Why do hands show signs of aging first?

Many millennials and older generations now find themselves grappling with the jarring realization that their hands seem to be aging faster than their faces. But why is this happening, and what can you do about it?

Hand skin is different

The skin on the hands is different from the skin on the face and the rest of your body in several key ways. For one, it's generally thinner and more delicate, similar to the eyelids. This makes hands more vulnerable to the intrinsic effects of time and external environmental stressors. Additionally, the hands are constantly exposed and endure a lot of wear and tear from daily activities and labor, which can accelerate the aging process even faster.

The main culprits behind aging hands

So what exactly causes hands to look older? Here are the primary factors at play:

Sun exposure: Your hands are constantly exposed to the elements, especially UV radiation. This chronic exposure leads to photoaging—think thinning, roughness, dark spots, and wrinkles. More and more people are learning to diligently apply SPF to their face every day, but the hands aften forgotten and don't get the same level of protection.

Loss of volume: As we age, our hands naturally lose fat, elasticity, and volume, contributing to one of the most noticeable signs of aging hands—loss of plumpness. This is due to the slowed down production process of collagen and elastic—two important building blocks of our skin. This makes the internal structures of our hands— veins, tendons, and bones—more prominently visible, contributing to that more "aged," bony, veiny appearance.

Hormonal changes: For women, the hormonal shifts that come with menopause can wreak havoc on skin, including the appearance of hands. Reduced collagen and elastin also lead to a thin, crepey skin texture, which is often associated with mature skin.

Frequent use and washing: Hands are workhorses, constantly in motion and exposed to water, soap, the elements, manual labor, and other potential irritants. This frequent wear and tear can accelerate the aging process, leaving hands dry, rough, weathered, and prematurely aged.

How to keep your hands looking their best

So what can you do to combat these aging forces and keep your hands looking as youthful as your face?

Sun protection: Make sunscreen application a daily habit, and consider investing in a pair of UPF gloves for added protection during outdoor pursuits. Never leave the house without shielding your hands from those aging UV rays.

Moisturize: Washing hands frequently can strip away natural oils, so be sure to use gentle, hydrating soaps and apply a deeply moisturizing hand cream after every wash. Opt for formulas containing anti-aging ingredients like retinol to help speed up skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and improve texture.

Treat age spots: Age spots are located at the base of the epidermis, the skin’s top-most layer, so treatments must reach this level to be effective. We’ve have a detailed write-up on how to target age spots on hands.

Plump and rejuvenate: For more advanced aging, in-office treatments can provide dramatic results. Fillers can restore lost volume, sclerotherapy can shrink pronounced veins, and lasers and other energy-based devices can tighten crepey skin and boost collagen production.

Protect from the elements: Wind exposure can be just as damaging as sun exposure, so don't forget to protect your hands from harsh gusts and cold temps too. Wear gloves when engaging in activities like gardening or cleaning (washing dishes/housework) to minimize exposure to potential irritants.