My Camping Trip to Laurel Creek (And What It Taught Me About Acne)

Last weekend, I went camping at Laurel Creek Conservation Area—just outside of Waterloo. I packed light, had minimal access to running water, and spent two full days outside, hiking, cooking over a fire, and trying to sleep in a tent with my husband and toddler.


It was peaceful. Beautiful. And also... kind of rough on my skin.


I came home with that gritty, post-campfire-feeling that no face wipe fully removes. And I thought: This is the kind of moment that can feel defeating for someone with acne.


So this blog is for you—whether you’re prepping for a backcountry canoe trip or a quick weekend in the woods. Let’s talk about how to protect your skin and your peace of mind.

Two people sitting by a campfire in the woods, roasting marshmallows and enjoying an outdoor camping trip.

What Camping Actually Does to Acne-Prone Skin

If you’re worried about how your skin will react when you’re off-grid, you’re not imagining it. There are real reasons camping can trigger breakouts:


🔥 Campfire Smoke

Smoke contains particulates that clog pores, cause oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation—especially if you’re sitting close to the fire night after night.


Pro tip: Use micellar water to wipe down your face, change your clothes, and tie back your hair before you go to sleep after exposure to smoke.


💤 Poor Sleep

Camping isn’t exactly a spa—early sunlight, late-night noises, and that perfectly shaped tree root under your back can mess with your rest. Poor sleep = elevated cortisol = oilier skin.


Pro tip: Bring a sleep mask, calming tea, and magnesium glycinate to help.


💧 Dehydration

Camping often means hot weather, sweaty hikes, and not enough water. Dehydrated skin produces more oil, making it more breakout-prone.


Pro tip: Bring a big jug or hydration bladder and sip throughout the day. 


🧂 Salty or Processed Food

Instant noodles, chips, and sugar-heavy snacks can spike blood sugar, leading to inflammation and hormone swings.


Pro tip: Balance those treats with fiber, protein, and healthy fats when possible.


🧼 Limited Face Washing

No running water = no full cleanse. Bacteria, sweat, sunscreen, and grime accumulate, and your pores might protest.


Pro tip: Use micellar water instead of harsh wipes, and don't skip moisturizer.


🧠 Under-the-Radar Stress

Even though camping is supposed to be relaxing, the disruption of routine and self-consciousness about your skin can raise background stress hormones.


Pro tip: Be gentle with yourself. Your skin doesn’t need perfection—it needs consistency and care.

A woman with a towel on her head offers a pipe to a shirtless man in an outdoor forest setting.

The 4-Step Camping Skincare Routine for Acne

Even without a sink, you can care for your skin without stress or fuss. Here’s a realistic, barrier-friendly, acne-conscious skincare routine for the woods:

1. Micellar Water (AM + PM)

Not the best, but good in a pinch. Cleanses gently—no rinse needed. Use pre-soaked cotton pads or bring a travel bottle and cotton balls.

2. Vitamin C Serum (AM)

Helps protect skin from UV, pollution, and inflammation—especially important when you’re outside all day.

3. Lightweight Moisturizer (AM + PM)

Don’t skip this—even oily skin needs moisture, especially outdoors.

4. Sunscreen (AM + Every 1-2 hours)

Non-negotiable. Prevents post-acne pigmentation and inflammation.

Two people sit by a campfire near a tent on rocky shore with water and forested hills in the background.

Camping Food That Loves Your Skin Back

S’mores are fun. Hot dogs are part of the experience. You’re not “bad” for enjoying them—but some tweaks can help support your skin from the inside out.


✅ Acne-Friendly Camping Food Tips:

  • Protein-rich snacks: Jerky, collagen bars, trail mix with seeds
  • Fibrous foods: Apples, carrots, dried prunes
  • Healthy fats: Avocados, nut butter packets, chia seeds
  • Anti-inflammatory extras: Turmeric-spiced nuts, green tea
  • Hydration: Electrolyte powders, coconut water, lots of plain water


❗ And yes—roast the marshmallow. Just maybe have it after a handful of trail mix.

Young woman playing acoustic guitar while sitting on a camping chair by a lakeside with trees and mugs on a wooden stump.

Keep It Simple and Let Yourself Have Fun

You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine in the woods. You don’t need to “eat clean” every second. You don’t need to stress about breakouts when you're surrounded by trees and stars.


You need:

  • A plan
  • A few key products
  • And the ability to not freak out if your skin reacts a little differently than usual.


Because honestly? What your skin needs most is for you to enjoy your life without feeling like you're constantly failing it.

Dr. Alecia ND’s Camping Skincare Checklist

✅ Micellar water (pre-soaked pads or bottle)

✅ Vitamin C serum

✅ Lightweight moisturizer

✅ Mineral sunscreen

✅ Clean pillowcase

✅ Herbal tea/ Decaf green tea

✅ Water bottle 

✅ High-protein/fiber snacks

✅ A reminder that your skin is not your worth

Ready to Heal Your Skin—In the Forest and at Home?

Camping might shake up your skincare routine, but it doesn’t undo your progress. If you’re looking for long-term, sustainable acne healing that fits into real life, start here:


🎥 Watch my free webinar: 3 Reasons Your Acne Isn’t Clearing (That Your Doctor Never Told You)

📞 Book a free 15-minute strategy call to find out if my Breakthrough Acne Program is the right fit for you.


Let’s get you clear skin—no matter where you pitch your tent.