How do I care for my skin while camping?

What skincare should I pack for camping?

A camping skincare kit needs cleansing, moisturizing and protection, not enough bottles to give the tent its own bathroom. Using several different skincare products can irritate your skin.1

• Bring a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
• Pack broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Bring an EPA registered insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or picaridin. Look for an EPA registration number on the label.
• Pack a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and loose clothing that covers your arms and legs.

How do I cleanse my face while camping?

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser before applying skincare and before bed to remove dirt, oil and debris.
2. 2Limit face washing to twice a day and after sweating to avoid irritation.
3. 3Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to trap water in the skin.

What moisturizer should I bring camping?

Choose a moisturizer for your skin type; look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label. Moisturize your face, body and lips, even if your skin is oily. A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine two steps, but still needs sunscreen reapplication.1

If you have nummular eczema, which causes patches of eczema, choose a fragrance free, hypoallergenic cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Apply it after washing and whenever skin feels dry. Use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance free cleansers. Avoid sitting close to the campfire: heat and sweating can trigger a flare. Choose loose, soft, breathable clothing, and seek dermatology care if patches persist or itching becomes unbearable.4

How do I protect my skin from bugs and sun while camping?

Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before going into the sun. Cover exposed skin, including ears, neck, scalp, lips, backs of hands and tops of feet. Reapply at least every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating. Seek shade especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Clouds do not remove the need for protection, and water, sand and snow reflect ultraviolet rays.2

Apply repellent after sunscreen, not beneath clothing. Follow its label for reapplication. EPA registered repellents are safe when used as directed, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For children, keep repellent off hands, eyes, mouth, cuts and irritated skin; an adult should apply it to their own hands before spreading it on a child's face. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD repellents on children under 3.3

Use separate sunscreen and repellent rather than a combination product: sunscreen needs more frequent and generous reapplication. DEET applied over sunscreen can reduce its SPF, so more frequent sunscreen application may be needed. If bites resume, reapply repellent only as often as its label allows. Permethrin treated clothing and gear add protection against mosquitoes and ticks; never apply permethrin directly to skin.35

What if I get sunburned?

Stay out of the sun until the burn heals. Cool baths or cool, wet cloths and moisturizing cream or aloe can soothe it. Do not break blisters; cover them lightly with gauze. Seek medical attention for severe sunburn, dehydration, high fever, or extreme pain lasting more than 48 hours.2