This blog post is all about my anti-aging hand routine and why I’m starting to treat my hands like my face. This site contains affiliate links, for all the details view the disclosure here.
I was scrolling through Threads the other day when I saw a conversation that stopped me in my tracks. A woman wrote:
The comment section was filled with women agreeing, admitting that while they spend time and money on 10-step facial routines, their hands tell a different story. The thread was started by one way lady who said she doesn’t like the way her hands are aging. The comments exploded with people talking about veins, sunspots, and that crepey texture that seemed to appear overnight.
This comment really took me out Face 30, Hands looking 90.
It got me thinking about my own journey with my hands. We do so much to maintain our faces, but our hands are often an afterthought. Even celebrities are known to get fillers and lasers on their hands to keep them looking youthful.
But before we go to those extremes, I think we need to look at our daily habits. As someone with dry, eczema-prone skin, I realized I need to start treating my hands with the same love I show my face.
Here is how I’m changing my routine (and why you should too).
The Gel Manicure Dilemma (And The UV Fix)
Since I started creating content for social and being on camera for TV, I’ve been diligent about my nails. I usually get a gel manicure every 2.5 to 3 weeks because I want my hands to look polished.
But we have to talk about the UV lamps. Even though the technology has improved, you are still baking your hands in UV light.
The Pivot:
- UV Gloves: If you love your gel manis, these are a must. I use Coolibar UV Gloves or ManiGlovz to cover my skin and only leave the nail bed exposed.
- SPF First: I’m making a rule to apply sunscreen before I sit in that chair. I use Vichy or La Roche-Posay Anthelios because they absorb fast and don’t leave a greasy film that messes up the manicure.
- Press-Ons: I’m actually considering switching to press-on nails to give my natural nails a break from the chemicals and the curing lamps.
The “Leftovers” Rule: Repurposing Skincare
One of the best tips I saw was using “rejected” face products on your hands. Instead of letting them collect dust, use them on your body.
My Texture Hack:
Before I put on lotion, I swipe The Ordinary Glycolic Acid (on a cotton pad) over the backs of my hands. It helps exfoliate dead skin and brighten age spots, just like it does for your face.
My “Hand Retinol” Routine
Retinol is the gold standard for anti-aging, but we rarely put it on our bodies.
- The Heavy Hitters: I use Tretinoin (prescription) on my face, and I’m starting to sweep whatever is left on my palms over the backs of my hands.
- The Body Options: I swear by the Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Lotion. It helps with texture and cell turnover without being as harsh (or expensive) as a prescription.
Barrier Protection (It’s Not Just About Germs)
You know me—I’ve spent years cleaning. But I don’t just wear gloves to keep germs off. I have eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. Exposure to hot water and harsh cleaning chemicals destroys the skin barrier.
The Fix:
If you are washing dishes or cleaning the house, wear the gloves. If my barrier does feel damaged or I have an eczema flare-up, I reach for First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. It soothes the redness immediately and repairs that cracked, dry feeling.
The AM/PM Routine Shift
The consensus is simple: Treat your hands like your face.
The Morning (Protection):
- SPF is Non-Negotiable: We drive, we walk the dog, we sit by windows. When you apply SPF to your face, put a dollop on your hands. I like Eucerin Age Defense because it has hyaluronic acid in it, or La Roche-Posay for heavy sun days.
- The Car Hack: I keep a Shiseido SPF Stick in my center console. It allows me to swipe SPF on the backs of my hands before I drive without getting my palms sticky for the steering wheel.
The Evening (Repair):
This is where I use the heavy stuff.
- For “Crepey” Skin: I love Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil or the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. The oil sinks in deep and stops that crinkly, dehydrated look instantly.
- The Classic Moisture: You can’t go wrong with L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. It’s rich, iconic, and locks in moisture for hours.
- Slugging: After I apply those creams, I sometimes “slug” my hands (add an occlusive layer like Vaseline) to lock that moisture in overnight.
Final Thoughts
We can’t stop the clock, but we can certainly take better care of the skin we’re in. Whether it’s repurposing that serum you didn’t like or buying a pair of UV gloves, your hands deserve a routine too.
