Now that we’re into full summer, a reminder about protecting ourselves when we are outdoors is probably in order. This is excerpted from a lesson I share with my students every year.
Sunscreen is important to use, regardless of your age OR skin tone for two reasons – SKIN CANCER and dry, wrinkly, leathery skin. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to basal cell & squamous cell carcinoma, which are usually curable (but leave scars from cutting away big chunks of your skin). More importantly, it can lead to MELANOMA, which is often malignant and can quickly metastasize (spread) to internal organs. Melanin is the pigment which gives our skin color and protects us (to a degree) from UV rays. Being fair-skinned and prone to burning (even if you tan afterwards) means you need to be especially careful. But radiation is radiation – even dark-skinned people can get skin cancer.
Sunscreens BLOCK some of the UV radiation from penetrating our skin. Sun blocks can be either CHEMICAL or MINERAL based. Mineral based sunscreens contain either zinc or titanium dioxide which don’t penetrate skin but sit on the surface, providing a barrier against UV radiation. A downside to mineral-based sunscreens is many formulations leave a slightly white residue on the skin. However, there are newer formulations will disappear if rubbed on thoroughly.
Chemical based sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin. Some of the chemicals used may be endocrine disruptors that can have long term negative effects on us. They can also wash into the water and potentially harm aquatic life. Some chemical ingredients to avoid include:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate)
- Homosalate
- Octisalate (unless combined w/ avobenzone)
- Octocrylene
Unfortunately, many popular and inexpensive brands contain combinations of these ingredients.
So, what to do? Read labels carefully. Many formulations for children are the same as the “sensitive skin” adult versions. Here are some safer brand suggestions:
- Badger Products (Badger also makes sunscreen w/ insect repellent mixed in)
- Tropical Sands
- Kiss My Face
- Alba Organics (mineral-based)
- Neutrogena (mineral-based)
Most importantly – the SPF isn’t that critical (higher isn’t necessarily better) – what’s critical is that you USE it and re-apply it throughout the day. And remember, the radiation is still there, even on cloudy days, so make sunscreen a habit before you step outside.
Why do you need to use bug spray? Two words – Mosquitoes & Ticks. Both of these common and annoying ectoparasites are vectors of a dizzying array of viral & bacterial pathogens. Mosquitoes carry at least 3 different types of encephalitis (EEE, WEE, & West Nile), Zika virus, yellow fever, and malaria to name a few (though some of these haven’t made it this far north…yet). Various tick species transmit Lyme, Babeseoisis, Erlichiosis, & Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever as well as several emerging diseases. Warming climate means these organisms can overwinter now, so we risk encounters with them year ‘round.
There are a host of different “natural” repellents you can purchase or DIY but from someone who spends a lot of time in the woods, their effectiveness is highly variable. If you are just trying to keep mosquitoes off you, these work reasonably well. To really protect yourself from ticks, you need to go hardcore chemical (as someone who has suffered from Lyme, it’s better to do this, than not).
Some effective “Natural” repellents I’ve found include:
- Herbal Armor “All Terrain” Natural Insect Spray – my personal favorite – works well against mosquitoes & blackflies, decent scent, safe to apply to skin. Needs regular re-application, especially if you get sweaty.
- Bullfrog Mosquito Coast (with or without sunscreen) *NOTE – the sunscreen is NOT safe for aquatics)
- Badger Organic Natural Anti-bug spray
- Burt’s Bees
- Repel Lemon-Eucalyptus
Chemical Repellents considered “safe” for skin (I use these with caution). Remember, you can always develop a sensitivity to a product after prolonged use. And NEVER apply insect repellant to broke skin.
- Products containing <25% DEET (most are 15%)
- Deep Woods Off
- Repel
- Cutter Backwoods
These products come in various formulations & scents. They are effective against both ticks & mosquitoes but can irritate sensitive skin. I mostly use only on clothing.
- Products containing Picaridin, safe for skin but I only use on clothing – very effective against ticks
- Repel Tick Defense
- Sawyer products
Of course the best protection against insects (besides staying indoors) is keeping yourself covered. Wear pants, long sleeves, and tuck pants into socks, especially if you are off trail or going through tall grass. This time of year, I add a head net too, because deer flies have no respect for personal space OR insect repellents. Better to look geeky than become debilitated. There are a number of companies now marketing clothing that is pre-treated with insect repellent that supposedly lasts for up to 50 washings. That’s a good thing, but you can also respray them yourself. Some products for clothing only include:
- Permethrin
- Repel – for clothing & gear
- Anything w/25% or higher DEET
Spray liberally on clothing, outerwear, and gear (like backpacks)- preferably outside and not while wearing. Let it dry and they’ll be good for multiple wearings. Wash separately from regular clothes.
Taking a few extra minutes to protect yourself can make your outdoor time both safer & more enjoyable. So gear up and get out in the woods!