Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, plant secretions, dirt, as well as solvents, paint, and thinners can actually penetrate the skin, causing reactions or making clean up a mess. As a remedy, consider a new lotion that protects your hands like gloves.

There's a new lotion called Gloves In A Bottle that is engineered to act as a force field, effectively allowing the harsh environment to literally bounce off the skin's surface, while retaining the body's natural moisturizers. It's available in stores nationwide or see www.glovesinabottle.com

"Merely moisturizing the skin does not repair damage already done, or prevent it from occurring," says Dermatologist Peter Helton. "Gloves In A Bottle keeps skin healthy, healed and soft by helping to prevent environmental irritants from penetrating our skin."

Gloves In A Bottle quickly combines with the outer layer of the skin to form an undetectable barrier. Completely safe, non-toxic, non-allergenic and fragrance free, Gloves in a Bottle absorbs so completely there is no sticky or greasy feeling, thus it can be worn comfortably by men and women.

It helps protect hands that spend a lot of time in water and reduces moisture loss in cold or dry climates. When used with gloves, it protects against the drying effects of latex, rubber, leather or wool. It lasts four hours or more and does not wash off; it comes off with the exfoliated skin cells.

Helton, an early advocate of the product, says, "Wearing a protective cream, that also retains the body's natural moisture, should be as much a part of your daily routine as wearing sun block."

Gloves In A Bottle can be used before using any product in the home or workplace that can be harsh on the skin. Of course, if a manufacturer requires glove use, Gloves In A Bottle is not a glove replacement, but can be used as a second line of defense.

Another dermatologist, Dr. David Horowitz, says "As a practicing dermatologist for over 22 years, I have found this to be the most revolutionary product for softening rough hands that I have seen."

Gloves In A Bottle has a suggested retail price of $4.95 for a 2 oz bottle, and $12.95 for an 8 oz bottle. Available at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Michael's Craft Sores, Hobby Lobby, Sally Beauty Supply, and selected Garden Centers, Home Depots and ACE Hardware Stores or, www.glovesinabottle.com.