Sunscreen and DEET protect your skin in different ways — you need to apply them in the right order to get the best results.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends applying sunscreen, then DEET. First, apply sunscreen to any parts of the body you want to protect against sunburns and other skin damage. Next, wait at least 10 minutes before you apply DEET to your skin. This allows you to make sure the sunscreen is fully absorbed. Most importantly, the sunscreen and DEET can work together to protect your skin against damage and mosquito bites alike.
Is there a mosquito control product with sunscreen in it?
You can purchase a combination mosquito control-sunscreen product. If you are considering this type of product, learn as much as you can about it. And, if you decide to use a mosquito control product with sunscreen in it, make sure you apply the product as instructed. Questions persist about the effectiveness of a mosquito control product with sunscreen in it. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a mosquito control product and sunscreen. If you monitor your use of both products, you can make sure you are consistently protected against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and mosquitoes.
How to choose the best sunscreen and DEET products
It is beneficial to select a sunscreen with a broad spectrum that has an SPF of 30 or higher, the American Academy of Dermatology Association notes. Meanwhile, the product should be water resistant and applied at regular intervals. With a DEET product, it is important to choose one with a low concentration. For instance, if you intend to spend one hour outdoors, you should select a DEET product with a concentration of 10%. If you pick up a DEET product for your kids, make sure it has a concentration under 30%. Also, do not use a DEET product on a child under the age of 2 months.
The best mosquito control tips for when you’re in the sun for a long time
Along with you a mosquito control product, you can wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Light-colored clothing is less likely to attract mosquitoes than other apparel. Plus, it may help you stay cooler in the sun than other types of clothing. Of course, if you’re using a mosquito control product, apply it regularly. Follow the instructions so you can keep mosquitoes at bay while you are in the sun.
What you can do to protect against mosquitoes at home
It helps to eliminate any spots where there is standing water outside your home. Otherwise, mosquitoes can breed in these spots, which can cause the mosquito population at your home to grow and thrive. If you are struggling to combat mosquitoes, you can always partner with a mosquito control company as well. This company can send technicians to your home to assess your mosquito problem. The technicians can perform a mosquito control treatment to help you instantly reduce the mosquito population on your property. They can offer tips and recommendations to help you manage the mosquito population for an extended period of time, too.
Also read: How do mosquitoes target humans?