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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. That’s why we found the best quick-relief topicals, bug bite zappers, and soothing moisturizers to help you live your best life this summer.
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Bug Bite Relief
An insect-repellant spray that lasts up to 12 hours...
Perfect for long days spent outdoors, family camping trips, summer hikes, and more, this spray provides protection against a wide variety of pests like gnats and mosquitos. It's fragrance-free and can even repel disease-spreading ticks. It's safe to use on fabric, so your clothes won't be damaged. It's non-greasy, dries quickly, and contains 20% picaridin, which is more effective than DEET.
Bug bite relief patches your kids won't hate…
Getting your kids to sit still while you apply spray or creams should be an Olympic sport. We love how easy these colorful patches are to stick on. They help prevent picking and scratching, while keeping out dirt and other germs that can make bites worse. Kids can wear them for up to 10 hours, including in the pool or shower.
A bite-zapper that works with your body’s natural healing process…
This handheld device uses concentrated heat technology to target any recent bug bites and help prevent swelling or inflammation in seconds. It’s small enough to stash in a clutch or toiletry bag, and it’s battery-operated, so you don’t have to carry around extra wires or chargers.
An itch-relief stick you can carry everywhere…
Whether you’re dealing with an itchy bug bite, minor cut, burn, or rash, this Benadryl balm is your solution. It’s about the size of a tube of mascara and works fast. Plus, it's safe for kids ages 2 and up.
A sleek, rechargeable healing pen…
Who knew light can help relieve itchiness? This pen uses blue light and heat pulses to treat the affected area — and looks cool doing it. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 400 uses on a single charge, so you won’t constantly have to plug it in.
A reusable, chemical-free way to fight bug bites…
For a simpler, more analog solution to itchiness and redness, we turn to the Bug Bite Thing. It’s a suction tool that helps remove mosquito saliva left under your skin (which causes itching and swelling). It’s a super lightweight, last-minute option in case you don’t have any first aid products on you.
A rechargeable mosquito repeller that works with your decor…
This mug-sized mosquito repeller is minimalist only in style. By pushing one button, you’ll reach maximum protection in 15 minutes. There are no flames, smoke, or scents — just a pet-friendly formula that wards off mosquitos from up to 20 feet away. If you’re big on backyard dinners, this repeller is a must.
Sunburn Relief
An overnight lip mask our editors obsess over…
Your lips can get burned, too. This mask’s 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.
A soothing facial spray for instant relief…
We love everything Summer Fridays, and this hydrating mist is particularly ideal for soothing post-sun skin. The ultra-fine mist feels as great upon application as it does hours later. It helps your skin hold moisture and reinforce your skin barrier. Plus, you can wear it either under or over makeup.
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 peeling (win). It feels less greasy than other cocoa butter moisturizers, too. Pro tip: Store it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling feel.
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.
An ultra-hydrating face mask you can sleep in…
Yes, we tried it. And we can confirm that this juicy, nutrient-rich face mask lives up to the hype. You can leave it on for three to four hours for a quicker hydration session, or overnight to wake up with plump, glowing skin. Our editor especially loved how cooling it felt, which makes it ideal for after-sun care.
A spray that will boost your skin barrier…
A well supported skin barrier = soothed, hydrated skin. This mist from COSRX has five ceramides that help refresh and calm sensitive skin while restoring radiance and moisture. No tightness, no dryness, just a soft, supple afterglow.
A deeply moisturizing serum for your entire body…
For any of those random burns you might find after missing a spot with your sunscreen, you’ll want to try Dewsy’s Down Deep HA Body Serum. It feels weightless but delivers tons of cooling, refreshing moisture to dry skin. It dries down quickly, so you don’t have to wait to get dressed after you slather it on.
Rash Relief
A new cream from a derm-approved brand we love…
Prequel’s Reactive Skin Solutions is a steroid-free cream meant to bring down redness, itching, and inflammation. Whether you’re eczema-, dermatitis-, or bug bite-prone, this is an inexpensive over-the-counter topical to keep on hand.
A moisturizer that’s specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin…
This simple moisturizer is derm-approved and has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know it’s a good one (especially for sensitive skin). It has ceramides, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid to plump your skin, soothe irritation, and help replenish your skin barrier. No breakouts here.
The maximum strength hydrocortisone cream you can get without a prescription…
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest solution — and it doesn’t get any simpler than this CeraVe Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream. It has three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to amp up those moisture levels and calm irritated skin. We especially love its under-$10 price tag.
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.
More Soothing & Protecting Products
A body cleanser to wash away sweat, grime, sand, and anything else lingering...
When you've spent the day on the beach or in a park, you always come home feeling itchy, grimy, and generally gross. We love this body cleanser because it refreshes our skin, stripping away dirt and leaving behind a smooth, replenished feel. It can help to calm redness and irritation, and since it is infused with eucalyptus, it smells like the inside of an expensive spa. It'll start as a gel and then quickly form into a lather once combined with water.
A soothing mist for added hydration...
This multi-purpose hydrating and toning mist feels like a breath of fresh air after spending the whole day in the sun. It has aloe vera, sea salt, sodium hyaluronate, and seaweed in its formula for a quick hydration boost and a dewy glow that lasts. Drop one of these in your tote for a last-minute refresh whenever you need.
Color-changing patches that tell you when to reapply sunscreen...
Is it magic? Close. These peel-and-stick patches feel like nothing once they're on, but gradually fade to reveal a (cute) icon or image as UV exposure builds. Once the icon is fully visible, you'll know it's time to reapply a layer of sunscreen. They're also waterproof, so you can wear them in the pool or ocean. Side note: we also love their other wellness patches for things like stress-management, better sleep, and an extra dose of vitamins.
A daily SPF cream…
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 also the perfect base layer for any makeup look, since it doesn’t have a white cast.
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 dryness and nourish your natural skin barrier. Apply liberally after your next Everything Shower to give your skin some major TLC.
A lightweight face sunscreen that goes on clear…
Truthfully, we’ll never get over Supergoop!’s silky smooth face sunscreen. It leaves zero residue, doubles as a primer for your makeup, and has a weightless feel. It not only helps protect against the sun, it also protects against harmful blue light emissions, too.
Mineral sunscreen spray from a derm-recommended brand…
The nicest thing about this sunscreen spray (besides its easy-apply nozzle) is the fact that it's specifically formulated for outdoor activities — complete with SPF 50+ protection and 80 minutes of water resistance. It rubs in clear, so you also won’t have to worry about awkward white streaks everywhere. Pool days, we’re ready for you.