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

Especially formulated for those with hypersensitive skin, these products are free from fragrances and harsh chemicals. 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. A standard skin care regime using hypersensitive skin products is shown below:

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

To begin your cleansing regime you should use a fragrance free shower gel suitable for hypersensitive skin. 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.

These hypersensitive skin products should contain a lot of Omega 6 and fatty acids which moisturise the skin. 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.

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. Scented deodorants that contain aluminium should be avoided as it clogs 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. 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 productsspecifically 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. 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.

So, if you introduce hypersensitive skin products into your daily skincare regime, your skin should not experience any more allergic reactions. These products will also help calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

If you're off travelling around Asia, the Americas or sub-Saharan Africa then make sure you take a mosquito net with you. Some estimates suggest Mosquitoes might be responsible for the deaths of as many as half of all human beings who have ever lived. Literally bloodthirsty, they may be, but the real danger of mosquitoes lies in the infections and diseases they can pass between people. The elephantiasis-causing filariasis worm, epidemic polyarthritis, encephalitis (including the West Nile Virus) and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Every year, at least 2 million people die as as result of such mosquito-born infections. It is particularly tragic that most of these deaths are children; their young bodies unable to put up much of a defence against the onslaught.

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.

Those who are moving around and/or don't necessarily know where they will be sleeping, compact mosquito nets are ideal. Whilst products large enough to cover even double beds are available, their design means they can be collapsed down small enough to be stored in a compression bag. 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. "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 active between dusk and dawn; hence the importance of mosquito nets. As well as a net, it's important to keep yourself covered if you are out and about at night, during the early morning or evening. 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're travelling in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or the Americas, it is very important you take a mosquito net along with you. Whether you are staying in a double bed in one hotel or hiking through the mountains, sleeping beneath the stars every night, there is a net suitable for your requirements. Malaria is a terrible problem, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid the worst of it.