Your Parents Are Going on Safari Are They Protected from Mosquitoes and Sunburn

As Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page.” If an African safari or the Galápagos Islands is part of your golden-years bucket list, protecting your skin and avoiding mosquito bites should be a top priority.

InsectShield® clothing is designed to combine UPF sun protection with built-in permethrin-based insect repellent that is EPA-registered to last up to 70 washes. Pair it with high-SPF sunscreen and topical repellent for more complete coverage on exposed skin.

Why It Matters in the Golden Years of Traveling

Shield Your Skin from Irritation

As we age, skin becomes thinner and more sensitive. The Galápagos Islands sit on the equator, where sunlight is both direct and intense. Without proper protection, sunburns and irritation can happen quickly. High-SPF sunscreen on exposed skin — and UPF-rated clothing on covered areas — can help reduce that risk.

Photos adopted from ChatGPT

Guard Yourself During Evenings Outdoors

During safari lodge dinners or Galápagos beachfront evenings, mosquitoes and sand flies become active. Even with long sleeves and pants, hands, ankles, and face remain exposed — making topical repellents an important backup.

Essentials for Comfort and Independence

• InsectShield clothing = fewer reapplications of repellent
• UPF-rated fabric = sun protection without heavy sunscreen on covered areas
• Sunscreen only needed on exposed skin (face, neck, hands, ankles)
• Repellent sprays or wipes = lightweight and easy to reapply

Safari and Galápagos Tips

• Safari: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brim hat in the early mornings and evenings when mosquitoes are most active.
• Galápagos: Expect sand flies and intense equatorial sun. UPF clothing may help reduce the need for extra sunscreen on covered areas.
• Packing Hack: Choose light, breathable colors like khaki, tan, or olive for cooler comfort and to blend into safari landscapes.

Things to Consider

• Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before traveling to malaria-risk areas. The CDC recommends anti-malarial medications for most travelers to sub-Saharan Africa.
• InsectShield UPF ratings vary by product. Check the specific garment label for the exact UPF rating before purchasing.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating, per manufacturer directions.
• Topical DEET-based or picaridin-based repellents are recommended by the CDC for exposed skin in addition to permethrin-treated clothing.
• Permethrin-treated clothing should not be dry cleaned. Normal home laundering is recommended.
• If you have sensitive skin, test sunscreen and repellent on a small area first. Consult a dermatologist if you experience irritation.

Photo adopted from ChatGPT.

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