The Anti-Aging Ingredient That Will Keep Your Hands Looking Young

Have you ever wished you could buy a new pair of hands from Amazon? Do you fantasize about being able to take pictures without feeling extremely self-conscious about how your hands look? We're talking dry and wrinkled skin, knuckle folds, deep lines that seem to go on for miles, and even thin skin that shows too much of your veins. While aging is a natural process that should be welcomed as the privilege it is, it's normal to want your hands to look like they were born at the same time as the rest of you.

To accomplish this, we need to understand what we're up against. Several factors contribute to how well (or poorly) our hands age. For one, they are one of our most-used body parts and spend a lot of time in the sun. Our hands also come in contact with soaps and many other chemicals every day. These things, combined with the fact that the fat levels in our hands reduce as we age, cause the skin to thin out and look a bit older. Luckily, there is one anti-aging ingredient that will keep your hands looking youthful.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most effective substances out there when it comes to anti-aging. A 2012 study published in Dermato-Endocrinology even refers to the active ingredient as a "key molecule in skin aging." The study explains that skin aging is caused by a natural loss of moisture that happens as we get older. This leads to dryness, thin skin, and many other issues that cause our hands to lose their elasticity and youth. But with hyaluronic acid, you can combat all of these things.

This is because hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) with special properties that enable it to "bind and retain water molecules," according to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Pathology. As a result, applying it to your hands should leave them looking plumper and fuller. 

Even more impressively, a 2021 study published in Dermatology and Therapy showed that using hyaluronic acid on your skin can increase hydration by up to 55% in just six weeks. Looking for the best anti-aging hand creams with hyaluronic acid? We recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Hand Cream With Hyaluronic Acid, which is less than $10.

If you prefer a quicker solution, you can see your dermatologist or skin therapist about hyaluronic acid fillers. Some popular choices are Restylane and Juvederm, which cost around $700 per shot. Another effective but pricey option is laser treatments, which are much more costly at around $1500 to $2500 per treatment. This procedure stimulates the production of collagen, another efficacious anti-aging ingredient.

A 2022 study published in the Dermatology Practical & Conceptual journal states that collagen "improves skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration." It also helps our skin combat wrinkles and improves skin texture. Plus, it can be applied either as a cream or serum. As for how long collagen takes to work, you'll need to wait at least six weeks minimum before you start seeing results. The longer you stick with this regimen, the more improvement you'll see. 

Finally, remember to purchase sunscreen specifically to use on your hands. If you're going for topically-applied products, you must reapply them (and sunscreen) each time you wash your hands. You should also keep your hands away from harsh weather, chemicals, or materials that can dry them out. Don't forget to make out time to treat yourself to a manicure every so often, as well. Your hands are responsible for a lot of your productivity, so invest in them like any other asset, and they'll look better in no time.