Dry Skin Is a Serious Problem for Gardeners
02/22/2008
While many people are still battling February snow and ice storms, those of us in more moderate southern climates are already planning and planting our spring gardens. Unfortunately, we’re also already battling the dry skin, eczema and other skin problems caused by working with earth, weed killers and pesticides. How can gardeners prevent this damage? Using non-toxic gardening products will help both your hands and your overall health, but many gardeners have also found that a good shielding lotion prevents dry skin and gives their hands the protection they need.
How does a shielding lotion help? The skin’s surface layer consists of oils, fats and dead skin cells. While that may not sound very appealing, this layer is the skin’s protection. It prevents moisture from escaping and chemicals from penetrating – two of the most common factors that cause eczema, dry skin and other skin problems.
When the surface layer is damaged by chemicals, dirt or abrasive substances, the oils, fats and dead skin cells are stripped away, leaving our skin dry and virtually covered with tiny, invisible cracks through which moisture escapes and toxic chemicals penetrate. As this damaged layer comes into contact with more chemicals, the surface layer is broken down even more and, before you know it, you have a chronic dry skin problem.
Unfortunately, most traditional moisturizers can’t help. While they do create the illusion of soft, supple skin, what you’re actually feeling is the product itself. Underneath, the skin is not actually healing and the dry skin condition is getting worse - which is why we continue to battle dry skin year after year and are constantly on the lookout for a new and better product.
Many gardeners think they’ve finally found the product they’ve been looking for – here’s what they have to say about shielding lotion:
“After years of gardening, my hands felt like leather with our mucky black soil. I started using shielding lotion and after about a week I noticed my hands were looking very different. They were looking so good, I started having manicures for the first time in my life. I actually started wearing polish and was not ashamed of my hands.”
“Shielding lotion applies like hand cream, leaving my hands smooth and soft but providing a barrier against the dirt, the stains and the penetrating grunge I am always getting my hands into as I work in the greenhouses potting and cutting and in my work shop with my many projects. The best feature is the penetrating coverage, guarding against dirt, stains and grunge.”
A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that locks in moisture and keeps out chemicals so your skin can actually heal itself.
If you’re an avid gardener, give shielding lotion a try. It may be all the dry skin care treatment you need, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite pastime without ruining your hands!
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