Replied By Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 09/04/2013
Hello Cat,
You say when you when your hand is injured it takes a long time to heal... Supposing you mean the brusing stays a long time, that symptom would indicate a vitamin C deficiency. If you've ever noticed older folks do bruse easly and the brusing stays a long time; Vitamin C deficiency. Take 2,000 mg daily, buffered to keep from getting too acidic, and see if in a few months your brusing is reduced.
To improve the skin texture try using hyaluronic acid in a formula with glucosamine and chondroitin. That usually comes with some MSM also. That is taken orally, but you should be able to find it in a lotion also.
I also apply a cap full of DMSO to my hands as an anti arthyritic precaution. When my hands are feeling achy the DMSO immediately solves the porblem. I don't know if the DMSO will help with the skin issue but I've used DMSO applied to hands eight or ten times yearly and at 64 yo my hands look smooth and tight. Wish my face looked so good! Maybe I should have been using the DMSO on it too.
Replied By Cat (Tauranga, New Zealand) on 09/05/2013
Hi David, thanks for advice.... No, the problem with the hands isn't bruising - it's skin tears. Even very small ones last 6 months. I'm sure doing the dishes without gloves doesn't help but I am careful not to put my hands into the water too far when doing them. I do stay clean otherwise though as far as washing my hands when necessary. Also I have very dry skin so if a wound does try to heal, it becomes so dry, I have a tendency to pick at the forming scab so rush to get some coconut oil lathered into my hands asap! I really think I need to take some flaxseed internally as I read on here and see if that can help from the inside. P.S. Your hands sound fantastic!Replied By Timh (Ky, Usa) on 09/05/2013
@Cat: To prevent aging in general, be sure to get adequate amounts of Selenium by eating 1 Brazil Nut daily or taking a Selenium supplement. For the skin in particular you need adequate amounts of Vit-A and E. These three nutrients combined will greatly increase the integrity of the skin.Replied By Lisa (Frankfurt, Germany) on 09/07/2013
Hi Cat, Apply Glycerin to your hands. The only thing that helps my very dry skin is Glycerin. I have been using it since my childhood. Always apply to my hands and face before going to bed and get up with very fresh, soft and wrinkles free skin. It heals the wounds and rashes quickly and cure the acne. If I use another cold cream or oil I get pimples, dry rough and wrinkled skin. I love pure Glycerin and can't live without it.Replied By Wellerval (Moorestown, Nj) on 12/11/2013
Research zinc and wound healing....Replied By Iowama (Iowa, Usa) on 12/12/2013
Hi,
Regarding hands that have worked hard and now look old, I have something to say that I hope will help. You mention that you eat well, but not if you eat a lot of fish or take fish oil. Just in case you do, please try cutting your dose in half or cutting it out all together for a while. I cut my dosage in half and now rarely get a bleeding gouge or bruise when I work outdoors. Best to you.
Replied By Pat (Orlando) on 07/02/2017
It's hormone imbalance. I wish I had the details but that is definitely what it is at your age, but do some research on hormones and you will find this is the problem.Replied By Gina (Lubbuck TX) on 01/04/2023
Castor oil will do a lot for making your hands and all your skin look younger. I have used it for years and although I am 75 yeas old, most people think I am in my 40s. I use it everywhere and I infuse it with essencial oils for an added bonus. Frankincense is excellent coupled with caster oil for your face. For years before I used castor oil, I tried many face cream products and all of the failed to do much. So after a lot of research, I found that the active ingredient in many skill products was castor oil. Herritage is the best band of castor oil I have found.