Hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing and often age faster than our faces. Losing volume and plumpness can reveal veins and bones, while sun spots and pigmentation which develop over time create uneven skin tone adding to the aged appearance.
Thankfully, there are ways to treat your hands and even medical procedures you can look into to restore them to their youthful glory.
Anti-ageing hand creams
Moisturising your hands regularly can give you more supple skin which prevents cracking and dryness. Use a rich formula at night to wake up with softer skin.
1. This thick and creamy lotion contains Hemp Seed Oil to limit moisture loss and improve skin resilience.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector, $9.95 for 30ml
2. CoEnzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that can help repair your cells and improve the appearance of skin.
NIVEA Anti Age Q10 Plus Hand Cream, $6.95 for 100ml
3. By targeting the signs of ageing, this cream claims to give you younger-looking hands in 10 days. Copper Peptide works to reduce wrinkles, while increasing collagen and elastin.
The Chemistry Brand Intense Youth Complex, $35 for 100ml
Sunscreen for your hands
Sunscreen is the most important preventative treatment against ageing, and this includes your hands. We often overlook this part of our body when applying sunscreen to ourselves, and even if we remember to put it on it can wear off quicker than other areas.
Using a hand cream with SPF is an easy way to top up your sun protection throughout the day, and these quickly absorbed creams mean you have no excuse.
1. Being 100% fragrance-free means this rich hand cream is great for those with sensitive skin, and the formula may help boost collagen production too.
Paula’s Choice Resist Ultimate Anti-Aging Hand Cream SPF 15, $22
2. This dermatologically tested formula contains antioxidants to help even skin tone and glycerine for hydration.
Innoxa One & All Anti-Age Hands SPF 15, $4.95
3. This rich, plant-based cream contains pomegranate, which may help strengthen ageing muscle cells.
Natio Wellness Hand Cream SPF15, $9.95
Topical treatments
A hand-specific product is a great option to intensively treat a specific ageing concern. Retinol, exfoliation and masks are no longer just for your face, as these treatments prove.
1. This lotion uses lactic acid and retinol to fight dehydration and dark spots, while smoothing skin.
Priori Advanced AHA Hand and Body Revitalizing Lotion, $69
2. This mask is used like a pair of gloves which contain moisture-boosting marine collagen and vitamin E to intensively repair dry hands.
Skin Republic Hand Repair, $7.99
3. Soothing algae extract and vitamin C combine to make this lightweight cream a repairing and softening dream for your hands.
Dermalogica Age Smart MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment, $38.50 for 75ml
4. The intensive mask treatment contains argan oil to deeply moisturise and firm skin.
Sephora Collection Argan Hand Mask, $6
5. This fresh-scented cream contains glycolic acid to resurface the skin, fade dark spots and hydrate cuticles.
Alpha-H Age Delay Hand and Cuticle Care Cream, $39
In-office options
Sometimes you need to call in the professionals. A clinical procedure can give you long-lasting results in minimal time, restoring your confidence so your hands match your age.
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treats hyperpigmentation, sun damage and broken capillaries. It works by using light, not laser, on a targeted spot. The light converts to heat which damages the specific cells which creates a wound on the surface of the skin. The body then heals this scab and you are left with normally pigmented skin.
Fraxel laser
Fraxel lasers work by breaking down a very small and controlled part of the skin cells, which then activates collagen growth and makes cells rebuild. This laser can be used on your hands to improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of sun damage. Treatments are usually quick and don’t require much recovery time. Skin usually appears red and might be inflamed after the procedure (like sunburn), but this reaction goes away usually a day later.
Carbon dioxide fractional laser
A carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser can be used on your hands to tighten and reduce scarring. A CO2 laser works by removing a thin top layer of skin and heating the collagen underneath to stimulate production. Patients usually require fewer treatments than compared to a Fraxel laser, but this option might require more healing time as there may be flaky skin.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are used to plump up the back of hands and hide obvious veins. This is a more non-invasive treatment option with immediate results and minimal healing. There are different types of fillers, but you will need to ask your doctor which type is right for you. All fillers are different so some questions to ask include: how long will this type of filler last, what is its viscosity (formula consistency), and will it stimulate collagen production?
