Hands, often neglected in our skincare routines, are constantly exposed to external elements, including ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun and other artificial sources such as UV lamps used in gel manicures. Protecting your hands from UV rays daily is essential not only to avoid signs of premature aging such as brown spots but most importantly to avoid increasing skin cancer risk.
Why Should I protect my hands from the Sun ?
Here are some important reasons to take steps to protect your hands from UV rays:
1. Prevention of Premature Aging:
UV rays are known to accelerate the aging process of the skin. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to deep wrinkles, fine lines and loss of skin elasticity. By regularly applying sunscreen to your hands, or wearing UPF gloves, you help prevent premature aging and maintain the youthfulness of your skin.
2. Reduced Risk of Skin Cancer:
Exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Protecting your hands with appropriate sunscreen can help reduce this risk and maintain the health of your skin.
3. Protection During Gel Manicures:
When opting for gel manicures with UV lamp, it is crucial to protect your hands from direct exposure to UV rays emitted during the gel curing process. Using specific hand sunscreen or protective UPF gloves can minimize the risk of skin damage associated with these cosmetic procedures.
4. Preservation of Skin Clarity:
UV rays can contribute to the formation of sun spots (also known as brown spots) and hyperpigmentation on the skin of the hands. By protecting your hands from the sun, you help preserve the clarity and evenness of your skin tone.
5. Maintaining the Skin Barrier:
Excessive UV exposure can damage the skin barrier, leading to dry, dehydrated skin. Regularly applying moisturizers and sunscreens can strengthen the skin barrier, protecting your hands from moisture loss.
How can I protect my hands from natural and artificial UV damage?
Protecting your hands from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, whether natural or artificial, is important to prevent premature skin aging, sun spots, and the risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips to protect your hands:
1. Use sunscreen:
We cannot stress enough how this simple step goes a long way to protect your hands from photodamage and skin cancer risks: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your hands daily, even on cloudy days. Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you wash your hands or sweat. Several brands have come out with sunscreen products specially formulated for the hands, so they're non-greasy and easy to use. We will suggest a few at the end of this page.
2. Use sun protection before your gel manicures:
Apply a specially formulated sunscreen for your hands before proceeding with a gel manicure with a UV lamp. Choose a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your entire hands, including fingers and cuticles. This preliminary step can help reduce the impact of UV rays emitted by the lamp during gel polymerization. Additionally, talk to your nail technician about using special protective gloves designed for UV lamp gel manicures. Some beauty professionals use fingerless gloves with built-in UV guards to protect their clients' hands during the gel-curing process.
3. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen:
If you plan to swim or be exposed to water, opt for a water-resistant body or hand sunscreen to ensure continued protection.
4. Wear UV protective gloves (UPF gloves):
When you are outdoors for long periods or you spend a lot of time driving, especially on sunny days, wear UV protection gloves. Opt for gloves that are made from UPF 30 or UPF 50 fabrics designed to block at least 96% of UV rays while still allowing adequate ventilation.
5. Avoid direct exposure to the sun:
Try to minimize your direct exposure to the sun, especially during the most intense hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, stay in the shade. You can also check the UV Index, which measures how intense the UV rays are in your location, to determine when the UV is highest so you can seek shade then.
6. Moisturize your hands:
Keep your hands well hydrated by using a moisturizer regularly. This can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce potential UV damage. Opt for a hand moisturizer with SPF to get that extra sun protection while you hydrate.
7. Consider specific treatments:
Some topical treatments containing antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help protect skin from UV damage. Consult a dermatologist for specific recommendations.
8. Watch for signs of skin damage:
Pay attention to signs of skin damage such as sun spots, early wrinkles, or changes in skin texture. If you notice anything unusual, consult a healthcare professional.
By following these tips, you can help protect your hands from damage caused by UV rays, whether from the sun or other man-made sources.
Recommendations for Sunscreens for Hand:
1- Supergoop! Hand Screen - Best Protection
Key Features: This SPF 40 Supergoop product has a lightweight fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula for easy application on the go - With sea buckthorn, antioxidants & Natural oils it also acts as a preventative cream for dry cracked hands - Hand Screen has 3 chemical UV filters: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10% |  |
2- Sun Bum Hand Cream - Best for Reapplication
| Key Features: Sun Bum SPF 15 hand cream offers lower protection than the Supergoop, which makes it a good option for lo UV Index days or when you are mostly indoors. It has a hydrating, non-greasy formula, water-resistant, and is Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant. Sun Bum claims that it is suitable for all skin types. We certainly didn’t see any adverse effects on normal, dry, or oily skin. |  |
3- Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream - Best for Sensitive Skin
| Key Features: This Eucerin dry skin cream is a 2 in 1 formula that moisturizes dry skin while helping protect it from sun exposure thanks to its SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB filters. It is enriched with Sunflower Oil and Pro-Vitamin B5, and is fast absorbing and non-greasy. It is also sensitive skin safe. It has 4 different chemical UV filters: Avobenzone 3.0% , Homosalate 5.0%, Octisalate5.0%, Octocrylene 9.0% |  |
In conclusion, taking steps to protect your hands from UV rays is an essential step in maintaining the beauty and health of your skin. Whether through applying sunscreen, wearing protective gloves, or limiting direct exposure to the sun, these simple actions help prevent long-term skin damage. Taking care of your hands today means investing in healthy, radiant skin for the future.
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