Why are My Hands Wrinkled

Causes, Prevention, Treatments and At-Home Remedies

Wrinkled hands showing signs of aging, with focus on care and treatment options.

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

"Why are my hands so wrinkled?" you wonder, flipping them over to check out the back.

Yikes. Are they looking a bit rough? Spotty, dry, or wrinkled? 

Don't panic. Your hands may have been through a lot, but it's not too late to give 'em some love.

I’ll show you some easy and effective solutions for every budget. From simple DIY home remedies to, yep, even laser resurfacing if you're ready to go all out, this article has got you covered.

Let's dive in.

Intro: Why do hands wrinkle so easily?

Our poor hands! They wrinkle faster because their skin is thinner, with fewer oil glands to keep them hydrated, making them more prone to drying out and wrinkling.

Plus, they endure a lot of abuse from the sun, water, harsh chemicals, etc... All this extra exposure makes them age faster.

Common signs of aging hands

Common signs of aging hands include:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Age spots
  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Loss of volume and elasticity
  • Brittle nails

Causes

Our hands start to look older due to several reasons, including: 

Environmental Factors:

Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about pollutants and environmental factors. But over time, they will cause a breakdown of collagen, elastin, and accelerate skin aging not just on our hands, all over our body.

Genetic Predisposition:

Here is another area where we don't have much choice. Unfortunately, some people are more susceptible to early signs of aging. But taking extra steps to live a healthier lifestyle can help make a difference.

Lifestyle Choices:

Now here, you have control! We'll talk about that in the section below. 

Aging hands can be caused by a poor diet, smoking, too much sun, drinking too much alcohol, not taking care of your skin, and not wearing gloves when using hot water or strong chemicals.

(I'm so guilty of this last part. I love to cook and my hands are always in water!)

Prevention

Start with a healthy daily routine. Those little things you do everyday, can make a difference between smooth or wrinkled hands.

Gentle Wash:

Try to keep those hands clean without turning them into the Sahara! For many of us, antibacterial soaps can be super drying, if not irritating. 

So, here's a list of some gentle yet effective antibacterial hand washes that won't wage war on your skin:

  • Cetaphil Gentle Antibacterial Cleansing Bar
  • Method Gel Hand Wash
  • Dove Antibacterial Beauty Bar

Even with these gentle options, don't go overboard. Even over-washing with gentle cleansers can still dry out your skin.

Moisturize:

Here's the golden rule: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Slather on that lotion right after washing. Your slightly damp skin will drink it up like a sponge. It's like catching water before it evaporates.

Remember, this isn't a sometimes thing. Make it your daily ritual.

ABZ Tip: I keep a small tube of hand cream everywhere – by the sink, in the car, at my desk, by my bedside.

Sunscreen:

Yes, this is tough one if you're always washing your hands!

But there are some amazing sunscreen products that are formulated for your hands that contain special moisturizers. So, unless your skin is extremely dry, you can skip the moisturizer. 

Here are the five sunscreens specifically designed for hands. They're listed based on their effectiveness and durability:

  1. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with SPF 30
  2. Eucerin Daily Hydration Hand Cream with SPF 30
  3. Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream SPF 40
  4. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream SPF 15
  5. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

These products offer hydration with sun protection, perfect for daily use on your hands.

Treatments for wrinkled hands

Treatments can range from professional office procedures to over the counter products, to simple, DIY home remedies.

Let's take a look at some effective options.

Professional Treatments:

If you want instant results, dermal fillers are the best way to reduce hand wrinkles. Watch the video below to see how they restore lost volume in just minutes.

Video Source: Advanced Dermatology, ABC13.com

Other in-office treatments to improve the look and feel of your hands include:

  • Chemical peels to remove damaged outer layers of skin
  • Laser therapy to stimulate collagen production and reduce age spots
  • Microdermabrasion to exfoliate and promote skin cell turnover
Comparison of laser therapy and dermal fillers for treating hand wrinkles, highlighting results, cost, and recovery time.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Laser Therapy: If you want to address discoloration or fine wrinkles. It’s non-invasive and works overtime.
  • Dermal Fillers: Best for dramatic, instant results, especially if your hands have lost significant volume.

Hand rejuvenation on a budget: OTC Magic

Your local or online drugstore is a treasure trove of hand-saving goodies. Look for inexpensive, anti-aging creams that contain powerful, active ingredients.

Many of the ones listed below are the same ones I use on my face with great results.

  • Retinoids: These collagen-boosting superstars help smooth out those pesky wrinkles.
  • Vitamin C: This antioxidant fights off skin-damaging free radicals, protects against wrinkles and can lighten brown spots. See my neck results here.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Think of it as a drink of water for your thirsty skin. It's hydration heaven.

Note: I also added a serum called Volufiline, created by the French company Sederma. I first heard about it from Dr. Rajani, who talks a lot about its benefits. His insights got me curious enough to give it a try.

One study suggests this skin-plumping ingredient may stimulate fat storage for a fuller appearance. A 5% Volufiline product, used consistently for a few weeks, could lead to gradual plumping, which may help reduce the look of wrinkles, but results vary.

Some people swear by its effects on the face, hands, or body, while others notice only subtle changes.

It's easy to use—just mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer. I’ve been adding it to my hand cream every night, and my skin feels more hydrated and smoother.

