You know it’s important to put sunscreen on your face every day, but have you ever considered the importance of protecting your hands? Regardless of the weather, it is a good idea to use an SPF hand cream.
“The hands get similar UV damage from the sun,” explains Richard Torbeck, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York. Plus, he says, since hands over time have less adipose tissue than the face, they can start to look hollow and pinched. UV exposure can also cause discoloration or spots. The key starts early, but applying SPF even after spots appear can help to fade.
Your hands are also the main 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 very much associated with sun damage,” explains Dr. Torbeck.
So, if you regularly use a hand cream with SPF, it can protect your skin from sun damage and helps fight signs of drought and aging – but there are certain things to keep in mind when buying the best product.
How to choose and use the best SPF hand cream
✔️ Determine what type of sunscreen is best for you: There are two main types of sunscreen products that you can find in products. One is physical blockers such as zinc and titanium dioxide. The others are chemical UV filters, such as avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.
“About a quarter of people are allergic to sunscreen chemicals,” says certified dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD, medical director at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. These products usually use combinations of chemical sunscreens, which makes it difficult to know which ingredient you are sensitive to, he says.
If you know you have sensitive skin, it is best to use an SPF moisturizer that contains zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide.
✔️ Find the best hydrator: There are some ingredients that are especially good for dehydrated hands, including hyaluronic acid and ceramides, says Imran Aslam, MD, a certified dermatologist at US Dermatology Partners in Centerville, VA. “Hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the skin and gives a nice, moist feeling. Ceramides are a natural ingredient of the skin and complement the skin well after it has been washed or applied with the hand cleanser, ‘he explains.
In addition, dr. Hartman noted that glycerin is a good option for areas with a lot of traffic, such as hands, which were very wash through.
✔️ Choose a product you like: “I recommend everything you are willing to put on and keep going,” says Dr. Torbeck. Apply it in the morning to your facial routine, as well as after washing your hands or applying a hand sanitizer.
You can use an SPF hand cream as your main moisturizer, adds dr. Hartman by. ‘If you get into the habit of using it, you do not have to think about whether you will be outside or not. You will know that you are protected during the day, ”he says. In addition, you leave UV light inside your car or near windows in your home, so as long as it is daylight, it is best to use an SPF anyway.
✔️ Do not stop at a hand-specific product: While there are some SPF hand creams on the market, there are other sun and body cream sunscreens that are also ideal for hands. If you find a favorite product, feel free to fit it in anywhere, including your hands.
Now that you know what to look for, there are, according to dermatologists, the best SPF hand creams, according to dermatologists.
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