May 27, 2025
Sun Protection for Gardeners: Melanoma Awareness Month
Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant CareAbout this episode
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: [03:36] Special thanks to Coolibar’s UPF50 clothing [04:49] Why should we care for our skin as we do our plants? [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] Coolibar products [16:46] What is UPF clothing and why it’s better than sunscreens [19:40] Gardeners Supply Company [22:36] 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] Espoma Organic [29:43] Why skin care in the garden matters 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+ Sun protection doesn't need to be complicated! Check out the full show notes and blog here for my sun protection tips! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Coolibar Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25. Gardener's Supply Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping. Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.