Summer is almost here! With this wonderful season comes the joys of bug bites, scrapes, sunscreen . . . But here are some facts and tips to make it go a little easier this year.

Sunscreens: Choose one that is at least 30 SPF, and protects against UVA and UVB (or says Broad Spectrum) rays. For the face, make sure to buy a product that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores).

Chlorine: The pool is a summer mainstay, but make sure to rinse off in fresh water as soon as you can after swimming. Chlorine is incredibly drying for the skin, eyes, and hair. Even just prolonged amounts of time in the water can dry out your skin (I know this seems counter-intuitive, but it’s true!) so make sure to use your moisturizer!

Scrapes and Cuts: Moms, listen up! Don’t put antibiotic ointment on every cut this summer – it can actually cause your child to become more resistant to antibiotics. Also, don’t re-clean the wound everyday, and especially not with hydrogen peroxide or iodine – this actually shocks the wound and can interrupt the healing process. Instead, clean the scrape once, rub on some petroleum jelly (this will keep the wound moist for a more supple scab and less scarring, as well as act like a seal for dirt) and a light bandaid. Don’t worry if you see some slight pinkness, inflammation is a sign of healing – if it is red and hot, see your doctor.

Shaving: Along with shorts and tank tops comes constant shaving, and sometimes skin irritation. Make sure you are always using a sharp razor. If possible, always shave after (or during) a shower – the heat and moisture plumps and primes the skin to prevent razor burn. Use a moisturizing shave cream during and a moisturizer directly after to calm the skin. Lastly, if you still get razor burn or dermatitis (little pimple-like bumps), try applying white vinegar to the area a few times a day – it is a natural astringent.