In this age of constant connectivity, it is easy to find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of emails, notifications, and deadlines that seem to dominate our every waking moment. We are constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and responsibilities, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and mentally drained. It is during these times that we often forget the healing power of nature and the incredible benefits it offers.
For me, stepping outside and immersing myself in the great outdoors has become a sanctuary from the demands of my daily routine. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through a nearby park, an invigorating hike in the mountains, or simply sitting by the beach, nature has an uncanny ability to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and souls.
So last month, I decided to take an extra long drive from Los Angeles to Wyoming visiting Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Touching three states, Yellowstone boasts a mesmerizing tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to cascading waterfalls and vibrant meadows. But it is important to be mindful of the impact that mountainous weather can have on our skin. On top of that, I decided to camp for 4 days.
Taking care of your skin while camping is essential to keep it healthy and protected from the elements.
These are my tried and true tips to maintain your skin's health during your outdoor adventures:
- Pack the right skincare products: Before heading out, gather the necessary skincare items such as a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- Cleanse your face: Use your gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed. This will help remove dirt, sweat, and any impurities accumulated during the day. I always bring my konjac facial sponge to help remove dirt and sweat, especially after a long day of being outdoors!
- Hydrate your skin: Camping can lead to dry and dehydrated skin due to exposure to the sun and wind. Apply a moisturizer suited for your skin type to keep it hydrated. Look for one with SPF for added sun protection. I always bring our depuffing dissolvable eye masks whenever I spend a prolonged period of time outdoors. Not only does our eye masks help with the depuffing from long days, but the Irish Moss and Konjac ingredients gently hydrates the skin.
- Protect from the sun: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. Don't forget to cover exposed areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs.
After spending 4 days camping, I made my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to reset (and get a good shower in!) Nestled in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Jackson Hole offers breathtaking landscapes, crisp mountain air, and abundant wildlife. I’ve read that this part of Wyoming has long been recognized as a place that’s great for both body and soul.
Being surrounded by the great outdoors, I can’t seem to leave campfires so,
- Be mindful of campfire smoke: Campfire smoke can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Try to position yourself upwind from the fire or consider using a portable fan to redirect the smoke away from your face.
As I winded down my week, it was important that I went back to LA without major disruption to my skin since I was gearing up for my in-person meetings in Grand Rapids and Chicago. In order to feel confident in my skin, I always:
- Keep your lips moisturized: Apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from getting dry and chapped. Reapplying throughout the day to maintain hydration and sun protection.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall health and maintaining skin hydration. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, especially in hot and dry environments.
And my last BIG advice:
Keep my skincare routine simple. While spending prolonged time outdoors whether it’s camping or traveling, it's best to keep your skincare routine minimal and straightforward. Stick to the basics of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Avoid using too many products or introducing new ones that may irritate your skin.
This was my skin after spending 4 days camping, 2 full days hiking in in Jackson Hole, and too many hours driving the west. A few mosquito bites on my forehead but no damaged skin barrier or breakout!
I hope these tips are helpful as you get outside!
X,
Lena