Most of us are aware of the damage which the sun’s UV rays can do to us. However, if we’re out gardening, we can sometimes forget about the sun’s effects and the length of time we are actually exposed to it directly. We should, however, adopt similar safety precautions as we would if we were out at the beach.
First, you should plan your gardening activities sensibly during hot sunny weather. Try to set aside time to do your indoor or greenhouse/shed tasks between 10am and 2pm when the sun is at its hottest. Remember, in the summer months when it’s warm or hot, you can still burn even when the skies are overcast.
If you are working outdoors, wear the correct sunscreen. You should use one with an SPF of at least 15 and preferably higher. You should also use a sunblock on your face and lips and you should re-apply both this and your sunscreen every hour or so as their effects will be reduced if it’s a hot day and you’re constantly sweating. The types of sunblock which are worn by tennis players these days tend to be the best as they are designed to protect even if you are sweating profusely.
Your eyes should be protected too. There has been an increase in the early formation of cataracts which has been specifically related to prolonged sun exposure over recent years. Wear sunglasses with a good quality UVA blocking filter.
Your forehead and scalp are both at risk and even more so if you are bald or have thinning hair. The good old-fashioned lightweight floppy hat which covers your forehead, scalp and ears is usually favoured and wearing one will also protect your hair from drying out and becoming brittle too.
Sunburn, sun stroke and even skin cancer can possibly result if you don’t take care of your skin when out in the sun and, as gardeners tend to be exposed to the sun daily for more hours than the average sun worshipper on the beach, these words of caution apply more to gardeners than most other people.