Overall, my hands do look better, but I’m not sure if it’s from the plumping effect or just the deep hydration. Honestly, I don’t care—as long as it’s safe and keeps my hands looking healthier, I’m happy!

While it’s a non-invasive option, just remember the research is still limited, so it’s best to keep expectations realistic and check with a pro if needed.

Home remedies

Home remedies setup for hand care with a bowl, brush, towel, and skincare essentials.

No matter which option you choose to reduce hand aging and wrinkling, it's always helpful to add DIY home remedies to your routine.

Home remedies and DIY beauty hacks provide a natural, holistic approach to smoothing out wrinkles, age spots, dryness, and uneven skin tone.

They complement other treatment options beautifully. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

  • Turmeric, lemon juice and honey: Can help lighten age spots and moisturize.
  • Sugar and coconut oil scrub: Makes a gentle exfoliation.
  • Avocado and olive oil mask: Makes a great overnight mask for deep hydration.
  • Coffee and almond oil scrub: Can not only exfoliate but help reduce inflammation and calm skin tone and redness.

Practically any scrub or mask used for the face will benefit the skin on your hands too.

Lifestyle choices

Rubber gloves used for protecting hands during cleaning and household chores.

Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals:

Always wear gloves when doing household chores that involve the use of chemicals or water.

How to Wear Gloves Properly to Protect Your Hands

  • Choose the Right Gloves: Use rubber gloves with a soft lining for cleaning.
  • Get the Perfect Fit: Gloves should fit snugly but still allow finger movement. Avoid gloves that are too tight or too loose.
  • Hydration Boost: Apply a rich hand cream before wearing gloves for extra moisture while you work.
  • Reduce Sweat: If your hands sweat in gloves, add breathable cotton liners to keep them dry and comfortable.

ABZ Tip: When driving in your car, your hands are exposed to sun while holding the steering wheel. Consider wearing white cotton gloves to shield your hands from UV rays.

Nutrition for Healthy Hands:

What you eat greatly impacts how healthy and youthful your skin looks—hands included! A few simple dietary changes can make a big difference:

  • Antioxidants: Berries and nuts are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, protecting collagen and slowing skin aging.
  • Omega-3s: Foods like salmon, edamame, chia seeds, and walnuts keep skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity, helping to prevent wrinkles.
  • Lycopene: Found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, helps shield skin from UV damage. Bonus: cooked tomatoes release more lycopene than raw ones!

Cut Back on Sugar & Simple Carbs: This is Big! Excess sugar speeds up aging by stiffening collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging!

A few easy swaps, like trading white bread and sugary snacks for oats, whole-grain bread, or brown rice, can make a big difference.

Want more ideas? Check out my Anti-Aging Foods for Better Skin page!

Exercises and Techniques:

Massage the tops of the hands several times a week to help improve blood circulation, boost collagen production and help smooth out wrinkles.

Check out this video. It helps make your hands look better instantly.

Video Source: Carolyn's Facial Fitness

ABZ Tip: After I do the hand massage technique above, I apply an anti-aging cream right before bedtime and slip on some cotton gloves. It's like an overnight spa treatment.

Final takeaway: Why are my hands wrinkled

Conclusion:

While aging is a natural process, taking proactive steps can significantly slow the visible signs of aging on your hands.

By incorporating these prevention strategies, treatment options, and lifestyle changes, you can maintain youthful, vibrant hands that complement your overall appearance.

Remember, consistency is key in any skincare routine. Start implementing these tips today, and enjoy the benefits of younger-looking hands for years to come.

What’s your go-to remedy for keeping your hands youthful? Share your tips or try one of ours to reduce wrinkles and keep your hands looking their best!

Question: Why do hands wrinkle faster than faces?

Answer: The skin on hands is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is exposed to more environmental stressors like sun and water, leading to faster aging compared to facial skin.

Question: Can hand exercises really reduce wrinkles?

Answer: Yes! Regularly massaging and stretching your hands can improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production. Simple hand yoga or using a stress ball can help maintain skin elasticity.

Question: Why do my hands look older than the rest of my body?

Answer: Hands often age faster because they’re constantly exposed to sun, water, and irritants, and we frequently overlook them in our skincare routine. Adding targeted treatments for your hands can bring them in line with the rest of your youthful look.

Question: Is hand skincare necessary for younger people?

Answer: Yes! Starting hand care early can delay visible signs of aging. Sun protection, hydration, and gentle cleansing in your 20s and 30s can keep your hands looking youthful for decades.

Question: Are natural remedies for hand wrinkles effective?

Answer: Natural remedies can complement other treatments but might take longer to show results. For instance, applying avocado and olive oil masks can deeply moisturize your skin, while turmeric and honey can reduce age spots. Consistency is key when using natural remedies.

Question: Can wearing gloves at night help with hand care?

Answer: Absolutely! Applying a thick layer of hand cream or oil and wearing cotton gloves overnight can lock in moisture and enhance hydration, leaving your hands soft and supple by morning.

Question: How can I tell if my hand cream is actually working?

Answer: Look for signs like improved hydration, smoother texture, and reduced dryness within a week or two. Over time, wrinkles and fine lines may appear less pronounced if the cream contains effective ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or peptides.

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