Hand and body lotion with SPF

Is there a body lotion with SPF?

Yes. A moisturizing sunscreen lotion combines hydration with UV protection. CeraVe offers face and body mineral sunscreen lotions in SPF 30 and SPF 50, described as lightweight and oil free, with ceramides to support the skin barrier. The barrier is the outer layer that helps keep moisture in and irritants out.12

Ordinary body lotion is not a substitute for sunscreen: look for an SPF value and broad spectrum protection on the package. Lotion describes the format, not a promise of sun protection, which leaves the label with some actual work to do.1

What should you look for?

• Choose SPF 30 or higher.
• Choose broad spectrum protection, which covers both UVA and UVB, the two types of harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Look for water resistance rather than assuming every SPF lotion has it.
• Choose a formula you can spread evenly and will actually use.

Mineral and chemical filters are both used in sunscreens; hybrid formulas combine them. Zinc oxide is a mineral filter that provides protection against UVA and UVB. A moisturizing formula and a mineral formula are not opposing categories: a sunscreen can be both.245

One example is CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body. Its active filters are homosalate 6%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5% and zinc oxide 7%. Its other ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides and sodium hyaluronate. Those details belong to that formula, not every CeraVe lotion with SPF. Check the ingredient list on your own package, because formulas change.6

How do you use SPF lotion on your hands and body?

1. 1Read the sunscreen package for its application directions, including how long before sun exposure to apply it.
2. 2Before going outdoors, cover skin not protected by clothing, including your hands. Spread the sunscreen evenly rather than leaving patches uncovered.
3. 3Use enough for the exposed area. Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover skin not covered by clothing; larger bodies can need more. That is a body coverage amount, not an amount for hands alone.
4. 4Reapply every two hours outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating.
5. 5Use shade and protective clothing as well. No sunscreen blocks 100% of harmful UV rays.

Make sun protection a daily habit throughout the year, not just a summer purchase. Sunscreen protects against damaging UV rays on cloudy and rainy days too. For hands, apply sunscreen whenever you are going outside with them uncovered.15

Can you use body lotion on your hands?

A body sunscreen lotion can serve as your hand sunscreen if it meets the same SPF, broad spectrum and water resistance criteria. A body sunscreen can protect your hands too, even if the bottle has not assigned them their own department. Plain body lotion can provide moisture, but you still need sunscreen on exposed hands outdoors.1

How does body lotion compare with hand lotion?

For sun protection, the application area printed on the bottle matters less than adequate protection and even coverage. Body sunscreens are often lotions that spread easily. Hands also need frequent moisturizing: apply moisturizer after washing or sanitizing, while skin is still damp after washing, and whenever it feels dry.1

How does hand cream compare with body lotion?

For dry or irritated hands, choose a fragrance free, dye free cream or ointment. Useful moisturizing ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil and petrolatum. At night, a cream or ointment can focus on moisture rather than sun protection.1

If you need help choosing a sunscreen for yourself or your family, ask a dermatologist. Sunscreen choices and protective measures can differ for babies, children, teenagers and adults, so do not assume one adult body lotion is the right choice for every age.35