skin care

Chances are you're neglecting one of your most important body parts when it comes to beauty: your hands. Not anymore. The next time you plan an at-home manicure, start with Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub ($23). This product includes both physical and chemical exfoliants to clear rough patches. The apricot seeds and glycolic acid work together to reveal smooth skin and brighter hands. You can even use it all over on rough elbows and knees, yet it's gentle enough for your face. And whatever your age, well, your hands won't be the ones to tell it.

True or false? An SPF of 100 protects you twice as long as SPF 50. The answer is a resounding false, with the difference between the two being so little it can be considered negligible.

This is the issue that watchdog organizations such as the Environmental Working Group are hoping to make public on the coattails of the US Food and Drug Administration's recent update of federal requirements for sunscreen. The push, which was put into place last year, bans terms such as "waterproof" from sunscreen bottles, as well as enforces that formulas block both UVA and UVB rays. Consumer groups are now arguing that high SPF numbers are just as misleading and dangerous as terms like waterproof.

"The high SPF numbers are just a gimmick," Marianne Berwick, professor of epidemiology at the University of New Mexico, told the Associated Press. "Most people don't really need more than an SPF 30, and they should reapply it every couple of hours." High SPF numbers, on the other hand, lead consumers to believe that they can spend more time in the sun without reapplying. Find out the truth about SPF numbers when you keep reading.

I'll admit it: I leave my SPF up to my foundation, which isn't always the best thing unless you're using 3Lab Perfect BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ ($95). This tube is a skin-perfecting wonder that's packed with broad-spectrum sun protection and a myriad of ingredients for serious skin care benefits. Apple stem cells help to heal skin and prevent signs of aging, while other ingredients fight dark spots and help stimulate collagen. There is also a range of tints available to give you a moderate amount of coverage for a flawless complexion. Plus, there is no telltale smell of sunscreen, which makes using a higher SPF every morning so much easier to do.