While the face is often at the center of aesthetic concerns, the hands never lie. Over time, they show signs of aging, become fragile, develop spots, and lose tone. The skin aging in this particularly exposed area can betray a person’s real age, even in patients who have undergone facial aesthetic treatments.
Hand rejuvenation has now become a major focus in medical aesthetics. Among the most effective solutions, chemical peels offer a targeted, non-invasive approach. When adapted to the skin type and the intensity of skin aging, these treatments can reduce pigmented spots, smooth fine lines, and restore a denser, more radiant appearance. In particular, superficial peels provide a true radiance boost, while the biorevitalizing PRX-T33 peel stands out for its ability to densify the skin without causing visible peeling.
Hands are constantly exposed to external aggressions. Ultraviolet radiation, temperature variations, frequent washing, household products… all these factors accelerate skin aging. Added to this is intrinsic aging, linked to the gradual decrease in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. Pigmented spots (solar lentigines) appear, vascularization becomes more visible, and skin quality changes, taking on a wrinkled or creased appearance.
Today, it is possible to act preventively or correctively on these signs through gentle techniques, among which chemical peels represent a preferred option.
A chemical peel involves applying an exfoliating solution to the skin to stimulate skin regeneration. Depending on the agents used and their concentration, the peel works at different depths. On the hands, superficial and biorevitalizing peels are generally preferred, as the skin is thinner and more vulnerable than on the face.
Superficial peels allow for gentle exfoliation of the epidermis. They are particularly effective in revitalizing skin radiance, reducing fine lines, and evening out skin tone. This type of peel can be performed at the first signs of aging or as part of regular maintenance.
The PRX-T33 peel represents a significant advancement. It acts at the superficial dermis without causing visible peeling. Its innovative formulation stimulates deep collagen and elastin production while preserving the integrity of the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer). It thus provides a true firming, densifying, and revitalizing effect, making it especially suitable for the hands.
Superficial peels used for hand treatment generally rely on fruit acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid. These acids exert a gentle keratolytic action, exfoliating dead skin cells, evening out skin tone, and stimulating cellular renewal.
Glycolic acid, due to its low molecular weight, penetrates the skin easily. It promotes collagen production, improves skin quality, and restores hydration. Mandelic acid, which is milder, is particularly suitable for thin or reactive skin. By reducing excessive keratinization, these peels help lighten early pigmented spots and smooth microrelief irregularities.
The protocol usually involves one to two applications per month over 2 to 3 months. Each session lasts about twenty minutes. The tingling sensation is moderate, and aftercare is simple: slight erythema, sometimes mild peeling, but no social downtime.
Results are progressive: the skin becomes more even, supple, and radiant. This treatment is particularly recommended for prevention or during the early stages of skin aging.
The PRX-T33 peel stands out from traditional peels due to its unique mechanism of action. It combines 33% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and kojic acid. This innovative trio activates fibroblasts deep in the dermis without affecting the skin surface.
TCA is known for its ability to induce intense dermal regeneration. However, its conventional use typically causes noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable peeling. In PRX-T33, this effect is neutralized by the moderating action of hydrogen peroxide, which protects the epidermis while allowing deep stimulation.
Kojic acid provides an additional depigmenting effect, particularly useful for reducing sunspots on the hands.
This treatment requires no anesthesia. After cleansing, the product is applied with a massage for a few minutes. The skin absorbs the product without visible exfoliation. No downtime is necessary, making this peel especially compatible with an active lifestyle.
Benefits are visible from the first session: the skin appears immediately denser, more radiant, and smoother. A protocol of 4 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart optimizes results. Thereafter, occasional maintenance every two to three months is recommended.
This treatment is suitable for all phototypes, even the darkest, and can be performed year-round, including in summer, provided proper sun protection is observed.
Whether using superficial peels or PRX-T33, the results are both visible and long-lasting when a proper protocol is followed. On the hands, the goal is not only aesthetic: it also aims to improve overall skin health by strengthening the hydrolipidic barrier and stimulating the skin’s biological functions.
These treatments can be combined with other techniques for a synergistic effect. For example, hyaluronic acid injections can restore lost volume (hand filling), and Skinbooster injections deeply hydrate the skin. Mesotherapy can also act synergistically with a peel.
