# 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.

Canonical: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/body-skin-aging-prevention
HTML version: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/body-skin-aging-prevention
Author: Anti Aging Care Editorial Team
Published: 2025-05-25
Updated: 2026-10-24
Category: Anti-Aging

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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27720464/)). 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/)).

## Sunscreen for the body

The AAD recommends ([AAD: sunscreen FAQs](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/)). 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](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin)).
- **Short, lukewarm showers** to avoid drying out skin ([AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin)).
- **AHAs:** glycolic acid improved photoaging in a controlled study ([Thibault et al., *Dermatol Surg*, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9598014/)). Acids increase sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen.

## In-office options

- **Lasers and IPL** for spots and redness ([Mayo Clinic: laser resurfacing](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-resurfacing/about/pac-20385114)).
- **Radiofrequency and microneedling** for laxity and texture ([Austin et al., *Dermatol Surg*, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34923652/)).
- **Hand fillers:** FDA-approved for hand volume ([FDA: dermal fillers](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27720464/)
- Hughes MC et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. *Ann Intern Med*. 2013. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/)
- Kafi R et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). *Arch Dermatol*. 2007. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/)
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9598014/)
- Austin GK et al. Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: a systematic review. *Lasers Surg Med*. 2022. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34923652/)
- American Academy of Dermatology. [Sunscreen FAQs](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs); [Tips to relieve dry skin](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin)
- Mayo Clinic. [Laser resurfacing](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-resurfacing/about/pac-20385114)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Dermal fillers](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers)