Gardener's Secret - How to Keep Your Hands Soft and Smooth All Season Long

"He who plants a garden plants happiness." - Chinese Proverb

A Gardener's Secret Guide to Soft Hands

Gardening season is a time of joy for many, bringing the satisfaction of nurturing plants and watching them grow. However, the extensive handwork involved can take a toll on your skin, leading to dry and cracked hands. In the middle of the gardening season, it's crucial to take steps to prevent this common issue and keep your hands soft and healthy. In this blog post, we'll explore practical ways to protect your hands and share a couple of delightful DIY recipes for a gardener's hand scrub and a whipped body butter to help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin.

Why Do Hands Get Dry and Cracked During Gardening?

Gardening involves a lot of soil contact, frequent washing, and exposure to the elements. These factors can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and cracking. Here's a closer look at what causes this problem:

• Soil and Dirt: Constant contact with soil can dry out your skin, especially if the soil is alkaline.

• Water and Soap: Repeatedly washing your hands to remove dirt can strip away natural oils, exacerbating dryness.

• Sun Exposure: The sun can dehydrate your skin, leading to peeling and cracking.

• Wind: Wind exposure can further dry out your hands, making the skin feel tight and uncomfortable.

Preventing Dry and Cracked Hands: Practical Tips

Preventing dry and cracked hands during the gardening season involves a combination of protective measures and regular care. Here are some practical tips to help keep your hands soft and healthy:

1. Wear Gloves: One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hands is by wearing gloves. Choose a pair that fits well and is breathable to prevent sweating, which can also lead to irritation.

2. Use a Gentle Soap: After gardening, use a mild soap to wash your hands. Harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, so opt for something gentle and moisturizing like Gardener’s Scrub recipe I share below.

3. Moisturize Regularly: Keep a good hand cream or lotion nearby and apply it every time you wash your hands. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera.

4. Hydrate from the Inside Out: Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining skin hydration. Ensure you're staying well-hydrated throughout the day, especially during hot weather.

5. Exfoliate the Rough Patches: Use an emory board or nail file to sand off the really rough patches that snag your clothing. Don’t go overboard, just buff lightly to smooth the roughest areas.

6. Apply Sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands before heading out to the garden. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn.

7. Overnight Treatment: For an extra dose of hydration, apply a thick layer of my favorite body butter (recipe included below) before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight. This allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeply into your skin.

DIY Gardener's Hand Scrub

As skin dries out it can leave cracks where dirt and grime can settle leaving you with hands that constantly look dirty.  This scrub not only helps cleans deep into these rough spots, but also helps maintain soft and healthy hands. This DIY gardener's hand scrub is easy to make and provides gentle exfoliation while moisturizing your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup coconut oil

• 2 Tablespoons Liquid Castile Soap

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 Tablespoon honey

• 7 drops of Lavender

• 3 drops of Tea Tree

• 2 drops Lemon

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sugar and melted coconut oil. Stir until well mixed.

2. Add the essential oils, liquid castile soap, and honey, and mix thoroughly.

3. Transfer the scrub to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.  This recipe makes approximately 3/4 of a cup.  Tip: Double this recipe and gift a jar to a fellow gardener.  

How to Use:

• After gardening, take a small amount of the scrub and rub it gently onto your hands, focusing on rough areas.

• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

• Follow up with our body butter to lock in hydration.

DIY Whipped Body Butter for Hands

After exfoliating, it's crucial to moisturize your hands to keep them soft and supple. This DIY whipped body butter is rich and nourishing, perfect for restoring moisture to dry, cracked hands.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup almond oil

• 10 drops frankincense essential oil

• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil until fully combined.

2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Stir in the almond oil and essential oils.

4. Place the mixture in the refrigerator until it starts to solidify, but isn't completely hard (about 20-30 minutes).

5. Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency.

6. Transfer the whipped body butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

How to Use:

• Apply a small amount of body butter to your hands and massage in until fully absorbed.

Use daily, especially after washing your hands or using the hand scrub.

Gardening should be a joyful and rewarding experience, not one that leaves your hands feeling rough and uncomfortable. By following these preventive measures and using our DIY hand scrub and whipped body butter, you can maintain soft, healthy hands throughout the gardening season. Embrace the beauty of nature while keeping your skin protected and nourished. Happy gardening!