Tending to your annuals doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself!
A day in the garden is a day well-spent. But
the downside of spending a day gardening, whether you're tending to
gorgeous blossoms or delicious vegetables, is that it can have
unintended consequences on your skin. It’s not a day at the beach, but
it is an activity that takes place outdoors, so precautions should be
taken to protect your gorgeous face. Read on to see what derms say
should be the 10 commandments of skin love for you to abide by while you
tend to your blooms.
[post_ads_2]Wear a Hat
Seemingly obvious, as a hat is the gardener's best friend, but Dr. Francesca Fusco of Wexler Dermatology,
explains that it should be a broad brimmed hat. “Sun comes in at all
angles,” explains Dr. Fusco, “And even with sunscreen, it’s necessary to
wear one.”
UV Sunglasses
By the same token, you need to protect your eyes and the skin around
your eyes. Dr. Fusco insists that, “It’s impossible to apply sunblock to
your eyelids, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection it a must.” We
think this is worth it if it means avoiding sunburn on your eyelids
because it can happen and it's quite painful.
[post_ads_2]Wash Clothes Immediately After Gardening
Dr. Perlmutter of New York Dermatology Group
advises that you always wash the clothes that you garden in, right
after you come in from gardening. This helps prevent overexposure to
plant oils that could cause skin irritations.
Keep Skin at Sock Line and Wrists Covered
Avid gardeners are at risk for coming into contact with poison ivy.
Dr. Weiser of the NYDG, elaborates on this risk saying, “Whether weeding
or planting, exposure to this three-leaf cluster can lead to severe
allergic contact reactions ranging from pink irritated patches to large,
water-filled blisters.” So, to avoid this, you should always wear socks
and pull your sleeves down, and always, always, always wear gloves. Dr.
Weiser also notes that one should be mindful of keeping their hands
away from their face, “Avoid wiping your face and neck with the back of
your gloves or sleeves which may carry poison ivy resin, too.”
[post_ads_2]Don’t Wear Fragrance While Gardening
While your signature scent is no doubt gorgeous, it’s probably for
the best that you don’t wear it while you garden. Dr. Fusco explains,
“It attracts bugs and it can cause a rash when the sun shines on the
area of skin where the fragrance has been applied.”
Wear Insect Repellent
Another obvious one, but for good reason. Insect bites can cause a
number of reactions and ticks pose a particular threat to your health.
Dr. Weiser explains that it is crucial to perform a head-to-toe skin
examination after each gardening session, especially for gardens in
highly endemic areas, to remove any freshly attached ticks. “Be sure to
look between toes, around your hairline and groin, and underarms,” says
Dr. Weiser, continuing, “Ticks that stay in place on the skin for more
than 24-36 hours, and have become engorged from blood consumption, can
lead to Lyme disease -- a serious bacterial infection that can cause
rash, fever, and even eventually lead to neurologic symptoms and
impairments.”
[post_ads_2]Wear SPF
This is just a cardinal rule for life, but you need to apply
sunscreen -- even on covered areas. Dr. Fusco also explains that you
should put SPF on your hands, yes, even if you are wearing gloves. “A
T-shirt confers a mere SPF 5-8 protection so it’s necessary to apply
sunscreen to chest, back, arms, and wear gloves because your hands are
subject to sun damage and trauma. Keep them covered.”
Protect Your Knees
Dr. Weiser says that knees are overlooked as an area with
vulnerabilities when it comes to gardening. Kneeling can irritate skin
and cause thickening and dryness of the skin over the knees known as
lichenification, a consequence of chronic skin friction or rubbing.
Invest in a good gardening cushion to support your knees and prevent
them from rubbing against the ground.
Water, Water, Water
You might be watering your plants, but don’t forget to water
yourself, as well. Be sure to stay hydrated, and not just because your
body needs it to function. “While dehydration can make you feel tired
and unwell, it can have similar effects on the skin, making it limp,
dull, and lifeless. Water keeps skin cells plump and the skin surface
smooth to prevent damage,” says Dr. Weiser. You should also hydrate more
when you're in the sun as the heat can deplete you of hydration faster.
Lip Protection
Another overlooked skin area is your lips. Dr. Fusco advises you use a
physical sunblock, as opposed to a chemical one, when it comes to broad
protection. You can also get sunbunr on this highly sensitive area, so
be sure to reapply often.
