Hand Skin Care: Dryness, Sun Protection and Ageing

Hand Skin Care: Dryness, Sun Protection and Ageing

Hand skin can become dry, rough or irritated because of frequent washing, regular contact with water, soaps, detergents, solvents, weather and work exposures. Ultraviolet exposure also contributes to premature ageing and pigment change. A hand cream can reduce water loss and improve dryness, but it cannot stop normal ageing or guarantee removal of wrinkles or pigmentation.

Choose a moisturiser for the skin problem

Emollients cover the skin with a protective film and help reduce water loss. Ointments contain more oil and can suit very dry, non-inflamed skin; creams or lotions may feel easier to use during the day. Apply after handwashing and whenever the skin feels dry, following the product label. If fragrance or another ingredient stings or causes a rash, stop using it and ask a pharmacist or clinician about an alternative.

Reduce irritant exposure

Repeated water, soap and detergent exposure can cause or worsen irritant contact dermatitis. Use an appropriate soap substitute if advised, rinse irritants off and protect the hands for wet or chemical work. Gloves can help, but sweating or the glove material can also irritate some people. Persistent, recurrent, painful, cracked or weeping hand skin needs assessment rather than repeated changes of cosmetic cream.

Protect the backs of the hands from the sun

Use shade and clothing where practical and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and adequate UVA protection to exposed skin, following the product instructions and reapplying as directed. Sunscreen helps limit further ultraviolet damage; it does not erase existing changes.

Active ingredients have product-specific evidence

Evidence for one ingredient, concentration and formulation should not be transferred to every hand cream. Moisturiser can improve dryness and sunscreen can help limit further ultraviolet damage, but neither reliably removes established wrinkles or pigment changes. Some active ingredients irritate skin; choose products for your own skin and follow the exact label. Persistent, painful or unexplained changes need appropriate healthcare assessment.

Pigment changes and lesions

A cosmetic cream should not be used to diagnose an ‘age spot’. Seek clinical advice for a new or changing pigmented mark, a sore that does not heal, bleeding, persistent inflammation or another concerning change. Treatment for a diagnosed pigment problem depends on its cause and may not be appropriate for every skin tone.

Scope of this article

Dr Sknn is an independent private aesthetics and cosmetics clinic. This page is limited to cosmetic concerns and treatment considerations. Suitability, risks, recovery and current availability are confirmed during an individual consultation. New, changing or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional before cosmetic treatment.