In my last post, I shared the small everyday shifts I’m making to care for my hands, knees, and elbows — the often-forgotten areas that show age faster than we expect. Moisturizers, SPF, and gentle exfoliation go a long way, but I also started looking into what treatments exist when I want to go a step further.

Here’s what I found about microneedling, lasers, and other options for these tricky spots.

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Microneedling

Microneedling isn’t just for the face. Dermatologists sometimes use it on:

• Hands: To stimulate collagen, improve crepiness, and soften fine lines. Some pair it with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or hyaluronic acid to plump skin further.
• Knees and Elbows: Less common, but it can help with roughness or crepey skin. Results aren’t dramatic, but gradual improvements in texture and firmness are possible with consistency.

👉 Because the skin is thinner on the backs of the hands and thicker over joints, depth and technique matter. This is usually best left to a professional.

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Lasers and Light Treatments

• Hands: IPL (intense pulsed light) and Fraxel are often used to fade sun spots and stimulate new collagen. They’re some of the most popular anti-aging treatments for hands.
• Knees and Elbows: Fractional lasers can improve crepey skin and discoloration, though it typically requires multiple sessions.

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Chemical Peels

• Hands: Light to medium-strength chemical peels can brighten tone and smooth texture.
• Elbows and Knees: Mild peels (with lactic or glycolic acid) may help soften rough patches, but results are subtle.

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Fillers and Injectables

• Hands: Hyaluronic acid fillers (like Restylane or Radiesse) are used to restore lost volume and camouflage visible veins and tendons.
• Knees: Some doctors use fillers to improve sagging skin around the knees, though it’s less common and more subtle than facial filler results.

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Radiofrequency and Ultrasound

• Treatments like Thermage, Ultherapy, or Morpheus8 use energy to tighten loose skin by stimulating collagen deeper in the dermis.
• Knees and elbows are common targets when skin starts to look crepey or saggy.
• Hands can sometimes be treated with radiofrequency microneedling.

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Everyday Topical Support

Even if you’re exploring treatments, the basics still matter:

• Urea or lactic acid creams on elbows and knees.
• Retinol or tretinoin extended to the backs of the hands for texture and tone (with SPF!).
• Thick, protective creams or balms after water exposure.

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Closing Thoughts

Hands, knees, and elbows may never be as smooth as your cheeks — and that’s okay. But knowing there are treatments out there makes it easier to decide what level of care feels right.

For me, the first step is always the simple things: sunscreen, moisture, consistency. But it’s also nice to know there are options like microneedling or lasers if I ever want to go further.

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Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. I am not a dermatologist or licensed esthetician. This post reflects my personal research and personal experience.