It’s not unusual for our hands to age more quickly than other parts of our body. According to Cambridge, Massachusetts dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, hands show signs of aging more prematurely because the skin on the backs of our hands is as delicate as the skin under our eyes. Also, hands are used much more frequently than other appendages.
"We're exposing our hands to the elements more than ever because we're on our phones wherever we go," Hirsch says. "I see people dressed for winter in Boston, but they aren't wearing gloves, because they're busy texting."
Biological and environmental factors accelerate collagen loss, resulting in more noticeable blood vessels and tendons, which combined with the disregard hands receive compared to our face, result in often premature aging of the hands.
Now, however, with the introduction of a hyaluronic acid filler, which has been approved by the FDA to treat hands, dermatologists and plastic surgeons are able to use fillers to give hands a new lease on life. Restylane Lyft is the first hyaluronic acid filler to be sanctioned for use on the hands or any area other than the face.
"We're talking about a dramatic improvement in a relatively short period of time and results that make people very, very happy," says Hirsch. A single syringe, which can cost upward of $750, delivers results that usually last from six months to a year.
Fillers, however, do have risks. Hands are fragile, and displacement of the needle can cause serious complications, including scarring and necrosis. Therefore, it is crucial that you seek out a board-certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon for this treatment.
Other less invasive treatments include creams, serums, and masks that contain gold-standard active ingredients, such as retinoids, hydroquinone, alpha hydroxy acids, and fruit enzymes, which can notably revitalize skin, balance pigment production, and enhance cell turnover.
For sun damage, in-office treatments, like lasers, intense pulsed light therapy, and professional-strength chemical peels, are most effective. Picosecond lasers enable doctors to specifically control the wavelength and density of the energy being applied, allowing speckling on darker skin tones to be targeted.
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Recommended over the counter treatments for damaged hands include:
BeautyBio Upper Hand Brightening Hand Crepe Correctors – Self-adhering patches that include a branded formula designed to help improve the look of the skin on your hands.
Susanne Kaufmann Hand Peel and Hand Serum – A hand peeling treatment that dissolves when the peel reaches its optimal temperature level. The peel includes vitamin B, known for its soothing and anti-irritating properties.
Tenoverten The Rose Oil Nourishing Cuticle Oil – A complex array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that soothe damaged skin, refine skin texture, and treat redness.
