How to effectively tackle pigmentation on the hands
6 May 2024
By Dr Sophie Shotter

Pigmentation Hands Treatment, Marylebone, London
Pigmentation on the hands can be a source of concern for many. This type of skin condition, characterised by dark spots or uneven skin tone, is not only common but can also be a tell-tale sign of ageing or skin damage. Understanding the causes, preventive measures, and effective treatments can help maintain youthful and even-toned hands. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tackle pigmentation on the hands effectively.
What Causes Pigmentation on the Hands?
Pigmentation on the hands is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, as UV rays can lead to increased melanin production, resulting in sunspots or age spots, particularly on areas like the hands that are frequently exposed. As the skin ages, it naturally undergoes changes where melanin production can become more localised, giving rise to what are often called age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigo. Additionally, the hands can experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following skin injuries, infections, or certain dermatological procedures that cause irritation or trauma.
Is it possible to prevent pigmentation on the hands?
Preventing hand pigmentation is often easier than treating it. Here are a few preventative measures you can try today…
- Sun Protection: Regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after washing hands. Using sunscreen on the hands helps prevent the formation of new pigmentation and stops existing spots from deepening. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer
- Wearing Protective Clothing: Gloves or clothing that covers the hands can protect against UV rays, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Moisturise Regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain its barrier function and overall health, which can prevent pigmentation from becoming more pronounced.
The importance of sunscreen
The hands are exposed to the sun almost daily and are often neglected in regular SPF routines. Using sunscreen on the hands helps prevent the formation of new pigmentation and stops existing spots from deepening. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
The most effective treatments…
Topical treatments
The best skincare ingredients for pigmentation are a combination of chemical exfoliants and anti-melanin creams like Sente Cysteamine, a highly effective skin pigmentation cream used to remove brown spots, reduce pigmentation marks, and treat melasma, leaving a natural light skin complexion. Its key active ingredient is cysteamine, which is proven to be even more effective than hydroquinone. It is found naturally in human cells and reduces melanin in the skin’s epidermis.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, particularly those containing active ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, offer a potent solution to combat pigmentation. Glycolic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), works by gently dissolving the bonds between older skin cells on the surface, allowing them to be sloughed away to reveal the fresher, less pigmented skin beneath. Lactic acid, another AHA with a slightly larger molecular structure, not only exfoliates the surface of the skin but also possesses moisturising properties that can leave the skin feeling softer and looking more radiant. These peels may include other agents with skin-lightening properties, such as kojic acid, which can directly target melanin synthesis to fade dark spots. By accelerating the turnover of skin cells, these peels not only help in lightening pigmentation but also stimulate the production of new cells, which can enhance overall skin texture and tone of the hands.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments stand out as a highly targeted therapeutic option for addressing hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots, sunspots, and melasma on the skin. IPL therapy utilises specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigments in the skin. The energy from the light is converted into heat, which effectively breaks down the pigment into smaller particles. These fragmented pieces of pigment are then recognised as waste by the body’s immune system, which naturally and gradually removes them through its normal cleansing processes.
Tackling pigmentation on the hands requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, protection, and treatment. By understanding the underlying causes and diligently applying preventive measures like SPF, you can maintain the health and appearance of your hands. For persistent pigmentation, various treatments ranging from topical applications to professional procedures like IPL can be considered. As with any skin treatment, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced practitioner to choose the most appropriate and effective options for your specific needs.
