WHICH NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENTS ACTUALLY WORK?

Summer is here in the Southern Hemisphere, which makes me both excited and worried because (i) warm weather and (ii) holidays, but (a) hay fever and (b) mosquitoes. I am a magnet for mosquitoes. There have been times when people who usually get bitten by mosquitoes thank me afterward because I’ve been their sacrificial bait! Unfortunately, as well as getting bitten I also develop big itchy welts that linger for weeks after the event. Needless to say, I’ve been a mosquito repellent devotee my entire life.

The repellent I usually use is Aerogard Tropical Strength, which contains a high concentration of DEET. DEET, short for N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the most common active ingredient found in mosquito repellents. You’ll find it in brands like OFF!, Repel and Coleman.

DEET is a synthetic ingredient that works by scrambling the smell and taste signals of mosquitoes so humans smell less attractive to them. It was developed in the 1950s and is still the best insect repellent ingredient. However, DEET has a strong odour, can cause skin irritation, and can damage plastics, rubber and some synthetic fabrics. It’s also washed off by sweat and rain, and decreases in effectiveness at hotter temperatures. Additionally, although some DEET formulations can repel insects for up to 12 hours, it’s recommended that you reapply with caution once it wears off due to the risk of skin irritation. There are a few other effective synthetic compounds such as icaridin (Picaridin), AI3-37220, AI3-35765, CIC-4 and IR3535, but they have similar issues to DEET: unpleasant smell, oily feeling and irritancy.

1 Natural Mosquito Repellents

2 Non-Spray Alternatives

3 Verdict

 

NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENTS

Repellents containing natural ingredients usually avoid most of these problems, but on the flip side, most of these don’t work very well. One of the suggested reasons why natural ingredients don’t work that well is that they often contain a complex mixture of compounds, some of which attract and some of which repel different insects (this can happen with blends of extracts from different plants as well). Like for most natural products, the exact proportions in the mixture will vary depending on lots of factors such as where the plant was grown, how it was harvested, how long it’s been in storage etc.02

The most popular natural mosquito repellent is citronella oil, but it isn’t all that effective. Some natural ingredients that fared better in studies are celery seed extract and para-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD, found in lemon eucalyptus). Turmeric, lemongrass, soybean oil, neem and hairy basil also work reasonably well. However, none of them beat DEET. Interestingly, while vanillin (the main chemical in natural vanilla and vanilla essence) doesn’t repel mosquitoes itself, it helps most synthetic and natural repellents evaporate slower and therefore repel mosquitoes for longer.

I’ve been using Moogoo Skincare Tail Swat recently and have been very impressed. It contains a fragrant oil blend along with soybean oil, celery seed extract, lemongrass oil and hops extract, and has been doing a pretty darn good job of keeping away mosquitoes so far! I was also surprised that when I sprayed it onto an existing bite, the itch went away, so I’m sold. I haven’t tested its lasting power yet since I’m paranoid and have been spraying this endlessly, so I’ll update if I notice anything different. Since it contains celery, unsurprisingly Tail Swat does smell a little like celery, so if you hate it you may want to stay away. I didn’t mind the smell (it was nowhere near as pungent as DEET!).

 

Other sprays containing effective natural ingredients that I haven’t tried but have seen good reviews for (note that most natural repellents seem to get mixed reviews, possibly due to variations in body chemistry or the mosquito species in the area).

NON-SPRAY ALTERNATIVES

If you don’t want to spray repellent on your body, unfortunately, there aren’t that many alternatives. The best solutions so far are personal diffusers, and simply covering up or using mosquito nets (sadly impractical in many circumstances). Two personal diffusers that worked well in this study were OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent (Metofluthrin 31.2%) and Terminix ALLCLEAR Sidekick Mosquito Repeller (Cinnamon oil 10.5%; Eugenol 13%; Geranium oil 21%; Peppermint 5.3%; Lemongrass oil 2.6%). These tend to work better if you aren’t moving around too much.

Some people find that changing their diet has helped repel mosquitoes, but vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B12 oral supplements and patches don’t seem to work consistently in studies. Sonic devices and wristbands aren’t very effective either.

 

4 Pro Beauty Tips You’ve Never Heard.

    We’ve quizzed two renowned beauty professionals for their top beauty tips. We asked them for true insider info. Here, we unveil their 4 beauty tips you have probably never heard of.

    Face

    Violet Jordan are huge advocates of the ‘no foundation’ natural look, but some ladies can’t live without some coverage.

    Janette Matthews, a renowned makeup artist, suggests mixing your usual foundation or concealer with a lightweight moisturiser.

    “The great thing about doing this is you are in total control of the result. If you have a rosacea flare up or an unexpected spot and need more coverage, simply add a small amount of foundation to your moisturiser."

