Insect Repellent
Insect repellent works by making people less attractive to mosquitoes and other biting insects. Topical insect repellents are applied directly to the skin, and they contain repelling substances which help to keep bloodthirsty mosquitoes and other annoying biting insects away.
Types of Insect Repellent
Depending on preference and the level of convenience required, a large range of insect repellents are available to choose from, including lotions, aerosol sprays, non-aerosol pump sprays, roll-ons and wipes. These contain a variety of natural and synthetic chemicals.
Some popular brands of insect repellents include: Jungle Formula, Lifesystems, Autan and Mosi Guard, along with supermarket's own brands.
There are other types of insect repellent which are not applied directly to skin, such as mosquito smoke coils, mosquito wristbands and insect repellent clothing.
Active Ingredients in Insect Repellent
Insect repellent contains active ingredients which are available in varying degrees of strength. In tropical areas where there is a real risk of being bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito, products with high levels of the active ingredients should be used, such as Jungle Formula Extra Strength Lotion.
Many insect repellents contain the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a substance which blocks a mosquito's ability to detect carbon dioxide or other chemicals given out by human breath and skin. DEET makes people invisible to mosquitoes.
Other active ingredients in insect repellent to look out for include picaridin, lemon eucalyptus and oil of citronella.
Instructions for Using Topical Insect Repellent
Topical insect repellent should be reapplied frequently according to instructions. As with sunscreen, it provides a maximum number of hours of protection before reapplication is required, and this length of time can be affected by ambient temperature and humidity, perspiration and exposure to water. It may be necessary to reapply insect repellent more often than recommended, depending on conditions.
When applying spray insect repellent to the face, it is easier to spray repellent into the palm of the hand first and then rub into the face. Sprays should be used carefully in well-ventilated areas, as some people may find they are sensitive to spray mist. Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Wipes Home & Abroad may be more convenient to use than a spray, especially when applying insect repellent to children.
Many insect repellents are pleasantly scented and safe to use on children; the labelling should be carefully checked for minimum age of use. Topical insect repellent for use on sensitive skin is also available.
Related Articles:
DEET Insect Repellent
DEET is an effective insect repellent which gives protection against mosquito bites and insect-borne diseases.
DEET Free Insect Repellent
DEET free insect repellents provide several hours of protection against mosquito bites and other insect bites.
Natural Mosquito Repellent
Natural mosquito repellent such as lemon eucalyptus repels mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Picaridin
Picaridin is an effective mosquito repellent, and is one of the best alternatives to DEET.
Mosi Guard
Mosi Guard Natural is a powerful insect repellent proven to be effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Insect Repellent Wrist Bands
Insect repellent wrist bands help prevent mosquito bites by releasing insect repellent vapours such as DEET and citronella.
Mosquito Coils
Mosquito coils release insect repellent or insecticide smoke to get rid of mosquitoes, midges, gnats and other biting insects.
Insect Repellent Clothing
Insect repellent clothing is a safe, convenient way to protect skin from mosquito and other insect bites.
Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray
Many people seem to find that Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray works well as an insect repellent and is pleasant to use.