Summer's coming and soon we'll be sitting outside on warm summer evenings visiting with friends, having barbeques and slapping bugs. Most of us will head to the drug store for insect repellant but, before you run out the door, consider this: what's bad for the insect is also bad for you, especially when it comes to your skin care.

The same ingredients that kill insects are also listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as toxic to humans, and they come with enough warnings to definitely scare you off if you read them. They are especially dangerous for those with dry skin or eczema. What are your alternatives? A good shielding lotion will help prevent dry skin and inhibit absorption of the toxins, but natural insect repellants may be something you also want to look into. Here's what you're up against with the traditional toxic products.

The most common ingredient in insect repellants is N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, more commonly known as DEET. The EPA has approved it for use, but only with a long list of do's and don'ts.

• Don't use over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. This would include dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne or any kind of cut, scrape or wound.
• Don't apply directly to the face. Spray the repellant on your hands and then rub it onto your face. This will keep it out of your eyes, nose, and mouth and prevent inhalation.
• If you've used your hands to rub the repellant into your face or other parts of your body, don't touch your eyes or mouth.
• Wash the repellant off your body with soap and water as soon as you come indoors.
• Don't wear clothes that have insect repellant on them. Wash them before wearing them again.
• Don't use too much.
• Don't spray it under clothing.
• Don't spray it in an enclosed area.

Does the list above make you wonder if insect repellant is safe? The answer is obvious: unless you're allergic to insect venom, you're safer with the insects.

However, if you don't use a repellant you're going to get bitten so you have to find an alternative. What do you do? First, instead of heading to the drug store, try the health food store. They may carry natural insect repellants that, while not usually completely toxin-free, are certainly far less dangerous than DEET.

Next, use a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that inhibits absorption of chemicals. Apply it first, then spray the insect repellant on top. It will prevent and help heal dry skin so you are not as susceptible to the toxins, and will help prevent damage from the chemicals.

Don't let the bugs ruin your summer. Protect yourself from dry skin and chemicals with natural insect repellant and shielding lotion.