    She also advises against using thick concealer under your eye area, adding "it sits in creases and accentuates fine lines".

    Violet Jordan’s Multitasker is perfect for mixing with foundation as it's suitable for use around your eye area.

    Using Janette's mixing tip gives you light, natural, dewy coverage.

    Lips

    Janette reveals that choosing the right lipstick is one of the main problems most women face in perfecting a makeup look that suits them.

    “Neon colours and skin tone shades are so out of fashion.”

    She suggests choosing a lip colour to match the tone of the inside of your lip. Pull your lip down in the mirror and look at the colour.

    "For your perfect lip colour go a bit darker or a bit lighter than what you see and it will be flattering and natural looking, anything too far away from this shade will look unnatural.”

    Glow & Go Berry is a universal shade of red that suits all skin tones. It's a sheer formula that allows your natural skin tone to shine through, for colour unique to you.

    Eyes

    Black bags, puffiness and swollen eyelids are all common skincare complaints.

    Bethan Walker, a skincare professional, suggests keeping your eye cream in the fridge to soothe those eye issues. Cooling the area calms inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow.


    "To rid your eyes of unwanted puffiness, keep your eye cream in the fridge and apply it to your lids and under eyes before eye makeup."


    “Just 10 or 20 mins and your eye cream will be chilled and ready to use.”

    Eyebrows

    Our final insider tip is for eyebrows. Bethan recommends applying a nourishing balm to your eyebrows before going to bed. “This will help increase follicle strength and protect against hair loss.”

    Violet Jordan’s Glow & Go Dew works wonders to promote eyebrow strength, you can apply this during the day to keep your eyebrows in place and at night as a treatment.

    Castor oil, one of the natural ingredients in the Glow & Go Dew, is rich in ricinoleic acid which is a type of fatty acid. Studies have found that when it's applied to hair it enhances the health of the follicles.

    Beauty tips are pieces of advice, suggestions, or recommendations provided to help individuals enhance their physical appearance, grooming practices, and overall attractiveness. These tips often include skincare routines, makeup application techniques, hair care suggestions, and other practices aimed at improving one's appearance. Beauty tips can cover a wide range of topics, from skincare routines and healthy lifestyle habits to makeup tricks and fashion advice. The ultimate goal of beauty tips is to help individuals feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin while embracing their unique features.

    1. Cleanse and Hydrate Regularly:

    When it comes to achieving radiant and healthy skin, the importance of a proper cleansing and hydration routine cannot be overstated. Cleanse and hydrate—these two steps form the foundation upon which your skincare regimen is built. Let's delve deeper into why these actions are crucial and how to implement them effectively.

    The Power of Cleansing

    Your skin faces daily exposure to environmental pollutants, makeup, and natural oils that can accumulate and clog your pores. Cleansing your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed, is vital to remove these impurities and maintain clear skin.

    Choosing the Right Cleanser

    Selecting a gentle yet effective cleanser is essential. Look for products that are tailored to your skin type—whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or hyaluronic acid can provide targeted benefits for specific skin concerns.

    Proper Cleansing Technique

    To get the most out of your cleansing routine, follow these steps:

    Wet Your Face: Use lukewarm water to wet your face and open up your pores.

    Apply Cleanser: Squeeze a small amount of cleanser onto your palms and create a lather.

    Gentle Massage: Using your fingertips, gently massage the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Focus on areas prone to oiliness or makeup buildup.

    Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your face with cool water until all traces of cleanser are gone.

    Pat Dry: Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate your skin.

    The Magic of Hydration

    Hydrated skin is happy skin. After cleansing, it's crucial to replenish the moisture that might have been stripped away during the cleansing process.

    Choosing the Right Moisturizer

    Like cleansers, moisturizers should match your skin type. For oily skin, opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers. Dry skin benefits from richer, thicker formulas with ingredients like shea butter or ceramides.

    Applying Moisturizer Effectively

    Here's how to properly apply moisturizer:

    Prep Your Skin: After cleansing and toning, your skin is primed to receive moisture.

    Use the Right Amount: Take a pea-sized amount of moisturizer and warm it between your fingers.

    Apply Gently: Using upward motions, apply the moisturizer to your face and neck. Avoid tugging or pulling on your skin.

    Lock in Moisture: For added hydration, consider applying a facial oil or serum before your moisturizer. This helps seal in moisture and provide additional nutrients to your skin.

    2.  Protect with Sunscreen and skin care

    Unveil the importance of safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays. UV radiation can lead to premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen is your armor against these risks.

    1. Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin

    Not all sunscreens are created equal. Understand your skin type and its specific needs to select the right sunscreen formula. Whether you have sensitive, oily, or dry skin, there's a sunscreen for you.

