5 Essential Tips for Nurturing Your Gardener's Hands

Gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that allows us to connect with each other and with nature whilst creating beautiful outdoor spaces. However, the physical demands of gardening can take a toll on our hands, leaving them dry, rough, and in need of some extra care.

Here's our top tips for gardeners to maintain healthy and beautiful hands while indulging in their favourite pastime!

1. Embrace the Power of Gloves

Gloves are an indispensable accessory for any gardener. They not only protect your hands from thorns, cuts, and scratches but also shield them from harsh chemicals, dirt and UV rays. Invest in a good pair of gardening gloves that provide ample grip and flexibility. Choose gloves made of durable materials such as leather or synthetic fabrics designed specifically for gardening. Regularly clean your gloves to remove any accumulated dirt or chemicals, and replace them when they show signs of wear and tear.

2. Use a Gentle Moisturising Hand Wash

Frequent hand washing is essential for maintaining hygiene whilst gardening. However, harsh soaps can strip your hands of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for a gentle moisturising hand wash that cleanses your hands without causing excessive dryness. Look for products that contain natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Lavender that have soothing and antiseptic properties to help restore moisture to the skin and protect it from infection.

3. Hydrate with a rich Hand Cream

Frequent exposure to water, soil, and sun can cause your skin to lose its natural moisture, leading to dryness and cracking. To counteract this, make moisturising a part of your gardening routine. After every gardening session, wash your hands thoroughly with a mild cleanser, pat them dry gently, and then apply a rich and nourishing hand moisturiser. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera or coconut oil, as they provide deep hydration and help replenish the skin's moisture barrier.

4. Don't Neglect Your Nails

Gardening tasks can take a toll on your nails as well. The constant contact with soil and debris can lead to dirt accumulation, ragged nails and the risk of fungal infections. To protect your nails, keep them trimmed short and avoid sharp or pointed shapes. When it comes to nails Lavender is your friend. It has a calming, soothing scent, and its antifungal and antiseptic properties can help protect your nails against infection. Mix a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil with a little olive oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles.

A great trick is to scrape your nails over a bar of soap before you start gardening, so there’s no room underneath for dirt and bacteria.

Try our Lavender Soap made with Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Aloe Vera and Glycerine. This soap bar is antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial.

After gardening, clean your nails thoroughly using a nail brush and gentle soap, paying attention to the undersides. Moisturise your cuticles regularly to prevent your nails becoming dry and brittle.

5. Treat Your Hands Like Your Face

Just as you prioritise skin care for your face, it's important to extend the same level of care to your hands. If you're not wearing gloves apply sunscreen with at least SPF 20 to your hands, and reapply every two hours if you're working outdoors for an extended period. Additionally, exfoliate your hands once a week to remove ingrained dirt, dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Add a teaspoon of sugar to your hand wash, and massage in before rinsing.

As a dedicated gardener, you don't have to sacrifice the health and beauty of your hands for the love of your hobby. By incorporating these practices into your gardening routine, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hands that are ready to tackle any gardening task.