The dermatologist gave advice on protection from mosquitoes and ticks

To protect your skin from sunlight, mosquitoes and ticks in nature, you can pay attention to several remedies. On April 25, dermatovenerologist and cosmetologist Valeria Shapovalova told Izvestia more about them. In addition, experts from the Cooper service have calculated how much such a "May set" can cost Russians.

According to the cosmetologist, a minimum set of products is needed to protect the skin in nature. First of all, it is a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It is especially important to use it during prolonged exposure to the sun.

"The UV index is convenient to track in the phone app. This will help you understand how intense the solar activity is and what level of protection is needed at the moment. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil will save you from mosquitoes and ticks," Shapovalova explained.

According to the expert, proper clothing is also important. Long sleeves and trousers made of thick fabric significantly reduce the risk of bites. For better protection, the doctor recommends tucking clothes in, creating tight-fitting layers of fabric.

At the same time, it is possible to combine repellents with sunscreens, but the correct sequence is important: first you should apply sunscreen, and then the repellent.

"However, it must be remembered that some drugs can reduce the effectiveness of each other. Therefore, it is best to choose combined products or pause between applications," the doctor said.

The expert noted that people often make a number of mistakes. Many people choose a cream with insufficient SPF levels, which does not provide the necessary protection during the period of active sun. They also often apply too little of the product — it simply does not work at full capacity. Some people often forget about the duration of repellents and do not update them when the protection period expires. Another disadvantage is the uneven application of protective agents, which leaves unprotected skin areas. However, using expired products can actually harm the skin instead of protecting it.

Signs of a tick bite may include redness, itching, swelling, and the appearance of a characteristic "ring" after a few days. The bite site is usually visible in the center of this ring.

"After staying in nature in the first hours, it is important to carefully examine the entire body, including the folds of the skin — axillary, inguinal, and scalp. Do not forget to inspect your clothes," the dermatovenerologist emphasized.

If a tick is found, you should immediately contact the nearest emergency room for its proper extraction.

"After a mosquito bite, antihistamine ointments or hydrocortisone creams should be used. They reduce itching and inflammation. With multiple bites, you can take an antihistamine inside," Shapovalova added.

According to Cooper's experts, a set of SPF cream, mosquito and tick spray, and gel after bites will cost Russians an average of 1,000 rubles. For example, a sunscreen can be found for 489 rubles, a mosquito and tick repellent for 299 rubles, and a gel balm after bites starting from 219 rubles.

The cosmetologist also noted that when bitten by mosquitoes, you can alleviate the condition with simple home remedies. For example, a cold compress helps reduce swelling and itching immediately after a bite. A simple paste of baking soda and water, applied for 10-15 minutes, also relieves itching. Natural aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin and accelerates healing.

Some people use natural oils, such as citronella oil, to repel insects. But it is important to remember that oils act much weaker and take less time compared to chemical repellents, the doctor explained.

"In addition, folk remedies can be dangerous with individual intolerance to the components. They also do not always provide sufficient protection. It is better to use them as a supplement," Shapovalova added.

On April 15, Anastasia Likhoshurst, a technologist and developer of the cosmetics brand Arabia Laboratories, told Izvestia that the active sun can seriously damage hair in spring and summer. Ultraviolet rays destroy their structure, leading to dryness, brittleness and loss of shine. She advised using a sunscreen spray for hair with UV filters, which creates a protective barrier.You should also wear hats, panama hats, or headscarves.