Your Hands Are Aging Faster Than Your Face — Here's What to Do
Published 2026-02-27 • Summer House Editorial Team
Most people protect their face religiously and forget about their hands entirely. The result: a refreshed face sitting above hands that look significantly older. Hands age visibly for distinct structural reasons, and there are treatments that address each of them — if you know what you're looking at.
Why Hands Age So Visibly
The hands have very little fat beneath the skin — less than almost anywhere else on the body. As the small amount of subcutaneous fat that does exist diminishes with age, tendons and veins become more prominent and skin drapes loosely over the underlying structures. This is purely a volume issue, and it's why hands can look decades older than the face even with careful skincare: the face has more structural fat to lose before the change becomes visible.
Age spots on the hands are the direct result of cumulative UV exposure. Hands are exposed to sun constantly — driving, walking, outdoor activities — and unlike the face, most people apply no SPF to their hands. Melanocytes respond to that cumulative damage by producing clusters of pigment, resulting in the flat brown spots commonly called age spots or liver spots (the name is a misnomer; they have nothing to do with liver function).
Treatment Options for Volume and Veins
Radiesse filler is the most commonly used product for hand rejuvenation. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler that both adds immediate volume and stimulates collagen production over time. Injected across the back of the hand, it reduces the prominence of tendons and veins and restores a smoother, more youthful contour. Results typically last 12 to 18 months. The treatment takes about 20 minutes and requires no downtime.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be used in the hands, though they tend to be softer and may not provide the same degree of structural correction as Radiesse for pronounced volume loss. Some providers prefer HA fillers for their reversibility. Results depend heavily on technique — even distribution across the hand requires careful placement.
Addressing Age Spots and Texture
IPL (intense pulsed light) is the most effective and well-tolerated treatment for age spots on the hands. The light energy targets melanin in the pigmented lesions, breaking them up so they can be cleared by the body. Most clients see the spots darken and flake off over one to two weeks after treatment, revealing clearer skin beneath. Multiple sessions may be needed for dense or deep pigmentation.
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can address both pigmentation and texture on the hands. The hands can be treated in coordination with the face for consistent results across both. After any pigment treatment, daily SPF on the hands is essential to prevent recurrence — without it, new spots will form relatively quickly in sun-exposed skin that's already predisposed to pigmentation.
FAQ
Is hand filler safe? I've never heard of it.
Hand filler is an FDA-cleared use for Radiesse and has a well-established safety record. The back of the hand has a relatively straightforward anatomy for an experienced injector, and complications are uncommon when proper technique is used. Bruising and temporary swelling are the most common side effects. It's a less widely marketed treatment than facial filler, but it's been in routine use for well over a decade.
Can I treat both my face and hands in the same appointment?
Yes, and many patients choose to do exactly that — addressing the face and hands together produces a more cohesive overall result. Some providers will discount combination treatments. The appointment runs longer, so plan for extra time. Recovery for both is similar: possible bruising and swelling for a few days, normal activity the same day.
Need help now?
Ask about hand rejuvenation at your next Summer House Medspa appointment — it takes 20 minutes and the results are often striking.