Ageing hands
Ageing hands may show thinner skin, visible veins and tendons, reduced fullness, wrinkles and sun-related spots. These changes develop at different rates and reflect intrinsic ageing plus cumulative exposure.
What you may notice
- Thinner or crepey skin
- More visible veins and tendons
- Reduced fullness between bones
- Wrinkles, dryness and brown spots
Why it can happen
Collagen, elasticity and subcutaneous fat decrease with age. Hands receive frequent ultraviolet exposure, while smoking and environmental exposure add to skin ageing. Arthritis, swelling or prominent veins from another cause are separate concerns.
What may help
Sun protection and moisturiser improve dryness and limit further photodamage. Prescription skincare or resurfacing may address texture and pigment. Fillers or fat transfer restore selected volume, while vascular or pigment treatments target other features. Thin hand skin requires conservative technique.
When to consult
Consult a clinician for new swelling, pain, weakness, colour change or a changing pigmented lesion. Aesthetic assessment should separate volume, vessels, texture and spots.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- DermNet. Solar elastosis [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/solar-elastosis (new tab)
- DermNet. Solar lentigo [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2025 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/solar-lentigo (new tab)