Adding a hand cream to your skin care may seem unnecessary, but when you consider the potential sun damage, you might want to reconsider. The back of the hands, in particular, are exposed to the sun year round, and this means that they’re vulnerable to sun damage, Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Riverchase Dermatology previously told Well+Good. “The skin on the scalp and your hands tend to be thinner and not as resilient,” she says. “Also, our clothing doesn’t shield us from the sun hitting us [on these spots.]”
Over time, repeated sun exposure can break down the skin’s elasticity, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and even sun exposure on the backs of our hands. This is exacerbated by the fact that the skin on our hands is some of the thickest throughout the whole body, and that means that it also is sometimes some of the driest. Additionally, when you consider how much you use your hands to perform mundane activities, the sun’s rays aren’t the only thing that can have an impact on your skin. From doing the laundry to washing dishes, your hands constantly touch different materials and substances that can affect its texture and appearance, too.
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But not to worry, there are a few ways to give your skin a boost. To help keep your hands moisturized and protected all year long, take a look at these top beauty buys below.
Supergoop Handscreen, $14
With SPF 40, this hand cream doesn’t play around when it comes to sun protection. It contains a slew of natural oils, antioxidants, and moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, to help keep your hands nourished and hydrated. Plus, it’s fast absorbing and ideal for everyday use.
La Mer The Hand Treatment, $90
Although La Mer’s Hand Treatment doesn’t contain SPF, it can help with signs of aging. Specifically, the cream helps brighten the appearance of liver spots as well as moisturizes your hands. And of course, it’s packed with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth formula, which features the fortifying and hydrating powers of sea kelp.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Hand Salve, $24
If you suffer from severely dry hands, this Kiehl’s Ultimate Hand Salve is here to the rescue. It helps lock in your skin’s moisture and provides a “glove-like protective barrier” over your hands. Additionally, it contains avocado oil, which has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
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