Summer skin safety: More than just sunscreen

Sunscreen and summertime go hand in hand. But the blazing sun isn't the only thing that can affect your skin in the summer.

Along with sun protection, summer skin safety also means watching for insects, seasonal allergies, chlorine and dehydration.

Protect your skin from bug bites and insects

Bug bites are a constant in warm weather, and insect repellents are often uncapped on hazy summer nights outdoors.

"Protecting yourself from insect bites is important, as insects can carry viruses and bacteria. Bites can also cause irritation," said Giselle Mosnaim, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Endeavor Health. "Make sure that you're not only protecting your skin effectively, you're also taking steps to do it safely."

The most effective insect repellents contain DEET, a chemical that wards off mosquitoes and is safe for most people. Natural insect repellents work but are a less effective option than insect repellent with DEET.

Insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothing can help keep ticks away, but it's important to check your body for ticks after spending time outside.

Mosquitoes can also carry viruses.

"It's worth the effort to avoid bug bites, even if just for the discomfort," Dr. Mosnaim said.

Before you head outdoors, especially if you're going to a wooded area, take these steps:

• Use repellent after sunscreen. Wait 30 minutes after you apply sunscreen to spray on insect repellent. Avoid combination sunscreen and insect repellent products, as you don't need to apply insect repellent as often as sunscreen.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing. Tuck in your shirt and tuck your pants into your socks.
• Wash insect repellent off when you come inside. It's a good idea to rinse your skin to not only remove repellent but also pollen or ticks that may have found you while you were out.

Manage seasonal allergies that affect your skin

Rinsing off after coming indoors in the summer is also a good idea where allergies are concerned.

"Washing pollen off your skin and out of your hair may help to reduce allergy symptoms," Dr. Mosnaim said.

Grass and weed pollen, along with mold spores, hit their peak in warm weather and can make life miserable for people with allergies.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny, stuffy, itchy nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Headache and sinus pressure

Lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications are often enough to lessen symptoms, Dr. Mosnaim said.

"Nasal sprays can reduce swelling and congestion, while antihistamines can help reduce itching and sneezing," she said.

Lifestyle modifications that can help limit exposure to allergens include:

• Keeping windows closed
• Staying indoors as much as possible on days that pollen and mold counts are high
• Showering and washing hair, and then changing into different clothes after spending time outdoors
• Vacuuming regularly
• Washing bedding weekly in hot water
• Running an air purifier

Protect your skin from chlorine after swimming

There's one more summertime situation where a post-activity shower is a good idea: swimming.

Chlorine helps keep pool water clean, but can do a number on our skin, eyes and hair. In addition, pool chemicals can affect the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.

"Chlorine tends to impact the skin's natural barrier so skin feels itchy and dry," Dr. Mosnaim said. "Applying sunscreen before you get in the pool can help your skin absorb less chlorine."

Showering with clean water after swimming will help remove chlorine, followed by a moisturizer to prevent dryness.

How to use sunscreen correctly for full protection

Protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays is important. This includes remembering to use sunscreen and applying it correctly.

Sunscreen can help protect your skin from damage - if you wear it consistently. Experts recommend using SPF 30 or higher year-round, even on cloudy days.

"It's important to use enough sunscreen to achieve the full SPF protection. The amount needed to cover your entire body would be enough to fill a shot glass, or about two tablespoons. Use an amount about the size of half teaspoon for your face," Dr. Mosnaim said.

Protect your skin before you go outside by taking these steps:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest.

Remain vigilant to protect yourself from skin cancer. Perform monthly skin checks to look for new moles or changing spots.

Taking steps to protect your skin from summer sun exposure, insects and allergens can help you stay comfortable and healthy all season long.

Endeavor Health provides personalized care for healthier skin and relief from seasonal allergies .