REWIND the *HANDS* of time (how to reverse hand aging)

Summary

In this video, a dermatologist discusses hand aging and rejuvenation. She explains that hands age faster due to a thicker stratum corneum and slower cell turnover, leading to issues like brown spots, wrinkles, and visible veins. She recommends treatments like Pico laser for pigmentation, biostimulatory fillers for volume loss, and at-home care with urea creams, retinoids, and sunscreen. The video also touches on the importance of protecting hands from UV and blue light exposure.

Takeaways

• 👵 The back of the hands age faster than other body parts due to a thicker stratum corneum layer designed to withstand trauma.
• 🌞 Sunspots and pigmentation issues are more persistent on hands due to slower skin cell turnover compared to other areas.
• 🏥 The Pico laser is recommended for treating brown spots on the hands, providing precise pigmentation reduction.
• 💧 Hydration is crucial for hand health, with a 40% urea cream suggested for its ability to moisturize and exfoliate thick skin.
• 💉 Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite filler, is the dermatologist's favorite for adding volume and combating skin atrophy in the hands.
• 🧴 Regular use of hand creams with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors helps maintain skin health and appearance.
• 🌙 Nighttime application of Tretinoin (Retin-A) can improve the texture and thickness of hand skin, similar to its effects on facial skin.
• ☀️ Sun protection is essential for hand care; wearing sunscreen and reapplying throughout the day protects against UV-induced aging.
• 🌌 The FraXel laser can be used to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and thinning skin on the hands.
• 🧤 Wearing driving gloves can provide an additional physical barrier against UV damage when commuting or spending time outdoors.

Q & A

Why do our hands show signs of aging faster than other body parts?

Hands show signs of aging faster because the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the epidermis, is thicker on the hands and feet to protect them from trauma. This thicker layer causes dead skin cells to exfoliate less readily, leading to a slower skin renewal process and more prominent signs of aging like brown spots and wrinkles.

What is the role of melanocytes in hand aging?

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that produce melanin. With UV exposure, especially on the hands, melanocytes can proliferate and produce more melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and brown spots. The slower skin cell turnover on the hands means these pigment irregularities are more persistent.

How do blue light from devices contribute to hand aging?

Blue light from devices can induce melanocyte proliferation and melanin pigment production, similar to UV light. This can lead to hyperpigmentation and brown spots on the hands, contributing to the appearance of aging.

What is the recommended treatment for brown spots on the hands?

The Pico laser is recommended for treating brown spots on the hands. It uses a picosecond laser to specifically target and reduce pigmentation through a photoacoustic reaction, effectively reducing the appearance of brown spots.

How do fillers help in rejuvenating the hands?

Fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, can be used to add volume to the hands, counteracting atrophy and making the tendons and vessels less apparent. This can rejuvenate the hands by reducing the appearance of skeletonization and making the hands look fuller and healthier.

What is the significance of the stratum corneum layer's thickness on hand care?

The thicker stratum corneum layer on the hands requires exfoliation and deep hydration treatments. Regular lotions may not be enough; instead, creams containing ceramides and natural moisturizing factors, or occlusive methods like using thick creams under occlusion, can help hydrate the hands effectively.

How can tretinoin help with hand rejuvenation?

Tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, can help thicken the skin on the hands by stimulating collagen production. It can also help fade brown spots and improve the texture of the skin, making it appear more youthful.

What is the importance of using sunscreen on the hands?

Sunscreen is crucial for protecting the hands from UV damage, which can cause premature aging, brown spots, and skin cancer. It should be applied and reapplied throughout the day, just like on the face and other exposed areas.

What is the purpose of using a 40% urea cream for hand care?

A 40% urea cream is used to hydrate and exfoliate the thick keratinized skin on the backs of the hands. It helps to soften and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of dryness and roughness.

How can chemical peels benefit hand rejuvenation?

Chemical peels, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid peels, can help exfoliate the top layer of the skin on the hands, promoting a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.