As the warm months of the summer and early fall drag on, more and more families are searching for an affordable way to get away this season. Camping out is probably the single most popular vacation option for families all over the globe, but how are you suppose to take care of your skin while you are out in the wilderness? Should you try to pack all of your creams and lotions, and if so, will you need an additional suitcase for them? Here are a few common sense tips for those looking to head out into the great outdoors this season.

If there is consistently one item that always gets forgotten when families pack for their camping vacations, its bug spray. But no other item will help your skin more during your time outdoors than a little of that precious liquid. Today, bug spray comes in many different varieties, from the traditional spray bottle, to creams you rub on to combinations with sun block and even makeup and skin care products.

They may be hard to find in your area, but more and more companies are starting to put bug deterrents in every day moisturizers and skin care products. They are marketed as being just for the outdoors and are perfect if you are thinking about spending the day hiking, biking or just tending to your flowerbed. The alternative to using bug spray is a body full of large, red welts from all sorts of insect bites. Some bites can even leave tiny scars, especially if you itch them a lot. If you are headed out this year, make sure you remember the bug spray.

The effects of the sun on the skin is well documented, so sun block should be a no brainer. But let’s take a look at what a good SPF is, and why you should always try to shoot for that number or higher every time. SPF stands for sun protection factor, and the higher the number, the better off you’ll be. Some sun blocks out there have an SPF of 75 or higher. The number that always follows the SPF stands for how many times more your skin is protected wearing that sun screen than without.

By wearing a SPF 75 sun screen, your skin is 75 times less likely to burn than it would be without. A good gauge to keep in mind is how long you plan on being out in the sun that day. The longer you’ll be out, the higher the SPF. Also, make sure you reapply the sun screen every 2-3 hours and right after you finish swimming. Even waterproof sun screens will need to be reapplied.

We’re talked about two things that are a must to go on your skin, now we’ll talk about what needs to go over it. While it can be a bit warm to make sure that most of your body is covered outdoors on a warm summer day, you can really protect your skin by wearing loose, breathable fabrics instead of short shorts and sleeveless t-shirts.

Not only are you protecting yourself from harmful sun rays and from bugs, you are also giving your skin protection from the heat. Watch out for fabrics that are scratchy or ones that you might have an allergic reaction to. If you are hiking and walking through brush or high grass, long pants and protective shoes are a must. Not only are you protecting your skin from the elements, but things like ticks and fleas are common in long grasses and brush.

Finally, know when to say when. Most of us know the feeling of the onset of dehydration or heat exhaustion. You’ll protect your skin, and your overall health, by knowing when to sit back and enjoy the roses, instead of plowing through them to the next hill. Treat your skin well this summer and you’ll stay looking younger, longer.