Skincare for Gardeners: Sun, Soil and Hard-Working Hands

Gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies there is. Whether you tend a balcony full of pots or a backyard vegetable patch, time with plants is good for the mind. It also means sun, soil, sweat and busy hands, so your skin needs a little care.

How gardening affects skin

  • Sun exposure on the face, neck, arms and the backs of the hands.
  • Dry, rough hands from soil, water and frequent washing.
  • Small cuts and scratches from thorns, tools and pots.
  • Sweat and dust on the face on warm days.
  • Insect bites in the early morning and evening.

Before you start

  1. Apply sunscreen to the face, neck, ears, arms and the backs of the hands.
  2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light, long sleeves on sunny days.
  3. Put on gloves for digging, pruning and handling soil or compost.
  4. Garden in the cooler hours, early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler.

While you work

  • Drink water regularly, especially in summer.
  • Wipe sweat with a clean cloth instead of your gloves or hands.
  • Take shade breaks.
  • Reapply sunscreen if you are outdoors for more than a couple of hours.

After gardening

  1. Wash your hands well with soap and water, cleaning under the nails.
  2. Cleanse your face gently to remove sunscreen, sweat and dust.
  3. Moisturise your face and neck.
  4. Apply a rich hand cream and massage it into the cuticles.
  5. Clean small cuts and cover them. See a doctor if a cut becomes red, swollen or painful.

Hand care for gardeners

  • Moisturise after every wash, not just once a day.
  • Use a thicker cream at night, and wear cotton gloves to bed if your hands are very dry.
  • Keep nails short so soil does not collect under them.
  • Swap gloves when they get wet inside.

Plants and skin

Some plants have sap or hairs that can irritate the skin. If you notice redness or itching after handling a plant, wash the area with soap and water and wear gloves next time. See a doctor for a rash that spreads, blisters or does not settle.

Eat what you grow

One of the joys of gardening is fresh food. Leafy greens, tomatoes, herbs, beans and fruit are a lovely part of a balanced diet. Pair your harvest with plenty of water through the day.

A plan for outdoor lovers

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures and a daily to-do list. Your illustrated PDF report arrives by email within about 2 hours.

Quick questions

Do I need sunscreen for 20 minutes of gardening? Short daily sessions add up. A hat and sunscreen are easy habits to build.

Why are my hands so dry after gardening? Soil, water and frequent washing all dry the skin. Gloves and hand cream after every wash help.

Read more: how to apply sunscreen properly.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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