When we think of anti-aging skincare, one of the last things that crosses our minds is the skin on our hands. But with all the advancements in what we are now able to do to our faces to combat looking older, the hands are quickly becoming one of the first things to give our age away. Is it possible to reverse the effects of aging on our hands? Here’s what we know.

Can you reverse the signs of aging hands?

If your hands are starting to show signs of aging, it turns out there are some things you can do to reverse the damage. While it’s not entirely possible to age backwards, there are certain things that can make you seem like you are.

Before we get into that, we need to first look at the basics. 

The biggest mechanism of aging hands: the sun

What plays the biggest role in the aging of our hands? You guessed it; the sun. Dr. Allison Arthur, a board-certified dermatologist at the Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando, Florida, warned that long-term exposure to the sun can cause brown sun spots, uneven pigmentation, a decrease in skin thickness, and wrinkles. And more dermatologists agree. 

Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist, noted that hands age faster than other parts of the body due to their constant exposure to the elements such as wind, rain, sun, and water. Engaging in daily tasks such as hand washing, doing the dishes, using particular cleaning products, and not moisturizing can not only cause severe dryness but may also lead to premature aging in the future.

Starting your hand care routine and how to: 

Amos Lavian, the founder and president of Dermelect Cosmeceuticals, pointed out that with age, the elasticity and collagen levels in the skin on your hands decrease, resulting in a more fragile appearance and feel. But there are things you can do. 

• Apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and don’t forget to reapply! Obviously, lathering up in sunscreen can be beneficial in preventing sunburns and skin cancer, however, it can also help to protect your hands from the aging side effects of the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, when we’re concentrating on covering other body parts with SPF, our hands often become neglected. Make sure to reapply anytime you get your hands wet. 
• Switch up your moisturizer at night. Have you ever given thought to a skincare routine on your hands at night? Unfortunately, our hands often receive no attention in our nightly skincare routine process, which is why they tend to reveal our age. Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in the Boston area, advised her patients to follow the same anti-aging facial regimen on their hands as well.
• What to look for in the best hand creams and SPF- Dr. Lavian suggested using a protein-rich hand cream formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, soothing extracts, and essential oils at night, and seeking out a hand cream with ceramides for daytime use.  As for SPF, make sure to use a sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection.
• Try treatments for aging hands. There are a variety of treatments for aging hands that can be done at home, such as retinoids and chemical peels. These can help reduce discoloration caused by sun exposure and treat blotchy pigmentation. A dermatologist can give you suggestions on some great at home options.
• Go the extra mile. If you’re wanting more dramatic results than you’re getting from at home treatments, you may want to look into injectables and lasers. Dr. Arthur related that IPL – Intense pulsed light – is the most frequently chosen procedure in his practice to help diminish the indications of aging on the hands. This light-based energy treatment is used to diminish sun spots and even out skin tone. If you’re looking for restored plumpness, dermal fillers can effectively reduce the visibility thinness, as well as veins and tendons. Typically, 1-2 syringes are needed per hand, and the results can last up to half a year. 

Whatever treatment you choose, it’s vital that sunscreen be used in addition.  Establishing a great hand care routine is a vital way to keep them looking young and vibrant!