Are your hands showing your true age? These are the best treatments to consider
21 October 2024
By Dr Sophie Shotter

When it comes to ageing, many of us focus primarily on our faces, investing in skincare routines and aesthetic treatments to maintain a youthful appearance. But did you know that your hands can reveal your age just as much—if not more—than your face? The skin on our hands is often neglected and, as a result, can age more quickly. Here, I’ll explore why the hands seem to age faster, what happens to them as we grow older, and the best treatments to keep your hands looking youthful and rejuvenated.
Why Do the Hands Age Faster than the Face?
The skin on our hands is naturally more delicate than the skin on other parts of our body. Hands are constantly exposed to external factors such as the sun, cold weather, wind, and chemicals from household products. Unlike the face, which often receives daily care through sunscreen and moisturisers, our hands are frequently left unprotected. The lack of oil glands on the backs of the hands also means they have less natural moisture, making them more prone to dryness and damage over time. All of these factors contribute to the hands appearing older faster than other areas of the body.
Moreover, the natural ageing process involves the loss of collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping skin firm and plump. This breakdown happens more quickly in the hands due to constant movement, environmental exposure, and the thinning of the skin as we age. Without proper care, the hands can begin to develop wrinkles, age spots, and visible veins much sooner than expected.
What Happens to the Hands as We Age?
As we age, several changes take place in the hands that contribute to an aged appearance. The most noticeable changes include:
- Thinning Skin: The skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making veins and bones more prominent. This thinning can make the hands appear more skeletal and frail.
- Loss of Volume: The fatty tissue that gives hands a more youthful look diminishes with age, leading to a more hollowed, bony appearance.
- Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation: Continuous exposure to UV rays causes brown spots, also known as sunspots or liver spots, to develop on the back of the hands. These spots can make hands look much older than they are.
- Wrinkling and Crepiness: Reduced collagen production leads to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, the skin may begin to sag, creating a crepe-like texture.
- Dryness and Texture Changes: Without adequate moisture, the skin on the hands can become rough, dry, and flaky, further ageing their appearance.
Best Treatments to Rejuvenate Ageing Hands
Fortunately, there are several effective treatments to combat the signs of ageing in the hands. From dermal fillers to skin boosters, here’s an overview of the best options available:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a popular solution for restoring volume to the hands. These fillers are usually composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the skin and helps retain moisture. When injected into the hands, dermal fillers plump up the skin, filling in hollow areas and softening the appearance of wrinkles and veins. Results are immediate, with a noticeable difference in the texture and smoothness of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid fillers also provide mild stimulation of the production of collagen over time, improving the overall quality of the skin. This treatment typically lasts between 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual.
HArmonyCa
HArmonyCa is a relatively new hybrid injectable that combines two key components—hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite. This combination works both as a volumiser and a collagen stimulator, providing dual benefits for ageing hands. The hyaluronic acid offers immediate hydration and volume, while the calcium hydroxyapatite stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production for long-term improvement.
HArmonyCa is particularly effective for those looking to restore lost volume in the hands while also addressing skin quality, such as firmness and elasticity. It provides a natural, subtle lift, with results that can last up to 18 months.
Skin Boosters
Skin boosters are another excellent treatment option for ageing hands. These microinjections of lightweight hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin from within, giving it a dewy and plump appearance. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which focus on adding volume, skin boosters work more superficially to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
Skin boosters can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepiness, as well as improve overall skin quality. This treatment is ideal for those looking for a subtle, natural rejuvenation, and it is often used in combination with other treatments like dermal fillers for a comprehensive anti-ageing approach.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are a newer treatment that involves the injection of DNA fragments into the skin to promote tissue regeneration and repair. This treatment helps improve skin elasticity and hydration, making it an excellent choice for ageing hands. Polynucleotides also encourage collagen production, which in turn restores volume and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
The benefits of polynucleotides are long-lasting, with improvements continuing for months after treatment as the skin regenerates. This treatment is particularly beneficial for those with very thin, fragile skin on their hands.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be used on the hands to address pigmentation issues, such as age spots and sun damage. By applying a chemical solution to the skin, the outer layer of dead skin cells is exfoliated, revealing fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Chemical peels can also stimulate collagen production, helping to smooth out fine lines and improve skin texture.
For the hands, mild to medium-strength peels are generally recommended. While chemical peels won’t address volume loss, they are an excellent option for improving the skin’s overall appearance and reversing the visible signs of sun damage.
While the hands may show signs of ageing faster than other parts of the body, there are numerous treatments available to restore their youthful appearance. From dermal fillers that add volume to skin boosters and polynucleotides that improve skin quality, modern aesthetic treatments can help turn back the clock on your hands. If you’ve noticed your hands are betraying your true age, consider consulting with a professional to find the best treatment plan for you. Your hands deserve just as much care and attention as your face, and with the right approach, they can look as young and vibrant as the rest of you.
If you’d like to learn more about the options, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.
