sunscreen or bug spray first? pure haven’s guide to safe summer protection

Planning to enjoy the outdoors this summer? While sunshine and fresh air are known to work wonders for your health and mood, it’s important to protect your skin from two of summer’s biggest threats: harmful UV rays and pesky insect bites.

Why Summer Protection Matters

Whether hiking, heading to the beach, or simply enjoying the backyard, being outdoors comes with exposure to the sun and insects. Both can pose serious health risks if you’re not properly protected.

Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure

While some sun is beneficial (hello, vitamin D!), too much UV exposure can lead to:

sunburn
early signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration)
skin cancer

That’s why sunscreen is essential. However, not all sunscreens are created equal.

The Problem with Chemical Sunscreens

Most store-bought sunscreen products are known as chemical sunscreens, which contain harmful ingredients like:

avobenzone
homosalate
octinoxate
octisalate
octocrylene
oxybenzone

Studies have shown that these ingredients can enter the bloodstream after just one application, can linger for days or even weeks, and have been linked to:

hormone disruption
skin irritation
environmental damage to coral reefs and marine life

The Safer Choice: Mineral Sunscreens

Pure Haven’s sun protection products use non-nanoparticle zinc oxide, a natural mineral that sits on top of skin, to create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays before they penetrate the skin. It offers broad-spectrum protection safely and effectively.

Bug Bites Are More Than Just Annoying

Mosquito and other pesky insect bites cause more than just itchy bumps on the skin. Mosquitoes and ticks can carry and spread dangerous diseases like:

West Nile virus
Zika virus
Malaria
Lyme disease

Preventing bites is about more than avoiding the itch — it’s about protecting your health!

Say No to DEET

Although DEET (diethyltoluamide) is commonly used in insect repellents, it’s linked to:

seizures
skin rashes
respiratory issues
joint and muscle pain
neurological damage

Other FDA-approved chemical repellents like picaridin and IR3535 may also cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other adverse reactions.

Natural Alternatives That Work

Eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and citronella oil are proven natural repellents that offer protection without the health risks. They’re key ingredients in Pure Haven’s nontoxic bug off spray, providing a safe, plant-based solution.

Sunscreen or Bug Spray First? Here’s the Right Order

Applying products in the correct order helps them work more effectively.

Follow these steps:

Apply sunscreen first — at least 15 minutes before going outside.
Once sunscreen is absorbed, apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
Reapply bug spray only if bugs begin to bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use combination products. Sunscreen and insect repellent have different timeframes for reapplication.
Don’t apply DEET-based repellent, especially not over sunscreen. It can enhance absorption of toxic DEET into skin and may reduce sun protection.
Don’t overuse insect repellent. More doesn’t mean better.
Don’t skip exposed areas. Mosquitoes will find and bite them — ankles especially! — and the sun will burn unprotected skin.

Why Choose Pure Haven Nontoxic Products?

At Pure Haven, we’re committed to formulating safe, effective solutions for your everyday needs. Our products are made using only the purest natural ingredients and safe synthetics where necessary, so you never have to worry about anything harmful hidden in your products.

Shop Smart for Summer

Keep yourself and your family safe this season with Pure Haven’s nontoxic sun protection and insect repelling products.