You know that it is important to apply sunscreen on your face every day, but have you considered the importance of protecting your hands too? No matter what the weather, it’s a good idea to use SPF hand cream.
“The hands receive similar levels of ultraviolet damage from the sun,” explains Richard Torbeck, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. In addition, he says, since the hands have less fatty tissue than the face, over time, they can begin to look hollow and wrinkled. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can also cause discolorations or stains to appear. The key is to start early, but applying SPF even after the spots appear can help them fade, shows research on facial sunscreen.
Your hands are also the main target of 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 highly related to sun damage,” explains Dr. Torbeck.
Therefore, regularly applying SPF hand cream can help protect your skin from sun damage. and they help fight the signs of dryness and aging – but there are certain things to keep in mind when buying the best product.
How to choose and use the best hand cream with SPF
✔️ Determine which type of sunscreen is best for you: There are two main types of sunscreens that you will find in products. One of them are physical blockers, such as zinc and titanium dioxide. The other is the chemical UV filters, such as avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene.
“About a quarter of people are allergic to chemicals in sunscreen,” says certified dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD, medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. These products often use combinations of chemical sunscreens, making it difficult to know which specific ingredient you are sensitive to, he says.
If you know you have sensitive skin, it is best to choose a moisturizer with SPF that contains zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide.
✔️ Look for first-rate moisturizers: There are some ingredients that are especially good for dry hands, including hyaluronic acid and ceramides, says Imran Aslam, MD, a dermatologist certified by the US Dermatology Partners in Centerville, VA. “Hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the skin, providing a pleasant and hydrated sensation. Ceramides are a natural component of the skin and replenish the skin well after washing or applying hand sanitizer ”, he explains.
In addition, Dr. Hartman notes that glycerin is a good option for high-traffic areas, such as the hands, which have a lot of action during washing.
✔️ Choose a product you love: “I recommend anything that you are willing to put on and keep on putting on,” says Dr. Torbeck. Apply in the morning after the facial routine, as well as after washing your hands or applying hand sanitizer.
You can use 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 think about whether you’re going to leave or not. You will know that you are protected throughout the day, ”he says. In addition, being in the car or near the windows of your home also allows ultraviolet light to enter, so as long as it is daytime, it is best to use an SPF anyway.
✔️ Do not stop at a specific product for your hands: While there are some SPF hand creams on the market, there are other moisturizing sunscreens for the body and face that are also perfect for hands. If you find a favorite product, feel free to apply it anywhere, including in your hands.
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best SPF hand creams, according to dermatologists.
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