Skincare and Products for the Desert

March 4, 2024

The desert environment of the Grand Canyon can be harsh on the skin. To protect my face from the sun's rays, I used La Roche-Posay Anthelios light fluid facial sunscreen SPF 50, which not only provided excellent sun protection but also looked great under makeup. My other favorite sunscreen for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, or those that just want a healthy glow, is Elta MD UV Clear Face SPF 46 Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Niacinamide. I do not play around with my skincare. I have sensitive skin and only use what I know works well and is non-irritating.

After a day of exploration, I treated my skin to Skinceuticals meta cell renewal b3 serum for extra moisturization and recovery from UV rays. Cerave cream was my go-to for daily wear under sunscreen, keeping my skin hydrated throughout the day. It is important to note that affordable drug store skin care brands can be dermatologically approved for sensitive skin, fragrance free, and repair the skin barrier at a fraction of the price of some higher end brands, making it more realistic for daily use over a long period of time.

To combat hyperpigmentation and gently exfoliate, I used the Ordinary azaleaic acid cream. Don’t forget that the desert can also dry out your hair! To stay camera ready, I used Kevin Murphy shimmer shine spray that added a touch of moisture and a radiant glow. This is my go-to spray for daily repair.

My partner, an avid hiker, wore Lowa Men's Renegade hiking boots from REI. These boots provided excellent ankle support and proved to be durable companions on our hikes. Do not underestimate the quality of REI products. The selection is certainly worth the investment, coming from someone who has cut corners in the past, only to be disappointed by degradation of the product with time.

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