In the beauty industry, we are all constantly discussing the latest skincare products to keep our faces looking youthful and combat ageing. From eye creams, retinols and cleansers we are all told which products are worth adding to your skincare routine to treat pesky wrinkles and fine lines.
But, do we apply the same detail to our hands? Probably not!
Recently, BeautyTok has been going crazy over how youthful Christina Aguilera’s hands are, including @zoekatebaby has gained 1.6 million views who is constantly moisturising and applying sunscreen to her hands to keep them youthful!
We outline the skincare products and treatments that will keep your hands looking young whilst speaking to dermatologist Dr Elif Benar at Dr Elif Clinic about ageing hands…
What causes the hands to age and what are the noticeable signs of ageing hands?
“The hands age due to a combination of factors: UV radiation, environmental exposures, loss of subcutaneous fat and reduced collagen production. Unlike the face, the hands are often overlooked in daily skincare routines, accelerating the ageing process. Frequent exposure to the sun, harsh chemicals and environmental pollutants without protection can result in premature ageing.
Common signs of ageing hands include the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots or pigmentation, a crepey texture and a loss of volume leading to prominent veins and tendons.”
Do you see an increase in patients coming into clinic for hand treatments?
“Yes, there is a noticeable increase! Many patients realise that their hands can reveal their age, even if their face looks youthful. This awareness has grown due to increased discussions around holistic skincare and aesthetic treatments. Patients often seek help after noticing age spots, volume loss, and a generally weathered look.”
Are there any skincare ingredients/treatments that can accelerate ageing hands?
“Certain ingredients and habits can worsen ageing. Harsh skincare ingredients like high concentrations of alcohol, strong fragrances and sulphates in soaps and sanitizers can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Similarly, not using sunscreen on the hands accelerates the formation of sun spots and collagen breakdown.
For prevention and rejuvenation, I recommend ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinoids (in mild concentrations) for skin texture, vitamin C for brightening and sun protection, and regular use of SPF on the hands.”
Some skincare products/ingredients to keep your hands looking healthy, youthful and hydrated include…
Restylane Dermal Fillers, restylaneusa.com
Hyaluronic acid filler can be injected below the surface of the skin to provide the structure needed to correct volume deficit, resulting in a more youthful-looking appearance. Restylane Lyft uses HA gel technology which closely resembles the body’s own HA with minimal crosslinking, providing structure to sagging skin and smooth prominent wrinkles, giving the hands a refreshed appearance.
NIRA Pro, £569, niraskin.com
The first and only painless at-home laser with a large treatment tip to target the full face, neck, chest and back of the hands. The patented non-fractional, non-ablative laser technology gently heats the dermis to stimulate natural collagen production – revealing firmer, youthful looking skin in 90 days.
HydroPeptide Solar Defense Hand Guard, £33, hydropeptide.co.uk
This unscented luxurious SPF 15 hand cream provides relief for dry skin whilst reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide events skin tone and protects from free radical damage whilst mineral titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect from sun damage.
Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Moisture Hand Mask Sheet, £4, naturerepublicuk.com
This nourishing hand mask sheet aims to keep hands firm, smooth and moisturised. The mask contains Aloe Vera to hydrate, soothe and regenerate skin.
Minimalist Niacinamide 05% Body Lotion, £8, facethefuture.co.uk
This body lotion is infused with antioxidant niacinamide (vitamin B), shea butter, glycerine and betaine to help hydrate and nourish your skin whilst reducing sun damage. The formula repairs the epidermal barrier function and works to reduce transepidermal water loss, resulting in more hydrated skin that feels soothed.