While we lavish our faces with serums and moisturizers, our hands—often exposed and overlooked—can reveal the earliest signs of aging. From sun-induced age spots to dryness and fine lines, hand care has become a new frontier in anti-aging skincare. In a recent feature for Well+Good, New York City-based dermatologist and laser surgeon Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali joined a panel of leading experts to spotlight what truly works when it comes to fading age spots and restoring hand health.
Why Hands Show Age So Quickly
“Our hands experience cumulative sun exposure every day, often without SPF protection,” explains Dr. Bhanusali. The result? Visible age spots, wrinkling, and textural changes from photoaging.
Thankfully, the latest generation of hand creams does more than moisturize—they incorporate dermatology-grade actives like retinol, niacinamide, and antioxidants to target these visible signs of aging.
Dr. Bhanusali’s Top Picks (and Why They Work)
Best Fragrance-Free Option: Nécessaire The Hand Cream
Dr. Bhanusali highlights this minimalist, scent-free formula as a favorite. “The niacinamide can help with lightening age spots and the marula oil is a great addition,” he explains. With barrier-restoring peptides and deeply hydrating shea butter, it’s especially well-suited for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
Best with SPF: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40
“Sun protection is the single most important part of preventing and treating age spots,” says Dr. Bhanusali. His go-to recommendation is this fast-absorbing formula, which pairs broad-spectrum SPF 40 with soy and sea buckthorn extract—ingredients known to brighten discoloration and fight oxidative damage.
Ingredients Dermatologists Agree On
Across expert recommendations, several powerhouse ingredients appear again and again:
Retinol: Stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover
Vitamin C: Brightens dark spots and offers antioxidant protection
Niacinamide: Fades hyperpigmentation and strengthens the skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and helps skin retain moisture
Ceramides: Rebuild the protective skin barrier
These ingredients work synergistically to improve tone, texture, and firmness while reducing visible discoloration over time.
Making the Most of Your Hand Cream
Even the best formula won’t deliver results without consistency. Dr. Bhanusali advises applying hand cream after each hand wash and before bed, when skin is most receptive to repair. If your product contains retinol or vitamin C, start with evening use and always follow with SPF during the day.
“Hands are one of the most telling areas when it comes to aging,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “But with the right ingredients and consistent care, you can dramatically improve their appearance.”
Medical & Cosmetic dermatology in Hudson Yards
From advanced medical treatments to cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, Hudson Derm offers comprehensive care tailored to your skin’s needs—all in the heart of Hudson Yards.
