If you're going to Burning Man, you’re probably not going to spend much time worrying about your face. We get that. But the thing is, nine days in the hot, dusty Nevada desert, partying (to varying degrees of legality) with rappers, artists, Silicon Valley CEOs, and straight-up hippies can really take a toll on your skin. Without at least a little forethought, you’re going to come home from Black Rock City finding that you look a like a worn-in baseball mitt.
So whether you’re a seasoned “burner” or this is your first time out on the Playa, we recommend you take a stand against the ensuant dermatological mayhem. Do your best to heed but a few of the following tips, and you might make even it out unscathed. Or, at least not totally disgusting.
Sawyer Insect Repellent, $9, available at amazon.com
Bug Spray All Day
Up until a few days ago, it looked like this year Black Rock was going to be infested with green, desert-resistant insects. Those behind the festival have since assured everyone that the bugs are gone, but it’s still not a bad idea to bring along some repellant (this DEET-free, industrial-strength stuff will do) and spray yourself down every few hours. Just to keep anything that might be lingering at bay.
Catch Fewer Rays
Aside from the obvious sunburn issue, think of your face like a grape; leave it out in the heat too long and it’s going to turn into a raisin right quick. To avoid this, take cover when you can. Put on a hat. And constantly dredge every exposed inch of skin with sunscreen. As we’ve said before, some sort of spray formula probably makes the most sense here, since you’re going to be covered head-to-toe with Southwestern adobe dirt.
Malin+Goetz Moisturizer, $36, available at malinandgoetz.com
Keep On Moisturizing
Between the wind, sun, and caked-on gunk that seems to make its way into every crevasse, your skin’s natural moisture doesn’t stand a chance. Battle the elements with a heavy-duty moisturizer, like this one from Malin + Goetz. Besides making sure your skin doesn’t crack, it’s also got a bit of sunscreen, which you can never have too much of this week.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Unless you want to spend your first week back in the office answering questions about chapped cheeks, it’s important to maintain a steady flow of H2O into your system. That’s because one of the first places dehydration rears its head is on your face. Likewise, drink up. With all the dancing (and, potentially, substances) you’ll be doing, you’re certainly going to running dry.
Ursa Major Face Wipes, $20 (for 20 wipes), available at ursamajorvt.com
Go For Disposable
When you’re down in the Nevada desert, you don’t want to bring anything that you’d mind losing. So instead of bringing giant bottles, invest in single-serving wherever possible. Face wipes are a good start. Convenient, disposable and scented—which, trust us, you’ll need—you and your skin will be thankful that you stashed a few when you find that your camp’s been ransacked by a band of Burners wearing only glowsticks. Plus, with everyone around you in desperate need of a bath, you’ll probably be able to trade them for stuff.
That’s called supply and demand.
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