Healthy Skin
11 of the best hand care products for midlife skin (and ingredients to look for)
Can we get smoother, more youthful-looking hands, without invasive treatments? Here, makeup artist and beauty expert, Naomi Lake, explores the anti-ageing skincare hacks and best hand care products to do exactly that.
Why the skin on our hands needs TLC
“Our hands have unique needs compared to other areas of the body due to their constant use, exposure to the elements, and delicate skin structure,” explains Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji, doctor of Chinese Medicine, dermatologist, and founder of Dermatology M.
“The combination of these factors can cause the skin on the hands to prematurely age,” agrees Sigrún Dögg, Chief of Research and Development at BIOEFFECT. She explains that dry or cracked skin, and the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation are all signs our skin needs some TLC.
What’s more, our hands need different support compared to skin on other areas of our body.
The skin on the back of the hands is thinner and has fewer sebaceous glands and, as Mazin explains, our palms are different too. “Our palms have thicker skin and lack sebaceous glands, making them reliant on external moisture sources,” he says. He also reveals that the skin on our hands produces less collagen, too.
The best skincare ingredients for our hands
It’s clear that regular moisturising is key, but the right ingredients can help our dollop of hand cream work harder, too.
“Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration,” says Sigrún. “Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, visibly improves skin’s texture, evens skin tone and decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation.”
Vitamin A can also be helpful here, whether applied topically or taken as a supplement.
As Sigrún explains, BIOEFFECT uses epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein that assists in cellular growth. “EGF helps to support the skin’s natural collagen production to improve skin density and enhances the skin barrier’s ability to attract and withhold moisture,” she says.
What about technology?
Known to improve overall skin health, red light therapy could be a go-to when it comes to caring for our hands, offering regeneration more effectively than topical ingredients alone.
For salon-based experiences, the CACI Hand Rejuvenation treatment is excellent. Here, hands are placed in skincare-lined conditioning gloves, while tiny, imperceptible electrical impulses are delivered. This works to improve skin firmness and boost circulation for plump and hydrated skin.
But for targeted and deeper-reaching repair, at-home laser devices can also offer radical results.
“Designed to bring the power of professional-grade laser treatments into the home, the NIRA Pro Laser targets one of the key factors of ageing – collagen loss,” says David Bean, laser expert and founder of NIRA.
By stimulating collagen production, this treatment can refine skin texture and tone.
“The non-fractional, non-ablative technology makes this possible without pain, redness, or downtime,” says David. “It provides a safe, convenient, and clinically-proven way to achieve smoother, firmer skin.”
The best hand care products for midlife skin
BIOEFFECT EGF Hand Serum £39
Alongside BIOEFFECT’s patented EGF, the hand serum combines niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to create a light but potent formula. Perfect for those who can’t tolerate the feeling of traditional hand creams.
Evolve Timeless Renewal Hand Cream, £18
Moisture-retaining ceramides and rejuvenating bio-retinol work together to keep hands feeling nourished, soft and smooth even after washing. Ideal for tackling dryness and the appearance of age spots.
Dermatology M Rose Otto Hand Cream £20
Intensely soothing organic shea and cocoa butter meet organic rose otto essential oil. Not only does this hand cream hold a gorgeous scent, but it delivers lasting skin-softening properties too.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Hand Treatment Serum, £14
Formulated to target the visible signs of ageing on the hands. This high-performing intensive serum is clinically proven to firm and hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots.
NIRA Pro Laser, £569
With a larger treatment tip to target areas of the body and five comfort levels, the NIRA at-home laser offers visible skin improvements within 60 days and long-lasting results after 90 days of daily use.
ishga Hydrating Hand Cream, £34
Perfect for hands that need extra TLC. A nourishing cream designed to soothe dry hands, while offering protection from the elements. Light and easily absorbed, this cream contains plant extracts that have been shown to be effective in healing inflammatory skin conditions.
Swiss Line Make-Peace Hand Balm, £60
Echinacea and centella extracts work alongside aloe leaf juice and D-panthenol to relieve and repair the skin barrier, in a cooling featherweight balm.
CACI Rejuvenating Hand Mask from £8
An intensive at-home conditioning treatment. This skincare-filled glove contains softening vitamin E and allantoin. The addition of hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen and shea butter gives deep and lasting hydration in just 20 minutes.
Gentle Care Hand Cream, £14.99
Vitamin E joins panthenol, zinc and marigold extract, for a soothing, protective and anti-inflammatory blend, in a quick-to-absorb cream.
Pelegrims Hydrating Polyphenol Hand Pomade, £24
With grape and hemp seed oils, and harnessing the powerful antioxidant properties of polyphenols, this intensely hydrating pomade is a tonic for ultra-dry and stressed hands.
Omnilux Contour Glove £302.50
Harnessing the power of red light therapy, but in a bespoke delivery to the hands, 144 LEDs use red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm) light in a cordless, rechargeable mitt.
