Hands age fast. Thin skin, constant washing, UV exposure while driving, and daily chores all break down collagen and dry the barrier. The fix isn’t one miracle tube—it’s a simple AM/PM plan: SPF by day, repair + barrier care at night, and a gentle weekly exfoliant so actives can do their job. Below you’ll find three hand creams that cover those jobs without mess or fuss, plus an easy routine, FAQs, and a short “see also” section.
Quick Picks
- Best Daytime Protection (SPF): Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 — broad-spectrum sunscreen that feels like hand cream; protects against new spots and crepey texture. Rating: 4.7/5
- Best Night Repair (texture + crepe): Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Hand Cream — rich, smoothing cream that softens crepey look and dryness. Rating: 4.6/5
- Best Barrier + Brightening (budget): CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream — ceramides + niacinamide to strengthen the barrier and even tone, non-greasy. Rating: 4.5/5
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What “anti-aging” for hands actually means
- Prevent: Daily SPF 30+ is the single biggest anti-aging step. It slows new spots and collagen loss.
- Repair: At night, look for retinoids, urea, lactic acid, niacinamide or peptides to smooth texture and support renewal.
- Restore: Ceramides, glycerin, shea/petrolatum and dimethicone lock in moisture and protect after every wash.
The Winners (Deep Dives)
1) Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 — Best Daytime Protection
Finish: Soft, non-greasy | Use: Daytime, driving, school runs
Why it works
This is sunscreen made to feel like hand cream—broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a conditioning finish so you’ll actually reapply. It helps prevent new sun spots, thinning, and rough texture from UV.
Results you can expect
- Less new discoloration over time
- Softer look to the backs of hands (no white cast)
- Plays nicely with steering wheels, phones, and keyboards
How to use
Apply a nickel-size amount after your regular hand cream in the morning; reapply after washing or before driving again.
Pros
- High SPF in a hand-friendly texture
- No chalky feel
- Travel sizes for handbags/glove box
Cons
- Not a night treatment—pair with a PM repair cream
Rating: 4.7/5
2) Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Hand Cream — Best Night Repair
Finish: Rich, cushiony | Use: Nightly or post-wash on very dry hands
Why it works
Built to improve the look of crepey, crinkly skin, this formula combines moisturizers, smoothing acids (gentle), and protective film-formers so hands wake up plumper and softer.
Results you can expect
- Smoother texture in a week or two
- Less “papery” look, better bounce
- Calms tightness after frequent washing
How to use
Massage a pea-size per hand before bed. For very dry or cracked spots, seal with a thin swipe of petrolatum over knuckles.
Pros
- Noticeable softening and comfort
- Works well under cotton gloves overnight
- Great value for the performance
Cons
- Rich texture—use sparingly for day
Rating: 4.6/5
3) CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream — Best Barrier + Brightening (Budget)
Finish: Non-greasy, quick-dry | Use: All day, after every wash
Why it works
Ceramides rebuild the barrier; niacinamide helps with tone and redness; dimethicone shields against water and soap. It’s fragrance-free and friendly for sensitive skin.
Results you can expect
- Fewer rough patches and hangnail snags
- Hands stay comfortable between washes
- Gradual, subtle brightening with regular use
How to use
Keep one at the sink. Apply a pea-size to backs of hands, work into knuckles and cuticles after washing.
Pros
- Affordable, easy to find
- Plays nicely with SPF layered on top
- No sticky residue
Cons
- Not a heavy overnight cream—pair with a richer PM option if very dry
Rating: 4.5/5
How to choose the right hand cream
- If you’re outdoors/driving a lot: prioritize SPF (Supergoop! Handscreen).
- If “crepey” texture bugs you: go Gold Bond Crepe Corrector at night.
- If hands sting after washing: stick to fragrance-free barrier care (CeraVe) and add SPF over it by day.
- Dark spots/top-of-hand discoloration: daily SPF, plus niacinamide and gentle acids a few nights a week.
The 7-Day Hand Reset (simple plan)
Every morning
- Apply CeraVe Hand Cream after your first wash.
- Layer Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 over the backs of hands.
- Reapply SPF after washing or before driving.
Every night
- Massage in Gold Bond Crepe Corrector (pea-size per hand).
- Seal very dry/cracked spots with a thin layer of petrolatum.
- Optional: Wear cotton gloves for 30–60 minutes (or overnight) for extra occlusion.
Twice a week (PM)
- Use a gentle lactic-acid hand lotion or a face retinol/retinal you already own (pea-size, backs of hands only). Skip on nights your skin feels sensitive.
- Always return to SPF the next morning.
Application tips
- Backs first: Dot cream on the backs of hands, rub backs together, then work into knuckles and cuticles—this avoids slippery palms.
- After sanitizer: Apply barrier cream once sanitizer is dry to counter alcohol’s drying effect.
- Sink stash: Keep a tube next to each sink and in the car. If it’s there, you’ll use it.
Wrap-Up
The most effective anti-aging plan for hands is boringly simple: protect by day, repair and restore at night, and repeat. Use Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 to prevent new damage, Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector to smooth texture while you sleep, and CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream after every wash to keep the barrier strong. Stick to the 7-day reset and you’ll see softer, brighter, more comfortable hands—without greasy palms or high-maintenance routines.
We may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Can I use my face retinol on my hands?
Yes. Use a tiny amount (pea-size for both hands) 2–3 nights a week, then moisturize. Expect some dryness at first. Always wear SPF the next day.
How do I fade existing dark spots?
Daily SPF, plus niacinamide and gentle acids (like lactic). A dermatologist can add hydroquinone or procedures if spots are stubborn.
My hands crack in winter—what now?
Layer: CeraVe after every wash, Gold Bond at night, and petrolatum on cracks under cotton gloves. Add a humidifier by the bed.
Will hand cream mess with my manicure or phone?
Rub the backs together first and use quick-dry formulas for daytime. Save rich occlusive layers for bedtime.
See Also
- Body Butter vs Hand Cream: What to Use & When — the quick way to choose the right texture for day vs night.
- Dry Skin Routine: Hydrate • Seal • Glow — simple AM/PM plan if dryness is your main battle.
- Best Foundation for Mature Skin Over 60 — base tips and forgiving formulas if makeup settles on dry patches.
- Best Foundation for Large Pores — smoothing tricks for a softer-looking base around the nose and cheeks.
