
As we age, the skin on our hands becomes thinner, more lax and less plump—there may also be brown spots and pigmentation. “Even though our hands are constantly on show, we often forget to look after them as much as we do our face and neck,” says Julie Scott, EV Expert and Clinical Director, Facial Aesthetics.
“Sun exposure, the drying effects of central heating and harsh detergents, combined with the natural loss of collagen and elastin that occurs over time—all of these can make our hands especially vulnerable to a number of skin concerns.”
Aesthetic treatments for hands have certainly come a long way since the media first had a field day over Madonna’s former gnarly mitts, and cruelly likened Sarah Jessica Parker’s hands to a witch’s.
“We’re now seeing many innovative new treatments that are incredibly effective in taking years off your hands,” continues Scott. “Women see what aesthetic treatments can do for their face and they want the same—if you want to look healthy and youthful, it’s crucial to maintain skin vigilance by looking after your hands.”
She recommends the following treatments for the main concerns:
Lines, wrinkles, crepiness
Skin boosters are injectable treatments that hydrate, rejuvenate and improve skin elasticity and texture by delivering moisture directly into the skin layers. Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid which provides intense hydration, active ingredients to aid skin regeneration, amino acids, peptides and vitamins.
The following skin boosters are a brilliant way to boost hydration, elasticity and firmness, without adding volume:
Profhilo contains stabilised hyaluronic acid—injected into the skin, it delivers hyaluronic acid deeper than topical skincare, helping the skin to hold onto water and provide more intense hydration. Profhilo also acts as a biostimulator, which means it stimulates collagen and elastin production to enhance firmness and elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Expect to see improvements in two-to-three weeks, with results lasting up to eight months.
Polynucleotides are popular for reducing lines and wrinkles around the eyes, so it’s no surprise that the treatment is also great for the delicate skin on the back of hands. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments extracted from salmon—when injected into the skin, these fragments stimulate fibroblasts to improve the production of several types of collagen, and elastin. This promotes skin renewal, elasticity, hydration and reduces lines and wrinkles, leading to smoother, firmer, plumper and more youthful looking hands. Expect improvements after two-to-three weeks, and full results in eight-to-twelve weeks.
Loose skin
Profhilo is not the same as botulinum toxin (which relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles) and dermal fillers (which add volume), yet it is extremely effective in firming and smoothing the skin, and plumping out ‘hollows’. Expect to see improvements in two-to-three weeks with results lasting six-to-eight months.
Ellanse is a type of dermal filler containing polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres which stimulate collagen production, improving the skin's firmness and elasticity. Ellanse is injected between the bones in the back of the hands, then gently massaged, for an instant ‘lifting’ effect.
Ultherapy is an ultrasound treatment that uses a micro-focused sound wave energy device to penetrate deep into the skin. This stimulates collagen production, helping to tighten and lift saggy areas. Results can last up to two years.
Amish Patel, EV Expert and Aesthetics Practitioner, Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, suggests the following treatments:
Pigmentation, age and sun spots
Intense pulsed light or IPL, can help to reduce pigmentation, liver, age and sun spots, while promoting better skin tone and helping smooth fine lines.
Chemical peels can help to refresh mature hands—choose a mild to moderate peel and see a qualified practitioner for best results.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze away any brown spots. It may take up to two weeks to see a difference, and there may be inflammation afterwards.
Texture
Skin boosters can improve skin texture, elasticity, hydration and the overall appearance of the hands.
Skin peels containing mild to moderate ingredients such as lactic or mandelic acid, can help to rejuvenate the skin on the hands.
Retinol-based skincare can be used at night as part of your skincare routine to help keep skin smooth.
Daily hand maintenance
SPF of at least 30 should be regularly worn year-round, along with gloves in winter.
Moisturise with a hydrating hand cream, preferably containing SPF, and reapply after hand washing throughout the day. Hydrated and protected skin can result in fewer wrinkles.
DIY hydrating hand treatments are quick and easy: apply a thick moisturiser and wear disposable gloves for 10-15 minutes. Body heat warms the cream, so it sinks in and deeply nourishes dry skin.