Your guide to skin care this summer, from preventing bug bites and sunburns, to taking care of it afterward

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"We're in the peak bug season now," says pharmacist George Murray of Sackville's Tantramar Pharmacy. "The best thing is to avoid them, or at least minimize contact with them."

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For instance, try to avoid going out when there's little or no wind. Also, reduce standing water around your home to avoid overpopulation where they lay their eggs, and encourage bird life by not using pesticides.

Wear full-cover clothing or nylon mesh clothing if you have to be out amongst the bugs. Then there are repellents.

Both George, who is past president of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and Moncton dermatologist Dr. Chantal Chiasson agree that the most efficient repellents are those which contain DEET.

George warns of over-application on young people, and Chantal has a couple of other suggestions.

"For some people Vitamin B1 can reduce bites, and for others using a lemon-based repellant is helpful," he says.

When you do get bitten, don't scratch, or bites can easily become infected. Try ice cubes or menthol to cool things down, and mild hydrocortisone creams if needed.

"I don't suggest calamine lotion, as people can fairly easily become allergic to it," Chantal adds. If bug bites do end up becoming infected, ask a pharmacist before buying something to put on them.

"Pharmacists are your most accessible health care professionals," says George, "and we can advise on which product would help you, once we see your particular problem. No two cases are alike."

The same holds true for poison ivy, that other scourge of summer. In severe cases hydrocortisone or antihistamines might be needed, but for most of us washing with soap and water is enough.

Don't use water alone, as the irritant in poison ivy, urushiol, is not water-soluble. And, if you're thinking about ridding your yard of poison ivy by burning it, be careful: inhaling the smoke from the burning plants can be very harmful.

The biggest question about summer and skin for most of us, is the risk of cancer from sun exposure. We all know we should wear hats with wide brims, avoid being in the sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear clothes that cover us, and seek the shade whenever possible. And use sun-screen.

"Re-apply sun-screen every couple of hours, and lib-balm every hour or so," says Chantal. "Newer sun-screens have Mexoryl XL in them, and offer much better protection against UVA as well as UVB.

"There are also mineral filters like titanium dioxide and zinc, which physically block sunlight. Live your life, but be sun-smart."

Being sun-smart means it might be time to give up that authentic beach-tan. Tans may look healthy, but the sun exposure involved causes premature skin aging and puts the tanner at risk of cancer.

"It's only a social perception that tans are good-looking," says George. "We have to realize the risk." So, slather on the sun-screen, right, George?

"Wearing a seat belt while driving doesn't mean you can drive recklessly," George replies, "and using sun-screen doesn't mean we can spend inordinate amounts of time in the sun."

So, whether it's bugs, poison ivy, or the sun, cover up and avoid if you can, use available protection properly when you must, and try to be kind to your skin; you only have the one.