When we talk about “skin care” we normally associate the term with the face. We spend lots of time, effort and money on facial anti-aging products and treatments but we often forget to treat the skin on our hands. When it comes to aging, the hands can reveal someone’s age pretty easily. Patients always want to know what they can do for aging hands. The use of sunscreen on a daily basis is key, but there are other measures one can take to ensure the hands stay as youthful as possible. Technology that is proven for anti-aging the face also works for the hands and can really help turn back the clock.
When treating hands, many times there are multiple skin issues that need to be addressed. First, the skin on our hands is thin in general and the loss of collagen and elastin over time makes it even thinner and more “crepey” in texture. Lasers that work to stimulate the production of collagen can help address this issue. Secondly, our hands accumulate a great amount of pigment over the years from chronic sun exposure. As we age, we also start to notice unsightly “liver spots” or “barnacles.” These spots, while benign, can be very hard to treat. Lasers aimed at addressing pigmentation can be extremely helpful in fading the appearance of benign pigmented lesions.
It is important to find a laser system that will address the multiple signs of aging on the hands. Many lasers that work to stimulate collagen may be inefficient at addressing pigment. Similarly, lasers that treat pigment may not be able to stimulate collagen sufficiently. In my practice, I have had great success in coupling Laser Genesis with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to address aging on the hands. Laser Genesis is a non-invasive treatment that works to stimulate collagen, help even out superficial textural irregularities and treat vascular lesions. IPL or “Photofacial” helps to even out pigmentation and can help stimulate collagen to a small extent. By combining the two treatments, a patient can achieve superior results.
For the patient who wants significant results with little to no downtime, the “Two Dimensional” hand treatment is ideal. The procedure is comfortable and relatively quick. For best results, a series of four to six treatments is recommended, but patients will still see improvement after one session. Consult with an experienced laser technician to see if these treatments are right for you. It is never too early or too late to start taking care of your hands.
