Best Treatments for Aging Hands, According to Dermatologists

Taking care of your hands is just as important as taking care of your face. Dermatologists emphasize that hands are often overlooked when it comes to anti-aging treatments, but they can easily give away your age if not cared for properly. Sun exposure, wind, and daily trauma can all contribute to visible signs of aging on the hands.

To combat aging hands, experts recommend a combination of therapies tailored to each individual’s skin type, degree of aging, and lifestyle. A customized approach is key to achieving optimal results, according to dermatologists Tina Alster, MD, Nina Hartman, MD, and Janine Hopkins, MD.

If you’re looking to achieve more youthful-looking hands, consider incorporating daily sun protection and antioxidants into your routine. Drs. Alster and Hartman stress the importance of applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily and reapplying throughout the day, especially when outdoors or driving.

Protecting your hands from chemicals, using gentle cleansers, and wearing sun-guard gloves while driving can also help prevent signs of aging. Additionally, incorporating anti-aging topicals, hand creams, LED light therapy, and antioxidants into your skincare routine can support both prevention and rejuvenation.

In-Office Treatments for Aging Hands

Lasers

Laser and light-based therapies are effective for treating brown spots, uneven tone, and fine lines on the hands. IPL and fractional lasers can target pigmentation and stimulate collagen remodeling to improve skin texture and tone.

Dr. Hopkins recommends the Fotona laser for boosting collagen and refining the epidermal layer on the hands. Combining fractional laser resurfacing with topical PRP can also improve skin quality over time. However, it’s important to approach ablative laser resurfacing with caution to avoid scarring and dyspigmentation.

Fillers

Biostimulatory fillers can restore volume to thin, aged-looking skin on the hands while stimulating collagen and elastin production for long-term results. Radiesse and hyaluronic acid fillers are popular options for restoring lost volume and softening the appearance of veins and tendons.

Fat Grafting

For more pronounced volume loss, fat grafting can be a longer-term option to rejuvenate the hands. Dr. Mahabir recommends fat grafting in conjunction with other surgical treatments for optimal results.