Don’t Sweat It: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Summer Skin Care and First-Aid Essentials

(BPT) - Summer is in full swing — bringing longer days, more time outdoors and plenty of fun — along with the occasional scrape, bruise, bug bite and sunburn. The good news? With a little preparation, and the right resources, you can handle those unexpected moments quickly and get back to enjoying the season.

"During the summer months, we help families with everything from soothing sunburns to treating bee stings," said Julie Caldwell, a Walgreens pharmacist. "My best advice is to be prepared before those unpredictable moments arise. That means keeping sunscreen on hand and a well-stocked first-aid kit ready for life's everyday bumps, bites and scrapes."

Even with the best planning, summer doesn't always go as expected — whether you run out of sunscreen at the pool, need relief from a mosquito bite or want to quickly treat a minor injury, Walgreens can help you solve those in-the-moment needs fast. By following these pharmacist-recommended tips, keeping key essentials on hand and knowing where to turn for quick solutions, you can stay comfortable, protected and ready for whatever summer brings.

Don't skimp on sunscreen

Think you won't get a sunburn? Better to be safe than sorry. According to recent findings from the American Academy of Dermatology, 35% of Americans were sunburned in 2024 (up from 25% in 2020). Not only is a sunburn painful, but it can also increase your risk of skin cancer.

When you're frolicking outdoors at the park, pool or beach, keep your skin protected by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, like Walgreens Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray, which comes in both SPF 30 and SPF 50. Your skin will thank you for it.

Pro tip: Remember that no sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Soothe a sunburn the right way

A sunburn usually heals on its own, but the process can be painful. If experiencing discomfort, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, may help. If you don't have blisters, apply Walgreens Dye-Free After Sun Gel — which contains aloe vera — while your skin is damp. This can help replenish moisture, soften your skin and help prevent peeling.

Take the itch out of insect bites

Humans aren't the only ones enjoying the warmer weather. Insects like mosquitoes are out in droves, waiting for unsuspecting prey like you.

The best way to handle insect bites is to avoid them by applying a smooth, non-greasy mosquito repellent before heading outdoors, like Off! Mosquito Repellent Smooth & Dry Non-Greasy Spray or OFF! Clean Feel Fragrance Free.

If you do get bitten, resist the urge to scratch. Scratching can break the skin and lead to infection. For immediate relief, clean the skin with soap and water and apply a cool compress. Use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, like the one from Walgreens, or take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Tablets or Walgreens 24 Hour Allergy Relief Cetirizine Hydrochloride, to temporarily relieve itching.

Be prepared for minor injuries

Cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries are common when you're exploring the outdoors. That's why it's important to have a first-aid kit on hand, like the Walgreens On-The-Go First Aid Kit. This kit has exactly what you need to treat minor injuries, including bandages, topical sanitizers and ointments, gloves, a cold pack, tape and wound dressings.

If you don't know how to properly care for a minor cut, burn or sprain, don't worry. The kit also comes with a first aid guide to help you.

Prioritize your hydration

Another common summer concern to prepare for is dehydration. When spending long days in the summer heat, you will naturally lose fluids. Staying hydrated is vital to keep the good times going.

For general hydration on beach days, during camping trips or on high-heat days, drink plenty of fluids, especially water. You should also consider an electrolyte drink mix like Walgreens Triple Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix Stick Packs, which hydrates faster than water alone, includes essential vitamins and helps you stay comfortable while taking in the sunshine.

Outsmart summer allergies

A summer breeze may feel nice on your skin, but the pollen it carries can trigger seasonal allergies. Luckily, symptom-specific over-the-counter allergy medications can help you enjoy your day. Treatments like antihistamine eye drops, nasal corticosteroid sprays and over-the-counter oral medications like Walgreens 24 Hour Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets can help alleviate multiple symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy and watery eyes.

Soothe the sting of summer plants

Even when you are being careful, you may come into contact with an irritating plant like poison ivy.

If this happens, don't panic. Wash your skin in warm, soapy water or use Walgreens Poison Ivy Wash within an hour to keep urushiol (an oil that causes the extremely bothersome rash) from spreading.

If a rash develops, resist the urge to scratch. Instead, apply a cool compress and use over-the-counter calamine or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching. Avoid topical antihistamine or anesthetic creams, which can actually make the rash worse.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Are you ready to start your summer off on the right foot? Head to your local Walgreens to stock up on all the essentials or stop by before you head to the beach and when you need relief or supplies fast.

From dermatologist-tested sunscreens to soothing after-sun care, as well as allergy relief and first aid solutions, Walgreens is your go-to destination for summer wellness. Plus, with convenient options like 30-minute Pickup or 1-hour Delivery*, getting what you need is fast and easy, even when you're fighting off a poison ivy rash.

"With the right essentials in place, it's easier to stay protected and truly make the most of the season," said Caldwell. "And Walgreens is here to help every step of the way, especially when you need it most."

To learn more and find a store near you, visit Walgreens.com.

*Delivery in as little as 1 hour and Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). Exclusions, restrictions, and fees may apply. For details, visit Walgreens.com/same-day-delivery and Walgreens.com/Pickup.