Hand cream is a skin care step that many of us overlook, and only to regret it later in life. Hands are one of the biggest giveaways when it comes to aging. There’s been a huge increase in the popularity of anti-aging aesthetic hand treatments, such as laser therapy and chemical peels, but there are ways to avoid this. I’ve put together a list of effective anti-aging hand creams to keep your hands looking young and smooth. 

Personally, I like my hand creams to work hard – moisturizing alone isn’t enough. Many of my favorite formulas contain retinol, a vitamin-A derivative which speeds up cell renewal for younger-looking skin. In addition, protecting your hands with SPF is also important. Sun damage is responsible for up to 90% of signs of aging, so sun protection is an absolute must. Since retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, I recommend using an SPF hand cream during the day and a retinol product at night. 

Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream 

Chantecaille’s luxurious, hydrating formula will help you avoid the pesky ‘purge’ stage of retinol usage. This gorgeous cream contains white lily bulb for moisture, mulberry root to soothe irritation and antioxidant-rich edelweiss extract to protect against further signs of aging. You won’t have to wait long to see results and with prolonged use, the benefits just keep on coming. Anti-aging hand creams don’t come much more luxurious than this.

Chanel Le Lift Main 

I know what you’re thinking: “do I really need a Chanel hand cream?”

It’s certainly a splurge, but this super luxurious hand cream is worth every penny. Despite the price tag, it sells out far too often for my liking, but that just proves how effective it really is. Le Lift doesn’t contain retinol, but it does have something even better: botanical alfalfa concentrate. This sought-after ingredient is just as effective as retinol but it’s far more gentle on the skin and can be used more regularly. The formula also contains liquorice to reduce the appearance of dark spots and delivers all day hydration with mimosa wax. This is undoubtedly one of the best anti-aging hand creams out there and using it is a wonderfully luxurious experience.

Perricone MD Cold Hands Plasma Plus + Hand Therapy 

Cutting-edge skincare brand Perricone MD have hit the nail on the head with this super effective lightweight cream. I really appreciate the fact that, unlike many anti-aging hand creams, it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue behind; I really hate having greasy hands. However, this cream still packs an intense hydration punch. It contains shea butter, antioxidants and lipids to strengthen the skin barrier and protect your hands against the elements. At the same time, glycine enhances collagen production which is the secret to firm, supple skin. 

Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart Anti-Aging + Brightening Hand Treatment 

Dull skin can really add years to the appearance of your hand, but Goldfaden MD’s Hands to Heart formula will fix that in no time. It contains skin care superstars niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for hydration and even appearance, as well as retinol to improve skin texture and diminish fine lines. What’s more is that it also features a healthy dose of red tea extract which is a rich source of antioxidants, as well as vitamins C and E. 

Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Hand Cream SPF 25 

Rich is right – with shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils, this thick and nourishing formula is a real treat for your hands. It contains a beautiful, floral scent which I personally love, but if you dislike fragrance in your skincare it may not be for you. Best of all, the formula offers SPF 25 protection, which is pretty high for a hand cream. 

Shiseido Benefiance Protective Hand Revitalizer Cream SPF 15

Shiseido offers multiple lines of defence against aging with this luxurious cream. On top of SPF15 protection, it contains chlorella and gambir extracts, which are powerful natural ingredients that help to prevent wrinkles. This cream offers long-lasting hydration and a little goes a long way, meaning it should last you a while. 

Supergoop Hand Screen SPF 40 

Not to be confused with Gwenyth Paltrow’s wellness brand, Supergoop is a skin care brand known for its high quality sunscreens and their Hand Screen cream is no different. This formula absorbs refreshingly fast and doesn’t smell like… well, you know, sunscreen, or leave a white cast. The product is reef safe, meaning that it’s a guilt-free purchase as far of the environment goes. It’s also unrivalled in terms of sun protection because it offers SPF 40 where most brands stick to just 15. This alone makes Hand Screen the best anti-aging hand creams out there.

For more on skin care, check out these life-changing tips or find out more about cruelty-free cosmetics.