Protecting your hands in the garden

Last Updated on: 8th October 2024, 08:15 am

Here’s why gardeners need a good hand care routine.

Gardeners know the damage that can happen to the hand and wrist when working outdoors. Blisters, rashes, scratches, and redness from sun exposure or poison ivy are common issues. That doesn’t even cover the common injuries possible from handling heavy tools. Protecting your hands while working in the garden is a must!

DISCLAIMER: Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services knows firsthand how UV rays, using wide-handled tools, and handling harsh chemicals can damage hands. We are not doctors—we’re grass cutters. This article is not medical advice. It’s common sense experience we’ve gained working outdoors. If you need medical attention, please see a doctor.

Here’s how I care for my hands to prevent age spots or infections from bacteria:

Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells Regularly; Follow With Hand Cream to Treat Dry SKin

Exfoliating your hands is one of the simplest ways to keep them healthy. This process helps shed dead skin cells, leaving your hands smoother and more even. It’s especially useful for those dry, rough patches that develop after hours outdoors.

A gentle scrub works best. You can make one using ingredients like sugar mixed with teaspoon of olive oil. Focus on areas where the skin feels rough or thickened. Regular exfoliation—about once a week—makes a big difference in maintaining skin softness. Plus, it helps lotions and hand creams absorb better, so your hands get more moisture.

Gardening Hand Protection (Wear Gloves as a 1st Line of Defense)

Gloves are a must-have for anyone spending time in the garden – cold weather or hot. They protect your hands and body from scratches, cuts, and exposure to thorns. Choose gloves that provide room to move your fingers without being too loose. This ensures you’ll maintain a firm grip and avoid accidents.

When selecting gloves, look for breathable materials, like cotton or cotton blends. These help keep your hands and body cool. Save the rubber gloves to keep your hands safe and dry for wet tasks, then switch to cotton.

Wearing gloves is especially important when handling pruning shears or loppers, as it minimizes the risk of cuts. Fingerless gloves are good for tasks that require dexterity, like planting tiny seeds.

Apply Hand Protection | UV Sunscreen to Prevent Skin Cancer

Sun protection isn’t just for your face and arms; your hands also need it. Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns and long-term damage like age spots. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 can protect your skin. Find water-resistant options that won’t sweat off.

Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the tops and backs of your hands and fingers. Reapply every couple of hours, especially when working up a sweat or you’ve washed your hands. Simply apply hand cream with SPF and antioxidant Vitamin C to smooth the skin.

Hand Health and Safety

avoid hand injuries with gardening gloves

Preventing Hand Injuries in the Garden

If you’re not careful, using gardening tools can lead to injuries. Cuts, scrapes, and even puncture wounds are all too common. To minimize risks, handle sharp objects with care. Tools with safety locks can prevent accidental openings and save you from nasty cuts.

Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit within reach while working is also smart. Bandages, antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer, and ointment should be part of your garden toolkit. Keeping this handy makes it easy to treat small mishaps quickly. Quick action can prevent a minor scrape from turning into a bigger issue.

Hand Health Warning Signs

Listening to your body, especially your hands, while working outside is essential. Signs like numbness, tingling, or persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored. These symptoms can indicate strain or overuse. Give yourself a break and rest your hands if you notice any irritation.

Additionally, watch for changes in your skin, such as dark spots, moles, or patches that seem different than usual. These can be early signs of skin damage or skin cancer. When in doubt, consult a doctor.

Post-Gardening Hand Care Routine

Washing up… Then Moisturize With Hand Cream

Wash hands with an antibacterial soap to remove bacteria from your gardening efforts. However, some soaps have harsh ingredients that can cause dry hands. Follow washing the skin on your hands with a good dry skin care routine.

Why?

Because warm water washing can strip natural moisture from your skin, leaving your hands with a dry and cracked appearance. To combat this, rub on a rich hand cream after you finish working. Look for products containing ingredients like mineral oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, which help seal in moisture and protect even sensitive skin.

A moisturizer with hyaluronic acid costs a bit more. But it’s perfect for restoring the skin barrier when you have skin texture issues or start noticing cracked hands.

Apply the hand cream to all areas of your hands. Don’t forget between the fingers and the nails. Make this a habit after every hand wash. It goes a long way in keeping your hands smooth.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Hands

hand and body stretches avoiding fatigue

Tool Safety and Maintenance

Proper tool handling is key for avoiding injuries. Ensure your tools are in good condition and store them safely when not in use. Dull or rusty tools are less effective and can also slip and cause accidents.

Invest in tools that are the right size and weight for your hands. Struggling with too heavy equipment can strain your wrists, leading to long-term discomfort. Opt for ergonomic designs to make your work easier and more comfortable.

Stretching and Posture

Gardening can be physically demanding, especially on your hands and wrists. Taking regular breaks to stretch your fingers and wrists helps prevent stiffness. A few minutes of stretching can keep your hands feeling limber, reducing the chance of muscle fatigue due to repetitive tasks.

Pay attention to your posture, too. Avoid bending or twisting your wrists at awkward angles. Keep your hands in a neutral position as much as possible, and don’t hesitate to rest to avoid injury. Simple adjustments can significantly affect your comfort and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

A Hand Skincare Routine Is a Must for Every Gardener

A good hand care routine is needed. Protecting your hands from infections or skin cracks takes persistence. Start by wearing gloves and applying hand creams regularly, using UV moisturizer to protect from harmful rays that cause premature aging, and addressing dryness as it arises. Taking that extra care now will help the skin on your hands avoid dark spots and skin aging from working in the sun.

Happy gardening – and be sure to follow Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services on Facebook.

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.