What causes crepey skin on hands and how to treat it?

Hands often show signs of aging even sooner than our faces. The skin on the hands is thinner and lacks the protective fat and oil glands present in facial skin, making it especially more prone to crepiness. This is skin that appears thin, finely wrinkled, and paper-like, often due to loss of elasticity and moisture.

What causes crepey skin on hands?

1. Collagen loss: As we age, our skin gradually produces less and less collagen and elastin—these proteins are essential for keeping skin firm, plump, and smooth. These slowed down processes begin in early adulthood (at about age 25), and the effects gradually add up as we advance in age, resulting in thinner, looser skin over time.

2. Sun damage: UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Since hands are always exposed to sunlight, this damage builds over time, contributing to crepey skin and age spots. Experts estimate that UV damage accounts for up to 80% of visible skin aging.

3. Environmental and lifestyle factors: Washing hands frequently, exposure to cold or dry weather, contact with harsh chemicals or soaps, and everyday manual labor can strip our skin of essential moisture, leaving hands drier and more prone to fine lines and crepiness.

How to treat crepey skin on hands

Fortunately, crepey skin can be improved with consistent care and targeted ingredients. Here’s how:

1. Daily moisturization

Hydration is essential for minimizing crepey skin. Look for hand creams with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin and keep it plump. Occlusive ingredients, like shea butter and ceramides, help lock in that moisture, maintaining hydration longer and keeping your skin barrier reinforced.

2. Incorporate retinoids

Retinoids are effective for treating crepey skin, as they stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell turnover, improving texture and elasticity. Regular use can help reduce fine lines and restore resilience, giving hands a smoother, more youthful appearance. Studies have shown that fine lines and crepey skin improve after about 12 weeks of retinoid treatment.

Try Soft Services' Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment for hands and cuticles. This nourishing cream combines 0.05% retinol to stimulate collagen production and skin cell turnover, 1% colloidal oatmeal to soothe and hydrate, and 1.5% panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier.

Applying Theraplush as the last step before bed allows these heroingredients to work uninterrupted all night, resulting in a just-manicured feeling by morning. Over time, you will see improvementwith smoothing crepey skin and enhancing elasticity.

3. Protect with sunscreen

Sun protection is crucial to prevent further collagen breakdown, especially when using retinol in your regular routine. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on your hands daily, and reapply after washing.

Sunscreen helps delay the onset of crepey skin and prevents further UV damage. For added protection, consider wearing UV-protective gloves when driving and if you're outside for extended periods of time.