The Best Hand Creams to Use as You Age

Everyone wants to age gracefully—and we know how to do it. Follow along with Live Well for beauty tips, exercise routines, and lifestyle changes to make as the years go by. Together, they'll make aging simple, which gives you more time to embrace each moment.

You might have your multistep facial skincare regimen down pat, but it's possible that you're neglecting your hands, but you don't want to forget about them. After all, your hands are the first part of your body to show the telltale signs of aging. "Our hands and faces are the least-protected areas from sun exposure," says Dr. Jessica Kant, dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. "Gloves aren't in style these days, but if you really care, wear them anyway, and apply daily moisturizer with SPF every day, even during the winter. By far, the most damage to hands is done by sunlight."

It's not just sun exposure that leads to dry, spotted hands, though: They take a beating on a daily basis from simple activities such as washing them thoroughly, doing dishes, and exposing them to chemical-filled cleaning products—and the list continues. "Excessive hand washing can break down the skin faster, along with frequent use of alcohol-containing sanitizers," says Dr. Sapna Palep, a dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology. "Using hot water breaks down the skin. Jobs that involve immersing hands in water for extended periods of time, extended periods of UV radiation, or use of harsh chemicals can break down collagen and elastin more quickly."

The best way to mitigate damage (aside from slathering on SPF) is to use hand lotion religiously: in the mornings, in the evenings, and after exposing them to water. Dr. Palep recommends looking for hand creams with ceramides, which add a protective layer and help replace moisture, along with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are also helpful, as they're natural skin lighteners that eliminate age spots; soothing extracts or essential oils will add extra hydration. Retinoids can also help boost cell turnover, balance pigment production, and brighten skin: "I drive home the use of retinoids," Dr. Palep says. "I believe it's the single best thing you can use on the hands to keep the skin young." Here, we've rounded up the best anti-aging hand creams to try now.