Garden Smarter, Not Redder: Sun Protection Tips for Every Gardener

As gardeners, we spend so much time in the sun that some dermatologists compare our skin damage to that of lifeguards. But we don’t often realize our lack of sun protection— and just how much we’re putting ourselves at risk.

“Gardeners often misjudge their sun exposure as they move between plants, shade and tasks,” says skin expert Dr. Daniel Careaga. “But the time you spend gardening adds to your lifetime UV exposure, and should warrant the same dedication as watering, pruning and planting.”

We talked to some skin care experts about gardening-specific sun protection, including how to choose the best sunscreen and apply it. Here is their advice.

Sun Protection Is Essential

Gardening often draws us outside precisely when UV rays are at their peak intensity, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. “And unlike a day at the beach, where you know you’re in the sun, gardening feels low stakes,” says health and wellness expert Jason Vaught. “You’re just pulling weeds or watering plants, and that casual feeling is exactly what makes it dangerous.”

It’s not just sunburns that cause skin damage, but also cumulative exposure to UV rays. And while protective clothing goes a long way, sunscreens are also a must because UV rays reflect off of surfaces like concrete, fences and soil. “That means you’re getting hit from multiple directions at once, not just from above,” says Vaught.

Common skin damage gardeners overlook

UV light exposure triggers oxidative stress, which potentially leads to a long list of skin issues, including dark “sun” spots, wrinkles, rough texture precancerous changes and skin cancer.

At the Bar Beauty Medical clinic, founder Basil Russo says one particular issue is hyperpigmentation across the neckline and upper chest, which they’ve nicknamed the “gardener’s V.” Sun spots on the back of hands, and actinic keratoses on the temples and bald scalp are also common. “But forearms and hands take the worst of it because they get sun every session and rarely get SPF reapplied,” says Russo. “And the damage shows up 15 to 20 years later.”

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Gardening

All of our experts recommended a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30 for a daily routine, and 50 or more when gardening in intense sunlight. Also, choose a product with at least 80 minutes of water/sweat resistance, and if you sweat heavily or have sensitive skin, opt for those with mineral compositions, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, over chemical ones.

“There is no best sunscreen; it’s how you use the sunscreen products that make the difference,” says dermatologist Dr. Susan Massick. That means using the proper amount, consistently, and reapplying it during prolonged exposure.

Understanding SPF

Sun Protective Factor, or SPF, is a measure of how long it takes protected skin to burn. The higher the SPF number, the more protection a sunscreen offers.

However, protection tops out at around SPF 50. “The common belief that SPF 100 gives you double the protection of SPF 50 is flat out wrong,” says Vaught. “It gives you maybe one additional percent of blockage.”

The SPF number on the bottle also assumes you’re applying a full ounce of product across your body. “Most people use about a quarter of that,” says Vaught. “If you’re applying SPF 50 too thinly, you’re likely getting closer to SPF 10 or 15 worth of actual protection.”

Note: SPF only denotes the amount of UVB rays being blocked, which are the ones that cause sunburns. But UVA rays are responsible for long-term skin damage and aging, which is why it’s important to use a broad-spectrum product.

What Gardeners Should Look For In Sunscreen

• Broad-spectrum protection, for both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF 50+ for intense days, SPF 30+ for a daily routine.
• Water and sweat resistance, rated for at least 80 minutes.
• Mineral-based, preferably with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the lead active ingredients. Those sit on top of the skin to physically block UV rays, plus begin working immediately, vs. chemical sunscreens, which takes about 15 minutes. If you do go with a chemical composition, make sure it contains avobenzone for UVA rays, says Russo.

Vaught recommends going fragrance-free. “You’re already exposed to plants, soil and fertilizers that can irritate skin,” he says. “Adding a fragranced sunscreen on top of that is just asking for a reaction.”

Russo also recommends applying a thin layer of niacinamide + ceramide moisturizer right after washing up, to help restore the skin barrier.

How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly

• If you’re using a chemical-based product, apply it 15 minutes before going outside.
• Use 1/4 teaspoon for your face, and one ounce for your full body.
• Reapply every two hours, or right after sweating heavily or wiping your skin with a towel.

“You can never put on too much sunscreen,” says Massick. “Apply liberally and don’t forgot more sensitive areas, like your scalp, tops of feet, back of the neck, ears and lips.”

Don’t Forget Protective Clothing

While sunscreen is an important line of defense, wearing the right clothing is also essential for long-term sun protection. That’s because even with sunscreen, your skin still has to manage the oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, says PharmD Lily Shapiro.

• Optimal protective clothing includes:
• UPF 50+ long-sleeve gardening shirts
• A wide-brimmed hat (at least 4”)
• Wraparound UV sunglasses
• Gardening gloves with cuffs that cover the wrist.

