Sue recently highlighted an article that pointed out that gardeners have an increased risk of skin cancer because of all the time we spend outside. Skin cancer is scary stuff. My mom had a melanoma removed from her back (luckily it was stage 0 and her doctors were able to surgically remove everything). And my uncle recently had a very scary bout of melanoma on the back of his head.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer for those of us under 40. This is a really unfortunate statistic because skin cancer is so easily prevented. Awhile back I wrote about sun hats, sun block, and sun burn remedies. I use the Kiss My Face sunblock I mentioned in that article and it works great. Doesn’t clog my pores at all. I got it at Trader Joe’s.
It is probably best to garden in the early morning or late evening. The effects of sun exposure are less severe at those times, but there is another more practical benefit. If you garden when it is cooler out, you’re more likely to be willing to wear long sleeves and pants or a long skirt, which would cover your skin and give you more sun protection.
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Such true words to garden by.
I have tons of sunscreen, lots of hats, and long sleeves, and I do try to garden mornings when the sun is not out too harshly.
Thanks for the reminder.
Jen
Cancer good point but my main concern is my tattoos! So many hours under the needle and the sun fades them. After I apply sunscreen I throw on long sleeves.
Jen–Anytime.
Sue’s post was a good reminder to me.
Adriana–LOL. Good point. I know Mick totally disregards general skin protection and care, but puts lotion and sunscreen on his tattoos regularly. I wish he would take care of the rest of his skin that religiously!
I try to garden in the early morning or the evenings. Evenings are best, since eventually you have to quit because the light is gone. Otherwise I garden too long and do myself in. I’m with you on the hats and longsleeves. I find white the best color. But one thing you forgot is sunglasses. Apparently we need protection for our eyes too from the rays.
Helen–Good point about sunglasses!