A partner of 
During peak summer, lasting until autumn, our health is at risk of being infected by flies and insects. The common insects that irritate our skin and body health are mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks. These pests thrive in warm, humid conditions, making summer a prime breeding season.
Insects tend to follow our walking trails outdoors or fly around us to get in contact with our skin. To repel these insects from nearing our bodies or leaving an irritable sensation on our skin, we should find healthy ways to mitigate insects.
Let us explore homemade and chemical-free insect repellents:
A Small Effort in Repellent Leaves A Huge Impact
Imagine having a healthy skin repellent that does not leave a heavy fragrance scent and contains healthy natural ingredients.
The old proverb “Prevention is better than cure”, also applies to skincare and bodycare.
Store-bought insect repellents are often filled with alcohol and dense chemicals. This makes the product’s texture either too greasy, too thick to slather on the skin, or too light-weight. Moreover, such store-bought insect repellents often leave an unpleasant scent. Hence, one way to have the most pleasant jar of insect repellent is to dive into a Do-it-Yourself (DIY) project.
Here are simple DIY strategies to create a healthy and sustainable insect-repellent product:
1. Get The Base Right
Professional aesthetics skin care training and scientific research led me to discover how to make a healthy insect repellent. I learnt that avoiding chemical and alcohol-based agents is the key to creating a good skincare product. Therefore, I illustrated in the image below all the key natural ingredients to create a healthy insect-repellent lotion base.
2. Choose Water and Lecithin as Emulsifiers
Lecithin, often derived from sunflower seeds or soybean extracts, is effective in stabilizing emulsions. The process of extracting the compound is also biodegradable and non-toxic. Water (Aqua), on the other hand, acts as a natural solvent and dissolver. It is a must to choose distilled or purified aqua to avoid contaminants and for optimal pH levels. Mix both Aqua and Lecithin to create a stable foundation texture base.
3. Repellent With Long Shelf Life
Incorporating preservative agents to extend the lifecycle of any water-based lotion is a must. Add potassium sorbate with a recommended volume concentration during the cool-down phase of binding the lotion. Potassium sorbate (often also known as Vitamin K) can be sourced from natural berries or vegetable extract. The potassium sorbate compound has low microbial activity, thus preventing the product from going bad.
4. Bind in Healthy Humectants
Moving away from the typical glycerin or hyaluronic acid, the most accessible healthy and beneficial ingredient is aloe vera extract. Aloe vera is a resilient plant that harvests easily throughout the year. The extract from the aloe plant has excellent hydrating properties, providing a soothing sensation to the skin and acting as a remarkable skin enhancement agent. Humectants (hygroscopic substances used to keep things moist) are essential for a base that does not irritate the skin. On top of moisturising benefits, humectants ensure a proper pH balance.
5. Drops of Antioxidants for Co-benefits
Antioxidants in an insect-repellent base provide additional benefits such as protecting skin from free radicals, any irritations, open wounds, or oxidative stress. Add rosemary extract during the cool-down phase for anti-ageing properties and to protect the skin.
6. Store the Base in Dark Green Glass Jars
While a glass jar is reusable and prevents contamination leakages, it serves the purpose of preserving the product. Storing the insect repellent lotion in a dark amber or green glass jar protects from UV light exposure and maintains product integrity. A glass jar also makes it easy to sterilize for repeated use.
7. Stir in Essential Oils Carefully
Slowly incorporate drops of essential oils after letting the entire insect-repellent lotion base cool slightly. Stir the entire mixture until fully incorporated. Prioritize essential oils which are most suited to your skin sensitivity. You can explore essential oils in more detail from our previous article. Remember to test a small sample of the essential oil on your skin before incorporating most of the volume into your insect-repellent base. The following five essential oils are most effective to repel all types of insects:
- Lemon eucalyptus oil or Lime oil
- Citronella oil
- Geranium oil
- Peppermint oil
- Thyme oil
Crafted from 100% pure essential oils, this blend isn’t just about aroma; it’s a powerful defence against pesky insects. Each oil packs its own punch against bugs, creating an impenetrable barrier when united.
Beyond its bug-fighting powers, this oil is a champion of sustainability. It’s a plastic-free, natural solution that skips harmful chemicals and embraces a planet-friendly approach to bug defence.
Don’t Forget Your Hair Scent
Often, we believe that body scent and skin health are the main factors that attract insects. Our body is always filled with small strands of hair. Additionally, the hair above our heads is a door to attract insects to hover around our bodies. Yes, specific insects are prone to react to entire body scent. Hence, apart from layering a fair dose of insect-repellent lotion, it is vital to top off with a light spray of natural scent on our hair. Try to spray a light cologne or a body mist with citronella, lavender, or peppermint base. This scent is highly effective in repelling insects.
Finally, remember to keep the skin well-cleansed before lathering the DIY insect repellent. A good detoxification of dead skin cells will leave your skin ready to absorb the benefits of lotion. Try showering with herb-based Aleppo Soap , adding a primary layer of protection. By taking good care of our skin and body, we can feel more healthy and comfortable.
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