Skin aging is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process, and the hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging. The skin on the hand is one of the thinnest, so the loss of collagen is more noticeable.
It is also one of the first places to show signs of aging, partly due to frequent sun exposure and people constantly using their hands.
Why hands may appear older
Skin aging is a natural part of the aging process. Below are some factors that may cause the hands to look older.
Wrinkles are a usual part of the aging process. They can develop on the face and other areas, including the hands. As people age, skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic. This combination of factors makes the skin less flexible and less resilient to damage, resulting in the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Loose skin. As people age, the gradual loss of collagen and elastin can cause the skin to lose its firmness and plumpness. This may result in loose skin on the backs of the hands. UV light from sun exposure breaks down the proteins collagen and elastin, which provide structural support to the skin. As these proteins degrade, the skin becomes weaker and more prone to sagging and wrinkling.
Age spots or “sunspots” are darker patches that typically develop on areas of skin that experience frequent sun exposure. As people age, these spots may increase in size. While they are harmless, they can cause a person to feel self-conscious.
Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin growths that occur in response to sun damage. The growths usually appear on areas of skin that have received the most sun exposure, such as the backs of the hands. Actinic keratoses may appear similar to age spots or may present as distinct patches of skin irritation.
Anyone who notices new and unusual skin blemishes or irritations should consult their doctor. Diagnosing and treating actinic keratoses early can help prevent the growth from developing into skin cancer.
Brittle nails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), around 20% of people have brittle nails. While anyone can develop brittle nails, the condition is more common among females over 60 years. As such, people may associate brittle nails with aging hands.
Yellow nails can make the hands appear older. Nails may appear yellow for various reasons, the most common being smoking and fungal infections. Anyone who has yellow nails should talk with their doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Dry skin. As a person ages, their skin cell turnover begins to slow, and skin produces fewer natural oils. This can result in dry skin on the face and body, including the hands. Dry skin can also occur if a person does not drink enough water or does not get enough sleep.
Protruding veins. As people age, their skin loses plumpness and fullness. This can make the structures beneath the skin more prominent. People may notice that the veins in the backs of the hands become more prominent. Protruding veins can make the skin appear older.
Certain lifestyle changes can help to improve the appearance of the hands. Some examples include.
- Manage stress. Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which can break down collagen in the skin. This can cause signs of skin aging, such as sagging and wrinkling.
- Apply hand cream. Applying hand cream after handwashing helps lock in moisture. This can help to plump the skin and prevent drying. Using a hand cream containing retinol may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, helping the skin look and feel smoother.
- Use moisturizers at night. Using a hand lotion with retinol or glycolic acid before bedtime can help relieve dry, cracked or scaly skin. Covering the hands with cotton gloves after applying the lotion can help lock in the moisture, allowing the active ingredients time to work on the skin.
- Apply sunscreen. Applying sunscreen to the hands every day can help prevent or slow skin aging. After handwashing, people should reapply the sunscreen to ensure continued protection against damaging UV rays.
- Wear hand protection. Wearing gloves in certain circumstances can help to protect the hands and keep them looking youthful.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking reduces levels of collagen and elastin in the skin’s dermis, which is the inner layer of the skin. Fewer collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis cause skin to become slacker and less elastic. Smoking also damages mechanisms that help repair the skin, causing signs of aging to appear more pronounced.
There are some additional treatment options for aging hands, such as skin-lightening creams and lotions, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser therapy, radiofrequency, cryotherapy, sclerotherapy or fillers.
In summary, although aging hands are not usually a cause for concern, the appearance of aging hands may cause some people to feel self-conscious. A range of treatment options can help reduce, reverse, and prevent the signs of aging hands. A person can consult a doctor or dermatologist for individual advice on treatments.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-make-hands-look-younger
