Don’t Forget Your Hands: Why Retinol Is the Secret to Younger-Looking Skin
Don’t Forget Your Hands: Why Retinol Is the Secret to Younger-Looking Skin
By grounded
When it comes to anti-ageing skincare, most of us focus on our face and forget the one area that often reveals our age first: our hands.
Think about it. Your hands are exposed to UV rays daily, washed constantly, and rarely protected with SPF. Over time, this leads to:
• Age spots (sun spots)
• Crepey texture
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Thinning skin
• Uneven tone
The good news? Retinol isn’t just for your face. Used correctly, it can dramatically improve the appearance of ageing hands.
Why Hands Age So Quickly
The skin on the back of your hands is thinner than you think and contains fewer oil glands. That means:
- Less natural moisture
- Less resilience
- More visible pigmentation
- Faster collagen breakdown
Add decades of sun exposure and it’s no surprise that hands often show ageing before the face does.
How Retinol Helps Ageing Hands
Retinol works on hands the same way it works on your face by supporting cellular renewal and collagen production.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Fades Age Spots
Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, helping pigmented cells shed more quickly. Over time, dark spots appear lighter and more diffused.
2. Improves Texture
If your hands look crepey or rough, retinol helps smooth and refine the surface.
3. Boosts Collagen
Hands lose firmness as collagen declines. Retinol encourages collagen production, making skin look plumper and more youthful.
4. Evens Skin Tone
Regular use improves clarity and brightness for a more even appearance.
How To Use Retinol on Your Hands (Safely)
Because hand skin can be sensitive especially if it’s already dry application technique matters.
Evening Routine
- Cleanse hands gently
- Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol serum to the backs of hands
- Massage in thoroughly
- Follow with a rich hand cream
Pro tip: Apply before bed and let it absorb overnight.
Start 2–3 nights per week, then increase gradually as tolerated.
The Most Important Step: SPF on Hands
This cannot be skipped.
If you’re treating pigmentation and wrinkles with retinol but not protecting your hands during the day, you’re undoing your progress.
Apply SPF 30+ to the backs of your hands every morning and reapply if you’re driving or outdoors.
Retinol + SPF = visible improvement.
What Results Can You Expect?
Weeks 2–4:
Hands feel smoother and more hydrated.
Weeks 6–8:
Age spots start to soften and fade.
12 Weeks+:
More even tone, improved firmness, and visibly refined texture.
Consistency is key. Just like facial skincare, hands respond best to long-term care.
Can You Use Your Facial Retinol on Your Hands?
Yes and it’s actually a smart way to extend your results.
If you’re already using a high-quality retinol serum in your evening routine, apply the excess product to the backs of your hands before moisturising.
At grounded, we always say:
“Take your skincare down your neck… and across your hands.”
Who Should Avoid Retinol on Hands?
Avoid if you:
- Have eczema or active dermatitis on your hands
- Have cracked or broken skin
- Are experiencing severe irritation
If in doubt, patch test first.
The grounded Philosophy
Your hands deserve the same level of care as your face. Ageing is natural but supporting your skin with intelligent ingredients can help you feel confident at every stage.
Retinol isn’t about reversing time.
It’s about restoring clarity, smoothness, and glow everywhere.
Because youthful skin shouldn’t stop at your wrists. ✨