When it comes to anti-aging routines, many of us think first of treatments for the face and neck. But what about the hands? For better or worse, no body part reveals your age more plainly than the skin on your hands. The cumulative effects of UV sun damage, hard work, and exposure to the elements speed the aging process, leading to some of the unappealing qualities we associate with older hands – sunspots, prominent or protruding veins, and loose or wrinkled skin. Thankfully, today there are a number of non-invasive hand rejuvenation treatment options that can effectively reduce many of the telltale signs of aging hands.
Topical Creams & Sunscreens: Protect hands and prevent further sun damage by using sunscreens or hand lotions daily. Look for natural, chemical-free and broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 and which include other nourishing elements like Vitamins C and E. Remember: damaging UV rays can pass through car windows, so keep a travel size bottle of sunscreen in the car and apply before driving. You should also moisturize hands at night using a good anti-aging cream with retinol or peptides (as a general rule, anything you use on your face can also be used on your hands).
Microdermabrasion: Address troublesome sunspots with microdermabrasion, a treatment that exfoliates the dull, outer layer of your skin to reveal the healthier- looking layer beneath. As a bonus, this process also triggers the body’s natural collagen production, helping to refresh the overall tone and texture of your skin.
Chemical Peels: Peels are another good option when it comes to getting rid of irksome dark spots. In this treatment, layers of the chosen peel product are applied in specific concentrations in order to remove the upper layer of dry, dead skin, stimulating natural collagen production and revealing the deeper, healthier layers of skin underneath. Results are generally seen after two to four treatment sessions. Remember: skin may be sensitive to the sun after a chemical peel, so always apply a sunscreen with SPF following treatment.
Lasers: Laser therapy can be used to treat unwanted pigment issues on the hands. Laser treatments on the hands will also trigger the body to produce more elastin and collagen – both of which are naturally found in younger skin.
Fillers: Dermal fillers can be used to plump the hands in areas that have lost volume. (Radiesse is currently the only filler that is FDA-approved for use on the hands). Like microdermabrasion, peels, and IPL treatments, Radiesse will also stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.
So take the time for self-care: today’s range of therapies and non-surgical treatment options make it easier than ever before to roll back the clock and maintain the appearance and health of your hands.
Dr. Tamy M. Faierman is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and founder of the new Tamy M. Faierman Holistic Spa and Wellness Center. Her office is located at 17130 Royal Palm Boulevard, Suite 1, in the Windmill Professional Campus. For more information, please call her office at 954-322-2742 or visit www.reshapeyourimage.com.