The summer can bring insect bites and sunburns. The sun has been long missed over the winter months, however the sun can age our skin, give us more wrinkles, fine lines and age spots and there is also the increased risk of skin cancer.

The good news is there are many natural ways to prevent insect bites, and sun burns.

Natural Repellent and Bite Remedies

Preventing Insect bites and helping the itch. One of the best methods is to use essential oils to prevent insect bites. You can add them into distilled water and spray them onto your body or you can add them to grape seed oil or olive oil and rub them into your skin. Some of my favorites and that work well are:

• Citronella oil
• Tea tree oil
• Catnip oil
• Basil oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Thyme oil

Insects tend to be attracted to dark clothing so try and wear light colors. My all time favorite is vitamin B1, thiamine. It is very effective in warding off mosquitoes. Now if you have tried all of these, and still get a bite, here’s your itch remedy.

• Crush an aspirin tablet, wet it, and rub it on the affected area. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory
• Rub the inside of a plantain banana on the affected area.

Natural Sun Protection

I get asked by patients about sun protection a lot, frankly because sunscreen labels are confusing. Manufactures are now required to label an SPF number which indicates how much protection it provides against UVB radiation, the cause of sunburn. However consumers do not know whether the same bottle will protect against UVA, the rays that cause skin cancer. Here are nutrients that you can add daily to help prevent sunburns.

• Grapeseed extract – from grape seeds, the best antioxidant in my opinion.
• Resveratrol, which is found in skin of red grapes and red wine.

Natural remedies work great for the whole family and of all ages. Remember prevention is key. Keep your immune system in strong working order by eating healthy and taking in your nutrients!