Ida Naturals : Bug Me Not

Now that is one question that has always stumped me: what makes you attractive to these insects? How do they locate you and why are some people less of their meal than others?

Apparently, their sensors are attracted to heat and certain chemicals in sweat such as lactic acid and the carbon dioxide we give off just by breathing (1). That’s why being warm-blooded mammals makes us prime targets.  Certain perfumes containing pheromones should be avoided as well.  There are many essential oils that help keep mosquitoes and insects at a safe distance. 

While there are several mosquito repellent sprays available commercially, they are laden with toxic substances the one really doesn't want absorbed into the bloodstream. I have been looking for a safe natural bug repellent alternative and found a moisturizing natural insect repellent balm with a powerhouse of essential oils from Ida Naturals.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Ida Naturals HERE!

A moisturizing natural insect repellent lotion bar with our special blend of essential oils - See more at: http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/products/details/for-the-outdoors/bug-bee-wear-lotion-bar#sthash.dzWawVOU.dpuf

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Shea Butter: Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients that nourishes and moisturizes the skin (2). The anti-inflammatory properties, specifically one compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation example caused by insect bites (2).

• Mango Butter: Has natural emollient properties and regenerative activity (3). Rich in vitamins A, C and E, these work to combat free radicals. When applied to the skin, mango butter has the ability to protect it from the sunburn as well as sooth sunburned skin (3).

• Sunflower Oil: Sunflower seed oil improves skin hydration by spurring the production of ceramides and cholesterol, two key components of healthy skin cells: Having more ceramides equals softer, smoother skin (4).

• Coconut Oil: Very rich in antioxidants that prevent free radical formation. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal as well, which is beneficial for maintaining clear skin. And because its molecular structure is relatively small, these benefits penetrate deep into underlying tissues that most moisturizers can’t reach (5).

• Beeswax: Known mostly for its conditioning properties, beeswax also has a number of other benefits for the skin, including an anti-inflammatory action that helps to calm, soothe and to help encourage the healing of wounds (6).

• Essential Oil of Citronella: Noted for its efficiency in repelling mosquitoes, according to a study, it provided about two hours of repellency (7).

• Essential Oil of Rosemary & Lavender: Have been used traditionally as bug repellents for centuries.  Both common herbs were used as either dried herb bunches or as hydrosol sprays to keep linens and clothes free of bugs in medieval Europe. Lavender oil helps relieve pain and itching (8).

• Essential Oil of Cedarwood: Have a long history of use as bug repellents and gives this blend a hearty woodsy note. Cedarwood is most known for repelling moths, but is repugnant to other insects as well, including mosquitoes (8).

 

A moisturizing natural insect repellent lotion bar with our special blend of essential oils - See more at: http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/products/details/for-the-outdoors/bug-bee-wear-lotion-bar#sthash.dzWawVOU.dpuf

The bug me not repellent is available in 10,15,50 and 70 gms. I snagged the 10gm as a trial purchase and am definitely sizing up. 

The balm is light in texture and melts due to body`s heat to form a oily film that glides on easily. Within a minute or two, the greasiness is absorbed by the skin to provide plenty moisturization. The fragrance is very mild (I might be wrong but I smell lavender predominantly), nothing like commercially available repellents.

Mosquitoes are usually active between dusk and dawn, when the air is calm. I slather the balm on my daughter`s exposed skin (feet, hands, neck, arms) before bedtime and her play-date outside. The effect of the balm is two fold: the citronella, rosemary prevent any future mosquito bites while the lavender soothes and heals any irritation from previous bites. Essential oils lose their potency over time, so the balm, depending on the activity needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours.

I haven't noticed any fresh skin eruptions on her or skin irritation due to itching. This balm puts my mind at ease knowing this is a safer alternative to keep bugs at bay!