Mosquito repellent is another word for mosquito repellent and is used on the body or clothing to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Mosquito repellent is the most effective mosquito repellent and should always be used if you are going to be in a place where there is a risk of mosquito bites.
There are two types of mosquito repellent, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:
- Synthetic conditioner (based on chemical ingredients)
- Natural conditioner (based on natural ingredients)
In this article, we'll go through the different types of mosquito repellent to help you choose the right one.
Synthetic mosquito repellent
Synthetic mosquito repellent is much more effective than natural repellent. The duration of action of the chemical products is also significantly longer.
All mosquito products below are approved by Environmental Protection Agency so you can be sure that they are effective against mosquitoes without being harmful to your health.
We particularly recommend these products because they are effective and relatively inexpensive
The active ingredient in the Autan Active mosquito repellent cream is HIPC (hydroxy-isobutyl piperidine carboxylate), while it is p-menthane-3,8-diol in the conditioner from MyX.
Natural mosquito repellent
Natural mosquito repellents usually contain only plant extracts (plant oils) and possibly also herbs. These ingredients have a strong scent and hide our natural body odors from mosquitoes. As a result, mosquitoes are less attracted to us.
The advantage of natural mosquito products is that they do not contain any chemicals. However, even though they are natural, they may have a slight irritating effect on sensitive skin.
The downside of this type of mosquito repellent is that it's not very effective and doesn't last very long - but here in the UK, where the mosquito problem isn't too bad, they can provide adequate protection in some cases.
We recommend these natural mosquito products
How often should you apply mosquito repellent?
First and foremost, always remember to read the instructions on the packaging of the mosquito repellent.
If you get mosquito bites despite applying mosquito repellent, you should reapply the repellent.
You should also always keep in mind that each mosquito repellent can have different effects on different individuals. In other words, it can be very effective for one person and ineffective for another.
3 tips for application
As different types of mosquito repellent are formulated differently, it is important to always follow the instructions on the product's packaging.
1. exposed skin
Some areas of the body are more exposed to mosquito bites than others. This applies to all bare skin areas, of course, but especially those areas that radiate a lot of heat, such as the ankles, wrists and neck.
Mosquito repellent should only be used on exposed skin areas and never under clothing or on damaged skin. Remember that it is always a good idea to cover as much of your body as possible with clothing. Mosquito repellent can also be used on clothing.
2. apply to the face
DEET-containing mosquito repellent should not be applied to the face. Other types of balm can generally be used on the face, but always remember to read the instructions on the packaging first.
When using mosquito repellent on the face, always apply it gently and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth. You can use it on the ears, but only sparingly.
If you're using a spray, don't spray directly onto your face, but instead into your hands. Then spread the balm in your hands and apply sparingly to your face.
3. Children
Most mosquito repellents should not be used on children under 3 years of age (this includes repellents with DEET). When applying mosquito repellent to a child, always rub the repellent into an adult's hands and then apply it to the child.
Also remember that children should not apply mosquito repellent themselves (an adult should always apply it) and that they should not get repellent on their hands (because they often put their hands in their mouths, eyes, etc.) Always keep mosquito products out of reach of children.
If you are going abroad
If you're traveling abroad and will be staying in mosquito-infested areas, you should consult a doctor who knows about travel medicine. In some areas, mosquitoes can infect humans with diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus, and only a doctor can advise you on how to prevent these diseases.
There's no doubt that mosquito repellents with DEET are the most effective of all and we recommend using these products if you're going to very mosquito-infested areas. However, DEET products are not allowed in the UK, so you will have to buy them abroad.