Insect Repellents and Your Skin

Natural Repellents

Although chemical repellents are more effective, there are some situations in which you may want to opt for "natural" alternatives. Pregnant or lactating women, for instance, should avoid inhaling chemical repellents since there may be a rare chance of side effects.

There are plenty of natural oils that serve as insect repellents. Among the most effective are soybean oil and lemon eucalyptus oil. Soybean oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes for over an hour and the CDC recommends the use of lemon eucalyptus oil as an alternative to DEET. Citronella oil is another chemical-free option but it needs to be reapplied frequently (about every half-hour) and it may cause minor irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Regardless of which method you choose to keep yourself bite-free, remember to follow the instructions on the repellent container. Different concentrations of active ingredients may carry different usage guidelines. If you plan to be outdoors only briefly, wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible and avoid using perfume or other scented toiletries. Do not spray or apply repellents (even natural ones) on irritated or open skin and remember to wash repellents off before sleeping. If you think you're reacting to an insect repellent, wash the affected skin, save the repellent container, and call your doctor.