Travel Accessories Needs

Why Hypersensitive Skin Products Are Gentle On Skin With Allergies

Hypersensitive skin is prone to allergy if fragrance cosmetics or essential oils are used because of the chemical compounds in these products. In order to avoid these adverse reactions, those with allergy-prone skin should follow a skincare regime comprising hypersensitive skin products which are fragrance-free.

What is hypersensitive skin?

People with hypersensitive skin cannot tolerate various environmental conditions or cosmetics that contain chemicals. Upon usage of these products their skin may thus suffer from multiple allergies or worsen chronic skin conditions they may already have (such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis.) If products with harsh ingredients continue to be used then skin conditions or allergies will only get worse. If they begin to use hypersensitive skin products however, it is likely that conditions can be improved and allergic reactions avoided.

Hypersensitive skin products

These are scent-free skin products that are especially designed for those with hypersensitive skin. These hypersensitive skin products should be free from essential oils, added fragrances or scents and irritating substances. Parabens, phthalates and ethyl alcohol are amongst these irritating substances.

Skin-care regime with hypersensitive skin products

A skincare regime with hypersensitive skin products is the same as any regime – just with gentler products. An example of a daily regime using fragrance-free hypersensitive skin products is listed below:

1. Shower or bath with an organic base no scent shower gel.

A scent-free shower gel formulated for hypersensitive skin should be used to start off the regime. It should contain natural products such as aloe vera and yucca, kind to ultra sensitive skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. A hypersensitive skin product like this should not contain sodium lauryl sulphate.

2. Use an organic base no scent hand and body lotion whilst skin is still moist.

Hypersensitive skin products like hand and body lotion should be rich in moisturising substances such as Omega 6 and fatty acids. With gentle and natural ingredients such as hemp, avocado and aloe vera, natural lotions should restore the skin's moisture whilst being non-greasy and easily absorbed. Irritating substances such as petrochemicals or phthalates should not be present in the lotion.

3. Apply an organic base no scent deodorant to dry armpits.

A natural deodorant that is amongst the hypersensitive skin products should not contain any artificial fragrances or ethyl alcohol. It should be gentle on the skin, whilst also being effective in preventing bacterial growth. Stay clear of deodorants that have aluminium in them as this ingredient contributes to the clogging of the skin's pores. A no-scent deodorant with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, olive leaf or aloe vera however should be sought after.

4. Cleanse the face and neck with an organic base no scent cleanser.

After using hypersensitive skin products on the body, it is then necessary to focus on the face and neck. Use fingertips to apply the facial cleanser in small circular movements and then wash off with warm water, or remove with tissue or cotton wool. Essential oils and irritating chemicals should not be in the ingredients of the hypersensitive skin product, but instead gentle ones such as chamomile and marshmallow. Hypersensitive skin productsspecifically formulated for the face and neck should be ultra-gentle, leaving skin feeling smooth with its moisture balance retained. A facial cleanser formulated for hypersensitive skin should be gentle enough to act as a make-up/eye make-up remover as well.

5. Finish by applying a no scent 24 hour fragrance-free facial moisturiser.

The last part of the skin-care regime with hypersensitive skin products should be the facial moisturising. A face cream that can be used morning and night is preferable so that your skin can be fed with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients at all times. Mild ingredients like avocado or primrose will not irritate hypersensitive skin and will in turn boost its health. As with all other scent-free products, the moisturiser should be free from lanolin, petrochemicals and colourants.

There are no limitations with hypersensitive skin products and you can follow a normal skincare regime without adverse reactions. These products will also help calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

 

Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Mosquito nets offer critical protection against a terrible disease. Some estimates suggest Mosquitoes might be responsible for the deaths of as many as half of all human beings who have ever lived. Their danger comes from their ability to transfer diseases and illnesses between humans. The elephantiasis-causing filariasis worm, Ross River Fever, West Nile Virus and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, mosquitoes kill 2 million each year. Most of these deaths are children.

Bell nets are probably the most recognisable form of mosqutio nets. Suspended from a ring, they fan out to cover your bed. For bell, box and wedge nets which require hanging, the necessary hanging kit is supplied. All that is required is somewhere to attach them (e.g. a hook, beam or cord).

Portable, freestanding mosquito nets are perfect for use with tents. If you are off camping or are else in a situation where a traditional net cannot be hung, then these provide the answer.

