Even if you are enjoying your garden the UK on a cloudy day, it’s important that you protect any exposed skin with sunscreen, and this rule applies to those outside and those working in a glass greenhouse.
Discover why it’s so important to keep your skin protected as we reveal which sunscreen is best for spending time in the garden in the UK.
Why wear sunscreen in the garden?
Long UVA rays can easily pass through clouds and trigger free radical activity in the skin. Such activity not only contributes to premature skin ageing but it can also cause pigmentation changes.
As well as clouds, UVA sun rays can also pass through glass. Those working inside glass greenhouses or spending time in bright garden rooms and conservatories should be mindful that even though they are ‘indoors’ they are still exposing their skin to harmful UVA sun rays and should keep their skin protected with sunscreen.
As well as the risk of UVA damage, spending sunny days in the garden without adequate sun protection can also risk painful sunburn from UVB rays.
Although it is important for all the family to be protected, sun damage in early childhood is known to be a risk of melanoma in later life so it is particularly vital that children always apply sun protection before playing in the garden.
HOW TO STORE GARDEN SUNSCREEN
Replace your sun cream annually and, when not in use, store it in a dark, shady spot whilst you are in the garden.
Tubes of sun creams that are left out on the lawn or in greenhouses will be exposed to high temperatures which may affect the effectiveness of their sun filters.
Which sunscreen is best for the garden?
In the UK autumn and springtime the UV Index is usually moderate so an SPF15 or SPF30 sun cream will provide adequate sun protection whilst you work in the garden.
In the UK summer, the intensity of the sun is at its strongest so it is best to apply a high-factor garden sunscreen.
Our natural and organic SPF30 Scent Free Sun Cream is perfect for all skin types, even those prone to prickly heat and sensitive skin. Remember to apply to all exposed skin, not forgetting commonly missed areas such as the tips of the ears and, if wearing flip flips, the toes and feet!
Always keep your sun protection topped up. Reapply it every 2-3 hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat to help keep rays off your head and shoulders.
Youngsters playing in the garden should also wear a kids’ high-factor sun lotion and if you have a paddling pool in the garden or are keeping pre-teens entertained with a water fight, reapply their sun protection once they have dried off.
If prickly heat is a problem for your little one, make sure they drink plenty of fluids whilst out in the garden and use non-pore clogging sun protection products only.
Shop sunscreen for the garden
Green People’s natural garden sunscreens are eco-friendly and come in a choice of size and sun factors.
- Packed with nourishing botanicals
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Suitable for skin prone to prickly heat & eczema
- Recyclable sugar cane plastic packaging
See all natural sunscreens now.
Which after sun is best?
In addition to regularly applying sun cream in the garden, you should also apply an antioxidant after sun following sun exposure.
Free radicals linger on the skin after you have been in the sun but antioxidant plant-based actives can help to mop these up and neutralise the long-lasting skin damage that they have the potential to do.
Applying after sun will also:
- Cool sun-heated skin
- Soothe any sun burn and reduces skin peeling
- Rehydrate and replenish thirsty sun-exposed skin
- Prolong tan
More ways to protect skin from sun damage whilst in the garden
- If possible, try to start gardening early and seek shade when the sun is strongest – usually between 11am and 3pm.
- Wear bright or dark clothing; a thin, pale t-shirt is more likely to let UVA rays reach the skin than a light-absorbing dark t-shirt
- Opt for wide-brimmed hat to keep UV rays off
- Wear a thick pair of gardening gloves to protect against sun damage, dirt and thorns
- If you aren’t wearing gloves, make sure your hands are protected with sunscreen
- Use sun-protective swimwear to protect young skin in the paddling pool
Do you need help finding the best garden sunscreen? Our UK customer care team is happy to help and can be contacted on 01403 740 350.
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