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You know it’s important to apply sunscreen to your face every day, but have you ever thought about the importance of protecting your hands too? No matter the weather, it’s a good idea to use an SPF hand cream.
“Hands experience similar levels of damage from the sun’s UV rays,” says Richard Torbeck, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Plus, he says, since the hands have less fatty tissue than the face, over time they can start to look hollow and wrinkled. UV exposure can also cause discoloration or staining. The key is to start early, but applying an SPF even after the spots appear can help them fade, according to research on facial sunscreens.
Your hands are also a prime target for skin cancer. “In my practice, the back of the hand is a common area where I see a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which is strongly linked to sun damage,” says Dr. Torbeck.
So, regularly applying a hand cream with SPF can help protect your skin from sun damage. and help fight the signs of dryness and aging, but there are some things to keep in mind when buying the best product.
How to choose and use the best SPF hand cream
✔️ Determine which type of sunscreen is best for you: There are two main types of sunscreens that you will find in products. One is physical blockers such as zinc and titanium dioxide. The other is chemical UV filters, such as avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.
“About a quarter of people are allergic to the chemicals in sunscreens,” says certified dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD, medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. These products typically use combinations of chemical sunscreens, making it difficult to know which specific ingredient you’re sensitive to, he says.
If you know you have sensitive skin, it is best to opt for an SPF moisturizer that contains zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide.
✔️ Look for top notch hydrators: Some ingredients are especially good for parched hands, including hyaluronic acid and ceramides, says Imran Aslam, MD, a dermatologist certified by US Dermatology Partners in Centerville, Virginia. “Hyaluronic acid works by drawing water to the skin, giving you a pleasant feeling of hydration. Ceramides are a natural component of the skin and they restore the skin well after washing or applying a hand sanitizer, ”he explains.
Additionally, Dr. Hartman notes that glycerin is a good option for high traffic areas like the hands, which see a lot of action from washing.
✔️ Choose a product you like: “I recommend whatever you’re willing to put on and keep putting on,” says Dr. Torbeck. Apply it in the morning after your facial routine, as well as after washing your hands or after applying hand sanitizer.
You can use an SPF hand cream as your primary hand moisturizer, adds Dr. Hartman. “If you get into the habit of using it, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re going to be outside or not. You will know you are protected all day long, ”he says. Plus, being in your car or near windows in your house also lets in UV light, so as long as it’s daylight it’s best to use an SPF anyway.
✔️ Don’t stop at a specific product at hand: While there are SPF hand creams on the market, there are other moisturizing body and face sunscreens that are great for the hands as well. If you find a favorite product, don’t hesitate to apply it everywhere, including your hands.
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best SPF hand creams, according to dermatologists.
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