Your hands are one of the most exposed areas of your body - they bask in the sun, handle harsh household cleansers, and are subjected to frigid, drying winter winds. These daily assaults can leave them dry and chapped, with splotchy discoloration and other signs of premature aging.

Cold winter winds and dry indoor air can sap the moisture out of your skin, making hands chapped and cuticles crack. To form a protective barrier and retain moisture, wear gloves when outside in the winter and slather on a lotion that contains humectants, such as shea butter, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. To lock in moisture, apply moisturizer when your hands are still damp, such as after a shower or washing your hands.

Always wear rubber or latex gloves when doing household chores; all those detergents you use that so effectively cut oil, grease, and grime can also strip your skin, cuticles, and nails of essential natural oils. To boost the absorption of emollients while you do your dirty work, slather on a thick moisturizer before pulling on your gloves.

Just like your face, your hands will feel smoother and look more youthful with daily exfoliating. But just as you need to be gentle with your face, go easy on your hands; the skin on the backs of your hands has fewer oil glands and less underlying fat than other parts of your body.

For a hand makeover try zapping age spots and smoothing roughness with a laser treatment such as the Fraxel laser ($750-$1,000). Glycolic peels can also smooth surface texture and lighten spots at $125-$200 per session (you'll probably need about six sessions). But it's best to wait to perform these treatments until after your baby is born to ensure his or her safety.