Everything you need to know
Insect bites, heat rash, and sunburn, I know you might be thinking that we don’t need to be worrying about these kinds of things here in Ireland, but we do especially with the weather hotting up over the next few weeks.
We associate insect bites with holidays abroad but over the last couple of years it has become a problem in Ireland. Spending more time outdoors socialising and gardening is possibly driving the numbers. I am constantly getting bit while in the garden, that is until I discovered Incognito Insect Repellent.
Incognito spray is our customers favourite insect repellent to prevent being bitten. In tests Incognito was found to be 100% effective against mosquito bites. This is ideal if you are traveling to areas known to have mosquitos. It also protects against midges, sandflies, horseflies, ticks, and many more. It doesn’t contain DEET or other harmful pesticides. It’s 100% natural and can be used by all the family including young babies from 6 months onwards. The effects last up to 7 hours. The bottle is made from 100% recyclable sugarcane plastic.
They also do a natural sunscreen SPF30 that has a Triple action, 3 in 1 sun cream, insect repellent & moisturiser. It is suitable on all the family from the age of 6 months plus. It is moisturising, hydrating and non-greasy with a light citrus fragrance and natural and organic ingredients. With broad spectrum SPF30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays, this non-greasy lotion will protect the skin against both sun damage and ageing.
Is your sunscreen causing your heat rash
Heat rash is another summer problem normally associated with trips abroad. The symptoms of heat rash include small clusters of tiny, raised bumps on discolored, irritated skin. A prickly, burning or itchy sensation may also accompany heat rash. Heat rash is also known as prickly heat and although it can appear anywhere on the body, heat rash often appears around skin folds in the neck, near the groin or under arms. Most of the time, heat rash isn’t serious and often goes away in cool temperatures. However, it can be very uncomfortable and can get worse if excessive sweating continues.
Here in Ireland the weather can be clammy at times causing sweating, a possible cause of the rash. When the sun does come out so does the sunscreen, and it could be the sunscreen that’s causing the rash. Switching to a more natural mineral based sunscreens like Green People, Incognito, Jason's, or Aloe Pura could be the solution.
You could also try nettle tea, brands like Salus are therapeutic. Or if you prefer a supplement you could use A.Vogel Urtica (Latin for nettle) tincture or Lifeplan Nettle tablets. Nettle can help to cool the blood and acts as a natural antihistamine where there is itch. Nettles are useful for heat rash, hives, and may help ease hayfever symptoms too.
Aloe vera gel is cooling and can help to cool down the skin. This can help soothe the itch and pain. Use aloe vera gel directly on your heat rash to relieve the discomfort. Drink plenty of water and take cool showers or baths.
Mineral Based Sunscreen
It’s important to stay safe in the sun. Chemical based sunscreens are more likely to irritate sensitive skin and trigger skin allergies and heat rash. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin where they can clog pores and prevent sweating. Natural sunscreen sits on top of the skin and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Aim to use mineral based sunscreens. They will be kinder to your skin, and to the environment. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen are generally believed to be more environmentally friendly than chemical SPF, particularly for vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. As such, mineral sunscreens may be preferable for those looking to adopt a more sustainable beauty routine.
They’ll help to prevent heat rash too. If you do get a little burnt then use aloe vera gel to cool and calm the skin. If you're in pain then you can mix one or two drops of lavender essential oil with the aloe in the palm of your hand. You may need to apply several times for optimal cooling effect.
Icnogito is my new best friend, I can get my gardening done in peace now without being bitten alive