Skincare for Trekking: What to Pack and How to Protect Your Skin

Trekking is one of the best ways to unplug, whether it is a weekend trail near the city or a multi-day trek in the Himalayas. But mountains are tough on skin. The sun is strong at altitude, the wind is drying, nights are cold and there may be little water for washing. A light kit and a few habits make a big difference.

What the trail does to skin

  • Strong sun, especially at higher altitudes and near snow.
  • Cold, dry wind on the face and lips.
  • Sweat and dust during long climbs.
  • Little water for washing on longer treks.
  • Cold nights that dry out hands and lips.

Pack a small skincare kit

  • Sunscreen, sweat-resistant if possible.
  • Lip balm, ideally with sun protection.
  • A rich moisturiser in a small tube.
  • Face wipes for days without running water. Pack the used ones out with you.
  • A small mild face wash.
  • Hand cream.
  • A cap or wide-brim hat, sunglasses and a buff or scarf.

Keep everything small and light. See our travel skincare routine for more packing ideas.

On the trail

  1. Morning: wipe or wash your face, moisturise, apply sunscreen to the face, ears, neck and hands, then lip balm.
  2. Every 2 hours: reapply sunscreen and lip balm, more often if sweating or near snow.
  3. Cover up: wear sunglasses, a cap or hat, and use a buff to cover your neck and lower face in wind.
  4. Drink water regularly, even when it is cold and you do not feel thirsty.

At camp

  • Clean your face with a wipe or a little water and mild face wash.
  • Apply a thick layer of moisturiser before sleeping.
  • Moisturise hands and lips again.
  • Change out of sweaty clothes into dry layers.

Back home

  1. Take a lukewarm shower, not a very hot one.
  2. Cleanse gently and moisturise well for a few days.
  3. Do not scrub sunburnt or peeling skin.
  4. Drink water and get a good night's sleep.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping sunscreen because it feels cold.
  • Forgetting ears, neck and the backs of the hands.
  • Not drinking enough water in the cold.
  • Packing full-size products and then leaving them behind.
  • Leaving wipes on the trail. Always carry rubbish back.

Safety first

Altitude sickness and severe sunburn need care. If you have a headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness at altitude, tell your trek leader and descend if advised. For severe or blistering sunburn, see a doctor.

Prefer a lighter trip? Read skincare for a hill station trip and winter skincare routine.

A plan for outdoor lovers

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures, face massage moves and a daily to-do list. The report is a PDF on your phone, so it comes with you on any trip.

Quick questions

Do I need sunscreen if it is cloudy? Yes. Sun can still reach your skin through clouds, especially at altitude.

Can I skip washing my face on the trail? Use a wipe at least once a day to remove sweat and sunscreen.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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