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Anti-aging hands: crepey skin, age spots & SPF
Your hands get as much sun as your face — plus dish soap, gardening and the gel lamp. Here's what dermatologists recommend.
Updated October 2026

Every day
- Sunscreen on your hands: broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ daily, per the AAD. A hand cream with SPF (#S14) makes it easy.
- Gloves for cleaning and gardening.
- Moisturize after washing — a rich hand cream like #S15 (urea) or #S17 (fragrance-free).
- At bedtime: a retinol (#S19) or glycolic lotion.
At the nail salon
The AAD suggests broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before a gel manicure, or dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off (#S16). More in are UV nail lamps safe?
In-office options
- Age spots: cryosurgery, laser or chemical peels.
- Lost volume: fillers.
- Texture: light peels, every 1–3 months.
See a dermatologist about rough, scaly patches — they can be actinic keratoses.
Sun protection for the rest of you: sunscreen for Miami sun.
Products mentioned
S14Illustrative photo
S16Illustrative photoMelodySusie Fingerless UV Protection Gloves for Gel Manicures
Fingerless gloves worn under a nail lamp.
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S15Illustrative photo
S17Illustrative photoNeutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, fragrance-free
Concentrated fragrance-free hand cream.
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S19Illustrative photoOn sale today
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FAQ
How do I make my hands look younger?
The AAD recommends daily broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ on your hands, gloves for cleaning and gardening, moisturizer after washing, and a retinol or glycolic lotion at bedtime.
What removes age spots on hands?
Dermatologists can treat age spots in the office with cryosurgery, laser or chemical peels.
Should I protect my hands during a gel manicure?
The AAD suggests broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before the manicure, or dark opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
When should I see a dermatologist about my hands?
Rough, scaly patches can be actinic keratoses — have a dermatologist check them.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology — what makes hands look younger
- American Academy of Dermatology — gel manicures
Every number on this page comes from the sources below. Last updated October 2026.
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