Ageing Hands: Understanding the Signs of Ageing and How to Care for Them
Our hands often reveal our age before anything else. They’re constantly exposed to the sun, weather, chemicals, and repeated movements that wear down their youthful appearance over time. At Damalis Skin Clinic London in Wimbledon, we believe caring for ageing hands is just as essential as caring for your face.
Signs of ageing hands include age spots, visible veins, wrinkles, loose skin, brittle nails, and pigmentation. Understanding what causes these changes—and how to treat them—can help you maintain hands looking young, healthy, and confident for years to come.
What Happens to Our Hands as We Age?
The ageing process affects the skin of the hands in several ways:
- Loss of collagen and elasticity leads to loose skin and wrinkles.
- Thinning fat makes the veins in your hands more visible.
- Age spots and sun spots develop from years of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Brittle nails and changes in the skin and nails make hands look older.
- Skin becomes drier and less flexible due to reduced natural oils.
- Genetics and skin type
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors accelerate ageing hand changes:
- Sun exposure without proper sunscreen or sun protection.
- Environmental stress like cold, wind, and chemicals.
- Frequent hand washing with harsh soaps or hand lotion that dries the skin.
- Genetics and the natural ageing process.
- Nutritional deficiencies: a lack of a diet with plenty of vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids.
- Medical conditions such as actinic keratoses or chronic hand problems.
Understanding these risk factors is essential for prevention and effective care.
Symptoms: How Ageing Hands Present
Common signs of ageing in the hands include:
- Wrinkle formation and hand wrinkles.
- Loose skin that sags or folds.
- Prominent veins and tendons on the back of the hands.
- Age spots or sun spots (brownish patches).
- Brittle nails that split or peel.
- Dry, rough hand skin.
- Changes in pigmentation or actinic growths.
How It’s Diagnosed
During your consultation at Damalis Skin Clinic London, Dr. Steph will examine the skin on your hands, nails, and overall skin health. She’ll look for signs of ageing, actinic changes, age spots, and wrinkles, as well as discuss your skin care routine, lifestyle, and goals.
Dr Steph will capture high-resolution images using the renowned OBSERV 520x skin analysis system for the hands. Together, we’ll review your medical history, explore your goals, and develop a personalised treatment plan crafted specifically for your hands needs.
Accurate assessment is critical to designing the safest, most effective treatment option for your unique needs.
Management and Treatment Approaches
Our clinic offers a holistic approach that blends skin care education with advanced treatments:
- Medical-grade hand cream, lotion, or anti-ageing hand cream to moisturise and restore the skin’s barrier.
- Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your hands.
- Prescription treatments for actinic keratoses or skin cancer concerns.
- Dermal filler injections (including calcium hydroxylapatite) to restore lost volume and reduce the appearance of age.
- Nutritional guidance (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids, diet with plenty of vitamins) for supporting skin and nail health.
Other Treatments for Enlarged Pores Offered at Damalis Skin Clinic London
Ageing Hands BEFORE & AFTER
FAQs About Ageing Hands
What causes ageing hands?
Sun exposure, reduced collagen, loss of elasticity, and environmental damage.
How do I prevent signs of ageing on my hands?
Use sunscreen, wear gloves, and moisturise regularly.
Are age spots dangerous?
Usually harmless, but should be checked for actinic keratoses or skin cancer.
Can fillers help ageing hands?
Yes, filler treatments restore lost volume and reduce visible veins.
What are actinic keratoses?
Precancerous skin growths from sun damage.
Can I reduce age spots?
Yes, with prescription skin care, using SPF and chemical peels.
Is it too late to treat ageing hands?
No. It’s never too late to improve skin health and appearance.
Will my hands look natural after treatment?
Yes. Our approach ensures subtle, natural-looking results.
How can I keep my hands looking young?
Regular skin care, sun protection, and professional treatments.
