Aging inevitably comes with physical change, such as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with these changes, we get that they can be frustrating. And while no one has the power to stop the aging process completely, the right skincare can help you delay and reduce the appearance of these changes. 

That doesn’t just go for your face, either! The skin on your hands can age, too—but the right care can help them look and feel younger, for longer. Here, our licensed dermatology providers outline what you need to know about the signs of aging on your hands, and what you can do to take care of this skin.

What causes your hands to get wrinkled? 

As time passes, the skin across your body naturally begins to wrinkle. Research shows that as you age, your synthesis of skin collagen and elastin decreases by 1% each year, leading to the disorganization of your connective tissue. This depletion of collagen and elastin in the dermis layer of the skin is responsible for the development of wrinkles, which contributes to your hands appearing older.¹

How to prevent wrinkles on your hands 

Just as there are measures you can take to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face, there are ways you can help slow the aging process for your hands. Here are a few tactics.

Keep your hands moisturized

Research shows that using anti-aging creams can make your skin look younger. Through the advancements of skincare technology there are now anti-aging products available that may reduce the appearance of fine, coarse lines and wrinkles by increasing skin moisturization and decreasing water loss through the skin.²

When you regularly apply a moisturizer with anti-aging properties to your hands, you can help maintain hydration, improve skin texture, and support a more youthful appearance. 

One specific study found that using a hand cream containing various ingredients including retinol and kojic acid significantly improved hand texture, wrinkles, and pigment after four months of use. This study suggests that using specialized hand creams regularly can help improve the appearance of aging hands.³

Stay out of the sun

The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin and its underlying connective tissue, commonly resulting in the development of wrinkles and fine lines.⁴

To reduce the sun-related aging signs on your hands, it’s recommended to avoid sun exposure during peak hours and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ when going outside.⁵ By doing so, you can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent early signs of aging on your hands.

Protect your hands

Protecting your hands goes beyond applying sunscreen. Take care of your hands during everyday activities that can potentially damage your skin. One common example is washing dishes in hot water and using detergents. For some individuals,washing with harsh detergents may damage the skin’s protective barrier, which could lead to dryness and irritation.⁶

To safeguard your hands during such activities, consider:

• Wearing gloves

• Choosing gentle cleaning products.

• Moisturizing regularly to prevent excessive drying.

• Being mindful of water temperature.

Treatments to promote younger-looking hands 

If you're interested in achieving a more youthful appearance for your hands, several treatment options are available, including laser therapy, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. Each of these treatments takes a different approach to addressing the signs of aging on your hands. By understanding the benefits and mechanisms of these treatments, you can make a more informed decision on which option may be most suitable for your individual goals and preferences.

As each person’s case is unique, always consult with a licensed dermatology provider before making any final decisions on an anti-aging hand treatment.

Laser therapy

Laser treatment is a popular option that may help you achieve younger-looking hands. Laser therapy works by addressing issues such as age spots, wrinkles, and loose skin. 

Laser resurfacing is effective in counteracting photoaging, which is aging caused by sun and environmental exposures. Lasers work by safely removing the damaged outer layer of your skin to help stimulate growth of new healthy skin layers and sometimes spur collagen formation.⁷ This may result in an improvement in the overall appearance of the skin that is treated. 

Chemical peels

Chemical peels with an in-office dermatology provider may also be an effective treatment for addressing the signs of aging on your hands. Chemical peels work through a process known as chemical ablation, which involves the controlled removal of defined skin layers. This process triggers your skin's natural regeneration and repair mechanisms, following the inflammation of your topmost skin layers (the epidermis and dermis).

As your skin heals and regenerates, you may see an improvement in skin elasticity and wrinkles.⁸ The rejuvenating effects of chemical peels may contribute to a more youthful and refreshed look for your hands. Do not attempt chemical peels on your own!

Chemical peels come in various strengths and formulations, each penetrating to different depths to target specific skin concerns. Depending on your particular needs and the condition of your skin, a medical provider can recommend the most appropriate type of peel for you. 

It's essential to consult with a licensed dermatology provider before undergoing a chemical peel treatment to ensure the best results and minimize any potential risks.

Cosmetic hand fillers

While not as popular, cosmetic hand fillers are another effective treatment for rejuvenating your hands. Fillers are products injected beneath your skin to help your skin appear more plump and youthful.

One of the primary concerns with aging hands is the loss of soft tissue volume, which can lead to a more prominent appearance of veins, tendons, and bones. Research suggests that restoring the volume of soft tissue is the best way to address the intrinsic aging of your hands.⁹ Cosmetic fillers help achieve this by adding volume beneath your skin, smoothing out wrinkles, and providing a more supple and youthful appearance.

There are various types of fillers available, each with its unique properties and longevity. It’s essential to consult with a dermatology provider first to determine the most suitable filler for your specific needs and desired outcomes. 

Alternative treatments

There are several other effective treatments that can help make the skin on your hands look younger, including:¹⁰

Cryotherapy: This treatment uses cold temperatures to target and remove age spots, giving the skin a more even appearance.

Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency treatments heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production, which can result in tighter, firmer skin.

Skin lightening creams: These creams work to reduce the appearance of age spots and even out skin tone, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

Lotions containing glycolic acids and retinoids: These ingredients can help promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture, making the hands look younger.

Anti-aging with Curology 

Are you ready to embrace a future with younger-looking skin? Discover the power of Curology's Future-Proofᴿˣ Anti-Aging Cream! While not specifically formulated for hands, this versatile cream is designed to help you combat the signs of aging across various areas, including your face and neck.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

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Our team of licensed dermatology providers is here to prescribe custom skincare, like FutureProofRx and help you navigate and understand changes in your skin. Having easy access to an expert can help you to make the right decisions for your skin. Get started today, and find out if FutureProofRx is right for your skin. Sign up for a trial now! 

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Chaudhary, M., et al. Skin Ageing: Pathophysiology and Current Market Treatment Approaches. Current Aging Science. (May 2020).

2. Pinsky, M.A. Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-aging Technology for the Treatment of Facial Wrinkles and Skin Moisturization. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. (2017, December 1).

3. Schlessinger, J., et al. Assessment of a Novel Anti-Aging Hand Cream. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. (April 2016).

4. Krutmann, J., et al. Daily photoprotection to prevent photoaging. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. (2021, April 25).

5. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to prevent skin cancer. (n.d).

6. Deguchi, H., et al. Harmful Effects of Synthetic Surface-Active Detergents against Atopic Dermatitis. Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine. (2015, January 15).

7. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinology. (2012, July 1).

8. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinology. Ibid. 

9. Kühne, U. and Imhof, M. Treatment of the Ageing Hand with Dermal Fillers. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. (July-September 2012).

10. American Academy of Dermatology Association. What Can Make My Hands Look Younger?. (n.d.).

Melissa Hunter is a board certified family nurse practitioner at Curology. She received her MSN from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary.

We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Melissa Hunter, NP-C