Peels must always be performed under medical supervision or by a physician. A prior skin assessment helps determine the optimal peeling depth and prevent adverse effects. Since the skin on the hands is thin and sun-exposed, strict photoprotection is essential in the weeks following treatment.
Contraindications include local skin infections, active eczema, inflammatory dermatoses, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. A history of cutaneous herpes may sometimes require antiviral prophylaxis.
Aftercare is generally simple. A transient warming sensation may occur, followed by slight dryness. Regular application of a moisturizing and reparative cream helps restore skin comfort between sessions.
The choice of timing for a chemical hand peel is not arbitrary. It depends on the type of peel planned, the photoprotection possible after the procedure, and the patient’s phototype. Understanding these factors ensures treatment efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
Superficial peels, especially those based on fruit acids (glycolic, mandelic, lactic acids), induce epidermal exfoliation, even if sometimes barely visible. This slight peeling temporarily makes the skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure in the days following the procedure, even moderate, significantly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in patients with darker or pigmentation-prone skin.
For this reason, the autumn-winter period is generally recommended for this type of treatment. During this time, UV intensity is lower, the skin is less exposed to the sun, and adherence to photoprotection is easier. It also prepares the skin for spring, restoring radiance and evenness after summer’s climatic aggressions.
However, there are interesting alternatives for patients wishing to undergo treatment during sunny months. The PRX-T33 peel is a safe and effective option all year round, including summer. Its unique formulation allows dermal action without visible exfoliation. The superficial layer of the skin remains intact. It does not cause peeling or prolonged redness, and strict sun avoidance is not required as long as recommended precautions are followed (broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 50+, avoiding direct sun).
This makes PRX-T33 an excellent option for maintaining an aesthetic treatment schedule throughout the year, particularly for active patients or those frequently traveling to sunny regions.
In summary :
It is also important to note that regularity of care is a key factor in achieving lasting results.
Finally, regardless of the chosen timing, photoprotection must always be maintained after a peel, including in winter or on cloudy days. Recently treated skin, even without visible exfoliation, is more vulnerable to the oxidative effects of UV rays. Daily application of an appropriate sunscreen is therefore an essential preventive measure, prolonging the benefits of the treatment while avoiding pigmentation complications.
It is common for patients to associate chemical peels primarily with facial treatments, without immediately considering their application on other areas such as the hands. However, the skin on the back of the hands has specific anatomical and physiological characteristics that require a distinct approach, both in terms of protocol and formulation.
The skin on the back of the hands is thinner than facial skin, particularly in the dermis, and has more limited vascularization. In addition, it contains fewer cutaneous appendages—such as hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands—reducing its natural regenerative capacity. This lack of natural sebum further weakens the skin barrier, making it more sensitive to external aggressions like cold, detergents, or UV rays.
Moreover, the hands are subjected to constant mechanical and environmental stress: frequent washing, disinfection, and direct sun exposure. These factors accelerate skin aging, lead to visible thinning, and the appearance of pigment spots.
Therefore, applying a peel originally designed for the face to the hands without adaptation can not only compromise treatment effectiveness but also cause excessive irritation or complications (hyperpigmentation, severe dryness).
Peeling protocols for the hands must be customized. Generally, more gradual formulations with adjusted acid concentrations are used, or non-exfoliating solutions like PRX-T33 are chosen, which act at the dermal level without disrupting the stratum corneum. This type of peel is ideal for delicate and sensitive areas such as the hands, as it respects local physiology while effectively stimulating cellular regeneration.
Furthermore, the frequency of sessions is adapted: a longer interval or a smaller number of sessions may be recommended to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Finally, following the post-peel recommendations is crucial: intensive hydration and strict photoprotection are essential to support regeneration and prevent side effects.
Many patients wonder about the pain that chemical peels might cause, especially on an exposed area like the hands. In reality, these treatments are very well tolerated when performed in a medical setting with appropriate products.
Superficial peels may cause a tingling or warming sensation for a few minutes, but this is completely manageable and does not require anesthesia.
The PRX-T33 peel is even more comfortable: it causes neither burning nor exfoliation, and its application by massage is often perceived as gentle, even pleasant.
Side effects are rare. There may be slight redness after the session or a feeling of slightly dry or tight skin for a day or two. These reactions are normal and temporary. To minimize any risk, it is essential to keep the skin well hydrated and apply daily sun protection, especially on darker skin or skin prone to pigmentation spots.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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