Compact mosquito nets are available for both single and double beds. These handy, portable nets fit right into a compression bag; just like a sleeping bag or travel pillow. They are small enough to be carried in backpacks or hand luggage; the perfect choice for those off travelling the globe or trekking around Thailand.

While a net is essential, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that anyone travelling in a malarial zone should take the extra precaution of having their impregnated with an insect repellent with a minimum strength of at least 50% DEET. Long Lasting Impregnation (LLI) kills mosquitoes as soon as they land on the net. "Long Lasting" means 2 years; after that you will need to reimpregnate the net, but this is easily done. Reimpregnation is a simple process that can be carried out at home. Draw the net through a solution of the anti-mosquito treatment and leave to dry.

Mosquitoes are a particular problem at night, but are actually active for the whole period between dusk and dawn. If you are planning activities during the early morning or evening, it's still important to keep yourself protected by mosquitoes. You may be up and moving, but that won't stop them trying to bite. Head nets are made of a fine mesh that offers you clear vision while also keeping the mosquitoes off your face.

Of course, mosquitoes can be a pest even if they are not carrying dangerous diseases. For that reason, some mosquito nets are available in non LLI versions which are suitable for using in the UK and other non malarial areas.

If you are travelling in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or the Americas, it's important you take a mosquito net . Whether you're staying in a double bed in one hotel or trekking through the mountains, sleeping beneath the stars every night, there is a net suitable for your needs. Malaria is a terrible problem, but there are straightforward steps you can take to avoid the worst of it.

Water Purification and Diarrhoea Prevention Products

Travellers often asked what the most effective methods are for avoiding unclean drinking water. Boiling water is a tried and tested method, but not always practical. Here we look at alternatives.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are the safest and most effective chemical water disinfectants available. They kill bacteria, viruses and cysts in water (including giardia and cryptosporidium). They can be used to treat drinking water, as well as water used for brushing your teeth and preparing food. There is no need for additional neutralising tablets because chlorine dioxide tablets have no taste. The tablets can be used to treat as much as 30 litres of water and are safe for long term use.

Until recently, iodine was the most commonly known and commonly employed water purification treatments. However, iodine is not being supported under the EU Biocides Directive and so most manufacturers have discontinued supplying iodine products since 2009. We now recommend using chlorine dioxide tablets; a great alternative.

If you are not limited with space, try the handy Aquapure Traveller portable water purifier bottle. It utilises brand new M.A.D. (Mechanically Advanced Disinfection) Technology, a chemical free system that not only does a better job than the original product, but also has a faster flow rate: all without chemicals. The bottle was designed to provide safe drinking water that tastes great. Its filter cap will purify an average of 350 litres in the course of its lifetime, and is the sole portable water purifier officially endorsed by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases London. It is environmentally friendly; by using the Aquapure Traveller, you are helping the environment by not dumping 700 plastic bottles per filter. It is very simple to use. There are no chemicals or complicated produces; you just fill it and drink. Aquapure Traveller eliminates viruses and bacteria such as E. Coli, polio, hepatitis A and others. It removes waterborne pathogens, including giardia, cryptosporidium, etc. It gets rid of toxic chemicals and heavy metals, as well as bad tastes, odours and sediment. It is the perfect solution for holiday makers, backpackers, trekkers, business travellers and, in fact, anybody who needs access to pure, fresh water anywhere in the world. Replacement filters are available and can be replaced by simply taking off the old cap and screwing on a new one.

Bimuno Travelaid helps keep your stomach healthy while abroad. This exceptional patented formula has been specially designed for travellers by experts in digestive health. Experiments show that the unique second generation prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide formulation of Bimuno Travelaid helps to encourage and sustain a normal level of your gut’s “good” bacteria (bifidobacteria) helping to prevent “bad bacteria” from becoming established. Furthermore, unlike other prebiotics, or indeed probiotics, it also has unique anti-adhesive properties, which help the body to drive out “bad” bacteria you might have consumed. By this combined effect of maintaining a favourable balance of “good” bacteria and preventing bad bacteria from finding a home you can keep your tummy happy. Because the protective benefits of Travelaid build over time, it is recommended that you take the product for seven days before your departure and each day while you are on your travels. Because of its effectiveness, Travelaid is recommended by a large number of travel clinicians and Bimuno is an approved travel industry partner of ABTA.

I hope you found this article about chlorine tablets for water purification interesting and informative.