Body Skin Aging: How to Prevent It on Your Neck, Chest, Hands and Arms
Body skin ages too, especially on sun-exposed areas. How to protect your neck, chest, hands and arms with sunscreen, retinoids, moisturizers and exfoliants.
Body skin ages just like facial skin, especially on areas that get sun. The short answer: sunscreen on your neck, chest, arms and hands every day is the most important step, followed by moisturizer and, for some areas, retinoids or exfoliating acids.
Why body skin ages
Sun exposure is the main outside cause of skin aging (Krutmann et al., J Dermatol Sci, 2017). The neck, chest, arms and backs of the hands get daily sun but are often skipped when applying sunscreen.
In the 4.5-year Australian trial, daily sunscreen reduced skin aging by 24%. The study measured the backs of the hands (Hughes et al., Ann Intern Med, 2013).
Sunscreen for the body
The AAD recommends (AAD: sunscreen FAQs):
- Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher
- About 1 ounce, roughly a shot glass, to cover the body
- Reapply about every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating
Don't forget the sides of your neck, your ears, the tops of your feet and your hands.
Area-by-area guide
| Area | Signs | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Neck | Lines, laxity, spots | Sunscreen; retinoid as tolerated; in-office options like radiofrequency |
| Chest | Spots, crepey skin, redness | Sunscreen; gentle retinoid; IPL or lasers for spots |
| Hands | Spots, thin skin, prominent veins | Sunscreen after hand washing; moisturizer; fillers for volume |
| Arms and legs | Dryness, spots, crepiness | Moisturizer; AHA lotions |
Retinoids for the body
Retinol improved fine wrinkles in older adults over 24 weeks, applied to the arm (Kafi et al., Arch Dermatol, 2007). Neck and chest skin can be more sensitive, so start slowly.
Moisturizers and exfoliants
- Moisturizer after showering, on damp skin; the AAD lists glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum and shea butter for dry skin (AAD: dry skin tips).
- Short, lukewarm showers to avoid drying out skin (AAD).
- AHAs: glycolic acid improved photoaging in a controlled study (Thibault et al., Dermatol Surg, 1998). Acids increase sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen.
In-office options
- Lasers and IPL for spots and redness (Mayo Clinic: laser resurfacing).
- Radiofrequency and microneedling for laxity and texture (Austin et al., Dermatol Surg, 2022).
- Hand fillers: FDA-approved for hand volume (FDA: dermal fillers).
Common mistakes
- Using sunscreen on the face only
- Skipping hands, which are washed often
- Hot, long showers
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my face products on my body? Yes, but body skin needs larger amounts.
Does body skin age faster than the face? It depends on sun exposure; protected skin ages more slowly.
When should I start? Sunscreen at any age.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your situation.
Sources
- Krutmann J et al. The skin aging exposome. J Dermatol Sci. 2017. PubMed
- Hughes MC et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013. PubMed
- Kafi R et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007. PubMed
- Thibault PK et al. A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 1998. PubMed
- Austin GK et al. Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: a systematic review. Lasers Surg Med. 2022. PubMed
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs; Tips to relieve dry skin
- Mayo Clinic. Laser resurfacing
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers
