Why do hands show age before the rest of us?

Your hands are exposed to sun, wind, and weather every single day, often without sunscreen. We also wash them constantly, which removes moisture and any sunscreen we did apply. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that many adults develop age spots on their hands, and that these spots tend to grow in size with age and time in the sun.

Over time, that exposure can show up as:

• Rough or uneven texture
• Mottled or blotchy tone
• Fine lines and crepey, thinner-looking skin
• Visible veins and tendons that stand out more as skin thins

The good news is that the backs of the hands respond well to a thoughtful plan, and a gentle resurfacing treatment is a great place to start.

What is CoolPeel?

CoolPeel is a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. A fractional laser delivers energy in a pattern of tiny treatment zones, leaving the skin between them untreated, which helps the skin renew with less recovery time. According to Cartessa Aesthetics, CoolPeel is designed to deliver superficial resurfacing without the lingering heat that would traditionally affect surrounding skin, which is where the "cool" in its name comes from.

In plain language, it works on the very top layer of your skin. It is meant to help refine the look of texture, tone, fine lines, and sun damage, while keeping downtime minimal compared with traditional CO2 resurfacing.

Your PURE provider customizes the treatment to your skin type, your goals, and how much recovery time you are comfortable with. Hand skin is different from facial skin, so settings are chosen with the hands in mind, not copied from a facial treatment.

What can CoolPeel do for hands, and what can't it do?

CoolPeel may help improve the appearance of rough texture, uneven tone, fine lines, and some visible signs of sun damage on the backs of the hands. Many guests like that it addresses the overall look of the skin, not just one spot.

It is not a cure-all, and we believe in setting realistic expectations:

• Age spots and sun spots. Some pigmentation may respond to resurfacing, and some may not. Different spots call for different approaches.
• Volume loss and visible veins. If your main concern is hollowing or prominent veins, other treatments may be a better fit, and your provider will tell you so.
• Spots that are new, changing, or not healing. These should be evaluated by a clinician before any cosmetic treatment. Rough patches on the hands can sometimes be more than cosmetic, which is why a skin check comes first.

Results and the number of treatments needed vary. Some guests choose a single refresh, and others build a series with their provider.

What to expect at your 15 minute CoolPeel hands visit

The treatment itself is quick, but you will not be rushed. A typical visit looks like this:

CoolPeel downtime and aftercare for hands

CoolPeel is known for minimal downtime. Per Cartessa, skin may be red and warm for a day or two, and then may feel dry or scaly as it heals, while you can resume normal daily activities. Recovery varies with your skin, your treatment settings, and your habits afterward.

Simple aftercare helps:

• Moisturize generously with the products your provider recommends.
• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands every day, and reapply after washing.
• Be gentle. Avoid scrubbing or picking at any dry or flaky skin.
• Follow your provider's guidance on exercise, hot water, and exfoliating products.

Cooler months generally mean less intense sun, which makes it easier to protect treated skin. That is one reason fall is a thoughtful time to begin.

CoolPeel vs. other hand rejuvenation options

Hand rejuvenation is rarely one-size-fits-all. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes it as a collection of procedures that can range from laser resurfacing to injectable fillers. Here is a simple way to think about it:

• CoolPeel: best for refining texture, tone, and fine lines on the surface of the skin, with minimal downtime.
• Chemical peels: exfoliate the surface and can help tone and texture, with a different recovery profile and depth control.
• Dermal fillers: restore lost volume so veins and tendons look less prominent. These address something different than resurfacing.
• Daily sunscreen and skincare: the foundation of every plan, no matter which treatment you choose.

Many guests combine approaches over time. Your PURE provider can help you decide what order makes sense.

Is CoolPeel for hands right for you?

Candidacy is always your provider's decision. Things that can affect whether treatment is appropriate right now include:

• Recent sun exposure or tanning
• Certain skin conditions or active irritation or infection
• Some medications
• Your healing history and skin type

If you are not a candidate today, we will tell you why and help you plan for the future.

Try CoolPeel hands in Boise, Meridian, Hailey, and Coeur d'Alene

PURE Medical Spa offers CoolPeel in three Idaho locations, so wherever you live in the Treasure Valley, the Wood River Valley, or North Idaho, you have a PURE provider nearby:

Frequently asked questions about CoolPeel hands

Results and downtime vary. This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Your PURE provider will determine whether CoolPeel is appropriate for you.