Hands are often called a giveaway of age. They're exposed to sun, water and cleaning products every day, and the skin on the backs of the hands is thin, so crepiness, lines and sun spots show early. Microneedling can help hands look smoother and more even. Here's how to do it gently.
The short answer: microneedle the backs of the hands with a 12-pin cartridge at 0.6mm every four weeks to help improve the look of crepey texture, fine lines and uneven tone. Skin here is thin, so keep the skin taut, glide lightly over knuckles and tendons, and protect your hands with SPF daily.
Why hands show age
- Thin skin with little fat underneath
- Daily sun exposure, especially when driving
- Frequent washing and cleaning products, which dry the skin
- Collagen loss with age, so skin looks crepey and veins more visible
What microneedling can help with
| It may help | It can't |
|---|---|
| Crepey texture look smoother | Replace lost volume or hide prominent veins |
| Fine lines look softer | Remove deep lines over the knuckles |
| Tone look more even, with SPF | Fade spots without sun protection |
Check spots first
Before microneedling, check any spots on your hands. Have new, changing, raised, scaly or bleeding spots checked by your GP, and never microneedle over them.
Technique, step by step
- Remove rings and wash your hands. Disinfect your skin, the hand holding the pen, and the pen.
- Attach a new, sealed 12-pin cartridge and set 0.6mm and a low speed.
- Apply hyaluronic acid to the back of one hand.
- Make a loose fist or spread your fingers slightly to keep the skin taut.
- Glide gently across the back of the hand in small, overlapping strokes.
- Go very lightly over knuckles, tendons and visible veins.
- Repeat on the other hand. Finish with hyaluronic acid and a fragrance-free hand cream.
Switching the pen to your other hand can feel awkward, so take your time. Repeat every four weeks. A Nano cartridge in between adds hydration.
Aftercare
- Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning for a couple of days.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free hand wash and avoid alcohol hand gel where you can for 24 to 48 hours.
- Moisturise after every wash.
- Apply SPF to the backs of your hands every day.
Daily hand care
- SPF on the backs of the hands, reapplied after washing
- A rich hand cream, especially at night
- Gloves for cleaning, gardening and cold weather
- Retinol hand cream on other days, if your skin tolerates it
Hand care with Olapen
Olapen's lightweight, cordless design makes it easy to work on your hands, and the 12-pin cartridge at 0.6mm suits the thin skin here. See microneedling for sun-damaged skin for more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you microneedle your hands?
Yes, the backs of the hands, gently, at 0.6mm.
Does microneedling help crepey hands?
It can help crepey texture look smoother over several sessions.
Which cartridge is best for hands?
A 12-pin at 0.6mm.
Can I microneedle my palms?
There's no cosmetic reason to, and the skin there is very different. Stick to the backs of the hands.
How often should I microneedle my hands?
Every four weeks.
The bottom line
Microneedling can help the backs of the hands look smoother and more even. Use a 12-pin at 0.6mm, glide lightly over bones and veins, look after your hands for a few days afterwards, and wear SPF every day.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.