Planning an Outdoorsy Vacation? Here's How to Protect Your Face—and Feet—From the Elements

Everything you need, from head to toe.

As the temperature drops, you may be shifting your outdoor adventures from the beach to the mountains. As a beauty editor, I have a pretty extensive skin care routine , but I found myself questioning how to minimize it to the essentials when I’m roughing it outdoors. After spending a few days out in the mountains, I can’t begin to stress how important it is to plan accordingly for these outings—even a few hours outside in high altitudes can take a toll on your skin. From sun damage to dehydration to bug bites , hiking and camping can expose your skin to a whole lot of elements, so it’s crucial to have a good skin care routine in place. Here are the basic essentials that you’ll want to pack, including what to apply beforehand and what to bring on the day of.

Moisturizer

Properly moisturizing your skin is essential, especially when spending time outdoors. You want something thick enough to give sufficient moisture, but light enough that it won’t feel heavy and sticky on your skin (especially once you start to sweat). Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that's designed for your skin type . Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help lock in that hydration without leaving behind a texture that sits on top of your face.

SPF

The most obvious and most important: sunscreen . Being in high altitudes can make you especially prone to sunburn (read: skin damage). Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and slather it generously on your face and any exposed skin at least 30 minutes before heading out. Don’t forget those often-overlooked parts like the back of your neck, ears, and lips—these areas can burn too!

FYI, sunscreen only lasts up to two hours on skin, so reapplying is imperative. Sunscreen sprays are recommended for this since they're easy to apply on the go over whatever skin care products you already have on. Facial and body sprays are available, so make sure to pack both and reapply accordingly. If you tend to lose track of time, set a timer to ring every couple hours while you’re outside.

Rubbing Alcohol or Tannic Acid

If you’re going to be walking extensively, try this hiker’s hack. Applying some tannic acid to your feet a couple hours before exercise will make the skin on your feet drier and thicker, reducing the chances of any blisters forming while walking.

Bug Repellant

Prone to bug bites? If you have sensitive skin or have allergies to certain fragrances like me, try picaridin repellant, which is safe for all skin types. You can also try lemon eucalyptus oil for a natural alternative.

Cleansing Wipes

Excess sweat and dirt can lead to breakouts, especially if you’re acne-prone . Pack some biodegradable cleansing wipes to give your complexion a refresh during your hike (recommended right before sunscreen reapplication).

Anti-Chafing Products

To prevent chafing discomfort and irritation, apply an anti-chafing balm, cream, or powder on areas prone to friction, such as inner thighs, underarms, and beneath backpack straps. These products can help reduce friction and soothe already irritated skin.

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