    2. The Importance of Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

    Dive into the significance of SPF in sunscreen. Higher SPF values provide better protection against UVB rays. Learn how to choose the right SPF level based on your daily activities and skin tone.

    3. How to Properly Apply Sunscreen

    Master the art of applying sunscreen correctly. Ensure even coverage and maximum protection by following simple application techniques. Don't forget commonly overlooked areas like ears and the back of your neck.

    4. Additional Sun Protection Tips

    Explore supplementary measures to enhance sun protection. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunglasses are integral to your defense against UV radiation.

    5.Prioritize Your Skin's Health

    Reiterate the significance of incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. Protecting your skin from sun damage is essential for maintaining its health, youthfulness, and vitality.

    3.Incorporate Antioxidants and skin care

    Unveil the twin pillars of sun protection: sunscreen and antioxidants. UV rays and free radicals are a damaging duo. Learn how this dynamic duo can safeguard your skin.

    1. The Power of Antioxidants in Skincare

    Delve into the world of antioxidants – nature's defense against free radicals. Understand how they neutralize oxidative stress and contribute to healthier, radiant skin.

    2. Enhancing Sun Protection with Antioxidant-Rich Sunscreens

    Discover the new-age sunscreens infused with antioxidants. These formulations provide a double layer of defense by blocking UV rays and bolstering the skin's antioxidant armor.

    3. Synergy: How Sunscreen and Antioxidants Work Together

    Learn the science behind the synergy. Sunscreen shields against UV damage, while antioxidants counteract free radicals, resulting in comprehensive protection and rejuvenation.

    4. How to Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Skincare Routine

    Get practical with steps to introduce antioxidants into your daily regimen. From serums to foods rich in antioxidants, explore the myriad ways to amplify your skin's resilience.

    5. Nourish and Shield Your Skin with Care

    Sum up the transformative potential of combining sunscreen and antioxidants. Emphasize the holistic approach to skin health – guarding, repairing, and nurturing.

    4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

    Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for overall well-being and optimal functioning of the body. A healthy diet provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies need to function properly, stay energized, and prevent various diseases. Here's a more detailed explanation of what a healthy diet entails:

    Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet includes a balance of different food groups, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each of these groups plays a specific role in the body. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins support muscle growth and repair, fats are important for cell structure and hormone production, and vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions.

    Variety: Consuming a variety of foods ensures that you're getting a wide range of nutrients. Different foods contain different nutrients, so by incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet, you'll be more likely to meet your nutritional needs.

    Whole Foods: Focus on whole, minimally processed foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in nutrients and are less likely to contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium.

    Fruits and Vegetables: Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function, digestion, and overall health.

    Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and waste elimination.

    Limit Sugars and Saturated Fats: Reduce the consumption of added sugars and saturated fats found in processed foods, sugary snacks, and fried foods. These can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and other health issues.

    Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, and oats over refined grains. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full.

    Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied, rather than overeating or eating out of boredom or emotions.

    Meal Planning: Plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid making unhealthy choices when you're hungry and pressed for time.

    5. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo

    Sulfate-free shampoo is a type of hair cleansing product that doesn't contain sulfates as one of its main ingredients. Sulfates are powerful detergents commonly used in many personal care products, including shampoos, to create lather and effectively remove dirt, oil, and styling products from the hair and scalp.

    However, sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can have some drawbacks for certain individuals and hair types. Here's why sulfate-free shampoos are gaining popularity and why you might consider using them:

    Gentler Cleansing: Sulfate-free shampoos use alternative, milder cleansing agents that are less likely to strip away the natural oils produced by your scalp. This helps maintain the natural moisture balance of your hair, preventing it from becoming overly dry and brittle.

    Reduced Irritation: Some people have sensitive scalps that can react negatively to sulfates, causing irritation, redness, itching, and even flaking. Sulfate-free shampoos are often recommended for individuals with sensitive skin or those who have experienced discomfort using traditional shampoos.

    Color Protection: Sulfates can fade hair color more quickly, especially for those with dyed or treated hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on colored hair, helping the color to last longer and appear more vibrant.

    Curl Maintenance: Sulfate-free shampoos are often preferred by people with curly or wavy hair, as these hair types are more prone to dryness. The mild formulation of sulfate-free shampoos can help maintain the natural texture and moisture of curly hair.

    Keratin Treatment and Smoothing: Sulfate-free shampoos are often recommended for individuals who have undergone keratin treatments or other hair-smoothing procedures. These treatments can be sensitive to harsh detergents like sulfates, so using sulfate-free shampoos helps prolong the effectiveness of these treatments.

    Environmental Considerations: Sulfates in traditional shampoos can potentially harm aquatic life when they're washed down the drain. Sulfate-free shampoos are considered more environmentally friendly in this regard.