Why do your hands age faster?

In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet explains why the hands often age faster than the rest of the skin. They are constantly in contact with water, soap and disinfectants and are exposed to UV radiation all year round, even behind glass and in winter. UVA in particular breaks down collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, pigmentation spots and thinner skin.

Her main advice is to consistently include the backs of the hands when applying sunscreen and to care for the skin with a nourishing hand cream.

For those who already have visible signs of ageing, she discusses laser treatments for age spots, fillers or biostimulators for volume loss and skinboosters for skin quality, often in combination.

• Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands too, especially when cycling, exercising or driving.

• Use a nourishing hand cream, for example in the evening before going to bed.

• If you wash your hands frequently, use a mild cleansing oil.

• For age spots on the hands, laser treatment is often the most effective approach.

Want to know more? Read about Laser treatment consultation at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.