THE PROBLEM

Dear Emma, I am so embarrassed about the skin on the back of my hands.

They have big brown patches and they look so old. I am always trying to hide them.

Please can you help me?

MY ADVICE

This is a common problem, particularly with the mature generation as it was fashionable years ago to tan.

I also find this with people who have lived in sunny climates or travel abroad a lot.

This lady had no underlying health problems, so I have started a combination treatment plan, with the focus on IPL over a period of weeks, combined with microdermabrasion and microneedling.

The IPL can leave the hands feeling sensitive for a few days after treatment, and you need to time the treatment when you can cold compress the hands at home to keep the hands cool and comfortable.

It is imperative that you do not put the hands in chemicals and avoid heat after this treatment.

Sunscreen must be used on the treatment area for up to a month afterwards.

READ MORE > I tried the Lynton Focus Dual anti-ageing treatment and this is what I found

The hands already look more even as this treatment was before the last lockdown, and there is just a little tidying up left to do on the hands.

By treating the sunspots and making the skin on the hands look more even, they look so much younger and the improved look is giving my client her confidence back.

Remember if you drive a lot, then often the sun hands are exposed to UV light through the window screens, either wear sunscreen or gloves suitable to driving.

There are creams available to fade sunspots, but prevention is better than cure.

My favourite hand creams for the helping in the prevention of dark spots on the hands is Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream or Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.

Apply sun cream regularly!