Tackling sun damage and signs of aging on the hands and arms

One theater professor starts his Introduction to Makeup class the same way every year. He stands at the front of the class and announces that he has the uncanny ability to tell the age of any person, whether they had makeup on or not. Was this magic or a parlor trick? He demonstrates his talents and amazes the class before him, then reveals the secret of his miraculous power – he never looks at a person's face. Instead, he looks at the backs of their hands. "The backs of the hands tell a person's REAL age."

It's true. Look at the back of your hands after a summer in the sun – or several. You may diligently slather your face in sunscreen to protect your delicate features, but in general, the backs of our hands get ignored and are among the first signs of aging and sun damage. So, what can you do to help reverse the signs of aging and prevent your hands or arms from giving away your age?

Can you treat signs of aging and sun damage on the hands and arms?

Yes! Although most people think lasers and other treatments are only for the face, they can also help diminish the signs of aging in different body areas.

"I have several clients who come to me for BBL (BroadBand Light) laser treatments to their hands and arms," said Sara Dickie, MD. "This is by far the best overall treatment I have seen for dark spots and sun damage on the body."

Let's face it – our hands do so much for us and are generally underappreciated. Prolonged exposure to UV rays and age-related skin pigmentation can make our hands look older than they feel. Even regular sunscreen users may start to see the slow creep of age on their hands, thanks to regular hand washing and everything else our hands go through during an average day. The hands and arms are prone to sunspots, which are flat, brown or dark colored patches on the skin.

"We want to treat the skin and volume," said Smita Ramanadham, MD. "Great options for the hands are lasers for sunspots, for example."

Any treatments for hands and arms work the same way as they do for the face.

"The light-based therapy targets pigmentation in the skin and 'breaks it up,' so to speak, and helps lighten and clear the area," said Dr. Dickie.

She said that light-based lasers are non-ablative, so patients can typically expect little downtime. Some people may have slight blistering, but no skin breakdown should exist.

"The dark spots get darker and grainy looking over three to five days after the treatment and then slowly begin to exfoliate," said Dr. Dickie. "By two weeks, the skin should be more glowing with fewer visible brown spots and freckling. Multiple treatments provide the best results since some areas will be more stubborn."

Other options for dark spots and discoloration

Lasers aren't the only treatment options for patients looking to reduce the appearance of discoloration on their hands and arms.

"Skin brightening creams, like vitamin C serums and topicals with kojic acid, are helpful here as well," said Dr. Dickie. "I also like hydroquinone, but we recommend people not to use that product long-term as it can occasionally cause hyperpigmentation, which is the opposite of what you want!"

Dr. Ramanadham also suggests treating the signs of aging on the hands by restoring volume lost with age.

"Fat transfer or fillers are a great way to restore volume that we lose," said Dr. Ramanadham. "I also always use any excess skincare products on my hands after applying them to my face and neck."

These treatments, combined with laser therapy, can also enhance the benefits a patient may see.

"If people are going to go the distance with a BBL treatment, I always recommend using a topical therapy to maintain the results," said Dr. Dickie. "I think pre-treatment with hydroquinone actually amplifies the outcome as well, then moving to a maintenance topical pigmentation corrector is great."

To maintain results and help prevent further damage or discoloration, one product is a requirement after any treatment.

"Sunscreen is a must," said Dr. Ramanadham. "SPF gloves are also great while driving."

Dr. Ramanadham also suggested adding a growth factor or peptides, as well as antioxidants, to your hand-care routine to maintain the appearance and health of the skin on the hands.

Your face may be the first thing people look at, but you express, work and play with your hands. Don't let them give away your age to a theater professor or anyone else.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.