Your camping moments may end up like a feast for mosquitoes and bugs biting your skin. A very straightforward solution is to use an insect repellent. However, most chemically-based insect repellents last only for a couple of hours. The mere thought that these repellents consist of chemicals that may harm your skin may push you to find natural alternatives.
One of the best known natural remedies is coconut oil. The use of coconut oil is gaining popularity in different ways. Some people have opted to use it as a mosquito and bug repellent. And surprisingly, the results are amazing.
Why use Coconut Oil as an Insect Repellent?
The practice of using coconut oil in many ways goes back during ancient times. Our forefathers used coconut oil for various health benefits such as an aid for proper digestive function and as an immune system booster.
An insect repellent that contains DEET (diethyltoluamide) might be unsafe when used often. The frequent use of DEET can be toxic to your skin and may cause problems.
Because of this concern, some people seek for natural remedies, and coconut oil leads the list of natural alternatives.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil as Insect Repellent
Aside from being a natural moisturizer for your skin, coconut oil contains antioxidants that’ll keep your skin healthy. Because coconut oil is a natural lubricant, it’ll give your skin a slippery texture. This helps prevent mosquitoes and bugs latch on your beautiful skin.
Coconut oil will make you feel like a baby as it can keep your skin soft and smooth. This wonder oil has Vitamin E and other antioxidants that may prevent you from acquiring wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that may help prevent skin infections. It also consists of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that can aid in treating insect bites.
Some people use essential oils like Eucalyptus, Citronella, Spearmint, and Tea tree to treat bug bites. Using an essential oil alone can make your skin dry. Also, its repelling effect on bugs doesn’t last long. Adding coconut oil to essential oils may keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. The combination of these oils may not only give relief for insect bites. Essential oils help minimize the tropical coconut scent.
There you go! Mentioned above are only a few benefits of using coconut oil as mosquito and bug repellent. These are some of the reasons why many companies produce skincare products that use coconut oil as one of their ingredients.
If you know more about coconut oil-based insect repellents, let us know by commenting below!