Lack of sebaceous glands : unlike other areas of the body, the hands and forearms contain few sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing the natural hydrolipidic film. As a result, the skin dries out easily, loses its suppleness, and becomes rough to the touch.
Chronic sun exposure : with few exceptions, hands are almost never protected by sunscreen. However, UVA rays penetrate as far as the dermis and degrade collagen and elastin fibers, thus accelerating skin sagging. Brown spots—technically called actinic lentigines—are the direct result of this cumulative, unprotected exposure.
The forgotten step in our beauty routine : we remember to cleanse our face, moisturize it, protect it from the sun, and apply antioxidant serums. Our hands, however, rarely receive as much attention, even though they are constantly exposed to the same aging factors.
Warning signs to recognize
Several indicators can help determine if your hands and arms need special attention:
- Skin feels tight after washing
- Fine lines visible even at rest on the backs of the hands
- Appearance of brown spots or uneven skin tone
- Scaly or peeling skin in places
- Persistent roughness sensation
If several of these signs are present, it’s time to incorporate a specific treatment into your routine.
The viral home remedy: what exactly is it?
Decoding a natural beauty trend
The method, which has been circulating for several months on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, relies on combining two everyday ingredients: toothpaste and a natural vegetable oil (often coconut or sweet almond oil). The idea is to use toothpaste as a gentle exfoliating and cleansing agent, combined with a nourishing oil to avoid irritating or drying out the skin.
This type of combination is reminiscent of other old wives’ remedies that have been passed down through generations: sugar as a natural exfoliant, honey as a moisturizing and healing agent, and lemon juice as a skin lightener (though it should be used with great caution). The popularity of these methods stems from their accessibility: no need to go to the pharmacy or invest in expensive products.
The ingredients and their properties
Toothpaste typically contains sodium bicarbonate, mild abrasives, and menthol compounds. These elements provide a surface cleansing effect and a gentle mechanical exfoliation action. This property helps remove accumulated dead skin cells and restore the skin’s natural radiance.
Important : Toothpaste is not formulated for skin. Its pH and composition are not suited to skin needs. Therefore, it should be used very sparingly, only on healthy, non-irritated skin, and never as a daily treatment.
Vegetable oil (coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, or argan, depending on the variety) plays a fundamental role in this treatment: it protects the skin barrier, provides essential fatty acids, and prevents the dryness that the exfoliating action of toothpaste could cause. It also leaves the skin soft and silky after rinsing.
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