Summer's here. Our favorite TV shows are over for the season, we're off the couch and out into the beautiful weather -- swimming, jet skiing, boating, or just lying around on the beach soaking up the rays. It's also time to dig through the bathroom cabinets for the sunscreens and the myriad of creams and lotions we use to prevent the skin problems that inevitably accompany exposure to the sun, the pool and the ocean. Unfortunately, most of those products are so loaded with skin-drying chemicals they're apt to do more harm than good. A good, natural dry skin care routine will help prevent those skin problems without causing further damage.

What do you need to protect your skin during the summer months? The first thing is protection from the sun. While some exposure to the sun is healthy, too much can cause leathery, dry skin, and skin cancer. Unfortunately, most sunscreens cause exactly the same problems - they're usually loaded with chemicals that not only dry the skin, they even stimulate tumor growth and the spread of cancer cells. However, there are now several sunscreens on the market that don't dry the skin, and don't cause cancer. Check the natural skin care section of your local health food store, or peruse the Internet. It's also vital to apply a shielding lotion under the sunscreen. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to prevent the absorption of chemicals.

The next hazard is the water. In fact, dry skin is an occupational hazard for pro swimmers, and a summer in the pool or ocean can create the same problem for you. Chlorine dries the skin just as fast as the sun, and is a dangerous, toxic chemical. The salt, while not as dangerous, is equally drying. Shielding lotion will also help with these chemicals. Fortunately, a good shielding lotion doesn't wash off easily so if you apply it before you jump in, you'll stay protected while you're swimming.

Don't let dry skin and the fear of skin cancer ruin your summer fun. Use natural dry skin care products that don't cause the same problems you're trying to prevent, and you'll have a happy, healthy summer.