Exfoliation If the skin on your hands tends to get flaky, an exfoliating hand cream is a good option. Look for formulas that contain alpha hydroxy acids, which help the skin shed dead cells for a softer, smoother feel. SPF Your hands are at as great a risk for sun damage as your face, which is why it’s a good idea to choose a daytime hand cream with UVA/UVB protection. Look for a hand cream that has an SPF of at least 30.