Saturday 14 January 2012

Care For Your Skin Conditions With Hypersensitive Skin Products

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?

Those with hypersensitive skin have an extremely low tolerance level to unfavourable environmental conditions and chemical-based skin care products. 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.) These skin conditions will get more irritated by chemical-based skin products. If they begin to use hypersensitive skin products however, it is likely that conditions can be improved and allergic reactions avoided.


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. These irritants include sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), parabens, phthalates, ethyl alcohol and GMOs.

Skin-care regime with hypersensitive skin products

A skincare regime with hypersensitive skin products is the same as any regime – just with gentler products. Outlined below is an example of a typical regime using scent-free hypersensitive skin products:

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

At the beginning of the skin care regime, a shower gel should be used that is free from artificial fragrances. It should contain natural products such as aloe vera and yucca, kind to ultra sensitive skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Hypersensitive skin products such as this shower gel must be free from SLS.

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. They should also be free from irritants such as phthalates or petrochemicals.

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

Like other hypersensitive skin products, this natural deodorant should be free from parabens, ethyl alcohol and artificial fragrances. 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.

When the body has been cared for with hypersensitive skin products it is essential to then target the neck and the face. 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. Natural and gentle ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile should be in the hypersensitive skin product and not irritants such as emulsifiers or essential oils. Hypersensitive skin products specifically formulated for the face and neck should be ultra-gentle, leaving skin feeling smooth with its moisture balance retained. A facial cleanser should also act as a make-up remover for hypersensitive skin, so gentle that it is safe for getting rid of all types of eye make-up, and even waterproof mascara.

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

Moisturising the face should be the final part of the regime using hypersensitive skin products. 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. The moisturiser's ingredients must be gentle on the skin such as primrose or avocado, which also support the health of skin that is hypersensitive. As with all other scent-free products, the moisturiser should be free from lanolin, petrochemicals and colourants.

Therefore there is no limit on what you can do with hypersensitive skin products – you can follow the same skincare regime that you followed before – just without the undesired skin reactions. These products will also help calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Saturday 10 December 2011

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, various forms of encephalities and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Even today, between 1 and 3 million people die each year from malaria. Most of these deaths are children.

Traditional bell nets are hung above a bed or sleeping area, with nets draping below and splaying out to cover either single or double beds (you will need to ensure beforehand that your net matches your size of 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.

To make doubly sure of being protected from malaria, you'll need a net that is impregnated with insecticide. Long Lasting Impregnation (LLI) kills mosquitoes as soon as they land on the net. The LLI lasts for 2 years, after which it can be reimpregnated with commercially available anti-mosquito treatments. Reimpregnation is a simple process that can be carried out at home. You simply mix a solution of the anti-mosquito treatment to the right level of concentration and then draw the net through. Once dry, the net will be reimpregnated with LLI.

Mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn; hence the importance of mosquito nets. 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.

Mosquito nets are also handy if you are in non-malarial zones. You may not be so at risk in the UK or France, but mosquitoes are still annoying. Non impregnated nets are available to keep the bugs off.

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

Saturday 19 November 2011

Water Purification Tablets and Diarrhoea Prevention Products

Travellers often asked what the best methods are for avoiding unclean drinking water. Boiling water is a great method, but not always practical. Here we look at alternatives.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are probably the safest and most effective chemical water disinfectants on the market. They kill bacteria, viruses and cysts in water (including giardia and cryptosporidium). As well as drinking water, it is important to treat any water which may enter your body, e.g. water used for brushing your teeth or preparing food. There is no need for additional neutralising tablets since 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.

The Aquapure Traveller bottle is a handy solution for those with a bit more space in their rucksack. It incorporates brand new M.A.D. (Mechanically Advanced Disinfection) Technology, a chemical free system that not only does a far better job than the original product, but also has a faster flow rate: all without chemicals. The bottle is designed to provide safe drinking water that tastes great. Its filter cap will purify around 350 litres during its lifetime, and is the only portable water purifier officially endorsed by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases London. It is kind to the environment; by using the Aquapure Traveller, you are helping the environment by not disposing of the equivalent of 700 plastic bottles per filter. It is very simple to use. There aren't any 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 eliminates toxic chemicals and heavy metals, and bad tastes, odours and sediment. It's 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 brand new one.

Bimuno Travelaid helps keep your stomach healthy while overseas. This truly exceptional patented formula has been specially designed for travellers by worldwide experts in digestive health. Scientific analysis show that the unique second generation prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide formulation of Bimuno Travelaid helps encourage and sustain a good level of your gut’s “good” bacteria (bifidobacteria) helping to prevent “bad bacteria” from becoming established. Furthermore, unlike other prebiotics, it also has unique anti-adhesive properties, which help your body to drive out “bad” bacteria you may have consumed. By this combined effect of maintaining a favourable balance of “good” bacteria and preventing bad bacteria from finding a home you can help to keep your stomach happy. Since the protective benefits of Travelaid build over time, it is recommended that you take the product for a week before your departure and each day whilst you are on your travels. Because of its effectiveness, Travelaid is recommended by many 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.