TRADITIONAL skin-rejuvenation treatments focus primarily on the face, while other visible areas, particularly the hands, have been largely overlooked. Yet, as we age, the hands undergo significant changes, such as dermal thinning, prominence of veins and tendons, and bony contours. This makes the hands highly susceptible to photoaging, which causes pigmentation changes and a generally aged appearance. Recent studies indicate that hand appearance is the second most telling sign of age after the face, prompting a rise in demand for hand-specific rejuvenation treatments.
To meet this demand, companies are developing products aimed at restoring hand volume and rejuvenating the skin’s appearance. While invasive treatments like fillers and fat augmentation are available, many patients seek non-invasive, topical options to counteract the signs of ageing. Treatments such as antioxidants, chemical peels, and laser therapy are available, but recent attention has turned to human platelet extract (HPE) and vitamin C serums.
HPE, derived from leukocyte-reduced human platelets, has shown promise in improving skin texture, promoting collagen synthesis, and reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, vitamin C serums, like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, act as powerful antioxidants, reducing pigmentation and promoting collagen production. Both are known to help reduce visible signs of photoaging and improve skin tone and texture.
A recent study examined the effectiveness of HPE and vitamin C in reducing signs of hand ageing over 12–26 weeks of twice-daily application. Both products achieved significant improvements in reducing pigmentation and brown spots, with HPE demonstrating a 27% reduction in brown spots at 12 weeks—surpassing results from standard IPL treatments.
Despite positive outcomes, the study had limitations, including a small sample size and lack of randomisation. Future research with a more diverse, larger sample and controlled study design could offer more robust conclusions. However, the findings suggest that both HPE and vitamin C can serve as effective topical treatments for hand rejuvenation, potentially as standalone options or as part of a pre-procedure routine for invasive treatments like IPL.
In conclusion, both HPE and vitamin C serums provide valuable, non-invasive options for hand rejuvenation, catering to patients seeking improved skin quality without invasive interventions.
Reference
Wyles S et al. A comparative study of two topical treatments for photoaging of the hands. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024;154(5):978-84.
