Ageing Hands, Knees & Arms
What happens to the skin on the hands, knees and arms as we age?
The skin on the hands, knees and arms often shows signs of ageing earlier than many people expect. These areas are exposed to daily movement, environmental stress, and gradual collagen loss, which can lead to thinning skin, dryness, creasing, and pigmentation changes over time.
Unlike the face, these areas are often overlooked, yet they are particularly vulnerable because the skin naturally becomes thinner and less hydrated with age. Collagen and elastin production slow down, circulation reduces, and the skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture and repair itself efficiently.
On the hands, volume loss can also make tendons and veins appear more visible. Around the knees and upper arms, reduced elasticity can create a crepey texture and fine wrinkling.
Symptoms
Common signs of ageing in these areas include:
Fine lines and wrinkling of the skin
Crepey or loose skin texture
Age spots or uneven pigmentation
Loss of smoothness
Visible thinning of the skin
Dry, rough, or scaly skin
Reduced firmness, particularly above the knees and upper arms
Dullness or dehydration
Causes
Several factors contribute to ageing skin on the hands, knees and arms:
- Natural collagen and elastin loss
- Reduced hyaluronic acid within the skin
- Sun exposure and UV damage
- Repeated movement and mechanical stress
- Slower skin cell turnover
- Reduced oil production with age
- Dehydration
- Environmental exposure
Because the hands are frequently exposed to sunlight, washing, temperature changes, and daily wear, pigmentation and dryness often develop earlier here than in less exposed areas.
Why dry, scaly skin happens
As skin matures, the outer barrier becomes less efficient at retaining moisture. Sebaceous activity decreases, meaning the skin produces fewer natural lipids that normally protect and soften the surface.
This can lead to:
- Persistent dryness
- Roughness
- Flaking
- Increased sensitivity
- A dull or tired appearance
Dryness also exaggerates fine lines and can make skin appear older than it is.
Age spots and uneven pigmentation
Age spots, also known as sun spots, develop when pigment-producing cells become overactive after years of UV exposure.
Solar lentigo commonly appear as:
- Flat brown patches on the hands
- Uneven pigmentation on the forearms
- Darkened areas that increase over time
They are particularly common on the backs of the hands because this area receives cumulative sun exposure daily.
Treatment Options
Treatment is chosen according to whether the main concern is hydration, texture, pigmentation, laxity, or collagen loss. Often, combination treatment produces the most natural and effective result.
Julaine
Julaine contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microsphere’s, which sit in the deep dermis and subcutenous layer and activate fibroblasts for supporting collagen.
It improves skin quality and hydration and is particularly helpful for:
- Fine wrinkling
- Thin skin
- Early crepey texture
- Dry ageing skin
Skinpen Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injury within the skin to trigger regeneration and collagen formation. It can improve:
- Fine wrinkling
- Dry rough texture
- Pigmentation support
- Overall skin smoothness
A treatment course is often recommended for best results.
SkinVive by Juvederm
SkinVive by Juvéderm improves hydration within the skin and helps smooth fine surface lines.
It is ideal for:
- Dehydrated skin
- Fine superficial wrinkling
- Dullness
- Skin that has lost softness
This treatment focuses on improving skin quality rather than adding volume.
Profhilo
Profhilo deeply hydrates and remodels ageing skin.
It works especially well for:
- Crepey skin on the arms
- Above-knee wrinkling
- Thin dry skin on the hands
- Loss of elasticity
Profhilo spreads beneath the skin to improve hydration and firmness.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides support skin regeneration by improving repair processes at a cellular level.
They are highly effective for:
- Fragile thinning skin
- Dry damaged skin
- Improving elasticity
- Supporting long-term skin quality
Results develop gradually and improve skin strength over time.
Medical-grade skincare
Medical-grade skincare plays an important role in maintaining and improving aging skin.
Targeted ingredients can help:
- Improve hydration
- Support skin barrier repair
- Encourage gentle exfoliation
- Reduce pigmentation
- Stimulate collagen production
Consistent skincare containing some active products often improves treatment outcomes and helps maintain long-term skin quality.
Ready to Refresh Your Look?
Every face is unique. During your consultation, we’ll assess your concerns, discuss your goals, and design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to you.