It is always useful to have a few trusted products on hand for effective first aid when different problems arise, not just during summer or while travelling. That said, summer and travel do tend to bring a greater risk of minor injuries, grazes, sunburn, insect bites, travel sickness and all kinds of sporting injuries. So which products do we rely on ourselves and would readily recommend to you?
PATCH plasters
Plasters are a basic part of any home first-aid kit. But did you know that it can be surprisingly difficult to find out exactly what conventional plasters are made from? They are usually made from PVC, chlorine-bleached cotton and a latex- or acrylate-based adhesive. What is almost impossible to establish is whether the dressing pad or the plaster itself has also been treated with substances such as parabens, thimerosal and others, as well as potentially toxic bleaching agents. Conventional plasters may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or allergies. But even people without reactive skin may prefer to be cautious. These are not substances you necessarily want against the skin, where they may subsequently enter the bloodstream, let alone directly over an open wound.
PATCH plasters are a relatively new addition to our range, but both we and our customers have already grown very fond of them for several reasons – they are 100% natural, made from bamboo fibres and chlorine-free cotton, and are fully biodegradable, so they place less strain on the environment. They are also enriched with skin-supporting ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil or activated charcoal. This means they do more than simply cover and protect an injury; they also help support the healing process.
Redmond Clay
Bentonite clay is a remarkably versatile product that can be used as first aid both externally on the skin and internally. When taken internally, it helps reduce the acidity of gastric juices and can provide short-term relief from digestive problems such as diarrhoea or nausea. Over the longer term, it is used to support digestion and normal bowel function. Externally, it is particularly useful for insect bites and nettle stings. It can soothe and cool the skin while also drawing in and absorbing toxins, helping to reduce the effects of bee venom after a sting, for example. It is also useful for supporting the healing process of small wounds, scratches, grazes and even cold sores. Redmond Clay is available in two forms – loose powder, which needs to be mixed with water, or as a hydrated gel that is ready to use. For travel, we recommend the practical hydrated gel, although this version is not suitable for internal use. For home use, the classic loose clay is the more versatile option.
Odylique sanitising spray
Hand sanitiser became a highly sought-after product during the recent crisis, but keeping a sanitising spray close at hand is useful at any time, particularly while travelling. Running water and soap are not always available when you need to wash your hands. Conventional sprays, however, often contain large amounts of alcohol. While this helps sanitise the hands, prolonged use can leave the skin very dry and may eventually cause cracking. Damaged skin can then provide an easier route for bacteria and impurities. The hand sanitising spray from Odylique, with calendula tincture, tea tree oil and citrus oils, also contains alcohol, but combines it with caring herbal extracts and plant glycerine. These ingredients help care for frequently washed and stressed hands and reduce excessive dryness. The spray dries very quickly and does not leave an unpleasant sticky feeling. Rather than leaving the skin dry, it feels comfortable and nourished after application. And it smells genuinely lovely too, which is not something you can say about every hand sanitiser :).
SOS first aid for your skin
Odylique's antibacterial Spot On serum with tea tree and zinc is a useful addition to any handbag or travel bag. It works well as a targeted treatment not only for spots and other minor skin concerns, but also to soothe and cleanse insect bites, stings, minor burns and small wounds, making it worth adding to your packing list for a trip to the cottage. It is also useful for nappy rash and yeast-related skin problems.
