It’s Melanoma Awareness Month! Two years ago, I walked into a dermatologist’s office thinking I had a simple skin issue… then I walked out with a melanoma diagnosis at 34. As a lifelong gardener, I never expected my love of plants would overlap with a serious health scare, but here we are. I’m not a beach person nor an outdoor enthusiast. I just tend to my garden every day, really. But that little dot on my face changed everything about my relationship with the sun. I learned to love sunscreens, especially UPF clothing. So if you’re a plant parent like me who spends hours outside with your hands in the soil, I hope this becomes your gentle nudge to protect your skin the same way you protect your plants.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] Melanoma Awareness Month! My Melanoma diagnosis at 34 y/o
• [03:36] Special thanks to Coolibar’s UPF50 clothing
• [04:49] Why should we care for our skin as we do our plants?
• [06:09] Some skin and leaf analogies
• [08:54] Why short, daily garden sessions still add up to major sun exposure risk
• [10:21] Should you use sunscreen?
• [11:45] Chemical vs. mineral sunscreens
• [13:40] My favorite sunscreen brands
• [15:41] Why I love UPF Clothing (especially Coolibar’s sun clothing)
• [16:08] Get to know my favorite Coolibar products!
• [16:46]  What is UPF clothing and why it’s better than sunscreens
• [19:40] Discover everything you need for your dream garden with Gardeners Supply Company!
• [22:36] Why you should use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses in the garden
• [24:34] How to use the UV Index when gardening
• [27:04] Hydration and skin health in the garden
• [27:26] Grow a healthy, organic garden with Espoma Organic’s premium gardening products!
• [29:43]  Take as good care of your skin as you do with your garden

 

 

 

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Skin Cancer Changed the Way I Garden

Before anything else, can we take a moment to appreciate how amazing our skin is? It’s our body’s largest organ and has 19 million cells and 300 sweat glands. It regulates body temperature, supports vitamin D production, and regenerates itself every 28 days.

I realized how similar it is to leaves. Both breathe, have protective layers, and react to sunlight. And just like how they experience leaf burns, our skin gets sunburned.

 

 

Sun Damage is Cumulative

I used to think that short walks in the garden, even 10 to 15 minutes each day weren’t a big deal. I wasn’t exposed for hours and I wasn’t getting sunburned, so I thought it was fine. But sun damage is cumulative—it adds up. So over time, those “quick” water runs or plant check-ins can lead to damage that can cause skin cancer.

According to a study, one in five Americans is diagnosed with cancer, so I believe we need to take this seriously, especially as gardeners who are outside regularly.

 

 

Sun Protection Strategies for Gardeners

Here are the things you need to know to protect your skin from sun damage.

 

Sunscreen Considerations

No matter what kind you choose, using something is better than nothing.

Mineral sunscreens: reflect UV rays +​​ better for sensitive skin and coral reefs

Chemical sunscreens: absorb UV rays then dispel it + easier to blend into skin

My go-tos:

• Tinted SPF: RMS Beauty’s SPF 50 and ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint.
• No-makeup days: ISDIN’s Fusion Water Magic
• Travel fave: Savor Beauty’s Radiance Sun Milk.
• Budget find: Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay never fail.

 

UPF Clothing

But honestly, I lean more on UPF clothing because applying sunscreen head to toe every day just isn’t realistic. Brands like Coolibar make clothes that are breathable, block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, sweat-wicking, and yes, are actually cute.

I also ditched the baseball cap. My melanoma was in that “unprotected” zone, right where the baseball cap doesn’t reach. Now, I only wear wide-brimmed hats in the garden, and I keep one by every door so I never forget.

Sunglasses are also a must because I just learned that you can also get skin cancer in your eyes!

 

Timing Your Garden Time

I also check the UV index on my phone’s weather app every morning. Midday sun, between 10 am and 4 pm, is the harshest, so I try to do my gardening early in the morning or at dusk.

It’s not only safer, it’s also way more comfortable. And I stay hydrated, which is just as important for skin health as it is for energy.

 

 

Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, but sun safety is lifelong and not just seasonal. So let’s make sure we get to enjoy gardening for decades to come and protect your skin like you protect your plants.

You don’t need to fear the sun, but you do need to respect it. Don’t forget to tag me in your sun-safe garden looks on Instagram!

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• RMS Beauty SunCoverup Super Tint SPF 50
• ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
• ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC
• Savor Beauty Radiance Sun Milk SPF 50+
• NEUTROGENA® Sunscreen and Sun Protection Products
• La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
• Coolibar Bel Aire Zip-Off Sun Visor | Black UPF 50+
• Coolibar Women's Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt | Lavendula UPF 50+

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Coolibar

Protect your skin while you garden! Wear Coolibar's sun protective clothing made with UPF 50 that blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. The best part? You don't need to reapply like sunscreen only to sweat it off during a day in the garden! You just put on the hat and the coverups that Coolibar makes and look cute while doing it. Coolibar makes clothing and gear from breathable fabrics like Active Athlon™ and ZnO™ which provide full coverage and help you feel effortless even on hot days.

Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.

Gardener's Supply

Make gardening easier no matter the space and the size! From containers to raised beds, seeds to plant supports, Gardener's Supply has everything to create your dream garden oasis. They even sell edging and walkways! Gardener's is an employee-owned company run by passionate gardeners for over 40 years, and they are committed to catering to all kinds of gardeners. Whether you've got acres or just a balcony, you're sure to find everything you need for successful indoor and outdoor gardening.

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Espoma Organic

As you protect your skin, make sure you're also protecting your plants with nontoxic products in the garden! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

 

 

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