Aging Hands: The Best Treatments

One of the most neglected age zones on the body, our hands, can be improved upon with proper care and treatments

As the body ages, the hands reveal prominent veins, tendons, muscles and bones. Pigmentation change also occur, including lentigenes, seborrheic keratosis and actiic keratosis. On a daily basis, the skin cells on the hands can be exposed to more than 73,000 damaging assaults, the most prevalent of which is photodamage. About 90% of visible age-related changes manifest on the hands as wrinkles, brown spots and leathery skin caused by UV exposure. The best hand rejuvenation treatments and procedures, as well as their drawbacks, are as follows

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Chemical exfoliants such as glycolic, citric tartaric, lactic and malic acids will dissolve intercellular glue, revealing smoother skin, fewer spots and a more even tone. However, misuse can cause sensitivity, and sunscreen is crucial while using.

Retinoids

To treat spots, retinoids are a common solution to renew pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase transcription, interrupting melanin syntheses. A drawback is that it can cause irritation and peeling.

Cryosurgery liquid

A dermatologist treatment in which surface skin lesions are frozen. This is likely the best medical treatment for seborrheic keratosis and also can be used to treat actinic keratosis. Drawbacks include possible hypo-or hyperpigmentation.

Lasers

Lasers used in medical offices increase collagen regeneration, resurface skin, improve tone, and diminish wrinkles, sun damage and scarring. Drawbacks include risk of burns, increased pigmentation plus downtown. Sunscreen is a must afterwards.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL utilizes non-ablative filtered light wavelengths so the heat is absorbed into the dermal tissue. This is effective on redness and solar lentignes. Drawbacks include it can only be performed on fair skin and possesses a possible burn risk for thin-skinned hands.