Does Sunscreen Repel Mosquitoes?

If you want to protect your skin from mosquitos even if you don’t have any bug repellent. You may be wondering whether sunscreen can repel mosquitos or not. We wear sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV radiation and reduces the chances of hyperpigmentation, premature fine line, and wrinkles. Here in this article, you will get the answer to ‘Does sunscreen repel mosquitoes’?

Does Sunscreen Repel or Attract Mosquitoes?

Sunscreen does not repel mosquitoes usually. Sunscreen does not contain any ingredient which repels mosquitoes or bugs. There are many reasons to attract mosquitoes rather than sunscreens such as when we exhale carbon dioxide, the heat of our body, and chemicals on the skin attracted mosquitoes and bugs. Sunscreen does not help to repel or attract the mosquitoes. If your sunscreen is scented or strong smell then it can attract mosquitoes.

There are several ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and picaridin. These ingredients can protect you from mosquitoes a little bit. Some people suggest that you can use sunscreen if you forget the bug spray. There is very less research on this but you should not expect it.

What Should We Apply First Sunscreen or Bug Spray?

If you want to apply sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from UV radiation and mosquitoes. Firstly, you should apply sunscreen and take 10-20 minutes to dry it on your skin. After that, you should apply bug spray to keep away mosquitoes and bugs.

Conclusion

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that mosquitoes hate sunscreen. Several sunscreens may contain some ingredients which can help to keep away mosquitoes and bugs. It does not mean that mosquitos hate sunscreen. You should keep bug spray with you when going outdoors and keep your sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s UV radiation.

FAQs