The latest aesthetic treatments to preserve the beauty of your hands

The damage UV rays cause to our skin is now widely known. Insufficient hydration or lack of sun protection contribute to the premature aging of the skin and blood vessels in the hands. There are also conditions unrelated to age, such as excessive sweating, that can cause embarrassment and discomfort.

"Age spots, particularly brown ones caused by the sun, can form on the hands," explains Dr. Dossena. "But that’s not all. The skin, especially the layer just below the epidermis called the dermis, becomes thinner and more dehydrated over the years. As a result, veins become more superficial and visible, protruding on the backs of the hands and forearms, sometimes causing aesthetic discomfort, particularly in female patients. Thanks to the numerous dermatological and vascular treatments currently available, the appearance of our hands can improve significantly."

At the Vein & Derma Clinic of the Istituto di Cura Città di Pavia, innovative aesthetic medicine treatments are available for the beauty and rejuvenation of the hands.

Phlebotherapy (TRAP) to Reduce Vein Size

If what bothers us most is the excessive size of the veins on the backs of the hands and forearms, which tends to be more noticeable during warm weather or after physical activity, phlebotherapy is an excellent remedy. It reduces the vein's size without closing them, as sclerotherapy does, or removing them through surgery.

It’s a conservative, minimally uncomfortable treatment. Typically, 1 or 2 sessions of sodium salicylate injections (8-10%) into the affected veins are enough.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for 'Skeletal' Hands

For 'skeletal' hands and dehydrated skin, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which is transformed into a gel-like substance, is used to counteract dermal thinning and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

It is injected into the subcutaneous tissue using cannulas, and the plumping effects can be appreciated after the first treatment. It can be performed at any time of the year.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite Injections for Skin Rejuvenation

Similar to hyaluronic acid injections in both administration and purpose, this hyperdiluted product is injected into the subcutaneous tissue through cannulas to achieve both a filling effect and stimulation of fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.

One treatment is often enough to appreciate the plumping and biostimulating effects. It can also be performed year-round.

Q-Switched Laser for Removing Sun Spots

This laser is ideal for removing sun spots that form on the backs of the hands. One session, or more often two, may be sufficient to eliminate them. This treatment should be done exclusively in autumn or winter.

Botulinum Toxin for Excessive Sweating

In cases of palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which can cause embarrassment and discomfort, microinjections of botulinum toxin into the palms can block the sweat glands, resolving the issue.

The treatment is effective for 6-8 months. It is painful and requires anesthesia.

Chemical Peels for Skin Renewal

Applied to the skin, these peels stimulate cellular renewal, removing the most damaged surface layers of the skin and helping to prevent the formation of sun spots. It is best to undergo this treatment in autumn or winter.

Biostimulation for Skin Hydration

This treatment involves injections of liquid hyaluronic acid, vitamins, coenzymes, and antioxidants into the dermis to improve hydration and combat skin thinning. It can be performed at any time of the year.

"We doctors," explains Dr. Dossena, "always strive to raise awareness among patients about this very important topic, which is part of prevention:

• Against aging (sun spots);
• Against the progression of skin lesions into malignant ones.

It must be total sun protection, and its application should be renewed frequently throughout the day because washing our hands also removes the sunscreen. It’s important to remember that UV rays from the sun are present all year round, not just in summer, and the hands (like the face) are areas that are almost always uncovered by clothing, making them exposed to the elements. As a result, the recommendation is to apply sunscreen year-round, 12 months a year."

There are various factors that, over time, contribute to making hands less aesthetically pleasing. The aging of tissues is a natural condition that affects the hands just like the rest of our body. However, mistakes made in youth, often carelessly, can lead to undesirable results later on, leaving unpleasant marks. Skin has a memory, so it's important to:

• Avoid using aggressive products for skin cleansing;
• Always wear protective gloves when using degreasing or harsh products;
• Use moisturizing creams to restore the hydrolipidic balance of both the palms and the backs of the hands;
• Remember to apply sunscreen to the hands, just as you would to other parts of the body exposed to light, and reapply it frequently;
• Wear gloves when the temperature is too cold to avoid significant thermal shocks.

"It’s never too late to take care of our hands, and there are many effective treatments for various issues. However, let’s never forget that the cornerstone of anti-aging medicine is always careful prevention," concludes Dr. Dossena.