Your Hands Need SPF Year-Round. Here’s Why

Applying sunscreen in the summer hopefully feels like second nature. But in the colder months, when the sky is gray and the air feels crisp, SPF on your hands might not be the first thing that crosses your mind. After all, if the sun looks faint, how strong can it be?

Spoiler: Stronger than you think!

Even in fall and winter, UV rays continue to reach your skin, and your hands are often the first to feel their effects. Ahead, we’ll walk through why your hands need SPF year-round, how UV exposure and cold weather impact them, and which Supergoop! sunscreen makes daily protection easy and comfortable.

2 Reasons You Need to Apply Sunscreen On Your Hands Year-Round

Winter changes a lot about your routine, but it shouldn’t change your sun protection. Here’s what’s happening to your hands year-round.

1. Cold Doesn’t Cancel Out Sun

Don’t let cooler weather fool you; UV rays don’t disappear when the temperatures drop. UVA rays, often called “aging rays,” stay the same strength all year long. They can shine through clouds, glass, and even that cloudy winter haze that makes the sun seem harmless. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays still reach your skin on cloudy days. That means whether you’re sipping a latte on a chilly morning, skiing, or just driving to work, your hands are still exposed. And because hands are often out in the open (gripping a steering wheel, holding your phone, carrying grocery bags) they’re one of the first places to show visible signs of aging. Yet the AAD notes that only 13% of Americans use sun protection during cold-weather walks or hikes. That leaves most people unprotected during one of the sneakiest times of year for UV exposure.

2. Your Skin Gets Thirsty

Winter air outside is cold and dry, and indoor heating pulls even more moisture from your skin. Add UV exposure into the mix, and dryness can hit even harder. UV rays can disrupt your moisture barrier and increase trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which means your skin struggles to hold onto hydration. Since our hands are already prone to dryness in colder months, sun exposure can make that tight, flaky feeling even more noticeable.

Keeping your hands moisturized and protected from UV rays helps prevent that cycle of dryness from settling in.

What Type of Sunscreen Should You Wear On Your Hands?

Dermatologists recommend choosing a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapplying at least every two hours, but your hands deserve an extra reminder. Sunscreen naturally breaks down as you move through your day, and it can also be washed or wiped away without you even noticing.

Since your hands are constantly touching surfaces, gripping the steering wheel, scrolling on your phone, or being washed throughout the day, their SPF fades faster than you might expect. That’s why regular reapplication is one of the easiest ways to keep them protected and comfortable, no matter what your day holds.

Looking for a hand sunscreen that’s lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating? Reach for PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50. Here’s why it’s great for hands:

The lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it comfortable to apply anytime (no slippery hands while driving or reading)
It blends in with no white cast
It’s water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes, which is helpful since hands are washed frequently
It nourishes and hydrates your skin while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
It’s also available in a 2.4 oz travel size that fits easily into bags, backpacks, car consoles, or coat pockets

When sunscreen feels this comfortable, you’re far more likely to use it every day, and your hands will thank you for it.

Make SPF Part of Your Hand Routine

Think of SPF for your hands like your key, phone, or wallet — something you grab before stepping outside. Whether you’re running errands, commuting, or just enjoying the winter air, a quick application keeps your hands protected from the UV rays you can’t see but your skin definitely feels. Slip a travel-size hand sunscreen into your coat pocket or bag, and you’ll always have an easy way to refresh your protection!