Sun Care, Skin Care, Preventing Insect Bites

How to use sunscreen properly to protect your skin.

Your skin needs protection in order to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, and burn. Never leave home without wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days. OK, maybe not at night. An outdoor walker gets lots of exposure to sun and wind, you need to reduce that consistently.

Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging such as wrinkles and skin cancers. The most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer is sunscreen, but most people do not use sunscreen correctly.

Confusion about sunscreen and sun exposure put a lot of people at risk for getting a sunburn. Review common myths and facts about sunscreen, such as whether or not you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day or when you are in the shade.

How to prevent and treat sunburn.

Mosquitoes biting you? Not only is it annoying, it can spread West Nile virus and other nasty things. Here are repellents and clothing that can resist the biters.

West Nile virus is a flavivirus that infects birds and is transmitted by mosquito bites. Humans and animals can also be infected by the bite of a mosquito.

Cutter Advanced Picaridin Insect Repellent Pump Spray is effective, truly odorless, and won't destroy artificial fiber fabrics like DEET.

When properly used, insect repellents can discourage biting insects from landing on treated skin or clothing.

The right sunglasses can cut the glare and stay in place. We review Spy Optic Quanta Performance sunglasses.

Does a combination sunscreen and insect repellent provide good protection against both the sun and insect bites and stings? While you can use a combination product to protect your children against both the sun and bugs, it may not be a good idea.

Poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac can give you a lasting memory of your walk through the foliage. How to keep away from it.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. The result is typically an itching, red rash with bumps or blisters.

Natural healing balm for hard-working hands and feet. Cooling after-sun sprays.

Sun blocks used in the Gulf War for serious sun protection. Insect repellants and bite/sting kits.