How to Take Care of Your Skin When You're on an Outdoor Adventure

Going on an adventure is always fun, but it’s rarely a walk in the park for your skin. The outdoors can be a minefield of stressors. It’s not just the elements, like harsh winds and sunlight, that can harm your skin. Apart from face mask concerns, you could also have an adverse reaction to flora and fauna, including strange bugs with toxic bites. Whether you’re an avid fan of the great outdoors or a newbie still testing the waters, read on for handy tips on how to take care of your skin.

If you can only do two things for your skin, cleanse it well and apply sunscreen. Of course, it would benefit from the boost it gets from moisturizer and serum, but when you are outdoors, make sunscreen a priority. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage to protect your skin from UVB and UVA rays.

Without sunscreen, prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn and premature skin aging, which manifests as age spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, rough hands, and dry, itchy skin. Diligently applying sunscreen can lower your risk of skin cancers by up to 50% in the long run. Use POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen on your face. It protects you from UV rays while fading dark spots and evening out the skin tone.

The American Cancer Society also warns against staying directly under the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because ultraviolet rays are strongest during that period. If you can’t avoid going out, layer up with protective clothing, such as a lightweight jacket and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply Vaseline Healthy Bright SPF24 PA++ Sun + Pollution Protection Body Lotion all over your body for skin repair and protection. It keeps your skin moisturized as well as protected from sun damage and free radicals. Reapply often if you sweat a lot so you're constantly protected.

Communing with nature means exposing yourself to its inhabitants. Let’s be honest: you’re more likely to encounter seven different bugs than run into a cute dog or a pretty bird. The AAD notes that while most bug bites are harmless and will eventually go away, others can spread diseases, such as dengue, Lyme disease, and malaria. Some people are also more sensitive to bug bites and experience adverse allergic reactions even to the tiniest bite. 

Protect yourself from bug bites with insect repellent that has at least 20 to 30% DEET, which protects you against mosquitos, ticks, fleas, and other bugs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you can get products with up to 99% DEET, an ingredient in repellent products that work by camouflaging your natural scent from insects. Simply apply it on exposed skin or clothing and you’re good to go. 

These three are always listed as tips on how to take care of your skin. However, washing your face and hands on the go can be a challenge when you’re hiking or biking. The next best thing is carrying wipes that can cleanse the skin while delivering moisture. Wipes are a great way to stay fresh outdoors. You can use them right before reapplying sunscreen, so you’re not putting on a new product on a sweaty face. They could also quickly clean your hands and icky surfaces or take mud off your shoes.

For a gentle, refreshing clean that won't dry the skin with harsh alcohol, use Dove Baby Care Wipes Sensitive Moisture. It has a mild, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free formula that removes impurities and protects you from germs while instantly moisturizing your skin. Since it’s safe for babies, it’s also safe to use on your face and body. 

Soaking in sweaty, dirty clothes isn’t good for your skin. Warm, sweaty clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. If you wear them too long, you’re also at risk of developing body odor and heat rash. If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, carry a change of clothes and underwear to keep your skin dry and protected. Choose lightweight fabrics that dry fast so you don’t end up adding weight to your backpack. Don’t forget to bring fresh underwear and socks, too.

When it comes to learning how to take care of your skin, make sure to match it with the context. When you're out for an adventure, remember to load up on the sunblock and bring wipes.