There are many safe alternatives to the nasty chemicals sold everywhere for use as insect repellent and sunscreen. These safe alternatives can even protect you better than the chemicals sold to the masses every day.

Check the labels and make sure there is no petroleum, parabens, nanoparticles or chemical fragrances. These compounds are toxins and can cause long term damage to your health.

Find a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Both of these ingredients can maintain a barrier without irritating the skin. They reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays.

Use a sunscreen made from food-based or plant ingredients, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, green tea, aloe vera gel, shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba oil. This can help you protect yourself from long term sun exposure and these compounds are nourishing for your skin as well.

Citronella and lemongrass based bug sprays work very well as they both have very distinct odors that are repellent to insects and mosquitoes. Peppermint oil can also repel adult mosquitoes. It also can be used to provide temporary relief from insect bites and itching. I found a natural insect repellent at my local health food store and it is called Iguana Oil. It works better than anything I have ever found and you may be able to purchase it online. Here is a listing I found of local sources for Iguana Oil. I'm not selling it, just passing on the information as I've never found anything that worked as well.

Best of luck with the summer bugs and sun. Take care of yourself. Be smart and enjoy the summer and the beautiful weather but be safe about it!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network