If you’re someone who gets eaten alive the minute you step outside or manage to get awkward tan lines no matter how much sunscreen you lather on — we know how you feel. To help you spend less time scratching and more time lounging poolside, we’ve curated our top recs for quick-relief topicals, bite-zappers, and moisturizers to soothe all your seasonal skin woes. Happy summering.
For Bug Bite Relief
Bug bite-relief strips that work like pimple patches…
These hydrocolloid patches are packed with ingredients like (anti-inflammatory) witch hazel and (itch-relieving) Indonesian cajeput to help give you quick relief — all while acting as a physical barrier to help prevent you from scratching. We also love that they’re waterproof and work well with all skin types. ($17.99, Grove)
A bite-zapper that works with your body’s natural healing process…
This handheld device uses concentrated heat technology to target any recent bug bite and help prevent swelling or inflammation in seconds. It’s small enough to stash in a clutch or toiletry bag, plus it’s battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around any annoying wires or chargers. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
An instant-relief balm that’s 100% plant-based…
Any hypoallergenic balm that’s completely chemical-free is a win in our books. This one uses colloidal oatmeal and organic menthol to soothe your skin instantly, and lavender and seabuckthorn extract to soften your skin and protect it against future bites. Use it on anything from insect bites to poison ivy rashes for quick relief. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A sleek, rechargeable healing pen…
This bug bite relief pen works by using blue light and heat pulses to treat the affected area, while taking up as much space as a USB (aka, very little). It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 400 uses on a single charge. Bonus points for its eye-catching apple green color. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Mosquito repellent that won’t leave your skin sticky…
A natural repellent that comes in wipes instead of a spray bottle or a can? We’re sold. These wipes are infused with essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, and cedarwood to help ward off bugs and smell amazing. They’re perfect for travel or whenever you’re on the go. ($11.99, Grove)
For Sunburn Alleviation
An overnight lip mask our editors obsess over…
Our group chat went off about this intensive overnight lip mask for months. Its formula is full of berry fruit complex, murumuru seed, and shea butter that work overnight to pump moisture and antioxidants into your lips while you sleep, so you’ll wake up to super-soft lips. All of those healing and softening ingredients work wonders on sunburnt lips, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A soothing facial spray for instant relief…
This Mario Badescu facial spray uses aloe, herbs, and rosewater to help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin whenever it needs an extra boost. Spritz it on before your moisturizer for an extra dose of hydration, or over your makeup for a dewy finish. In summer, we keep it in our beach bags to refresh our skin in the heat. ($8, Sephora)
An after-sun lotion that’s dermatologist-approved…
This aptly-named “cool down” lotion is fortified with vitamin E, cocoa butter, and aloe to nourish sunburned skin and prevent it from peeling. It feels lighter and less greasy than other cocoa butter moisturizers, too. Pro tip: Store it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling feel. ($12.49, Target)
An award-winning moisturizer packed with oatmeal…
Colloidal (aka finely ground) oatmeal is a natural, skin barrier-building ingredient that helps treat eczema and speed up skin renewal. This soothing cream also uses shea butter and allantoin to keep your skin calm, comfortable and redness-free. Oh, and it’s fragrance-free. ($38, Sephora)
An ultra-hydrating after-sun face mask…
Leave this soothing, nutrient-rich face mask on for 10 to 20 minutes to feel its calming, restorative effects after a long day in the sun. Pat in the remaining serum to give your skin a boost of aloe leaf, cucumber fruit, and potato extract, all of which can help alleviate sunburns. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
For Rash Treatment
A daily moisturizer that’s specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin…
This simple moisturizer is the safest thing to use on sensitive skin — it’s made with ceramides, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid to plump your skin, soothe irritation, and help replenish your skin’s barrier. It’s derm-approved and has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, not to mention our own seal of approval. ($24, Sephora)
The maximum strength hydrocortisone cream you can get without a prescription…
An oldie but a goodie. This 1% hydrocortisone cream gives you temporary relief for rashes or dry, irritated skin ASAP. It helps intensely hydrate your skin while also building your skin barrier back up thanks to its three essential ceramides. You can’t beat the under-$10 price tag. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A spray bottle that doubles as a first aid kit…
This three-ounce bottle of hypochlorous acid spray helps repair cuts, rashes, or burns without using any alcohol or chemicals that may sting. And because it's nontoxic and all-natural, you can spray it around your eyes, ears, and mouth without discomfort. According to our editors, it’s also great for thigh chafe-relief. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
For Preventative Measures
An advanced postbiotic cream that speeds up the recovery process…
This protective cream speeds up the healing process up to four times faster than usual (according to the brand), and it won’t clog your pores. Use it as a daily moisturizer if you’re prone to redness or sunburns, or as needed on cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites. ($28, Ulta)
A daily SPF cream that goes on sheer…
Apply this SPF 28 moisturizer every morning to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and give yourself a radiant glow before the coffee even hits. It’s formulated with fermented aloe, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin D to keep your skin hydrated in any environment. It’s also the perfect base layer for any makeup look, since it doesn’t have a white cast. ($48, Ulta)
Body butter with a mood-boosting scent…
This ultra-rich body cream uses notes of sandalwood and vanilla orchid to create its uplifting scent, and ingredients like bacuri butter, prebiotic hibiscus, and a Brazilian soothing complex to alleviate your dry, red skin and nourish its natural microbiome. Apply liberally after your next Everything Shower to give your skin some major TLC. ($48, Sephora)
A lightweight face sunscreen that goes on clear…
If you’ve been looking for the perfect face sunscreen, you’ve found it. This one by Supergoop! is weightless, scentless, and has broad spectrum SPF 40. It not only helps protect against the sun, it also protects against harmful blue light emissions and doubles as a primer for your makeup. The only thing it can’t do? Leave a sticky, white cast. ($38, Sephora)
Mineral sunscreen spray from a derm-recommended brand…
The nicest thing about this sunscreen spray (besides it’s easy-apply nozzle) is the fact that it's specifically crafted for outdoor activities — with SPF 50+ protection and 80 minutes of water-resistance so you don’t need to reapply as often. It rubs in clear so you also won’t have to worry about awkward white streaks everywhere. Beach days, we’re ready for you. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
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