EMBRACE TRANQUIL, PEST-FREE SUMMER DAYS

We look forward to summer and warm weather, outdoor activities and relaxing in the sun every year. But, as much as we look forward to all that, we don't like annoying mosquitoes and other pests. The simplest solution for us, of course, is to rely on ready-made and commercial insect repellents. Still, they can contain strong chemicals you may not want to put on your skin or your children.

An alternative approach to this "problem" is using essential oils. Essential oils are obtained from plants and offer a natural way of protecting the skin. At the same time, you are carefree and enjoy nature. Best of all, you can make your own oil blends and sprays; all you need are key ingredients and a little goodwill to protect yourself naturally.

ESSENTIAL PRECAUTIONS BEFORE APPLYING AND USING ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are derived from plants and, due to their high concentration, can cause various reactions on the skin, so it is important to be careful how they are used. It would be good to test before applying any essential oil to determine if the skin will develop any negative reaction.

 Apply the selected essential oil to one spot on the skin and leave for 24 hours to see if redness or any other form of irritation appears. Also, it should be remembered that if you have damaged or irritated skin, it is not recommended to use essential oils precisely because of their strength.

 Essential oils should be used smartly and carefully. With proper use, it is possible to take advantage of all the benefits of essential oils, in this case, protection from mosquitoes and other pests we face every summer.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMER INSECT DEFENSE

Regarding essential oils that help fight mosquitoes and other insects, these popular essential oils are most often mentioned - essential oil of lavender, lemon eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint, also known as peppermint.

How exactly they help and how to use them is presented below.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender essential oil is a frequent favorite of fans and users of aromatherapy. Lavender oil is loved not only for its soothing scent but also for its insect-repellent properties. Mosquitoes and various other pests dislike the intense scent of lavender, making it almost ideal if you want to get rid of them.

When using a lavender essential oil, you can dilute it and put it on the skin or make a lavender oil spray by mixing it with water. The spray option is a much better choice for those who have children and want to protect them quickly and efficiently, and the spray enables exactly that.

If you choose to use lavender essential oil in a spray, remember to shake the spray bottle before each use so that the ingredients inside the bottle come together and become whole.

LEMON EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is known to have a wide range of effects. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and relaxing effects are attributed to me, as well as the fact that it works great in protecting against mosquitoes and as a remedy after stings.

This essential oil contains a compound called PMD (para-methane-3,8-diol), which is a natural repellent. For application, dilute a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the exposed areas of the skin. For the protection to be optimal, apply the cream proudly after a few hours and repeat the process as needed.

Like lavender oil, lemon eucalyptus essential oil can also be used in a spray. If an insect sting has occurred, it can be used to reduce the redness and itching caused by the sting. You can use it on yourself and children, but it is also good for pets in a diluted version.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea tree essential oil is a favorite of many users and fans of aromatherapy. It is known for its many useful properties, the best known being its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Due to its intense smell, it repels insects, which makes it excellent for protecting the skin from mosquitoes, flies and various other intruders and pests.

Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with the base oil of your choice and apply the oil mixture to the skin. You can add this vital oil to shampoos and shower gels or make your own spray to repel pests based exclusively on natural ingredients.

PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial and antiviral effects and stimulates the nervous system. This essential oil has a refreshing aroma and acts as an effective repellant against mosquitoes, ants and spiders.

A strong but refreshing scent almost camouflages the smell of our skin, making it unattractive to intruders; sounds great, doesn't it? It would be good to dilute peppermint essential oil with some base oil and then apply it to the skin.

Also, suppose you noticed that mosquitoes were very active and "moved" into the house to annoy you even more. In that case, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your diffuser and enjoy your space, safe from mosquitoes and surrounded by a refreshing scent for summer days and evenings.

We know that in the summer, it is sometimes so hot that no one feels like doing anything, and it is simpler to buy a means of protection against intruders and spray or apply it as needed. However, as we have already pointed out, such commercial products are often not the best solution due to the strong chemicals.

While it may not work for you and you end up going back to using store-bought products, try going natural and trying to protect yourself and your loved ones by using essential oils. They are honest, effective and smell great. To us, that sounds like an ideal combination for summer!