While expensive treatments are in vogue, L360 unpacks the more affordable, more natural options, which can have similar, and often better, effects.
We’re all familiar with the saying that the neck and hands are good way to judge someone’s age, and I’ve often been reminded to use skincare on my neck and face as well as my decolletage. But what about our hands?
“Hands are one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, often due to a combination of sun exposure, dehydration and natural volume loss,” says Dr Manav Bawa, a GP, aesthetic doctor and medical faculty member at Allergan Aesthetics.
Of course, you don’t have to do anything about this at all. Ageing is, above all, natural, and pursuing an endless fountain of youth will often leave us feeling despondent rather than delighted.
But if you’re interested in keeping your hands hydrated and healthy, we’ve gathered together a group of experts who uncover their top tips for happy-looking hands.
Does hand cream make hands look younger?
Hand cream is a great place to start. Nina Prisk, a skin and aesthetics expert at Update Aesthetics says: “As we age, the skin on our hands can become thinner, lose volume and develop fine lines and wrinkles. To maintain youthful hands, a skincare routine focusing on hydration, protection and gentle care is key.”
Look for a rich hand cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can help to retain moisture. “Make sure to apply your moisturiser throughout the day, especially after washing your hands,” Nina explains.
Read more: This is the most important factor in longevity
The power of SPF
According to Dr Ross Perry, medical director at Cosmedics Skin Clinics, people often forget to apply SPF to the hands. “Make sure this is worn year-round, especially if you like to garden or work outdoors.”
Nina adds that, just as we protect our faces, the hands also need protection from sun damage, which is a leading cause of age spots. “These discolourations can appear as flat, darkened areas on the skin and are typically the result of prolonged UV exposure over time.”
Rather than layering multiple products, look for a hand cream with SPF that you can reapply regularly.
Read more: This everyday supplement could be the secret to anti-ageing
The best anti-ageing laser treatments for hands
Dr Ross says that non-invasive treatments like Fraxel laser, which promotes collagen production, can help make the hands look more youthful. He adds that this isn’t a permanent solution and requires regular sessions, so can be an expensive commitment. Similarly, but with a lower price point, red-light hand masks can be used to promote collagen production.
Injections to make hands look younger
While topical treatments like SPF, hand creams and protective gloves can help in delaying the signs of ageing on the hands, some people are turning towards medical treatments.
“The newest innovation is SKINVIVE™ by Juvederm® — a skin hydrator that uses hyaluronic acid to boost smoothness, luminosity and deep hydration from within,” says Dr Manav.
Recently, Dr Ewoma spoke on an Allergen Aesthetics panel and said she’s had a combination of SKINVIVE and Harmonica; an injectable dermal filler.
Dr Manav adds “[SKINVIVE] results last up to nine months from a single treatment with no downtime, and it’s suitable for delicate areas like the hands, face and neck.”
It’s important here to note that while these treatments may be effective in plumping the skin, they can cost round £500 a session, and don’t provide a permanent fix.
L360s recommendations for youthful, hydrated hands
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+
To keep it simple, an all-in-one hand cream and SPF will provide both moisture and sun protection. This one from Ultra Violette has the highest SPF protection of our product round-up and doesn’t create the greasy feeling that can occur with some SPFs once absorbed, making it perfect for the hands.
L’Occitane Immortelle Hand Cream
While this hand cream doesn’t contain any SPF, it’s almost like a camera filter for the hands, and worth the extra step of layering your SPF over. After application, the hands instantly look smoother and buffed. It includes AHA, which is perfect for fighting against dry skin and cuticles as we enter the chilly winter months.
This is an ideal product to keep by your bedside to apply before sleeping.
Current Body LED Hand Mask
Wellness and beauty tech connoisseurs will be familiar of the benefits of red light therapy, including the stimulation of collagen production and firming and brightening of the skin. This hand mask is a 10-minute daily treatment that can improve the texture of the skin and the appearance of fine lines over time.
Buy from Current Body for £189.99
Beauty Pie anti-ageing hand cream with retinol
The benefits of retinol skin products are well documented. This super retinol hand cream from Beauty Pie is an ideal overnight product to even out pigmentation and is a great product to trial if you’re starting to notice sun damage on your skin.
Margaret Dabbs LED hand mitts
These mitts from renowned hand, nails and foot care clinic Margaret Dabbs fit comfortably over the back of the hands for a 10-minute treatment. They come with a travel pouch and pack flat, ideal for those with a busy lifestyle who still want to maintain their routine no matter the location.
Buy from Margaret Dabbs for £350
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF30
This affordable hand cream from Eucerin contains hyaluronic acid to help accelerate the production of collagen, as well as Thiamadol, which can reduce the appearance of age spots. The cream also contains SPF30, making it a great all-in-one product to start with before investing in one of the pricier options.
Feature image: Pexels
