Why do our hands seem to age more quickly?

Unfortunately, our hands are not only susceptible to the first signs of ageing, but seem to show signs faster than the face. This is because there is very little fat on the backs of the hands, so when even a small number of collagen or elastin fibres begin to break down it’s more noticeable.

What are the main causes of ageing hands? 

Our hands are exposed to harsh environmental factors, including the sun, wind and cold temperatures, which have an ageing effect along with general wellbeing and diet. Other factors, including exposure to water, can also age the skin.

Your hands have a tough existence: they’re constantly coming into contact with different chemicals in soaps and detergents so can quickly become more and more dehydrated as the day goes on. This makes it harder for the skin to produce collagen in the way it should, leading to premature ageing.

How often should we apply hand cream?

We would advise applying hand cream three times a day. While a moisturiser won’t reverse sun damage or create new collagen, it can leave skin looking plumper and more youthful.

So what ingredients should one look out for? 

Look for formulas containing shea butter, macadamia nut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and glycerine. You should also look for one containing SPF, which will help protect your skin from the dreaded sun damage that can cause everything from brown spots to wrinkles.

Shea butter contains a natural concentration of fatty acids and vitamins to nourish the skin and aid collagen production, but you should also look for formulas containing Bisabolol, an antioxidant with natural anti-bacterial properties, which is brilliant for dry skin.

Can I use regular moisturiser?

Hand creams have been developed with a higher content of the more hydrating properties required so a regular moisturiser simply won’t do. If you don’t select a decent hand cream, designed to boost collagen production, then the time spent moisturising is pretty pointless.

No, hand creams contain the right ingredients and actives needed to treat and your hands from the specific factors they are consistently exposed to.

What are the other options to reverse ageing of hands?

If an individual really doesn’t like the look of their hands, the top professional treatment we would advise is medical dermal fillers. Similar to wrinkle-filling injections used on the face, they add volume and restore some of the cushion under the skin.