As a South Florida resident, you learn how important sunscreen is to protect you from sun damage. No matter the predicted forecast, sunscreen is the one step you should never skip before heading outdoors for the day. After applying sunscreen people wash or wipe off their hands, leaving the hands unprotected. Now their hands are exposed. Be intentional about protecting your hands with sunscreen.

Even on days strewn with cloudy skies, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin. You may even be surprised to learn that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. It is important to wear sunscreen daily so that UV radiation contributes to photoaging. Photoaging happens to your hands as well. Over time can degrade collagen and elastin in the skin, and potentially lead to the development of brown spots and broken blood vessels. 

Dermatologists recommend using an SPF 30 or above. "Sun protection factor (SPF) is the ability of a sunscreen to delay visible sun damage caused by UVB. Sunscreen with SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays. SPF 45 sunscreen blocks only add 5% of UVB rays". According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays "like a sponge" while mineral sunscreens deflect the sun’s rays like a shield." For your hands opt for a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens may leave a bit of white residue unless you opt for a tinted one. Chemical sunscreens glide on easily and do not tend to leave a white residue behind.

The top four sunscreens recommended by dermatologists are as follows:

1. Best Mineral Sunscreen: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

2. Best Chemical Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60.

3. Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with A High SPF: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Face Sunscreen.

4. Best for Reapplications: Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35.