Sunscreen for hands is one of the most overlooked steps in sun protection. Many people apply sunscreen to their face every morning and never think of their hands, which see just as much daylight. The backs of the hands are exposed while you drive, walk, cycle and carry bags, and the sunscreen you do apply is washed off within the hour.
Why hands need sun protection
- The skin on the backs of the hands is thin, with little fat beneath it.
- It receives sun exposure every day, all year.
- Over time, UV light causes brown spots, often called age spots or sun spots, thinner, crepey skin and more visible veins.
- Skin cancers can develop on the backs of the hands, as they can on any sun-exposed skin.
Hands often show sun damage sooner than a well-protected face. See Age Spots vs Freckles: What to Look For for more about brown spots.
What to use
- A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Your face sunscreen works well.
- A hand cream with SPF 30 is convenient, because it moisturizes at the same time.
- Stick sunscreens are tidy for the bag or car, and leave palms clean.
- Choose water-resistant formulas for outdoor activities.
See Sunscreen Guide: What SPF, UVA, and UVB Mean for what the label terms mean.
How to apply
- Squeeze a line of sunscreen along the back of one hand.
- Rub the backs of both hands together, as if you were washing them in reverse.
- Cover the knuckles, the sides of the fingers and the wrists.
- Wipe your palms on a tissue, if you do not want sunscreen on them.
- Let it dry for a minute before handling paper or screens.
The challenge: washing
Sunscreen comes off with soap and water.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Indoors most of the day | Apply in the morning; reapply before going out |
| Outdoors | Reapply every two hours, and after each hand wash |
| Driving | Apply before you set off; keep a tube in the car |
| At the beach or pool | Use a water-resistant sunscreen; reapply after swimming and drying |
A small tube or stick in your bag, at your desk and by the front door makes reapplying easy.
Driving
Car windscreens are usually made of laminated glass, which blocks most UV. Side windows often let much of the UVA through. On long or regular drives, your hands and forearm on the window side receive a steady dose.
- Apply sunscreen before driving.
- Consider UV-protective driving gloves or sleeves.
- UV-filtering window film is another option, where it is legal.
Gel manicures
Nail lamps, both UV and LED, emit UVA to cure gel polish. The dose in one session is small, but it adds up with regular manicures.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands 15 minutes before your appointment, keeping it off the nails, or
- Wear fingerless gloves with UV protection.
See Gel Manicure vs Regular Polish: Key Differences.
Beyond sunscreen
- Gloves with a UPF rating protect during driving, cycling, golf and gardening.
- Long sleeves can cover part of the hand.
- Shade and avoiding the midday sun help the whole body.
See Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen.
If your hands already have sun spots
- Daily sunscreen is still worthwhile. It prevents new spots and stops existing ones from darkening.
- Products with ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C or a retinoid can lighten spots slightly over months.
- A dermatologist can offer faster treatments, after checking that the spots are harmless.
- Have any spot checked that is new and different, changing, scaly, bleeding or not healing.
Building the habit
- Keep sunscreen next to your toothbrush, and apply it to face, neck and hands together.
- Use the amount left on your fingers after doing your face for the backs of your hands, then add a little more.
- Choose a texture you like. A non-greasy formula is easier to live with.
Do not forget
The same thin, exposed skin is found on the tops of the feet in sandals, the forearms, the ears and the back of the neck. For a complete hand routine, see Daily Hand Care: Washing, Moisturizing, and Sun Protection.
Related on ArniSun
- Sunscreen Guide: What SPF, UVA, and UVB Mean
- Daily Hand Care: Washing, Moisturizing, and Sun Protection
- Age Spots vs Freckles: What to Look For
- Gel Manicure vs Regular Polish: Key Differences
- Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need sunscreen on my hands every day?
Yes, if you spend time outdoors or driving. The backs of the hands get daily sun exposure, and they show sun damage early.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on my hands?
Every two hours outdoors, and after washing your hands when you will be going back into the sun.
Is a hand cream with SPF enough?
Yes, if it is broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher, you apply enough and you reapply after washing.