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You Should Be Putting SPF on Your Hands—Here’s Why

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We know by now just how important SPF is for our face, neck and décolleté, but there's actually another area of our body that shows age faster than all three: our hands. Yep, no matter how diligent we are with daily sunscreen application and anti-aging skin-care routine, if we're forgetting our hands it's kind of like we're not doing anything at all. Our digits are almost always exposed to harmful UV rays, especially when driving in the car (that darn steering wheel), which can lead to wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer.

The pros suggest applying sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin no matter the weather or time of year. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Anolik told Into the Gloss, “Apply sunscreen every morning to the face, neck, hands and—for women with exposed décolleté—the upper chest,” he said, “These areas undergo substantial UV damage to the DNA, elevating the risk for skin cancer. It's easy to spot the spots on hands, and they are very telling of someone's real age.”

Noted, Dr. Anolik. We're officially adding these SPF hand creams into our daily routine from here on out. 

The Best Face Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin, According to People Who Use Them


supergoop hand cream
Dermstore

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream With Sea Buckthorn Spf 40

So much more than a hand lotion, this SPF is formulated with active botanicals, antioxidants and sunscreen to correct and prevent the signs of aging (think spots, wrinkles and decreased elasticity).

jane iredale hand drink
Dermstore

Jane Iredale Handdrink Hand Cream Spf 15

Jane Iredale makes some of our favorite natural beauty products, and this hand cream is no exception. Made with super nourishing ingredients like lemongrass oil and white and green tea extracts, it hydrates hands and offers broad spectrum (i.e., reef-safe) sun protection

deborah lippman hand cream
Dermstore

Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Hand Cream Spf 25

If your hands are seriously dry, this shea butter and avocado oil-infused lotion maximizes moisture absorption for softer, more hydrated (and more protected) skin.

Buy It ($28)

unsun hand cream
Dermstore

Unsun Emollient Rich Hand Cream Spf 15

Have sensitive skin? This hand lotions won't irritate, thanks to its nourishing base of aloe vera, shea butter and coconut oil. The formula is packed with two highly effective mineral sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) to shield against damaging rays without a chemical in sight.

eucerin hand cream
Walmart

Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Hand Cream

Our biggest pet peeve about hand lotions: they can be extremely greasy. Not this one. It's dermatologist recommended for its gentle, fragrance- and paraben-free formula that feels super lightweight, and never oily, so you can apply it whenever you please (which is every two hours for optimal sun protection, BTW).

ahava hand cream
Dermstore

Ahava Time To Smooth Age Perfecting Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Spf 15

If your hands are already showing signs of sun damage (we're looking at you hyperpigmentation), this lotion will help to brighten and repair skin with every use. Ahava's innovative VF Brightening Accelerator Complex and 3D Anti-Aging Complex help to correct dark spots while also minimizing pesky lines and wrinkles along with fighting future UV damage.

Buy It ($35)

shiseido hand cream
Nordstrom

Shiseido 'benefiance Wrinkleresist24' Protective Hand Revitalizer Spf 15

Who says hand lotion can't be the most luxurious part of your day? This wrinkle- and sun damage-fighting formula is like a little dose of self-care. The hydration-packed formula sinks deep into skin to keep it moisturized for a whole 24 hours. Although, it smells so good that you'll want to apply it every few hours. (And you should, because SPF!)



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Writer

Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of professional experience to use on a freelance basis. When she's not typing away, you can find her somewhere in Europe or at home catering to her dog, King Louis.