FAQ

Why do gardeners need sunscreen even on cloudy days?

Up to 80% of UV rays still penetrate through clouds. “It’s actually the sneakiest burn because the heat is lower so you don’t notice the exposure,” says Russo.

How often should gardeners reapply sunscreen?

Every two hours, but more often if you’re sweating a lot or getting wet.

Can I get sunburned while gardening in the shade?

Yes. While trees and shade structures block some UV rays, others still reflect off of concrete, water and other light-colored objects, causing diffused exposure.

About the Experts

• Dr. Susan Massick is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
• Basil Russo is founder of Bar Beauty Medical, a Toronto-based medical aesthetics clinic.
• Jason Vaught is an expert in consumer health and wellness products, and currently director of content and marketing at SmashBrand, a CPG strategy, design and testing firm.
• Dr. Daniel Careaga is a US board-certified plastic surgeon, an expert sun damage medical issues and founder of Careaga Plastic Surgery in Miami.
• Lily Shapiro, PharmD, specializes in nutritional dermatology and skin aging and is founder of ATIKA skin support products.

RELATED:

• 7 Reasons Why Your Houseplants Might Stink
• 8 Must-Know Tips to Drought-Proof Your Lawn
• Tired of Raking Leaves? Plant These Trees Instead

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8 Unwritten Etiquette Rules for a Handyman Visit

Have the Details Decided Ahead of Time

This tip is relevant for larger projects during the initial meeting and estimate stage. Contractors and vendors are not there to advise on the scope and vision of the project and you should bring that to the table at your first meeting. If you’re having rooms painted, know the color and sheen ahead of time, because it impacts project costs. For tiling jobs, pick out the tile before meeting with the tiling pro.

Clear the Space Before They Arrive

To save time and money, consider what might be in the way and move it before pros arrive. “We truly appreciate when customers prepare the home by moving things accordingly to make it easier for us to navigate and install,” Uri Pearl of Nealon Insulation says. “This is especially true for valuables that they don’t want to get dusty.” For example, empty the cabinet underneath the sink before the plumber arrives to service the drain.

Greet at the Door

Meeting service pros at the door is a simple gesture that sets the tone for the workday. “It’s always nice when the homeowner is there to greet the contractor or team when they arrive. Even if the details of the project have already been ironed out ahead of time, this initial meeting is definitely helpful with clearing up any last minute questions, plus it’s just helpful for everyone to meet and touch base at the start,” Andre Kazimierski of HomeHero Roofing says.

Offer a Drink

It’s just good manners to offer a handyman something to drink while in your home. Coffee in the morning is nice, in case they were running late and couldn’t stop first, and cold water is nice on a warm day. However, don’t make it a constant gesture. “What I don’t need are offers of coffee and food all day long,” Tyler Hull of Modern Exterior Roofing says. “Each time we stop to politely decline and chat, we lose 10 to 15 minutes.”

Point Out the Bathroom

This one is often overlooked, but it’s nice to know where the bathroom is as a handyperson or vendor in a customers’ home. I’ve always found it awkward to ask, and sometimes customers want you to use a specific bathroom, so you don’t want to guess. Showing them the bathroom also helps show the layout of the house and makes service people feel welcome in your home.

Ask about temperature preferences

People work best when they’re comfortable, and sometimes air temperature can influence the job’s outcome. For example, for winter interior painting projects, I ask for the heat to be turned down to prevent the paint from drying too quickly. On a humid summer day, I request air conditioning, if available, to aid the paint drying process. Some people like to work in cooler or warmer temperatures, so it’s nice to ask their preference.

Don’t hover

This is a big one among home service pros. Show them the problem, then make yourself scarce, but available if needed. “Make sure we have access to everything we need and then let us do our thing in peace,” Scott Eyman of Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air says. “If a job is three hours in duration, I like to hear from you every so often but please trust the process. Giving us space while we work generally leads to a more enjoyable process for all parties.” If you head out, let workers know you’re available by phone.

Don’t Change the Scope of the Job

Changing a job scope on the morning of or mid-project is a huge time and money loss for small-time operators and likely not possible with larger companies. “Asking the crew on-site for a modification in work or pricing is a common mistake done by inexperienced homeowners,” Daniel Cabrera of Roof Direct San Antonio says. “Changes have to be done through the office as change orders.”

About the Experts

• Daniel Cabrera is the owner of Roof Direct in San Antonio, Texas.
• Tyler Hull is the general manager for Modern Exterior Roofing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Scott Eyman is a project manager at Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air, a family-based company servicing Nebraska and Iowa.
• Andre Kazimierski is co-owner and and president of HomeHero Roofing in Illinois.
• Uri Pearl is a certified insulation expert for Nealon Insulation, a home weatherization company based in the Northeast.

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