you can prevent an even bigger issue of the brown spots darkening and changing in appearance indicating the presence of skin cancer. Inspecting your hands and caring for the health of your skin - on your hands and your entire body - is really important.

Today, most people are aware of nutrition, green living and healthy lifestyles. Incorporating care for our hands shouldn't be difficult. Sometimes it's the crepe-y skin or dark spots that remind us. After all, you probably buy special age-defying products for your face and eyes; you may even have facials, massages and other specialty treatments. Why not give the same attention to your hands? When you use a scrub or cleanser on your face, also apply it to the backs of your hands. When you apply a mud or silt masque, remember to include your hands.

Doing dishes, washing hands, and using household cleaning products are easier on the hands when you use vegetable-based cleansers made to be mild without compromising effectiveness. This will mean avoiding typical products sold in the grocery store. They may be cheap because of the industrial grade, synthetic detergents; but they usually contain toxic ingredients - not good for your hands, your health, a fetus in the womb, or your family. If you avoid using detergents that strip essential moisture, you'll immediately notice healthier, prettier looking hands.

What other measures can you take to retain younger-looking hands?

Start with a regular routine of moisturizing your hands throughout the day - especially with a non-emulsified lotion or cream. This could increase moisture by 40% and make a dramatic difference by reducing the dry, scaly appearance. With this increased hydration, you'll see the skin on your hands become plumper - automatically firming up some of the looser skin.

Be extra considerate of your hands by using anti-aging facial products like serums, masques and exfoliators. Products high in vitamins, minerals and extra nutrition will support the youthful appearance. Always make sure that the products you are using are free from toxins, hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and any other known harmful substance. In other words, be sure to READ the labels on every product. Find products that are certified natural and/or organic by a third party like EcoCert or ToxicFree®. Use safe sunscreens that protect without harming your skin. Leave bottles near your kitchen and bathroom sinks for easy application. A small sample pot can always be kept in your pocket or purse, left near the dog's walking leash, with your running shoes... or wherever you need to be reminded.

I encourage you to use anti-aging treatments on your hands, as well as your face. They are designed to mitigate existing damage and give the many layers of your skin precious anti-aging nutrients. Many anti-aging products assist the skin's inner resistance and fortification against further damage. Add products to your daily routine that make your hands feel and look better. All of these steps are easy to implement in your daily routine...and you'll be delighted when strangers guessing your age mistake you for someone much younger because your hands 'look your age' ... or younger!

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